e424b1
The information
in this prospectus supplement is not complete and may be
changed. This prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell
these securities, and we are not soliciting an offer to buy
these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (Subject to Completion) |
Issued December 5, 2005 |
(To Prospectus dated December 2,
2005)
9,000,000 Shares
Kansas City Southern
COMMON STOCK
The selling stockholder identified in this prospectus
supplement is selling 9,000,000 shares of our common stock.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the
selling stockholder.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol KSU. The last reported sale price
of our common stock on December 2, 2005 was $25.00 per
share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See
Risk Factors beginning on page 6 of the
accompanying prospectus.
PRICE
$ A
SHARE
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Initial public offering price
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Underwriting discounts and commissions
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Proceeds to the selling stockholder, before expenses
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated expects to deliver the
shares to purchasers on
December , 2005.
MORGAN STANLEY
December , 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page | |
Prospectus supplement |
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S-3 |
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S-6 |
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S-8 |
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S-8 |
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Common Stock Price Range
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S-9 |
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S-10 |
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S-12 |
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S-15 |
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S-16 |
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Forward-looking statements
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S-16 |
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Prospectus |
About this prospectus
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4 |
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Risk factors
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5 |
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Use of proceeds
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13 |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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Legal matters
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Experts
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Where you can find more information
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Forward-Looking statements
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16 |
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have
not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.
You should not assume that the information contained in this
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front cover of this prospectus supplement or the
date of such information as specified in this prospectus
supplement, if different.
S-2
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this
prospectus supplement and may not contain all of the information
that may be important to you. To understand the terms of the
securities being offered by this prospectus supplement, you
should read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus and the documents identified in the prospectus under
the caption Where You Can Find More Information.
Unless we have indicated otherwise, references in this
prospectus to KCS mean Kansas City Southern
and references to the Company, we,
us, our, and similar terms refer to KCS
and our consolidated subsidiaries.
KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
We are a holding company that owns and operates uniquely
positioned domestic and international rail operations in North
America that are strategically focused on the growing
north/south freight corridor connecting key commercial and
industrial markets in the central United States with major
industrial cities in Mexico. The Kansas City Southern Railway
Company (KCSR), which was founded in 1887, is one of
seven Class I railroads. KCSR serves a ten-state region in
the Midwest and southern parts of the United States and has the
shortest north/south rail route between Kansas City, Missouri
and several key ports along the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama,
Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
We control and own all of the stock of Kansas City Southern de
Mexico (KCSM) formerly TFM, S.A. de C.V., through
our wholly owned subsidiary, Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria
Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. (Grupo TFM). On
December 2, 2005 the name of KCSM was formally changed to
Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM). KCSM operates
a primary commercial corridor of the Mexican railroad system and
has as its core route a key portion of the shortest, most direct
rail passageway between Mexico City and Laredo, Texas. KCSM
serves most of Mexicos principal industrial cities and
three of its major shipping ports. KCSMs rail lines are
the only ones which serve Nuevo Laredo, the largest rail freight
interchange point between the United States and Mexico. KCSM,
through its concession with the Mexican government (the
Concession), has the right to control and operate
the southern half of the rail-bridge at Laredo.
We own, directly and indirectly, through our wholly-owned
subsidiaries, 100% of Mexrail, Inc. (Mexrail).
Mexrail owns 100% of the Texas Mexican Railway Company
(Tex-Mex). Tex-Mex operates a 157-mile rail
line extending from Laredo to the port city of Corpus Christi,
Texas and connects the operations of KCSR with KCSM.
Tex-Mex connects with KCSM at the United States/ Mexico border
at Laredo and connects to KCSR through trackage rights at
Beaumont, Texas. Through our ownership in Mexrail, we own the
northern half of the rail-bridge at Laredo, Texas, which spans
the Rio Grande River between the United States and Mexico.
Laredo is a principal international gateway through which more
than 50% of all rail and truck traffic between the United States
and Mexico crosses the border.
Our rail network (KCSR, KCSM and Tex-Mex) comprises
approximately 6,000 miles of main and branch lines
extending from the Midwest and Southeastern portions of the
United States south into Mexico and connects with all other
Class I railroads providing shippers with an effective
alternative to other railroad routes and giving direct access to
Mexico and the southeastern and southwestern United States
through less congested interchange hubs.
We also own 50% of the stock of the Panama Canal Railway Company
(PCRC), which holds the concession to operate a
47-mile coast-to-coast railroad located adjacent to the Panama
Canal. The railroad handles containers in freight service across
the isthmus. Panarail Tourism Company (Panarail), a
wholly owned subsidiary of PCRC, operates commuter and tourist
railway services over the lines of the PCRC.
Other subsidiaries and affiliates of KCS include the following:
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Southern Capital Corporation, LLC (Southern
Capital), a 50% owned unconsolidated affiliate that leases
locomotive and rail equipment to KCSR; |
S-3
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Transfin Insurance, Ltd., a wholly-owned and consolidated
captive insurance company, providing property, general liability
and certain other insurance coverage to KCS and its subsidiaries
and affiliates; |
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Trans-Serve, Inc., (d/b/a Superior Tie and Timber
ST&T), a wholly-owned and consolidated operator
of a railroad wood tie treating facility; and |
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PABTEX GP, LLC (Pabtex), a wholly-owned and
consolidated owner of a bulk materials handling facility with
deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico at Port Arthur, Texas
that stores and transfers petroleum coke and soda ash from
trucks and rail cars to ships, primarily for export. |
KCS was organized in 1962 as Kansas City Southern Industries,
Inc. and in 2002 formally changed its name to Kansas City
Southern. KCS, as the holding company, supplies its various
subsidiaries with managerial, legal, tax, financial and
accounting services, in addition to managing other minor
non-operating investments.
Recent Developments
In connection with the concurrent offering of preferred stock by
us, we have entered into an agreement, whereby we will, subject
to certain conditions, purchase 9 million shares of our
common stock formerly held by TMM concurrently with the closing
of such offering. As described under Use of Proceeds
below, we will use the proceeds of such offering of preferred
stock to pay for such purchased shares on the closing date of
such concurrent offering. Our current senior credit facility
prohibits such purchase and such purchase would constitute an
event of default thereunder on the closing date of such
concurrent offering. We intend to obtain, on or prior to the
closing date of such concurrent offering of preferred stock, the
consent of our lenders under our senior credit facility to
permit such purchase. In the event that we are unable to obtain
such consent, Morgan Stanley, or one of its affiliates, has
committed to provide us, on or prior to the closing date of such
concurrent offering, a senior credit facility on substantially
consistent terms with our current senior credit facility to
enable us to refinance our current senior credit facility and
proceed with the contemplated purchase of our common stock.
S-4
THE OFFERING
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Common stock offered by the Selling stockholder: |
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9,000,000 shares |
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Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
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73,406,365 shares |
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Use of proceeds |
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We will not receive any proceeds from the shares of common stock
being sold by the selling stockholder. |
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Dividend policy |
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We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future. |
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New York Stock Exchange
symbol |
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KSU |
The number of shares outstanding above excludes:
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shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options
outstanding as of November 30, 2005 under our employee
benefit plans, |
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shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of
convertible preferred stock outstanding as of November 30,
2005 and |
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shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our employee
stock option plans, stock ownership plans or dividend
reinvestment plans in effect as of the date of this prospectus
supplement. |
S-5
RISK FACTORS
Risk Factors Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
The
price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, which may
make it difficult for you to resell common stock when you want
to or at prices you find attractive.
The price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange
constantly changes. We expect that the market price of our
common stock will continue to fluctuate.
Our stock price can fluctuate as a result of a variety of
factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors
include, but are not limited to:
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quarterly variations in our operating results; |
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operating results that vary from the expectations of management,
securities analysts and investors; |
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changes in expectations as to our future financial performance,
including financial estimates by securities analysts and
investors; |
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developments generally affecting our industry; |
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts,
acquisitions, joint marketing relationships, joint ventures or
capital commitments; |
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announcements by third parties of significant claims or
proceedings against us; |
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our dividend policy; |
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future sales of our equity or equity-linked securities; and |
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general domestic and international economic conditions. |
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme
volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating
performance of a particular company. These broad market
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common
stock.
Our
ability to pay dividends may be limited, and we do not
anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future.
We have agreed, and may agree again, to restrictions on our
ability to pay dividends on our common stock. In addition, to
maintain our credit ratings, we may be limited in our ability to
pay dividends on our common stock so that we can maintain an
appropriate level of debt. During the first quarter of 2000, our
board of directors suspended our common stock dividends. We do
not anticipate making any cash dividend payments to our common
stockholders for the foreseeable future.
Sales
of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market
could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common
stock.
As of September 30, 2005, we had 2,859,045 remaining shares
of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock option
plan. Sales of common stock by stockholders upon exercise of
their options, sales by our executive officers and directors
subject to compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, or the perception that such sales could occur, may
adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We
have provisions in our charter, bylaws and rights agreement that
could deter, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us
and that could deprive you of an opportunity to obtain a
takeover premium for shares of our common stock.
