e424b5
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-163716
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated December 14, 2009)
ITC Holdings Corp.
Common Stock
We have entered into a sales agency financing agreement pursuant to which we may offer
and sell up to $250,000,000 aggregate amount of shares of our common stock from time to time
through Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., which we refer to as Deutsche Bank, as our agent.
These shares will be offered at market prices prevailing at the time of sale. We will pay
Deutsche Bank a commission equal to a mutually agreed upon rate, not to exceed 2.0% of the sales
price of all shares sold through it as our agent.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ITC. The last
reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange on July 26, 2011 was $71.92
per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk Factors in the accompanying
prospectus, as well as Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2010 and as updated in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2011 and in any other reports we file pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act, that we incorporate by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Deutsche Bank Securities
The date of this prospectus supplement is July 27, 2011
Table of Contents
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Prospectus Supplement |
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Prospectus |
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes
the terms of the offering of our common stock and also adds to and updates information contained in
the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which
provides more general information. Generally, when we refer only to the prospectus, we are
referring to both parts combined, and when we refer to the accompanying prospectus, we are
referring to the base prospectus.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration
statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to
as the SEC, which became effective on December 14, 2009. To the extent there is a conflict between
the information contained in the prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information
contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference as of the date
of this prospectus supplement, on the other hand, the information in this prospectus supplement
shall control.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus prepared by
us. Neither we nor Deutsche Bank has authorized any other person to provide you with different or
additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should
not rely on it. Neither we nor Deutsche Bank is making an offer to sell our common stock in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information
contained or incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate
only as of the date of the applicable document, regardless of the time of delivery of this
prospectus supplement or of any sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or other
document are not complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of the contract or
document filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
the accompanying prospectus constitutes a part or to a document incorporated by reference or deemed
to be incorporated by reference in the registration statement, each of those statements being
qualified in all respects by this reference.
This prospectus supplement is not complete without, and may not be delivered or used except in
connection with, the accompanying prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should read
this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the information
contained or incorporated by reference herein and therein.
THE COMPANY
We invest in the electricity transmission grid to improve electric reliability, improve access
to markets and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. We are the largest independent
electricity transmission company in the country. Through our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries,
which include International Transmission Company, which we refer to as ITCTransmission, Michigan
Electric Transmission Company, LLC, which we refer to as METC, ITC Midwest LLC, which we refer to
as ITC Midwest, and ITC Great Plains, LLC, which we refer to as ITC Great Plains, we currently
operate high-voltage transmission systems in Michigans lower peninsula and portions of Iowa,
Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas that transmit electricity from generating stations to
local distribution facilities connected to our systems. We are also focused on other areas where
significant electric transmission system improvements are needed through our subsidiaries, ITC Grid
Development, LLC and Green Power Express LP. We, our, us and the Company are references to
ITC Holdings Corp., together with all of its subsidiaries.
Our business strategy is to operate, maintain and invest in transmission infrastructure in
order to enhance system integrity and reliability, to reduce transmission constraints and to allow
new generating resources to interconnect to our transmission systems. We also are pursuing
development projects not within our existing systems, which are intended to improve overall grid
reliability, lower electricity congestion and facilitate interconnections of new generating
resources, as well as to enhance competitive wholesale electricity markets.
ITC Holdings Corp. is incorporated under the laws of the state of Michigan. Our principal
executive offices are located at 27175 Energy Way, Novi, Michigan 48377, and our telephone number
at that address is (248) 946- 3000. Our website is located at
www.itc-holdings.com. The information
on our website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
For a description of our business, financial condition, results of operations and other
important information, see our filings with the SEC incorporated by reference herein. For
instructions on how to find copies of those and our other filings incorporated by reference herein,
see Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference in this prospectus supplement and Where
You Can Find Additional Information and Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference in the
accompanying prospectus.
S-2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
prospectus supplement contains or incorporates by reference certain statements that
describe our managements beliefs concerning future business
conditions and prospects, growth
opportunities and the outlook for our business and the electric
transmission industry based upon
information currently available. These statements are
forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Wherever possible, we have
identified these forward-looking statements by words such
as will, may, anticipates,
believes, intends, estimates,
expects, projects and similar phrases. Forward-looking
statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement include, but are not
limited to, statements set forth under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations in our annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010
and in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2011 (which are
incorporated herein by reference).
These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions our management believes are
reasonable. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could
cause our actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed
in, or implied by, these statements, including, among other things:
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Certain elements of ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains (together, our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries) cost recovery through rates can be challenged, which could
result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously collected and thus have an adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have also
made certain commitments to federal and state regulators with respect to, among other things, our
rates in connection with recent acquisitions (including ITC Midwests acquisition of Interstate
Power and Light Companys (IP&L) electric transmission assets) that could have an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows; |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries actual capital expenditures may be lower than planned, which
would decrease expected rate base and therefore our expected revenues and earnings. In addition, we
expect to invest in strategic development opportunities to improve the efficiency and reliability
of the transmission grid, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to initiate or complete any
of these investments; |
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The regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital and/or pursue
acquisitions, development opportunities or other transactions or may subject us to liabilities; |
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Changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could impact cash flows and could reduce
the dividends we may be able to pay our stockholders; |
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If the amounts billed for transmission service for our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
transmission systems are lower than expected, the timing of collection of our revenues would be
delayed; |
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Each of ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest depends on its primary customer for a substantial
portion of its revenues, and any material failure by those primary customers to make payments for
transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our ability to service our debt
obligations and affect our ability to pay dividends; |
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A significant amount of the land on which our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries assets are located
is subject to easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances. As a result, our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries must comply with the provisions of various easements, mineral rights and
other similar encumbrances, which may adversely impact their ability to complete construction
projects in a timely manner; |
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If ITC Midwests Operations Services Agreement with IP&L is terminated, ITC Midwest may face a
shortage of labor or replacement contractors to provide the services formerly provided by IP&L; |
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Hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in suspension of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operations or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties; |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulations and to laws that can
give rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination; |
S-3
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements, including
reliability standards. Violations of these requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may
result in penalties that, under some circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows; |
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Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in response to
such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and cash flows; |
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ITC Holdings Corp. is a holding company with no operations, and unless we receive dividends or
other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to pay dividends and fulfill our other cash
obligations; |
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We are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to fulfill our debt
obligations and/or to obtain additional financing; |
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Certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our financial flexibility; |
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Adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us; |
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The amount of our federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards that we may use to reduce our
tax liability in any given period is limited; |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, Michigan corporate law and our debt
agreements may impede efforts by our shareholders to change the direction or management of our
company; |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation restrict market participants from voting or owning 5%
or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock; and |
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Other risk factors discussed herein and listed from time to time in our public filings with the SEC. |
Because our forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject
to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different and any or all of
our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date made and can be affected by assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this prospectus supplement will be
important in determining future results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our expectations
or forecasts expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Actual future results
may vary materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking or other statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements presented above include, among others, the risks described in our annual
report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and in our quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and any risks set forth in our other filings with the SEC
that are incorporated by reference herein. In addition, other factors besides those listed here
could adversely affect our business and results of operations. You should consider all of these
factors carefully before investing in our securities.