We have provisions in our charter and bylaws that may delay or
prevent unsolicited takeover bids from third parties. These
provisions may deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to
sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices.
For example, our restated certificate of incorporation provides
for a classified
S-6
board of directors. It further provides that the vote of 70% of
the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors is
required to amend our restated certificate of incorporation to
increase the number of directors to more than eighteen, abolish
cumulative voting for directors and abolish the classification
of the board. The same vote requirement is imposed by our
restated certificate of incorporation on certain transactions
involving mergers, consolidations, sales or leases of assets
with or to certain owners of more than 5% of our outstanding
stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. Our bylaws
provide that a stockholder must provide us with advance written
notice of its intent to nominate a director or raise a matter at
an annual meeting. In addition, we have adopted a rights
agreement which under certain circumstances would significantly
impair the ability of third parties to acquire control of us
without prior approval of our board of directors.
S-7
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the
common stock by the selling stockholder. The selling stockholder
will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the common
stock offered hereby.
CONCURRENT OFFERING
Contemporaneously with this secondary offering of KCS common
stock by the selling stockholder, we are offering
$210,000,000 shares
of %
cumulative convertible perpetual preferred stock (the
preferred stock) in a registered offering pursuant
to a separate prospectus. The terms of the preferred stock are
summarized below.
Dividends on the preferred stock are payable, when, as and if
declared by our board of directors, at the rate
of %
per annum of the liquidation preference of $1,000, quarterly in
arrears. Dividends on the preferred stock will be cumulative
from the date of issuance. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on
the preferred stock cumulate at the annual rate of
[ ]%.
We may pay dividends on the preferred stock in cash, shares of
our common stock, or any combination thereof.
Each share of preferred stock is convertible, at any time, into
shares of our common stock at a conversion rate
of shares
of common stock for each share of preferred stock, subject to
specified adjustments. In addition, if a holder of preferred
stock elects to convert its shares of preferred stock in
connection with the occurrence of a designated event that is
also a fundamental change, the holder will be entitled to
receive additional shares of common stock upon conversion in
certain circumstances.
Upon certain designated events, holders of the preferred stock
may, subject to legally available funds, require us to redeem
any or all of their shares of preferred stock at the liquidation
preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to the
date of redemption, which we may pay in either cash, shares of
our common stock or any combination thereof at our option.
Holders will have no other right to require us to redeem the
preferred stock at any time. On or after February 20, 2011,
we may, at our option, cause all, and not less than all, of the
outstanding shares of preferred stock to be automatically
converted into shares of our common stock at the then prevailing
conversion rate, but only if the closing sale price of our
common stock multiplied by the conversion rate then in effect
equals or exceeds 130% of the liquidation preference for 20
trading days during any consecutive 30 trading day period, and
if we have paid all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the
dividend payment date immediately preceding the forced
conversion date.
S-8
COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE
Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol KSU. The following table sets forth the high
and low closing sales prices of our common stock, as reported by
the New York Stock Exchange, for each of the periods listed.
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Fiscal 2003
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14.97 |
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10.65 |
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First Quarter
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13.02 |
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10.65 |
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Second Quarter
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12.78 |
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10.70 |
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Third Quarter
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13.37 |
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10.60 |
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Fourth Quarter
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14.97 |
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10.95 |
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Fiscal 2004
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18.08 |
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12.60 |
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First Quarter
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15.35 |
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13.39 |
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Second Quarter
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15.53 |
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12.60 |
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Third Quarter
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15.53 |
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13.27 |
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Fourth Quarter
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18.08 |
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15.22 |
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Fiscal 2005
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25.56 |
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16.09 |
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First Quarter
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20.03 |
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16.09 |
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Second Quarter
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20.71 |
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18.61 |
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Third Quarter
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23.31 |
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19.72 |
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Fourth Quarter (through December 2, 2005)
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25.56 |
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20.81 |
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The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York
Stock Exchange on December 2, 2005 was $25.56 per share. As
of November 30, 2005, we
had holders
of record of our common stock.
S-9
DESCRIPTION OF KCS COMMON STOCK
The description of our capital stock set forth below is not
complete and is qualified by reference to our restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Copies of our restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws are available from us
upon request. These documents have also been filed with the SEC.
Please read the Where You Can Find More Information
section of this prospectus.
Authorized Capital Stock
Under our restated certificate of incorporation, KCS is
authorized to issue (i) 400,000,000 shares of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share,
(ii) 840,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value
$25.00 per share, and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of
New Series Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share,
of which 150,000 shares are designated as New
Series Preferred Stock, Series A (Series A
Preferred Stock), 1,000,000 shares are designated as
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (Series B
Preferred Stock) and 400,000 shares are designated as
4.25% Redeemable Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred
Stock, Series C. As of September 30, 2005,
82,165,103 shares of common stock were issued and
outstanding (excluding 9,204,013 treasury shares),
242,170 shares of Preferred Stock were issued and
outstanding, 400,000 shares of Series C Preferred
Stock were issued and outstanding, and no other shares of New
Series Preferred Stock were outstanding. No other classes
of capital stock are authorized under KCSs restated
certificate of incorporation. The issued and outstanding shares
of common stock, Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred
Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. Our common stock and Preferred Stock are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange.
Common Stock
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when,
as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds
legally available for the payment of dividends, provided that,
if any shares of New Series Preferred Stock or Preferred
Stock are outstanding, no dividends or other distributions may
be made with respect to the common stock unless full required
dividends on the shares of New Series Preferred Stock and
Preferred Stock have been paid, including accumulated dividends
in the case of any series of New Series Preferred Stock
designated to receive cumulative dividends.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected in an
election of directors, which may be cast cumulatively, and to
one vote per share on any other matter, voting as a single
class. In certain instances, holders of New
Series Preferred Stock or Preferred Stock may have special
class voting rights. Holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to
one vote per share multiplied by the number of directors to be
elected in an election of directors, which may be cast
cumulatively, and to one vote per share on other matters.
Holders of Preferred Stock vote as a single class with the
holders of common stock and any series of New
Series Preferred Stock having voting rights; however,
whenever dividends are in arrears on the Preferred Stock for six
quarters, the holders of Preferred Stock have the right to vote
as a class to elect two directors at the next annual
stockholders meeting at which directors are elected and
have such right until dividends have been paid on the Preferred
Stock for four consecutive quarters. The vote of the holders of
two-thirds of Preferred Stock voting together as a class is
required for any amendment to KCSs restated certificate of
incorporation which would materially and adversely alter or
change the powers, preferences or special rights of such stock.
In the event of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of KCS, holders of common stock are
entitled to receive pro rata, after satisfaction in full of the
prior rights of creditors (including holders of KCSs
indebtedness) and holders of New Series Preferred Stock and
Preferred Stock, all the remaining assets of KCS available for
distribution. The issuance of additional shares of New Series
Preferred Stock or Preferred Stock may result in a dilution of
the voting power and relative equity interests of the holders of
common stock and would subject the common stock to the prior
dividend and liquidation rights of the New Series Preferred
Stock and Preferred Stock issued. The common stock is not
redeemable and has no preemptive rights.
S-10
Anti-Takeover Provisions
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Classified Board of Directors |
Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our
board of directors will be divided into three classes as nearly
equal in number as possible. Each class of directors serves for
a term of three years and such terms commence in three
consecutive years so that one class of directors is elected at
the annual stockholders meeting each year. Our restated
certificate of incorporation also provides that the vote of 70%
of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors is
required to amend the restated certificate of incorporation to
increase the number of directors to more than eighteen, abolish
cumulative voting for directors and abolish the classification
of the board. The same vote requirement is imposed by our
restated certificate of incorporation on certain transactions
involving mergers, consolidations, sales or leases of assets
having a fair market value of $2 million or more, with or
to certain owners of more than 5% of our stock entitled to vote
in the election of directors, unless our board of directors has
approved a memorandum of understanding with any such owner prior
to its becoming such a 5% stockholder. These provisions could
have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control of KCS.
Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29,
2005, and replacing the previous rights agreement among KCS and
Harris Trust & Savings Bank, KCSs board of
directors declared a dividend distribution of one Series A
Preferred Stock purchase right (Right) for each
outstanding share of KCS common stock to stockholders of
record at the close of business on October 12, 2005. Each
Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from KCS
1/1,000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, or
in some circumstances, shares of KCS common stock, or other
securities, cash or other assets, as provided in the Rights
Agreement, at a purchase price of $100 per share.
The Rights, which are automatically attached to KCS common
stock, are not exercisable or transferable apart from KCS common
stock until the tenth business day following the earlier to
occur of (unless extended by our board of directors and subject
to the earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights):
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a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to
acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding
shares of our common stock (or 13% in the case that the
Independent Directors consider such person an adverse
person) (each an Acquiring Person); or |
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the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer or exchange
offer that would result in a person or a group becoming an
Acquiring Person. |
Until exercised, the Rights will have no rights as a stockholder
of KCS, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
receive dividends. In connection with certain business
combinations resulting in the acquisition of KCS or dispositions
of more than 50% of our assets or earnings power, each Right
shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise of
the Right at the then current exercise price of the Right, that
number of shares of the highest priority voting securities of
the acquiring company (or certain of its affiliates) that at the
time of such transaction would have a market value of two times
the exercise price of the Right. The Rights expire on
October 11, 2010, unless earlier redeemed by us.
At any time prior to the final expiration date of the Rights
Agreement or the tenth business day after the first date after
the public announcement that an Acquiring Person has acquired
beneficial ownership of 15% (or 13% in some instances) or more
of the outstanding shares of KCS common stock, we may redeem the
Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.0025 per
Right. In addition, our right of redemption may be reinstated
following an inadvertent trigger of the Rights (as determined by
our board of directors) if an acquiring person reduces its
beneficial ownership to 10% or less of the outstanding shares of
our common stock in a transaction or series of transactions not
involving us.
Under certain circumstances, the Rights Agreement could
significantly impair the ability of third parties to acquire
control of us without prior approval of our board of directors.
S-11
SELLING STOCKHOLDER
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
KCS common stock held by the selling stockholder as of
June 30, 2005. Shares of the common stock being offered
under this prospectus may be offered for the account of the
selling stockholder.
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of Selling | |
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Common Stock | |
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indirectly | |
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Repurchase | |
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Offered by Selling | |
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Name of Selling Stockholder |
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December 5, 2005 | |
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Stockholder | |
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by is(2) | |
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Percent | |
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Grupo TMM, S.A.
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18,000,000 |
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9,000,000 |
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9,000,000 |
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0 |
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0 |
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(1) |
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Because the selling stockholder may sell all or a portion of the
common stock that is being offered pursuant to this prospectus,
the number of shares of KCS common stock that will be owned by
the selling stockholder upon termination of this offering cannot
be determined at this time. For the foregoing calculations, we
have assumed sale of all of the shares of common stock offered
by the selling stockholder under this prospectus. |
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(2) |
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We have entered into an agreement to purchase 9,000,000 shares
of KCS Common Stock held by the Selling Stockholder at a price
per share equal to the proceeds per share (before expenses) that
the Selling Stockholders receive in this offering. We will use
substantially all the proceeds of the preferred stock offering
to pay the purchase price for those shares. |
KCSs relationship with the selling stockholder
In 1995 KCS entered into a joint venture agreement with
Transportacion Maritima Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., currently known
as Grupo TMM, S.A. (the Selling Stockholder) to,
among other things, provide for participation in the
privatization of the Mexican national railway system and to
promote the movement of rail traffic over rail lines operated by
the Tex-Mex, KCSM, and KCSR. Since 1997, subsidiaries of KCS and
the Selling Stockholder have owned, along with Mexican
governmental agencies, interests in Grupo TFM, pursuant to
the joint venture agreement (which terminated on
December 1, 2003) and other agreements entered into among
KCS and the Selling Stockholder.
On April 20, 2003, KCS and the Selling Stockholder entered
into an agreement for the acquisition by KCS of control of KCSM
(the Original Acquisition Agreement). The Original
Acquisition Agreement was not consummated due to disputes
arising between the parties which led to litigation and
arbitration. On December 15, 2004, KCS and the Selling
Stockholder entered into an amended and restated acquisition
agreement (the Acquisition Agreement) amending and
restating the Original Acquisition Agreement. Under the terms of
the Acquisition Agreement, on April 1, 2005, we acquired
all of the Selling Stockholders interest in
Grupo TFM. The consideration payable pursuant to the
Acquisition Agreement consisted of:
(1) 18,000,000 shares of KCS common stock,
(2) $200 million cash and (3) any amount due on
certain indemnity escrow notes. In addition, the Acquisition
Agreement provided that if there was a Final Resolution of the
VAT Claim and Put, then we would be obligated to pay, pursuant
to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, up to
$110 million, payable in a combination of cash, KCS common
stock and a note convertible into KCS common stock. On
September 12, 2005, KCS, the Selling Stockholder,
Grupo TFM and KCSM entered into a settlement agreement with
the Mexican government resolving the controversies and disputes
concerning the VAT Claim and Put, as described in our current
report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 16,
2005.
In connection with the Acquisition Agreement, KCS and Grupo TMM
or their affiliates entered into a stockholders agreement, a
registration rights agreement, a marketing and services
agreement and a consulting agreement, each of which is
summarized below. In addition, the parties entered into certain
other agreements, including releases and escrow arrangements.
KCS, Grupo TMM, TMM Holdings, TMM Multimodal and certain other
principal stockholders entered into a stockholders
agreement, dated December 15, 2004, which became effective
on April 1, 2005. The stockholders agreement includes
standstill provisions, transfer restrictions and voting
provisions with respect to
S-12
the shares of KCS common stock owned by Grupo TMM and its
affiliates, and the grant to Grupo TMM of limited preemptive
rights with respect to KCS common stock. Except as otherwise
provided, the transfer restrictions contained in the
stockholders agreement generally terminate upon the
earliest to occur of (1) a Change of Control of KCS (as
defined therein) or (2) the first date Grupo TMM and its
affiliates beneficially own in the aggregate less than 15% of
the outstanding voting securities of KCS for at least 30
consecutive days. Otherwise, the stockholders agreement
generally terminates on the earliest to occur of (1) the
first date Grupo TMM and its affiliates have, for at least 30
consecutive days, beneficially owned in the aggregate less than
40% of the voting securities of KCS initially acquired by TMM
Multimodal pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and
(2) the termination of the stockholders agreement by
the parties in writing and approved by the KCS Board of
Directors.
TMM Logistics, S.A. de C.V. (TMM Logistics and
together with its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture
companies, the Parent Group), KCSM and KCSR entered
into a marketing and services agreement, dated December 2004,
which provides, among other things, that (1) except as
otherwise provided, upon the request of any member of the Parent
Group, KCSM will provide certain intermodal services to any
member of the Parent Group on terms which are no less favorable
than the terms for like volumes and services provided to third
or fourth party logistics companies; (2) the Parent Group
will have the right to be the exclusive provider of certain
road-railer freight services over KCSMs rail system within
Mexico, and that the KCS Group (as defined therein) will not
sell, market or otherwise provide such services through any
other person over KCSMs rail system within Mexico;
(3) to the extent that KCSM determines to utilize a third
party to operate its intermodal terminals within Mexico or to
provide other services of the type which are the subject to the
marketing and services agreement, the Parent Group will be
preferred to operate such intermodal terminals or to provide
such services over any unrelated third party, subject to certain
conditions; and (4) the Parent Group will have the right to
make a bid for the provision of certain transportation logistics
services, if KCSM and its subsidiaries and affiliates determine
to have such services provided by any unaffiliated third party
in Mexico. The initial term of the marketing and services
agreement is five years from April 1, 2005, subject to
automatic renewals and subject to earlier termination.
KCS and Jose F. Serrano International Business, S.A. de C.V.,
entered into a consulting agreement, dated as of
December 15, 2004 and effective as of April 1, 2005,
that calls for the consulting firm to provide certain consulting
services to the KCS Board of Directors related to the
maintenance, fostering and promotion of a positive relationship
between us and/or our affiliates and high-ranking officials of
those branches of the Mexican government that have an impact on
the Mexican railroad industry or our rail network operations.
Jose Serrano Segovia is required under the terms of the
consulting agreement to be personally involved in the provision
of services by the consulting firm. Jose Serrano Segovia is the
current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo TMM and
certain of its subsidiaries. The consulting agreement has a term
of three years beginning on the first business day following
April 1, 2005, and is subject to earlier termination.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the consulting agreement,
we will pay the consulting firm an annual fee of $3,000,000. In
addition, on the Final Resolution of the VAT Claim and Put, KCS
will pay the consulting firm $9,000,000 which at our election
may be paid in cash or KCS common stock, as consideration for
the consulting firms services in connection with the
resolution of the VAT claim and put.
In connection with the acquisition transaction, we and the
Selling Stockholder are parties to a registration rights
agreement under which we granted registration rights relating to
the KCS common stock being offered under this prospectus.
Pursuant to that registration rights agreement, we have filed a
registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on
December 2, 2005, of which this prospectus forms a part,
with respect to the sale of the KCS common stock from time to
time under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, (the Securities Act). The Selling
Stockholder may offer KCS common stock under this prospectus for
sale from time to time. Because the Selling Stockholder may
dispose of all or a portion of its KCS common stock, we cannot
estimate the number of shares of KCS common stock that will be
held by the Selling Stockholder upon the termination of any such
disposition. In addition, the Selling Stockholder may sell its
shares through various arrangements involving exchangeable
securities, forward sale agreements, derivative or hedging
transactions, or other arrangements described in an applicable
prospectus supplement, and this prospectus may be delivered in
conjunction with those sales. See the Underwriting
section of this prospectus for more
S-13
information. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, KCS
will pay all registration expenses, including all registration,
qualification and filing fees, printing expenses, escrow fees,
fees and disbursements or counsel for KCS and blue sky fees and
expenses, and the Selling Stockholder will pay the underwriting
discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the sale of the shares of KCS common stock.