S-4
USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the sales
agency financing agreement to repay borrowings that may be outstanding under ITC Holdings Corp.s
revolving credit facility, to fund our working capital, for general corporate purposes, for capital
expenditures and for potential future acquisitions.
ITC
Holdings Corp.s revolving credit facility was entered into on May 17, 2011 and matures on
May 17, 2016. All borrowings made under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR
plus an applicable margin of 1.100% to 2.250% depending on the credit rating of the Companys debt,
or (ii) a base rate, which is defined as the higher of the administrative agents prime rate, 0.50%
above the federal funds rate and LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 0.100% to 1.250%
depending on the credit rating of the Companys debt. ITC Holdings Corp. must also pay a
commitment fee on unused commitments under the facility at a rate ranging from 0.100% to 0.300%
depending on the credit rating of the Companys debt. As of June 30, 2011, we had no outstanding
borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
An
affiliate of Deutsche Bank is a lender to us under our revolving
credit facility and the revolving credit facilities of our subsidiaries and may
receive a portion of any amounts repaid from the proceeds of this offering. See Plan of
Distribution Conflicts of Interest.
S-5
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We have entered into a sales agency financing agreement with Deutsche Bank, dated as of July
27, 2011, pursuant to which we may offer and sell up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares
of our common stock from time to time through Deutsche Bank, as our agent. The sales, if any, of
the shares of our common stock under the sales agency financing agreement will be made in at the
market offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer
to as the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange, the
principal existing trading market for shares of our common stock, to or through a market maker,
through an electronic communications network or, if we and Deutsche Bank agree in writing, sales
made in privately negotiated transactions.
From time to time during the term of the sales agency financing agreement, and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, we may deliver an issuance notice to Deutsche Bank
specifying:
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the length of the selling period; |
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the aggregate sales price of our common shares to be sold; |
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the minimum price below which sales may not be made. |
Upon receipt of an issuance notice from us, and subject to the terms and conditions of the
sales agency financing agreement, Deutsche Bank has agreed to use its commercially reasonable
efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares on such terms.
We or Deutsche Bank may suspend the offering of shares of our common stock at any time upon proper
notice, and the selling period will immediately terminate. The settlement between us and Deutsche
Bank of sales of shares of our common stock will occur (i) on the third business day following each
trading date on which the sales were made or (ii) on the third business day following the last day
of the applicable selling period. The obligation of Deutsche Bank under the sales agency financing
agreement to sell shares pursuant to any issuance notice is subject to a number of conditions,
which Deutsche Bank reserves the right to waive in its sole
discretion. We are not required or obligated to sell any shares under
the sales agency financing agreement.
We will pay Deutsche Bank a commission equal to a mutually agreed upon rate, not to exceed
2.0% of the sales price of all shares sold through it as agent under the sales agency financing
agreement. We have also agreed to reimburse Deutsche Banks documented attorneys fees and
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to $75,000 in connection with the sales agency financing
agreement and due diligence attorneys fees for its initial due diligence review. We have also
agreed to reimburse Deutsche Banks reasonable attorneys fees for each of its quarterly due
diligence reviews, to the extent such reviews are required and actually performed, during the term
of the sales agency financing agreement (in an amount not to exceed $5,000 per fiscal quarter).
In connection with the sale of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement,
Deutsche Bank may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, and
the compensation paid to Deutsche Bank may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.
We have agreed to indemnify Deutsche Bank against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act.
We intend to report at least
quarterly on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K the number of shares of our common stock sold through
Deutsche Bank as agent in at-the-market offerings, the net proceeds to us and the compensation paid
by us to Deutsche Bank in connection with such sales.
Sales of shares of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be
settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and
Deutsche Bank may agree upon.
The offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to the sales agency financing agreement
will terminate upon the earliest of (1) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the sales
agency financing agreement, (2) the third anniversary of the date of the sales agency financing
agreement and (3) any time upon ten days prior written notice to Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank may
terminate the sales agency financing agreement upon ten days written notice, or upon one trading days notice in certain circumstances,
including bankruptcy
S-6
events relating to us, our failure to maintain the listing of our common stock
on the New York Stock Exchange or the occurrence of an event which has had or would reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on us.
We have agreed not to directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, grant any
option to sell or otherwise dispose of, our shares of our common stock or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock, warrants or any rights to purchase or acquire
shares of our common stock for a period beginning on the first trading day immediately prior to the
delivery of any issuance notice to Deutsche Bank and ending on the first trading day immediately
following the settlement date for shares of our common stock sold pursuant to the applicable
issuance notice, without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank may give this
consent at any time without public notice. The restriction described in this paragraph does not
apply to sales of:
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Shares of our common stock that we offer or sell pursuant to the sales agency
financing agreement; |
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Shares of our common stock issuable as consideration in connection with acquisitions
of businesses, assets or securities of other Persons, as defined in the sales agency
financing agreement; |
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Shares of our common stock that we issue upon conversion of convertible securities,
or the exercise of warrants, options or other rights disclosed in our filings with the
SEC; and |
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Shares of our common stock and options to purchase shares of our common stock that
we issue, in either case, pursuant to any employee or director stock option, incentive
or benefit plan, stock purchase, ownership or other compensation plan or dividend
reinvestment plan whether currently existing or adopted hereafter (but not shares
subject to a waiver to exceed plan limits in our stock purchase plan), including the
Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan for Key Employees of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, the Second Amended and Restated 2006 Long Term Incentive
Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated. |
Deutsche Bank and its affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may
provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment
banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for
which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition,
from time to time, Deutsche Bank and its affiliates may effect transactions for their own accounts
or the accounts of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short
positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.