S-14
UNDERWRITING
We the selling stockholder and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated as the underwriter have entered into an
underwriting agreement with respect to the shares of common
stock being offered by the selling stockholder. Subject to
certain conditions, the underwriter has agreed to purchase
9,000,000 shares from the selling stockholder. Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated is acting as the sole
book-running manager of this offering.
The underwriter is committed to take and pay for all of the
shares being offered, if any are taken.
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriter to purchase the shares included in this offering are
subject to conditions customary for offerings of this type
including: the accuracy of the selling stockholders and
our representations and warranties in the underwriting
agreement; the absence of any material adverse change in our
business; and the delivery of legal opinions from the selling
stockholders and our counsel and counsel to the
underwriters. In addition TMM will use its best-efforts to claim
all liens to be released and deliver the shares to the
underwriter. The underwriter is obligated to purchase all the
shares if it purchases any of the shares. The shares being
offered hereby or currently subject to liens and security
interests of the trustee. As part of the underwriting agreement,
TMM will use its best efforts to cause the liens on the shares
to be released on the closing date and to deliver the shares
free and clear of such liens.
The following table shows the per share and total underwriting
discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriter by the
selling stockholder.
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Paid by us |
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Per Share
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$ |
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Total
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$ |
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Shares sold by the underwriter to the public will initially be
offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of
its prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriter to securities
dealers may be sold at a discount of up to
$ per
share from the initial price to the public. Any such securities
dealers may resell any shares purchased from the underwriter to
certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to
$ per
share from the initial price to the public. If all the shares
are not sold at the initial price to the public, the underwriter
may change the offering price and the other selling terms.
In connection with this offering, the underwriter may purchase
and sell shares of KCS common stock 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 underwriter of a greater number of
shares than it is required to purchase in the offering. The
underwriter may close out any covered short position by either
exercising its option to purchase additional shares or
purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source
of shares to close out the covered short position, the
underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of
shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to
the price at which it may purchase additional shares pursuant to
the option granted to them. Naked short sales are
any sales in excess of such option. The underwriter must close
out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open
market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if
the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure
on the price of the KCS common stock in the open market after
pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in
the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids
for or purchases of KCS common stock made by the underwriter in
the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriter may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when
a particular underwriter repays to the underwriter a portion of
the underwriting discount received by it because the
representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the
account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering
transactions.
Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions
may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the
market price of the KCS common stock, and together with the
imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or
otherwise affect the market price of the KCS common stock. As a
S-15
result, the price of the KCS common stock may be higher than the
price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these
activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time.
We and the selling stockholder will bear all of the expenses of
this offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions.
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering other than
underwriting discounts and commissions will be approximately
$[ ].
We and the selling stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, and liabilities arising from breaches
of representations and warranties contained in the underwriting
agreement, and will contribute to payments that the underwriter
may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriter and its affiliates have, from time to time,
performed, and may in the future perform, various financial
advisory, investment banking and lease financing services for
us, the selling stockholder and our respective affiliates for
which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.
LEGAL MATTERS
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Kansas City,
Missouri, has passed upon the validity of the shares of common
stock offered hereby. Legal matters relating to this offering
will be passed upon for the Company as to United States law
by Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP and as to Mexican
law by White & Case S.C. Mexico City, Mexico. Legal
matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for the
underwriter as to United States law by Davis Polk &
Wardwell, New York, New York and as to Mexican law by Ritch
Mueller, S.C. Legal matters relating to this offering will be
passed upon for the Selling Stockholder as to United States law
by Haynes & Boone, Dallas, Texas and as to Mexican law
by Haynes & Boone, Mexico.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated in this
prospectus by reference may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act. In addition, management
may make forward-looking statements orally or in other writings,
including, but not limited to, in press releases, in the annual
report to shareholders and in our other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers can identify these
forward-looking statements by the use of such verbs as expects,
anticipates, believes or similar verbs or conjugations of such
verbs. These Statements involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could materially differ from those
anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Such differences
could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors
including, but not limited to, the factors identified below and
the factors discussed above under the heading Risk
Factors. Readers are strongly encouraged to consider these
factors and the following factors when evaluating any
forward-looking statements concerning us:
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whether we are fully successful in executing our business
strategy, including capitalizing on NAFTA trade to generate
traffic and increase revenues, exploiting our domestic
opportunities, establishing new and expanding existing strategic
alliances and marketing agreements and providing superior
customer service; |
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whether we are successful in retaining and attracting qualified
management personnel; |
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whether we are able to generate cash that will be sufficient to
allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our
obligations and to fund our other liquidity needs; |
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material adverse changes in economic and industry conditions,
both within the United States and globally; |
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the effects of adverse general economic conditions affecting
customer demand and the industries and geographic areas that
produce and consume commodities carried; |
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the effect of NAFTA on the level of United States-Mexico trade; |
S-16
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industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation; |
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general legislative and regulatory developments, including
possible enactment of initiatives to re-regulate the rail
industry; |
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legislative, regulatory, or legal developments involving
taxation, including enactment of new federal or state income tax
rates, revisions of controlling authority, and the outcome of
tax claims and litigation; |
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changes in securities and capital markets; |
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natural events such as severe weather, fire, floods, hurricanes,
earthquakes or other disruptions of our operating systems,
structures and equipment; |
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any adverse economic or operational repercussions from terrorist
activities and any governmental response thereto; |
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war or risk of war; |
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changes in fuel prices; |
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changes in labor costs and labor difficulties, including
stoppages affecting either our operations or our customers
abilities to deliver goods to us for shipment; and |
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the outcome of claims and litigation, including those related to
environmental contamination, personal injuries and occupational
illnesses arising from hearing loss, repetitive motion and
exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes. |
We will not update any forward-looking statements to reflect
future events or developments. If we do update one or more
forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we
will make additional updates with respect thereto or with
respect to other forward-looking statements.
S-17
PROSPECTUS
KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK,
STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS, STOCK PURCHASE UNITS,
AND DEBT SECURITIES*
*GUARANTEED, TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED HEREIN,
BY KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
OR THE KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY,
AND CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
We will provide the specific terms of these securities in
supplements to this prospectus. Information on any selling
stockholder, and the time and manner in which the Kansas City
Southern or any selling stockholder may offer and sell
securities under this prospectus, will be provided under the
Selling Stockholder section of a prospectus
supplement that will be filed supplementing the information in
this prospectus.
The common stock of Kansas City Southern (KCS) is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
KSU. On December 1, 2005, the last reported
sale price of KCSs common stock was $25.56 per share.
For a discussion of certain factors that you should
consider before investing in the securities, see Risk
Factors beginning on page 6 of this
prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any
state securities commission has approved or disapproved these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You
should not assume that the information contained or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other
than the date on the front cover of this prospectus or the date
of such information as specified in this prospectus, if
different.
The date of this prospectus is December 2, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) utilizing a shelf registration
process or continuous offering process. Under this shelf
registration process, the Company or one or more selling
stockholders (Selling Stockholder) may, from time to
time, sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or
more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general
description of the securities which may be offered by the
Company or any Selling Stockholder. Each time the Company sells
securities, we will provide you with this prospectus and, in
certain cases a prospectus supplement containing specific
information about the terms of the securities being offered.
Each time any Selling Stockholder sells securities, the Selling
Stockholder is required to provide you with this prospectus and
a prospectus supplement identifying and containing specific
information about the Selling Stockholder and the terms of the
securities being offered. That prospectus supplement may include
additional risk factors or other special considerations
applicable to those securities. Any prospectus supplement may
also add, update, or change information in this prospectus. If
there is any inconsistency between the information in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the
information in that prospectus supplement. You should read both
this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with
additional information described under Where You Can Find
More Information.
Unless we have indicated otherwise, references in this
prospectus to KCS mean Kansas City Southern and
references to the Company, we,
us, our, and similar terms refer to KCS
and our consolidated subsidiaries.
4
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business
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We compete against other railroads and other
transportation providers. |
Our domestic and international operations are subject to
competition from other railroads, many of which are much larger
and have significantly greater financial and other resources. In
addition, we are subject to competition from truck carriers and
from barge lines and other maritime shipping. Increased
competition has resulted in downward pressure on freight rates.
Competition with other railroads and other modes of
transportation is generally based on the rates charged, the
quality and reliability of the service provided and the quality
of the carriers equipment for certain commodities. While
we must build or acquire and maintain our infrastructure, truck
carriers and maritime shippers and barges are able to use public
rights-of-way. Continuing competitive pressures and declining
margins, future improvements that increase the quality of
alternative modes of transportation in the locations in which we
operate, or legislation that provides motor carriers with
additional advantages, such as increased size of vehicles and
less weight restrictions, could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
If the railroad industry in general, and our Mexican operations
in particular, are unable to preserve their competitive
advantages vis-a-vis the trucking industry, our projected
revenue growth from our Mexican operations could be adversely
affected. Additionally, the revenue growth attributable to our
Mexican operations could be affected by, among other factors,
its inability to grow its existing customer base, negative
macroeconomic developments impacting the United States and
Mexican economies, and failure to capture additional cargo
transport market share from the shipping industry and other
railroads.
In February 2001, a NAFTA tribunal ruled in an arbitration
between the United States and Mexico that the United States must
allow Mexican trucks to cross the border and operate on United
States highways. NAFTA called for Mexican trucks to have
unrestricted access to highways in United States border states
by 1995 and full access to all United States highways by January
2000. However, the United States has not followed the timetable
because of concerns over Mexicos trucking safety
standards. On March 14, 2002, as part of its agreement
under NAFTA, the United States Department of Transportation
issued safety rules that allow Mexican truckers to apply for
operating authority to transport goods beyond the 20-mile
commercial zones along the Unites States-Mexico border. These
safety rules require Mexican carriers seeking to operate in the
United States to pass, among other things, safety inspections,
to obtain valid insurance with a United States registered
insurance company, to conduct alcohol and drug testing for
drivers and to obtain a United States Department of
Transportation identification number. Mexican commercial
vehicles with authority to operate beyond the commercial zones
will be permitted to enter the United States only at commercial
border crossings and only when a certified motor carrier safety
inspector is on duty. Given these recent developments, there can
be no assurance that truck transport between Mexico and the
United States will not increase substantially in the future.
Such an increase could affect our ability to continue converting
traffic to rail from truck transport because it may result in an
expansion of the availability, or an improvement of the quality,
of the trucking services offered in Mexico.
We face significant competition from other railroads, in
particular the Union Pacific Railroad Company and Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway Company in the United States and
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (Ferromex) in
Mexico.
Through TFMs concession with the Mexican government (the
Concession) we have the right to control and operate
the southern half of the rail-bridge at Laredo, Texas. Under the
Concession, TFM must grant to Ferromex the right to operate over
a north-south portion of its rail lines between Ramos Arizpe
near Monterrey and the city of Queretaro that constitutes over
600 kilometers of TFMs main track. Using these trackage
rights, Ferromex may be able to compete with TFM over its rail
lines for traffic between Mexico City and the United States. The
Concession also requires TFM to grant rights to use certain
portions of its tracks to Ferrosur and the belt
railroad operated in the greater Mexico City area by the
Ferrocarril y Terminal del Valle de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (the
Mexico City Railroad and Terminal), thereby providing Ferrosur
with more efficient access to certain Mexico City industries. As
a result of having to grant trackage
5
rights to other railroads, we incur additional maintenance costs
and lose the flexibility of using a portion of our tracks at all
times.
In recent years, there has been significant consolidation among
major North American rail carriers. The resulting merged
railroads could attempt to use their size and pricing power to
block other railroads access to efficient gateways and
routing options that are currently and have been historically
available. There can be no assurance that further consolidation
will not have an adverse effect on our operations.
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Our business strategy, operations and growth rely
significantly on joint ventures and other strategic
alliances. |
Operation of our integrated rail network and our plans for
growth and expansion rely significantly on joint ventures and
other strategic alliances.
Our operations are dependent on interchange, trackage rights,
haulage rights and marketing agreements with other railroads and
third parties that enable us to exchange traffic and utilize
trackage we do not own. Our ability to provide comprehensive
rail service to our customers depends in large part upon our
ability to maintain these agreements with other railroads and
third parties. The termination of, or the failure to renew,
these agreements could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. We are also dependent in
part upon the financial health and efficient performance of
other railroads. For example, much of Tex-Mexs traffic
moves over the UPs lines via trackage rights, a
significant portion of our grain shipments originate with
IC&E pursuant to our marketing agreement with it, and BNSF
is our largest partner in the interchange of rail traffic. There
can be no assurance that we will not be materially adversely
affected by operational or financial difficulties of other
railroads.
Pursuant to the Concession, TFM is required to grant rights to
use portions of its tracks to Ferromex, Ferrosur and the
Terminal Valle de Mexico (the TVFM). Applicable law
stipulates that Ferromex, Ferrosur and the TVFM are required to
grant to TFM rights to use portions of their tracks. Applicable
law provides that the Ministry of Transportation is entitled to
set the rates in the event that TFM and the party to whom it is
granting the rights cannot agree on a rate. TFM and Ferromex
have not been able to agree upon the rates each of them is
required to pay the other for interline services and haulage and
trackage rights. In February 2001, TFM initiated an
administrative proceeding requesting a determination of such
rates by the Ministry of Transportation, which subsequently
issued a ruling establishing rates using the criteria set forth
in the Mexican railroad services law and regulations. TFM and
Ferromex appealed the rulings before the Mexican Federal Courts
due to, among other things, a disagreement with the methodology
employed by the Ministry of Transportation in calculating the
trackage rights and interline rates. TFM and Ferromex also
requested and obtained a suspension of the effectiveness of the
ruling pending resolution of this appeal. We cannot predict
whether TFM will ultimately prevail in this proceeding and
whether the rates TFM is ultimately allowed to charge will be
adequate to compensate it.
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Our leverage could adversely affect our ability to fulfill
obligations under various debt instruments and operate our
business. we are leveraged and will have significant debt
service obligations. |
Our level of debt could make it more difficult for us to borrow
money in the future, will reduce the amount of money available
to finance our operations and other business activities, exposes
us to the risk of increased interest rates, makes us more
vulnerable to general economic downturns and adverse industry
conditions, could reduce our flexibility in planning for, or
responding to, changing business and economic conditions, and
may prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase
all of certain senior notes that could be tendered upon the
occurrence of a change of control, which would constitute an
event of default on all of the Convertible Preferred Stock that
could be put to KCS under certain circumstances. Our failure to
comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our
debt instruments, which, among other things, require us to
maintain specified financial ratios and limit our ability to
incur debt and sell assets, could result in an event of default
that, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse
effect on our business or prospects. If we do not have enough
cash to service our debt, meet other obligations and fund other
liquidity needs, we may be required to take actions such as
reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets,
6
restructuring or refinancing all or part of our existing debt,
or seeking additional equity capital. We cannot assure that any
of these remedies, including obtaining appropriate waivers from
our lenders, can be effected on commercially reasonable terms or
at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt
agreements may restrict us from adopting any of these
alternatives.
In addition, the level of indebtedness at TFM may also limit
cash flow available for capital expenditures, acquisitions,
working capital and other general corporate purposes because a
substantial portion of cash flow from our operations must be
dedicated to servicing debt; expose us to risks in exchange rate
fluctuations, because any devaluation of the peso would cause
the cost of TFMs dollar-denominated debt to increase; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage in Mexico compared to our
Mexican competitors that have less debt and greater operating
and financing flexibility than TFM does.
Our business is capital intensive and requires substantial
ongoing expenditures for, among other things, improvements to
roadway, structures and technology, acquisitions, leases and
repair of equipment, and maintenance of our rail system. Our
failure to make necessary capital expenditures to maintain our
operations could impair our ability to accommodate increases in
traffic volumes or service existing customers.
In addition, the Concession will require us to make investments
and undertake capital projects, including capital projects
described in a business plan filed every five years with the
Mexican government. We may defer capital expenditures with
respect to TFMs five-year business plan with the
permission of the Ministry of Transportation. However, the
Ministry of Transportation may not grant this permission, and
TFMs failure to comply with the commitments in its
business plan could result in the Mexican government revoking
the Concession.
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Our business may be adversely affected by changes in
general economic, weather or other conditions. |
Our operations may be adversely affected by changes in the
economic conditions of the industries and geographic areas that
produce and consume the freight that we transport. The relative
strength or weakness of the United States and Mexican economies
affect the businesses served by us. PCRC and Panarail Tourism
Company is directly affected by its local economy. Our
investment in PCRC has risks associated with operating in
Panama, including, among others, cultural differences, varying
labor and operating practices, political risk and differences
between the United States and Panamanian economies.
Historically, a stronger economy has resulted in improved
results for our rail transportation operations. Conversely, when
the economy has slowed, results have been less favorable. Our
revenues may be affected by prevailing economic conditions and,
if an economic slowdown or recession occurs in our key markets,
the volume of rail shipments is likely to be reduced.