Conflicts of Interest
An affiliate of Deutsche Bank is a lender to us under our revolving credit facility and the
revolving credit facilities of our subsidiaries and may receive a portion of any amounts repaid
from the proceeds of this offering. Because more than 5% of the net proceeds of this offering may
be paid to affiliates of a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which
is participating in this offering, this offering is being conducted in compliance with FINRA Rule
5121. Because the securities offered have a bona fide public market, pursuant to Rule 5121, the
appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary. Deutsche Bank will not confirm
sales of the offered securities to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority
without the prior written approval of the customer.
S-7
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of certain United States federal income and estate tax consequences
of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock as of the date hereof. Except where
noted, this summary deals only with common stock that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S.
holder.
A non-U.S. holder means a person (other than a partnership) that is not for United States
federal income tax purposes any of the following:
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an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for United States
federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United
States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United
States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under
applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities
may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income and estate
tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects
of United States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local or
other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal
circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States
federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special
treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States
expatriate, controlled foreign corporation, passive foreign investment company or a partnership
or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes). We cannot assure you
that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this
summary.
If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend
upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a
partnership holding our common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.
If you are considering the purchase of our common stock, you should consult your own tax
advisors concerning the particular United States federal income and estate tax consequences to you
of the ownership of the common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of
any other taxing jurisdiction.
Dividends
Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock generally will be subject to
withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be
specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if
required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a United States permanent
establishment) are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and
disclosure requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are subject to United States federal
income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States
person as defined under the Code. Any such
S-8
effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an
additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an
applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty
rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends will be required (a) to
complete Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalty
of perjury that such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code and is eligible
for treaty benefits or (b) if our common stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, to
satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations.
Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are
pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.
A non-U.S. holder of our common stock eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding
tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing
an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service.
Gain on Disposition of Common Stock
Any gain realized on the disposition of our common stock generally will not be subject to
United States federal income tax unless:
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the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in
the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable
to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder); |
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the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183
days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are
met; or |
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we are or have been a United States real property holding corporation for United
States federal income tax purposes. |
An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be
subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal
income tax rates. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately
above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by
United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the
United States. If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation falls under the first bullet
point immediately above, it will be subject to tax on its net gain in the same manner as if it were
a United States person as defined under the Code and, in addition, may be subject to the branch
profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits or at such lower rate as
may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
We believe we are not a United States real property holding corporation for United States
federal income tax purposes, but we believe we may become a United States real property holding
corporation in the future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard as the determination
of whether we are a United States real property holding corporation is fact-specific and depends
on the composition of our assets. If we are, or if we later become, a United States real property
holding corporation, so long as our common stock continues to be regularly traded on an
established securities market (such as the NYSE), only a non-U.S. holder who holds or held (at any
time during the shorter of the five year period preceding the date of disposition or the holders
holding period) more than 5% of our common stock will be subject to United States federal income
tax on the disposition of our common stock.
Federal Estate Tax
Common stock held by an individual non-U.S. holder at the time of death will be included in
such holders gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable
estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
S-9
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
We must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each non-U.S. holder the amount
of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of
whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and
withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S.
holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to such holder
unless such holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor
does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as
defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to
the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain
United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty
of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to
know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such owner
otherwise establishes an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit
against a non-U.S. holders United States federal income tax liability provided the required
information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Additional Withholding Requirements
Under the recently
enacted Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2009 (FATCA) and subsequent
administrative guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the relevant
withholding agent may be required to withhold 30% of any dividends paid after December 31, 2013
and the proceeds of a sale of our common stock paid after
December 31, 2014, to (i) a foreign
financial institution unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, report and
disclose its U.S. accountholders and meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) a
non-financial foreign entity that is the beneficial owner of the payment unless such entity
certifies that it does not have any substantial United States owners or provides the name,
address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial United States owner and such entity
meets certain other specified requirements. The terms foreign financial institution,
non-financial foreign entity and substantial United States owner have specific meanings
assigned by the Code. Potential investors who would be non-U.S. holders should consult their tax
advisers regarding the potential application of the FATCA provisions of the Code.
S-10
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedule incorporated
in this Prospectus Supplement by reference from ITC Holdings Corp.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2010, and the effectiveness of ITC Holdings Corp.s internal control
over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference,
such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
VALIDITY OF THE SHARES
Dykema Gossett PLLC will pass upon the validity of the common stock and as to certain matters
of Michigan law. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the agent by Milbank, Tweed,
Hadley & McCloy LLP, New York, New York. In addition, Stuntz, Davis & Staffier, P.C., Washington,
D.C. is advising us on matters relating to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Mr. Richard D.
McLellan, a director of the Company and an owner of less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of
the Company, was, until his retirement in April 2007, a member at Dykema Gossett PLLC. Attorneys
of Dykema Gossett PLLC participating in the provision of its opinion being delivered in connection
with the offering own shares of common stock constituting less than 1% of the outstanding common
stock of the Company.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
We file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available over
the Internet at the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document
ITC Holdings Corp. files at the SECs Public Reference Room 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 rooms
and their copy charges.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information contained in documents that we
file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
prospectus supplement. Information in this prospectus supplement supersedes information
incorporated by reference that we filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus
supplement, while information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents (other than any portion of
such document that is furnished rather than filed) listed below and any future filings we will make
with the SEC (other than any portion of such document that is furnished rather than filed) under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this prospectus
supplement until the registration statement, of which this prospectus supplement is a part, has
been terminated:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010; |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011; |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2011, February 17, 2011,
February 22, 2011, March 17, 2011, May 19, 2011 and June 1, 2011; and |
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the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form
8-A (File No. 001- 32576) filed on July 20, 2005. |
We will provide to each person, including a beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus supplement
is delivered a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or
calling us at:
S-11
ITC Holdings Corp.
27175 Energy Way
Novi, Michigan 48377
Attention: General Counsel
Tel: (248) 946-3000
You should read the information relating to us in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus together with the information in the documents incorporated by reference.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished to, but not filed
with, the SEC.
S-12
PROSPECTUS
Common Stock
We may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time in amounts, at prices and on
terms that will be determined at the time of any such offering. Each time our common stock is
offered, we will provide a prospectus supplement and attach it to this prospectus. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. This
prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without a prospectus supplement describing
the method and terms of the offering.
You should carefully read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, together with
the documents we incorporate by reference, before you invest in our common stock.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ITC.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should consider the risk factors described in
this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents we incorporate by
reference. See Risk Factors beginning on page 9.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
December 14, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission, using a shelf registration process.
Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell from time to time common stock in one
or more offerings or resales. Each time shares of common stock are offered, we will provide a
supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and attach it
to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will contain more specific information about the
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with
the additional information described under the heading Where You Can Find Additional Information.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus prepared by
us. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone
provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not
making an offer of shares of our common stock in any state where the offer is not permitted.
Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made under it implies that there has been
no change in our affairs or that the information in this prospectus is correct as of any date after
the date of this prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus,
including any information incorporated in this prospectus by reference, the accompanying prospectus
supplement or any free writing prospectus prepared by us, is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
Unless otherwise noted or the context requires, all references in this prospectus to:
ITC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries
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ITC Great Plains are references to ITC Great Plains, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Grid Development, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC
Holdings; |
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ITC Holdings are references to ITC Holdings Corp. and not any of its subsidiaries; |
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ITC Midwest are references to ITC Midwest LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC
Holdings; |
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ITCTransmission are references to International Transmission Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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METC are references to Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MTH; |
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MTH are references to Michigan Transco Holdings, Limited Partnership, the owner of
all of the membership interests of METC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ITC
Holdings; |
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MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC, and
ITC Midwest together; |
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Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC, ITC
Midwest and ITC Great Plains together; and |
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We, our and us are references to ITC Holdings together with all of its
subsidiaries. |
Other definitions
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Consumers Energy are references to Consumers Energy Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation; |
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Detroit Edison are references to The Detroit Edison Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of DTE Energy; |
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DTE Energy are references to DTE Energy Company; |
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Electric Reliability Organization refers to a self-regulatory organization with
the legal authority to enforce reliability standards applicable to all U.S. users,
owners, and operators of the bulk power system; |
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FERC are references to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; |
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FPA are references to the Federal Power Act; |
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Green Power Express are references to Green Power Express LP, an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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IP&L are references to Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy
Corporation subsidiary; |
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kV are references to kilovolts (one kilovolt equaling 1,000 volts); |
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MISO are references to the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.,
a FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organization, which oversees the operation of the
bulk power transmission system for a substantial portion of the Midwestern United
States and Manitoba, Canada, and of which ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest are
members; |
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NERC are references to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation; |
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NOLs are references to federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards; |
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RTO are references to Regional Transmission Organizations; and |
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SPP are references to Southwest Power Pool, Inc., a FERC-approved RTO which oversees the
operation of the bulk power transmission system for a substantial portion of the South Central
United States, and of which ITC Great Plains is a member. |
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OUR COMPANY
Overview
We are engaged in the transmission of electricity in the United States through our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries, ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains. Our business
strategy is to operate, maintain and invest in transmission infrastructure in order to enhance
system integrity and reliability and to reduce transmission constraints. By pursuing this strategy,
we strive for high reliability of our systems and to improve accessibility to generation sources of
choice, including renewable sources. We operate high-voltage systems in Michigans Lower Peninsula
and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas that transmit electricity from
generating stations to local distribution facilities connected to our systems.
As electric transmission utilities with rates regulated by the FERC, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries earn revenues through tariff rates charged for the use of their electric transmission
systems by our customers, which include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives,
power marketers and alternative energy suppliers. As independent transmission companies, our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to rate regulation only by the FERC.
In 2002, ITC Holdings was incorporated in the State of Michigan for the purpose of acquiring
ITCTransmission. ITCTransmission was originally formed in 2001 as a subsidiary of Detroit Edison,
an electric utility subsidiary of DTE Energy, and was acquired in 2003 by ITC Holdings. METC was
originally formed in 2001 as a subsidiary of Consumers Energy, an electric and gas utility
subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation, and was acquired in 2006 by ITC Holdings. ITC Midwest was
formed in 2007 by ITC Holdings to acquire the transmission assets of IP&L in December 2007. ITC
Great Plains was formed in 2006 by ITC Holdings and became a FERC-jurisdictional entity in 2009
after acquiring certain electric transmission assets in Kansas.
Our Operations
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries primary operating responsibilities include maintaining,
improving and expanding their transmission systems to meet their customers ongoing needs,
scheduling outages on system elements to allow for maintenance and construction, balancing
electricity generation and demand, maintaining appropriate system voltages and monitoring flows
over transmission lines and other facilities to ensure physical limits are not exceeded. As
transmission-only companies, our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries function as conduits, allowing
for power from generators to be transmitted to local distribution systems either entirely through
their own systems or in conjunction with neighboring transmission systems. Third parties then
transmit power through these local distribution systems to end-use consumers. The transmission of
electricity by our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries is a central function to the provision of
electricity to residential, commercial and industrial end-use consumers.
We derive nearly all of our revenues from providing network transmission service,
point-to-point transmission service and other related services over our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems to investor owned utilities, such as Detroit Edison, Consumers
Energy and IP&L and to other entities such as alternative electricity suppliers, power marketers
and other wholesale customers that provide electricity to end-use consumers and from
transaction-based capacity reservations on our transmission systems. We have no ownership of or
financial interest in electricity generation or distribution assets, allowing us to focus
exclusively on the transmission of electricity and investment in transmission infrastructure.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries assets include transmission systems and related assets,
including approximately 15,000 circuit miles of overhead and underground transmission lines and
assets at 500 stations and substations that interconnect our transmission facilities or connect our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries facilities with third party generation and distribution
facilities. The rate base of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, which is comprised primarily of
transmission property, plant and equipment, was in excess of $2 billion as of September 30, 2009.
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We are committed to investing capital in our transmission systems to improve reliability and
lower the delivered cost of energy to end-use consumers. By prudently investing capital in our
transmission systems, we believe we will enhance our earnings growth as we continue to earn a
regulated return on our expanding rate base.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from providing transmission service. Our
principal customers are Detroit Edison, Consumers Energy and IP&L.
Regulation and Ratemaking
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operate in different rate zones, in each of which a
different transmission service rate is charged. The rates within such rate zones are determined
using FERC-approved cost-based formulaic rate setting mechanisms. Like most of MISOs transmission
owning members, our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries use Attachment O of the MISO tariff as
their transmission rate template. A SPP member, ITC Great Plains has received conditional approval
to use a cost-based formulaic rate that produces the revenue requirement that is reflected in SPP
pricing zones as shown on Attachment H of the SPP tariff. SPP bills and collects payments on ITC
Great Plains behalf monthly based on ITC Great Plains annual projected net revenue requirements.
Our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries rates are set annually under Attachment O and are
in effect for the one-year period beginning January 1. Under Attachment O, our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries rate allows for the recovery of their respective net revenue requirements.
Our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries net revenue requirements are derived using Attachment O,
posted on the MISO Open Access Same-Time Information System each year and are effective without the
need to file a rate case with the FERC, although the rate is subject to legal challenge at the
FERC.
Under the forward-looking Attachment O formula, by September 1st of each year, our MISO
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries use forecasted expenses, additions to in-service property, plant
and equipment, point-to-point revenues, network load and other items for the upcoming calendar year
to establish their projected net revenue requirements and their component of the billed network
rates for service on their systems from January 1 to December 31 of that year. The forward-looking
Attachment O formula includes a true-up mechanism, whereby each of our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries will compare its actual net revenue requirements to its billed network revenues for
each year after the end of that year. Under forward-looking Attachment O, in the event billed
network revenues in a given year are more or less than actual net revenue requirements, which are
calculated primarily using information from that years FERC Form No. 1, our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries will refund or collect additional revenues, with interest, within a two-year
period such that customers pay only the amounts that correspond to actual net revenue requirements.
This annual true-up ensures that our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries recover their allowed
costs and earn their allowed returns. For example, the true-up adjustment relating to 2008 is
finalized in 2009 upon completion of the 2008 FERC Form No. 1 and will be included in the projected
net revenue requirement that is used to establish the rate that will be effective commencing
January 1, 2010.
On January 15, 2009, ITC Great Plains filed an application with the FERC for the approval of a
forward-looking formula rate to apply to ITC Great Plains transmission facilities in the SPP
region, including Kansas. The application sought approval of a formula rate for ITC Great Plains as
an independent transmission company in the SPP region. The application also sought incentives for
major transmission projects that ITC Great Plains has committed to construct in Kansas.
Additionally, the application sought approval of the recovery of start-up and development expenses
of ITC Great Plains and other development expenses for certain specified projects through the
recognition of regulatory assets.
On March 16, 2009, the FERC issued an order approving ITC Great Plains request for
transmission investment incentives. Further, the FERC order conditionally accepted ITC Great
Plains proposed formula rate tariff sheets, subject to refund, and set them for hearing and
settlement judge procedures. The approved transmission investment incentives and return on equity
were specifically excluded from any hearing process. On October 23, 2009, an offer of settlement
was filed with the FERC that resolves issues set for hearing and settlement judge procedures. This
settlement is subject to FERC acceptance. In October 2009, SPP made a filing with FERC to
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include ITC Great Plains revenue requirement in its tariff. We anticipate that SPP will begin
to bill ITC Great Plains 2009 network revenues in December 2009 or January 2010, retroactive to
August 18, 2009.
In August 2009, ITC Great Plains implemented its cost-based formula rate and started
recognizing revenues based on its actual net revenue requirement as set forth in Attachment H of
the SPP tariff.
Our principal executive offices are located at 27175 Energy Way, Novi, Michigan 48377 and our
telephone number at that address is (248) 946-3000. ITC Holdings website is located at
www.itc-holdings.com. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes and incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and as defined
in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend that those statements be
covered by the safe harbors created under those laws. Forward-looking statements include statements
concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance,
capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, business
trends and other information that is not historical information. When used in this prospectus, the
words estimates, expects, anticipates, projects, plans, intends, believes and
forecasts or future or conditional verbs, such as will, should, could or may, and
variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including those described in our periodic filings with the Commission, including those
described under Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference. All forward-looking
statements, including, without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends
and data, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations,
beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for
them. However, we cannot assure you that managements expectations, beliefs and projections will be
achieved. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause
our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this
prospectus. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause our actual
results to differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements are set forth
in our reports incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and include, among other things:
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Certain elements of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries cost recovery through
rates can be challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts
previously collected and thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have also made certain commitments
to federal and state regulators with respect to, among other things, our rates in
connection with recent acquisitions (including ITC Midwests acquisition of IP&Ls
electric transmission assets) that could have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries actual capital expenditures may be lower than
planned, which would decrease expected rate base and therefore our revenues. In
addition, we expect to invest in strategic development opportunities to improve the
efficiency and reliability of the transmission grid, but we cannot assure you that we
will be able to initiate or complete any of these investments. |
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The regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital
and/or pursue acquisitions, development opportunities or other transactions or may
subject us to liabilities. |
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Changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could impact cash flows and
could reduce the dividends we may be able to pay our stockholders. |
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If the network load or point-to-point transmission service on our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries transmission systems is lower than expected, the timing of
collection of our revenues would be delayed. |
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Each of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries depends on its primary customer
for a substantial portion of its revenues, and any material failure by those primary
customers to make payments for transmission services would adversely affect our
revenues and our ability to service our debt obligations and affect our ability to pay
dividends. |
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METC does not own the majority of the land on which its transmission assets are
located. Additionally, a significant amount of the land on which ITCTransmissions and
ITC Midwests assets are located is subject to easements, mineral rights and other
similar encumbrances and a significant amount of ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests
other property consists of easements. As a result, |
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ITC Transmission, METC and ITC Midwest must comply with the provisions of various
easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances, which may adversely impact
their ability to complete construction projects in a timely manner. |
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If ITC Midwests operating agreement with IP&L is terminated early, ITC Midwest may
face a shortage of labor or replacement contractors to provide the services formerly
provided by IP&L. |
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Hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in
suspension of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operations or the imposition of
civil or criminal penalties. |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulations and to
laws that can give rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination. |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements.
Violations of these requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in
penalties that, under some circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. |
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Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in
response to such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. |
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ITC Holdings is a holding company with no operations, and unless we receive
dividends or other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to pay dividends
and fulfill our other cash obligations. |
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We are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to fulfill
our debt obligations and/or to obtain additional financing. |
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Certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our financial flexibility. |
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Adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us. |
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The amount of our federal income tax NOLs that we may use to reduce our tax
liability in any given period is limited. |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, Michigan corporate law and
our debt agreements may impede efforts by our shareholders to change the direction or
management of our company. |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation restrict market participants from voting
or owning 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. |
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Future sales of our shares could depress the market price for our common stock. |
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Other risk factors discussed herein and set forth from time to time in our public
filings with the Commission. |
Because our forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject
to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different and any or all of
our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date made and can be affected by assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this prospectus will be important in
determining future results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our expectations or forecasts
expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Actual future results may vary
materially.