Our operations also may be affected by adverse weather
conditions. We operate in and along the Gulf Coast of the United
States, and our facilities may be adversely effected by
hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. For example,
recent hurricanes have adversely effected some of our shippers
located along the Gulf Coast and caused interruptions in the
flow of traffic within the Southern United States and between
the United States and Mexico. As another example, a weak harvest
in the Midwest may substantially reduce the volume of business
handled for agricultural products customers. Many of the goods
and commodities we transport experience cyclical demand. Our
results of operations can be expected to reflect this cyclical
demand because of the significant fixed costs inherent in
railroad operations. Our operations may also be affected by
natural disasters or terrorist acts. Significant reductions in
our volume of rail shipments due to economic, weather or other
conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The transportation industry is highly cyclical, generally
tracking the cycles of the world economy. Although
transportation markets are affected by general economic
conditions, there are numerous specific factors within each
particular market segment that may influence operating results.
Some of our customers do business in industries that are highly
cyclical, including the oil and gas, automotive and agricultural
sectors. Any downturn in these sectors could have a material
adverse effect on our operating results. Also, some of the
products we transport have had a historical pattern of price
cyclicality which has typically been influenced by the general
economic environment and by industry capacity and demand. For
example, global steel and
7
petrochemical prices have decreased in the past. We cannot
assure you that prices and demand for these products will not
decline in the future, adversely affecting those industries and,
in turn, our financial results.
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Our business is subject to regulation by international,
federal, state and local regulatory agencies. our failure to
comply with various federal, state and local regulations could
have a material adverse effect on our operations. |
We are subject to governmental regulation by international,
federal, state and local regulatory agencies with respect to our
railroad operations, as well as a variety of health, safety,
labor, environmental, and other matters. Government regulation
of the railroad industry is a significant determinant of the
competitiveness and profitability of railroads. Our failure to
comply with applicable laws and regulations could have a
material adverse effect on our operations, including limitations
on our operating activities until compliance with applicable
requirements is completed. These government agencies may change
the legislative or regulatory framework within which we operate
without providing any recourse for any adverse effects on our
business that occurs as a result of this change. Additionally,
some of the regulations require us to obtain and maintain
various licenses, permits and other authorizations, and we
cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to do so.
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Our business is subject to environmental, health and
safety laws and regulations that could require us to incur
material costs or liabilities relating to environmental, health
or safety compliance or remediation. |
Our operations are subject to extensive international, federal,
state and local environmental, health and safety laws and
regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the
air, discharges to waters, the handling, storage, transportation
and disposal of waste and other materials, the cleanup of
hazardous material or petroleum releases, decommissioning of
underground storage tanks and noise pollution. Violations of
these laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties,
permit revocations, facility shutdowns and other civil and
criminal sanctions. From time to time, our facilities have not
been in compliance with environmental, health and safety laws
and regulations and there can be no assurances that we will
always be in compliance with such laws and regulations in the
future. We incur, and expect to continue to incur, environmental
compliance costs, including, in particular, costs necessary to
maintain compliance with requirements governing chemical and
hazardous material shipping operations, refueling operations and
repair facilities. New laws and regulations, stricter
enforcement of existing requirements, new spills, releases or
violations or the discovery of previously unknown contamination
could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or
increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations, financial condition and
cash flows.
In the operation of a railroad, it is possible that derailments,
explosions or other accidents may occur that could cause harm to
the environment or to human health. As a result, we may incur
costs in the future, which may be material, to address any such
harm, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups,
natural resources damages and compensatory or punitive damages
relating to harm to property or individuals.
The United States Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or
Superfund) and similar state laws (known as
Superfund laws) impose liability for the cost of
remedial or removal actions, natural resources damages and
related costs at certain sites identified as posing a threat to
the environment or public health. CERCLA imposes joint, strict
and several liability on the owners and operators of facilities
in which hazardous waste and other hazardous substances are
deposited or from which they are released or are likely to be
released into the environment. Liability may be imposed, without
regard to fault or the legality of the activity, on certain
classes of persons, including the current and certain prior
owners or operators of a site where hazardous substances have
been released and persons that arranged for the disposal or
treatment of hazardous substances. In addition, other
potentially responsible parties, adjacent landowners or other
third parties may initiate cost recovery actions or toxic tort
litigation against sites subject to CERCLA or similar state
laws. Given the nature of our business, we presently have
environmental investigation and remediation obligations at
certain sites, including a former foundry site in Alexandria,
Louisiana, and will likely incur such obligations at additional
sites in the future. Although we have accrued for environmental
liabilities, some of these accruals have been reduced for
amounts we expect
8
to recover from third party recoveries. We cannot assure you
that the costs associated with these obligations will not be
material or exceed the accruals we have established.
Our Mexican operations are subject to Mexican federal and state
laws and regulations relating to the protection of the
environment. The primary environmental law in Mexico is the
General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental
Protection (the Ecological Law). The Mexican
federal agency in charge of overseeing compliance with and
enforcement of the federal environmental law is the Ministry of
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources
(Semarnat). The regulations issued under the Mexican
Ecological Law and technical environmental requirements issued
by the Semarnat have promulgated standards for, among other
things, water discharge, water supply, emissions, noise
pollution, hazardous substances and transportation and handling
of hazardous and solid waste. As part of its enforcement powers,
Semarnat is empowered to bring administrative and criminal
proceedings and impose economic sanctions against companies that
violate environmental laws, and temporarily or even permanently
close non-complying facilities. Under the Ecological Law, the
Mexican government has implemented a program to protect the
environment by promulgating rules concerning water, land, air
and noise pollution, and hazardous substances. We are also
subject to the laws of various jurisdictions and international
conferences with respect to the discharge of materials into the
environment. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that the
adoption of additional or more stringent environmental laws and
regulations would have on TFMs results of operations, cash
flows or financial condition.
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Our business is vulnerable to rising fuel costs and
disruptions in fuel supplies. Any significant increase in the
cost of fuel, or severe disruption of fuel supplies, would have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition. |
We incur substantial fuel costs in our railroad operations and
these costs represent a significant portion of our
transportation expenses. Fuel expense has increased from
approximately 9% of our consolidated operating costs for the
full year 2003 to its current level representing approximately
15% of our consolidated operating costs for the third quarter of
2005. This increase has been, in part, offset by fuel surcharges
applied to our customer billings. If we are unable to continue
the existing fuel surcharge program at KCSR and expand the fuel
surcharge program for TFM, our operating results could be
materially adversely affected.
Fuel costs are affected by traffic levels, efficiency of
operations and equipment, and petroleum market conditions. The
supply and cost of fuel is subject to market conditions and is
influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including
general economic conditions, world markets, government programs
and regulations and competition. In addition, instability in the
Middle East and interruptions in domestic production and
refining due to hurricane damage may result in an increase in
fuel prices. Significant price increases for fuel may have a
material adverse effect on our operating results. Additionally,
fuel prices and supplies could also be affected by any
limitation in the fuel supply or by any imposition of mandatory
allocation or rationing regulations. In the event of a severe
disruption of fuel supplies resulting from supply shortages,
political unrest, a disruption of oil imports, weather events,
war or otherwise, the resulting impact on fuel prices and
subsequent price increases could materially adversely affect our
operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
We currently meet, and expect to continue to meet, fuel
requirements for our Mexican operations almost exclusively
through purchases at market prices from Petroleos Mexicanos, the
national oil company of Mexico (PEMEX), a
government-owned entity exclusively responsible for the
distribution and sale of diesel fuel in Mexico. TFM is party to
a fuel supply contract with PEMEX of indefinite duration. Either
party may terminate the contract upon 30 days written
notice to the other at any time. If the fuel contract is
terminated and we are unable to acquire diesel fuel from
alternate sources on acceptable terms, our Mexican operations
could be materially adversely affected.
9
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A majority of our employees belong to labor unions.
Strikes or work stoppages could adversely affect our
operations. |
We are a party to collective bargaining agreements with various
labor unions in the United States. Approximately 83% of KCSR
employees are covered under these agreements. Similarly,
approximately 71% of TFM employees are subject to collective
labor contracts. We may be subject to, among other things,
strikes, work stoppages or work slowdowns as a result of
disputes with regard to the terms of these collective bargaining
agreements and labor contracts or our potential inability to
negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions. In the United
States, because such agreements are generally negotiated on an
industry-wide basis, determination of the terms and conditions
of future labor agreements could be beyond our control and, as a
result, we may be subject to terms and conditions in amended or
future labor agreements that could have a material adverse
affect on our results of operations, financial position and cash
flows. If the unionized workers in the United States or Mexico
were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, or
other employees were to become unionized or the terms and
conditions in future labor agreements were renegotiated, we
could experience a significant disruption of our operations and
higher ongoing labor costs.