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Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
or other statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We
provide a cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties under the Risk Factors section in this
prospectus. These are factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially
from expected results. Other factors besides those listed here could adversely affect our business
and results of operations. You should carefully consider the risks described under Risk Factors
in this prospectus, together with any risks described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and
the information incorporated by reference.
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks
described below, together with the other information included in this prospectus, the accompanying
prospectus supplement and the information incorporated by reference, before deciding to purchase
any shares of our common stock.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Risks Related to Our Business
Certain elements of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries cost recovery through rates can be
challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously collected and
thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows. We have also made certain commitments to federal and state regulators with respect to, among
other things, our rates in connection with recent acquisitions (including ITC Midwests acquisition
of IP&Ls electric transmission assets) that could have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries provide transmission service under rates regulated by the
FERC. The FERC has approved our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries use of the rate setting
formula under Attachment O. In addition, FERC has conditionally approved the forward-looking
formula rate of ITC Great Plains, but it has not expressly approved the amount of actual capital
and operating expenditures to be used in that formula. In addition, all aspects of our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries rates approved by the FERC, including the formula rate mechanisms,
ITCTransmissions, METCs , ITC Midwests and ITC Great Plains respective allowed 13.88%, 13.38% ,
12.38% and 12.16% rates of return on the actual equity portion of their respective capital
structures, and the data inputs provided by our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries for calculation of
each years rate, are subject to challenge by interested parties at the FERC in a proceeding under
Section 206 of the FPA. If a challenger can establish that any of these aspects are unjust,
unreasonable, unduly discriminatory or preferential, then the FERC will make appropriate
prospective adjustments to them and/or disallow any of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
inclusion of those aspects in the rate setting formula. This could result in lowered rates and/or
refunds of amounts collected after the date that a Section 206 challenge is filed.
On November 18, 2008, IP&L filed a complaint against ITC Midwest with the FERC under Section
206 of the Federal Power Act. The complaint alleged that: (1) the operations and maintenance
expenses and administrative and general expenses projected in the 2009 ITC Midwest rate appeared
excessive; (2) the true-up amount related to ITC Midwests posted network rate for the period
through December 31, 2008 would cause ITC Midwest to charge an excessive rate in future years; and
(3) the methodology of allocating administrative and general expenses among ITC Holdings operating
companies was changed, resulting in such additional expenses being allocated to ITC Midwest. Among
other things, IP&Ls complaint sought investigative action by the FERC relating to ITC Midwests
transmission service charges reflected in its 2009 rate, as well as hearings regarding the justness
and reasonableness of the 2009 rate (with the ultimate goal of reducing such rate).
On April 16, 2009, the FERC dismissed the IP&L complaint, finding that IP&L failed to meet its
burden as the complainant to establish that the current rate is unjust and unreasonable and that
IP&Ls alternative rate proposal is just and reasonable. Requests for rehearing have been filed
with the FERC and the April 16 order remains subject to rehearing and ultimately to an appeal
within 30 days of any decision on rehearing.
The FERCs order approving our acquisition of METC was conditioned upon ITCTransmission and
METC not recovering merger-related costs in their rates, as described in the order, unless a
separate informational filing is submitted to the FERC. The informational filing, which could be
challenged by interested parties, would need to identify those costs and show that such costs are
outweighed by the benefits of the acquisition. Determinations by ITCTransmission or METC that
expenses included in Attachment O for recovery are not acquisition related costs are also subject
to challenge by interested parties at the FERC. If challenged at the FERC and ITCTransmission or
METC fail to show that costs included for recovery are not merger-related, this also could result
in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts collected.
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Under the FERCs order approving ITC Midwests asset acquisition, ITC Midwest agreed to a hold
harmless commitment in which no acquisition premium will be recovered in rates, nor will ITC
Midwest recover through transmission rates any transaction-related costs that exceed demonstrated
transaction-related savings for a period of five years. If during the five year period ITC Midwest
seeks to recover transaction-related costs through Attachment O, ITC Midwest must make an
informational filing at the FERC that identifies the transaction-related costs sought to be
recovered and demonstrates that those costs are exceeded by transaction-related savings. If
challenged at the FERC and ITC Midwest fails to show that transaction-related costs included for
recovery do not exceed transaction-related savings, ITC Midwest could be subject to lowered rates
and/or refunds of amounts previously collected. Additionally, in Iowa and Minnesota, as part of the
regulatory approval process, ITC Midwest committed not to recover the first $15.0 million in
transaction-related costs under any circumstances.
In the Minnesota regulatory proceeding, ITC Midwest agreed to build two construction projects
intended to improve the reliability and efficiency of our electric transmission system. ITC Midwest
agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete these projects prior to December 31, 2009
and 2011, respectively. In the event ITC Midwest fails to meet these commitments, the allowed
12.38% rate of return on the actual equity portion of ITC Midwests capital structure will be
reduced to 10.39% under Attachment O until such time as it completes these projects. Any of the
events described above could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries actual capital expenditures may be lower than planned, which
would decrease expected rate base and therefore our revenues. In addition, we expect to invest in
strategic development opportunities to improve the efficiency and reliability of the transmission
grid, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to initiate or complete any of these
investments.
Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries rate base, revenues and earnings are determined
in part by additions to property, plant and equipment when placed in service. We expect
ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains to invest approximately $445 million, $750
million, $1,147 million and $637million, respectively, in their respective systems from January 1,
2010 to December 31, 2014. We also anticipate making a $91 million capital investment in Green
Power Express and other development initiatives over the same period. The expected amounts of
capital investment over the period beginning January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014 include
estimated transmission network upgrades for generator interconnections. The amounts for
transmission network upgrades for generator interconnections could change significantly due to
factors beyond our control, such as changes in the MISO queue for generation projects and whether
the generator meets the various criteria of Attachment FF of the MISO Open Access Transmission,
Energy and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff for the project to qualify as a refundable network
upgrade, among other factors.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we expect ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest to
invest approximately $75 million to $85 million, $120 million to $130 million and $125 million to
$130 million, respectively, in their respective systems, which includes estimated capital
investments for transmission network upgrades. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we expect
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest to invest approximately $50 million to $60 million, $140
million to $155 million and $205 million to $225 million, respectively, in their respective
systems, which includes estimated capital investments for transmission network upgrades. We also
expect to invest $10 million to $20 million in ITC Great Plains during this period. Our expected
capital investments in our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2010 could change significantly due to the uncertainty around capital investments for
transmission network upgrades for generator interconnections as described above. If our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries capital expenditures and the resulting in-service property, plant and
equipment are lower than anticipated for any reason, our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries will have
a lower than anticipated rate base thus causing their revenue requirements and future earnings to
be potentially lower than anticipated.