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Our business may be subject to various claims and
lawsuits. |
The nature of the railroad business exposes us to the potential
for various claims and litigation related to labor and
employment, personal injury and property damage, environmental
and other matters. We maintain insurance (including
self-insurance) consistent with the industry practice against
accident-related risks involved in the operation of the
railroad. However, there can be no assurance that such insurance
would be sufficient to cover the cost of damages suffered or
that such insurance will continue to be available at
commercially reasonable rates. Any material changes to current
litigation trends could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Due to the nature of railroad operations, claims related to
personal injuries and third party liabilities resulting from
crossing collisions, as well as claims related to personal
property damage and other casualties is a substantial expense to
KCS. Personal injury and casualty claims are subject to a
significant degree of uncertainty, especially estimates related
to personal injuries which have occurred but not yet been
reported, therefore, the degree to which injuries have been
incurred and the related costs have not yet been determined.
Further, the cost of casualty claims is related to numerous
factors, including the severity of the injury, the age of the
claimant, and the legal jurisdiction. In determining the
provision for casualty claims, management must make estimates
regarding future costs related to substantially uncertain
matters. Changes in these estimates could have a material effect
on the results of operations in future periods.
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Our business may be affected by future acts of terrorism
or war. |
Terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on
September 11, 2001, any government response thereto and war
or risk of war may adversely affect our results of operations,
financial condition, and cash flows. These acts may also impact
our ability to raise capital or our future business
opportunities. Our rail lines and facilities could be direct
targets or indirect casualties of an act or acts of terror,
which could cause significant business interruption and result
in increased costs and liabilities and decreased revenues. These
acts could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition,
insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage
currently maintained by us could increase dramatically or
certain coverage may not be available in the future.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Operations in Mexico
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The concession is subject to revocation or termination in
certain circumstances. |
The Mexican government may terminate the Concession granted to
TFM as a result of TFMs surrender of its rights under the
Concession, or for reasons of public interest, by revocation or
upon TFMs liquidation or bankruptcy. (The Mexican
government would not, however, be entitled to revoke the
Concession upon the occurrence of a liquidation or bankruptcy of
Grupo TFM.) The Mexican government may also temporarily seize
TFMs assets and its rights under the Concession. The
Mexican railroad services law and regulations
10
provide that the Ministry of Communications and Transports
(Ministry of Transportation) may revoke the
Concession upon the occurrence of specified events, some of
which will trigger automatic revocation. Revocation or
termination of the Concession would prevent TFM from operating
its railroad and would materially adversely affect our Mexican
operations and ability to make payments on our debt. In the
event that the Concession is revoked by the Ministry of
Transportation, TFM will receive no compensation, and its
interest in its rail lines and all other fixtures covered by the
Concession, as well as all improvements made by it, will revert
to the Mexican government.
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Our ownership of TFM and operations in Mexico subject us
to political and economic risks. |
The Mexican government has exercised, and continues to exercise,
significant influence over the Mexican economy. Accordingly,
Mexican governmental actions concerning the economy and
state-owned enterprises could have a significant impact on
Mexican private sector entities in general and on our Mexican
operations in particular, as well as on market conditions,
prices and returns on Mexican securities, including TFMs
outstanding notes and debentures. The national elections held on
July 2, 2000 ended 71 years of rule by the
Institutional Revolutionary Party with the election of President
Vicente Fox Quesada, a member of the National Action Party, and
resulted in the increased representation of opposition parties
in the Mexican Congress and in mayoral and gubernatorial
positions. National elections will be held again on July 1,
2006. Although there have not yet been any material adverse
repercussions resulting from this political change, multiparty
rule is still relatively new in Mexico and could result in
economic or political conditions that could materially and
adversely affect our Mexican operations. We cannot predict the
impact that this new political landscape will have on the
Mexican economy. Furthermore, our financial condition, results
of operations and prospects and, consequently, the market price
for TFMs outstanding notes and debentures, may be affected
by currency fluctuations, inflation, interest rates, regulation,
taxation, social instability and other political, social and
economic developments in or affecting Mexico.
The Mexican economy in the past has suffered balance of payment
deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves. There are
currently no exchange controls in Mexico. However, Mexico has
imposed foreign exchange controls in the past. Pursuant to the
provisions of NAFTA, if Mexico experiences serious balance of
payment difficulties or the threat thereof in the future, Mexico
would have the right to impose foreign exchange controls on
investments made in Mexico, including those made by United
States and Canadian investors. Any restrictive exchange control
policy could adversely affect our ability to obtain dollars or
to convert pesos into dollars for purposes of making interest
and principal payments due on indebtedness, to the extent that
it may have to effect those conversions. This could have a
material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Securities of companies in emerging market countries tend to be
influenced by economic and market conditions in other emerging
market countries. Emerging market countries, including Argentina
and Brazil, have recently been experiencing significant economic
downturns and market volatility. These events have had an
adverse effect on the economic conditions and securities markets
of emerging market countries, including Mexico.
Our Mexican operations may also be adversely affected by
currency fluctuations, price instability, inflation, interest
rates, regulations, taxation, cultural differences, social
instability, labor disputes and other political, social and
economic developments in or affecting Mexico.
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Downturns in the United States economy or in trade between
the United States and Mexico and fluctuations in the peso-dollar
exchange rate would likely have adverse effects on our business
and results of operations. |
The level and timing of our Mexican business activity is heavily
dependent upon the level of United States-Mexican trade and the
effects of NAFTA on such trade. Downturns in the United States
or Mexican economy or in trade between the United States and
Mexico would likely have adverse effects on our business and
results of operations. Our Mexican operations depend on the
United States and Mexican markets for the products TFM
transports, the relative position of Mexico and the United
States in these markets at any given
11
time, and tariffs or other barriers to trade. Any future
downturn in the United States economy could have a material
adverse effect on TFMs results of operations and its
ability to meet its debt service obligations as described above.
Also, fluctuations in the peso-dollar exchange rate could lead
to shifts in the types and volumes of Mexican imports and
exports. Although a decrease in the level of exports of some of
the commodities that TFM transports to the United States may be
offset by a subsequent increase in imports of other commodities
TFM hauls into Mexico and vice versa, any offsetting increase
might not occur on a timely basis, if at all. Future
developments in United States-Mexican trade beyond our control
may result in a reduction of freight volumes or in an
unfavorable shift in the mix of products and commodities TFM
carries.
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Any devaluation of the peso would cause the peso cost of
TFMS dollar-denominated debt to increase, adversely
affecting its ability to make payments on its
indebtedness. |
After a five-year period of controlled devaluation of the peso,
on December 19, 1994, the value of the peso dropped sharply
as a result of pressure against the currency. In 2004 the peso
appreciated against the United States dollar by approximately
0.8%, as compared to depreciation against the United States
dollar of 7.4% and 13.9% in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Severe devaluation or depreciation of the peso may result in
disruption of the international foreign exchange markets and may
limit our ability to transfer or to convert pesos into United
States dollars for the purpose of making timely payments of
interest and principal on our non-peso denominated indebtedness.
Although the Mexican government currently does not restrict, and
for many years has not restricted, the right or ability of
Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert pesos into
United States dollars or transfer foreign currencies out of
Mexico, the Mexican government could, as in the past, institute
restrictive exchange rate policies that could limit our ability
to transfer or convert pesos into United States dollars or other
currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of our
United States dollar-denominated debt and contractual
commitments. Devaluation or depreciation of the peso against the
United States dollar may also adversely affect United States
dollar prices for our securities. Currency fluctuations are
likely to continue to have an effect on our financial condition
in future periods.
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Mexico may experience high levels of inflation in the
future which could adversely affect our results of
operations. |
Mexico has a history of high levels of inflation, and may
experience inflation in the future. During most of the 1980s and
during the mid- and late-1990s, Mexico experienced periods of
high levels of inflation. The annual rates of inflation for the
last five years, as measured by changes in the National Consumer
Price Index, as provided by Banco de Mexico, were:
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2000
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8.96 |
% |
2001
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4.40 |
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2002
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5.70 |
% |
2003
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3.98 |
% |
2004
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5.20 |
% |
A substantial increase in the Mexican inflation rate would have
the effect of increasing some of TFMs costs, which could
adversely affect its results of operations and financial
condition. High levels of inflation may also affect the balance
of trade between Mexico and the United States, and other
countries, which could adversely affect TFMs results of
operations.