In addition, we are pursuing broader strategic development investment opportunities for
transmission construction related to building super-regional 765 kV transmission facilities,
interconnections for wind generation and other renewable resources, and investment opportunities.
The incumbent utilities or other entities with transmission development initiatives may compete
with us by deciding to pursue capital projects that we are pursuing. These estimates of potential
investment opportunities are based primarily on foreseeable transmission needs and general
transmission construction costs, not necessarily on particular project cost estimates.
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Any capital investment at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries or as a result of our broader
strategic development initiatives may be lower than expected due to, among other factors, the
impact of actual loads, forecasted loads, regional economic conditions, weather conditions, union
strikes, labor shortages, material and equipment prices and availability, our ability to obtain
financing for such expenditures, if necessary, limitations on the amount of construction that can
be undertaken on our system or transmission systems owned by others at any one time or regulatory
approvals for reasons relating to rate construct, environmental, siting, regional planning, cost
recovery and other issues or as a result of legal proceedings and variances between estimated and
actual costs of construction contracts awarded. Our ability to engage in construction projects
resulting from pursuing these initiatives is subject to significant uncertainties, including the
factors discussed above, and will depend on obtaining any necessary regulatory and other approvals
for the project and for us to initiate construction, our achieving status as the builder of the
project in some circumstances and other factors. Therefore, we can provide no assurance as to the
actual level of investment we may achieve at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries or as a result of
the broader strategic development initiatives.
The regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital and/or pursue
acquisitions, development opportunities or other transactions or may subject us to liabilities.
Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries is a public utility under the FPA and,
accordingly, is subject to regulation by the FERC. Approval of the FERC is required under Section
203 of the FPA for a disposition or acquisition of regulated public utility facilities, either
directly or indirectly through a holding company. Such approval may also be required to acquire
securities in a public utility. Section 203 of the FPA also provides the FERC with explicit
authority over utility holding companies purchases or acquisitions of, and mergers or
consolidations with, a public utility. Finally, each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries must
also seek approval by the FERC under Section 204 of the FPA for issuances of its securities
(including debt securities).
We are also pursuing strategic development opportunities for construction of transmission
facilities and interconnections with wind generation and other renewable resources. These projects
require regulatory approval by the FERC, applicable RTOs and state regulatory agencies. Failure to
secure such regulatory approval for new strategic development projects could adversely affect our
ability to grow our business and increase our revenues.
In addition, we are subject to state and/or local regulations relating to, among other things,
facility siting. If we fail to comply with these local regulations, we may incur liabilities for
such failure.
Changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could impact cash flows and could reduce
the dividends we may be able to pay our stockholders.
Attachment O, the forward-looking formula used by our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries to
calculate their respective annual revenue requirements, and the forward-looking formula rate
approved by the FERC for use by ITC Great Plains, will be used by our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries for that purpose until and unless the FERC determines that such rate formula is unjust
and unreasonable or that another mechanism is more appropriate. Such determinations could result
from challenges initiated at the FERC by interested parties, by the FERC on its own initiative in a
proceeding under Section 206 of the FPA or by a successful application initiated by any of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries under Section 205 of the FPA. End-use consumers and entities
supplying electricity to end-use consumers may attempt to influence government and/or regulators to
change the rate setting methodologies that apply to our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries,
particularly if rates for delivered electricity increase substantially.
Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries is regulated by the FERC as a public
utility under the FPA and is a transmission owner in MISO or SPP. We cannot predict whether the
approved rate methodologies for any of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries will be changed. In
addition, the U.S. Congress periodically considers enacting energy legislation that could shift new
responsibilities to the FERC, modify provisions of the FPA or provide the FERC or another entity
with increased authority to regulate transmission matters. We cannot predict whether, and to what
extent, our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries may be affected by any such changes in federal energy
laws, regulations or policies in the future.
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If the network load or point-to-point transmission service on our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems is lower than expected, the timing of collection of our revenues
would be delayed.
If the network load or point-to-point transmission service on our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems is lower than expected for any reason, including due to weather,
a weak economy, changes in the nature or composition of the transmission grids of our MISO
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and surrounding areas, poor transmission quality of neighboring
transmission systems, the timing of the collection of our revenue requirement would likely be
delayed until such circumstances are adjusted through the true-up mechanism in our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries formula rate mechanisms.
Each of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries depends on its primary customer for a substantial
portion of its revenues, and any material failure by those primary customers to make payments for
transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our ability to service our debt
obligations and affect our ability to pay dividends.
ITCTransmission derives a substantial portion of its revenues from the transmission of
electricity to Detroit Edisons local distribution facilities. Detroit Edison accounted for 87.3%
of ITCTransmissions total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 and is expected
to constitute the majority of ITCTransmissions revenues for the foreseeable future. In early
November 2009, Detroit Edison was rated BBB/negative and Baa1/stable by Standard & Poors Ratings
Services and Moodys Investors Services, Inc., respectively. Similarly, Consumers Energy accounted
for 82.8% of METCs total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, and is expected
to constitute the majority of METCs revenues for the foreseeable future. In early November 2009,
Consumers Energy was rated BBB-/stable and Baa2/stable by Standard & Poors Ratings Services and
Moodys Investors Service, Inc., respectively. Further, IP&L accounted for 85.5% of ITC Midwests
total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 and is expected to constitute the
majority of ITC Midwests revenues for the foreseeable future. In early November 2009, IP&L was
rated BBB-/stable and A3/stable by Standard & Poors Ratings Services and Moodys Investors
Service, Inc., respectively. These percentages of total operating revenues of Detroit Edison,
Consumers Energy and IP&L include an estimate for the 2008 Attachment O revenue accruals that were
included in our 2008 operating revenues, but will not be billed to our customers until 2010. We
have assumed that the Attachment O revenues billed to these customers in 2010 would be in the same
proportion of the respective percentages of network revenues billed to them in 2008.
Any material failure by Detroit Edison, Consumers Energy or IP&L to make payments for
transmission services would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and
our ability to service our debt obligations, and could impact the amount of dividends we pay our
stockholders.
METC does not own the majority of the land on which its transmission assets are located.
Additionally, a significant amount of the land on which ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests assets
are located is subject to easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances and a
significant amount of ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests other property consists of easements. As
a result, ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest must comply with the provisions of various
easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances, which may adversely impact their ability
to complete construction projects in a timely manner.