12
USE OF PROCEEDS
If securities are sold by the Company, we will describe the use
of proceeds from such sale in the prospectus supplement related
to the sale of those securities. If securities are sold by any
Selling Stockholder we will describe the use of proceeds, if
any, to us in the prospectus supplement related to the sale of
those securities.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
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Nine Months | |
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September 30, | |
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(unaudited) | |
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Year Ended December 31, | |
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2005(i) | |
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2004 | |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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2002 | |
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2001 | |
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2000 | |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (ii)
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1.6 |
x |
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1.8 |
x |
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2.0 |
x |
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(iii) |
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1.3 |
x |
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1.1 |
x |
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1.0x |
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Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference
dividends (iv)
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1.5 |
x |
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1.5 |
x |
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1.6 |
x |
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(v) |
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1.3 |
x |
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1.1 |
x |
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1.0x |
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(i) |
Income from continuing operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, reflects the acquisition of Grupo TFM,
effective April 1, 2005 and Mexrail effective
January 1, 2005. The acquisitions were accounted for as
purchases and are included in the consolidated results of
operations for periods following the respective acquisition
dates. |
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(ii) |
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The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing
earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose earnings
represent the sum of (i) pretax income from continuing
operations adjusted for income (loss) from unconsolidated
affiliates, (ii) fixed charges, (iii) distributed
income from unconsolidated affiliates and (iv) amortization
of capitalized interest, less capitalized interest. Fixed
charges represent the sum of (i) interest expensed,
(ii) capitalized interest, (iii) amortization of
deferred debt issuance costs and (iv) one-third of our
annual rental expense, which management believes is
representative of the interest component of rental expense. |
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(iii) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2003, the ratio of earnings
to fixed charges was less than 1:1. The ratio of earnings to
fixed charges would have been 1:1 if a deficiency of
$10.5 million was eliminated. |
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(iv) |
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The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference
dividends is computed by dividing earnings by combined fixed
charges and preference dividends. For this purpose
earnings represent the sum of (i) pretax income
from continuing operations adjusted for income (loss) from
unconsolidated affiliates, (ii) fixed charges,
(iii) distributed income from unconsolidated affiliates and
(iv) amortization of capitalized interest, less capitalized
interest. Fixed charges represent the sum of
(i) interest expensed, (ii) capitalized interest,
(iii) amortization of deferred debt issuance costs,
(iv) one-third of our annual rental expense, which
management believes is representative of the interest component
of rental expense and (v) the amount of pre-tax earnings
that is required to pay the dividends on outstanding preferred
stock. |
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(v) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2003, the ratio of earnings
to combined fixed charges and preference dividends was less than
1:1. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
preference dividends would have been 1:1 if a deficiency of
$18.2 million was eliminated. |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Subject to the restrictions described in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement, the Company or any Selling Stockholder
may offer and sell or exchange the securities described in this
prospectus from time to time in any of the following ways:
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The securities may be sold through a broker or brokers, acting
as principals or agents. Agents designated by the Company or any
Selling Stockholder from time to time may solicit offers to
purchase the securities. The prospectus supplement will name any
such agent who may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term
is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the offer or sale
of the |
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securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered.
Transactions through broker-dealers may include block trades in
which brokers or dealers will attempt to sell the securities as
agent but may position and resell the block as principal to
facilitate the transaction. The securities may be sold through
dealers or agents or to dealers acting as market makers.
Broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions, or commissions from us or the Company or
any Selling Stockholder and/or the purchasers of the securities
for whom such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they
sell as principal, or both (which compensation as to a
particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary
commissions). |
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The securities may be sold on any national securities exchange
or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or
quoted at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market, or
in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or
in the over-the-counter market. |
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The securities may be sold in private sales directly to
purchasers. |
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The Company or any Selling Stockholder may enter into derivative
transactions or forward sale agreements on shares of securities
with third parties. In such event, the Company or the Selling
Stockholder may pledge the shares underlying such transactions
to the counterparties under such agreements, to secure the
Companys or any Selling Stockholders delivery
obligation. The counterparties or third parties may borrow
shares of securities from the Company or the Selling Stockholder
or third parties and sell such shares in a public offering. This
prospectus may be delivered in conjunction with such sales. Upon
settlement of such transactions, the Company or the Selling
Stockholder may deliver shares of securities to the
counterparties that, in turn, the counterparties may deliver to
the Company or the Selling Stockholder or third parties, as the
case may be, to close out the open borrowings of securities. The
counterparty in such transactions will be an underwriter and
will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
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The Company or any Selling Stockholder may also sell its shares
of securities through various arrangements involving mandatorily
or optionally exchangeable securities, and this prospectus may
be delivered in conjunction with those sales. |
LEGAL MATTERS
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Kansas City,
Missouri, has issued an opinion to us relating to the legality
of the securities being offered by this prospectus. If legal
matters in connection with offerings made by this prospectus are
passed on by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of the
securities, that counsel will be named in the prospectus
supplement relating to that offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Kansas City Southern as
of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004,
have been incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm,
incorporated by reference in this registration statement, and
upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting. The audit report of KPMG LLP covering the
consolidated financial statements of Kansas City Southern
indicates that KPMG LLP did not audit the financial statements
of Grupo TFM as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the
years then ended. The financial statements of Grupo TFM as of
and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were
audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to
KPMG, and KPMGs opinion, insofar as it relates to the
amounts included for Grupo TFM as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, was based solely on the reports
of the other auditors. In addition, the audit report of KPMG LLP
covering the consolidated financial statements of Kansas City
Southern refers to the Companys adoption, effective
January 1, 2003, of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations.
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The combined and consolidated financial statements of Grupo TFM,
as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, which are
incorporated in this prospectus by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2004, have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers, S.C.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other
information with the SEC. You may inspect and copy such material
at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100
F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the
SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public
reference room. You can also find our SEC filings at the
SECs website at www.sec.gov and on our website at
www.kcsi.com. Information contained on our website is not part
of this prospectus.
In addition, our reports and other information concerning us can
be inspected at the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005, where our common stock is
listed.
The following documents we filed with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:
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Our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004; |
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Our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and September 30,
2005; |
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Our current reports on Form 8-K filed on January 6,
2005; January 26, 2005; February 1, 2005;
February 15, 2005; February 23, 2005; March 18,
2005; March 29, 2005; April 7, 2005, April 15,
2005; April 26, 2005; May 11, 2005; May 13, 2005;
May 26, 2005; June 1, 2005; June 6, 2005;
June 7, 2005; June 9, 2005; June 14, 2005;
July 20, 2005; July 25, 2005; September 16, 2005;
October 3, 2005, October 6, 2005, November 8,
2005, November 21, 2005, and December 2, 2005, and our
current report on Form 8-K/ A filed on February 14,
2005. |
All documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02,
Item 7.01 or disclosures made in accordance with
Regulation FD on Item 8.01 in any current report on
Form 8-K), prior to the termination of the offering, shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus
and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such
document. In addition, all documents filed by us pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02,
Item 7.01 or disclosures made in accordance with
Regulation FD on Item 8.01 in any current report on
Form 8-K) after the date of the initial registration
statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration
statement shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of the
filing of such document. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified
or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus, or in any other subsequently filed
document which is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
prospectus.
We will provide without charge to each person to whom this
prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such
person, a copy of any or all documents incorporated by reference
in this prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed
to Kansas City Southern, P.O. Box 219335, Kansas City,
Missouri 64121-9335 (or if by United Parcel Service or some
other form of express delivery to 427 West
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105), Attention:
Corporate Secretarys Office, or if by telephone at
(816) 983-1538.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated in this
prospectus by reference may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act. In addition, management
may make forward-looking statements orally or in other writings,
including, but not limited to, in press releases, in the annual
report to shareholders and in our other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers can identify these
forward-looking statements by the use of such verbs as expects,
anticipates, believes or similar verbs or conjugations of such
verbs. These Statements involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could materially differ from those
anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Such differences
could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors
including, but not limited to, the factors identified below and
the factors discussed above under the heading Risk
Factors. Readers are strongly encouraged to consider these
factors and the following factors when evaluating any
forward-looking statements concerning us:
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whether we are fully successful in executing our business
strategy, including capitalizing on NAFTA trade to generate
traffic and increase revenues, exploiting our domestic
opportunities, establishing new and expanding existing strategic
alliances and marketing agreements and providing superior
customer service; |
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whether we are successful in retaining and attracting qualified
management personnel; |
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whether we are able to generate cash that will be sufficient to
allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our
obligations and to fund our other liquidity needs; |
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material adverse changes in economic and industry conditions,
both within the United States and globally; |
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the effects of adverse general economic conditions affecting
customer demand and the industries and geographic areas that
produce and consume commodities carried; |
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the effect of NAFTA on the level of United States-Mexico trade; |
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industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation; |
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general legislative and regulatory developments, including
possible enactment of initiatives to re-regulate the rail
industry; |
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legislative, regulatory, or legal developments involving
taxation, including enactment of new federal or state income tax
rates, revisions of controlling authority, and the outcome of
tax claims and litigation; |
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changes in securities and capital markets; |
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natural events such as severe weather, fire, floods, hurricanes,
earthquakes or other disruptions of our operating systems,
structures and equipment; |
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any adverse economic or operational repercussions from terrorist
activities and any governmental response thereto; |
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war or risk of war; |
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changes in fuel prices; |
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changes in labor costs and labor difficulties, including
stoppages affecting either our operations or our customers
abilities to deliver goods to us for shipment; and |
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the outcome of claims and litigation, including those related to
environmental contamination, personal injuries and occupational
illnesses arising from hearing loss, repetitive motion and
exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes. |
We will not update any forward-looking statements to reflect
future events or developments. If we do update one or more
forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we
will make additional updates with respect thereto or with
respect to other forward-looking statements.
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