METC does not own the majority of the land on which its electric transmission assets are
located. Instead, under the provisions of an Easement Agreement with Consumers Energy, METC pays
annual rent of $10.0 million to Consumers Energy in exchange for rights-of-way, leases, fee
interests and licenses which allow METC to use the land on which its transmission lines are
located. Under the terms of the Easement Agreement, METCs easement rights could be eliminated if
METC fails to meet certain requirements, such as paying contractual rent to Consumers Energy in a
timely manner. Additionally, a significant amount of the land on which ITCTransmissions and ITC
Midwests assets are located is subject to easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances
and a significant amount of ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests other property consists of
easements. As a result, they must comply with the provisions of various easements, mineral rights
and other similar encumbrances, which may adversely impact their ability to complete their
construction projects in a timely manner.
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If ITC Midwests operating agreement with IP&L is terminated early, ITC Midwest may face a shortage
of labor or replacement contractors to provide the services formerly provided by IP&L.
ITC Midwest has an operating service agreement with IP&L, the Transition Services Agreement
(TSA), which governs the operation of ITC Midwests 34.5 kV transmission system. IP&L also
provides a limited number of corporate administration, construction and maintenance services to ITC
Midwest under the TSA. The TSAs initial term expired, but ITC Midwest has the option to extend TSA
services until December 31, 2010. ITC Midwest exercised its option under the TSA to extend the
system operations services and an associated billing service to December 31, 2010, and to extend
certain corporate administration, construction and maintenance services to December 31, 2009. The
TSA can be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties. While this agreement is in place, ITC
Midwest will continue to hire and train its own employees and continue to contract with other
non-utility owning vendors to provide these services with the eventual goal of replacing IP&L
entirely. If the FERC were to terminate this agreement prematurely, or prohibit its renewal, or if
this agreement is terminated or fails to be renewed for any other reason at any time when ITC
Midwest is unprepared for such termination, ITC Midwest may face difficulty finding a qualified
replacement work force to provide such services, which could have a material adverse effect on its
ability to carry on its business and on its results of operations.
Hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in suspension of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operations or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
The operations of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to the usual hazards
associated with high-voltage electricity transmission, including explosions, fires, inclement
weather, natural disasters, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, equipment interruptions,
remediation, chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and
other environmental risks. The hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to
or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and may result in suspension of
operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. We maintain property and casualty
insurance, but we are not fully insured against all potential hazards incident to our business,
such as damage to poles, towers and lines or losses caused by outages.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulations and to laws that can
give rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination.
The operations of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations, which impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into
the environment, establish standards for the management, treatment, storage, transportation and
disposal of hazardous materials and of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose obligations to
investigate and remediate contamination in certain circumstances. Liabilities to investigate or
remediate contamination, as well as other liabilities concerning hazardous materials or
contamination such as claims for personal injury or property damage, may arise at many locations,
including formerly owned or operated properties and sites where wastes have been treated or
disposed of, as well as at properties currently owned or operated by our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries. Such liabilities may arise even where the contamination does not result from
noncompliance with applicable environmental laws. Under a number of environmental laws, such
liabilities may also be joint and several, meaning that a party can be held responsible for more
than its share of the liability involved, or even the entire share. Environmental requirements
generally have become more stringent in recent years, and compliance with those requirements more
expensive.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries have incurred expenses in connection with environmental
compliance, and we anticipate that each will continue to do so in the future. Failure to comply
with the extensive environmental laws and regulations applicable to each could result in
significant civil or criminal penalties and remediation costs. Our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries assets and operations also involve the use of materials classified as hazardous,
toxic, or otherwise dangerous. Some of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries facilities and
properties are located near environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and habitats of
endangered or threatened species. In addition, certain properties in which our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries operate are, or are suspected of being, affected by environmental contamination.
Compliance with these laws and regulations, and liabilities concerning contamination or hazardous
materials, may adversely affect our costs and, therefore, our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
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In addition, claims have been made or threatened against electric utilities for bodily injury,
disease or other damages allegedly related to exposure to electromagnetic fields associated with
electric transmission and distribution lines. We cannot assure you that such claims will not be
asserted against us or that, if determined in a manner adverse to our interests, would not have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements. Violations of
these requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in penalties that, under some
circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are required to comply with various regulations,
including reliability standards established by the NERC, which acts as the nations Electric
Reliability Organization approved by the FERC in accordance with Section 215 of the FPA. These
standards address operation, planning and security of the bulk power system, including requirements
in respect of real-time transmission operations, emergency operations, vegetation management,
critical infrastructure protection and personnel training. Failure to comply with these
requirements can result in monetary penalties as well as non-monetary sanctions. Monetary penalties
vary based on an assigned risk factor for each potential violation, the severity of the violation
and various other circumstances, such as whether the violation was intentional or concealed,
whether there are repeated violations, the degree of the violators cooperation in investigating
and remediating the violation and the presence of a compliance program. Penalty amounts range from
$1,000 to a maximum of $1.0 million per day, depending on the severity of the violation.
Non-monetary sanctions include potential limitations on the violators activities or operation and
placing the violator on a watchlist for major violators. Despite our best efforts to comply and the
implementation of a compliance program intended to ensure reliability, there can be no assurance
that violations will not occur that would result in material penalties or sanctions. If any of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries were to violate the NERC reliability standards, even
unintentionally, in any material way, any penalties or sanctions imposed against us could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in response to
such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in response
to such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations in unpredictable ways, such as increased security measures and disruptions of markets.
Strategic targets, such as energy related assets, including, for example, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission facilities and Detroit Edisons, Consumers Energys and IP&Ls
generation and distribution facilities, may be at risk of future terrorist attacks. In addition to
the increased costs associated with heightened security requirements, such events may have an
adverse effect on the economy in general. A lower level of economic activity could result in a
decline in energy consumption, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Structure and Financial Leverage
ITC Holdings is a holding company with no operations, and unless we receive dividends or other
payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to pay dividends and fulfill our other cash
obligations.
As a holding company with no business operations, ITC Holdings material assets consist
primarily of the stock and membership interests in our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and any
other subsidiaries ITC Holdings may have, deferred tax assets relating primarily to federal income
tax NOLs and cash on hand. Our only sources of cash to pay dividends to our stockholders are
dividends and other payments received by us from time to time from our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries we may have and the proceeds raised from the sale of our
debt and equity securities. Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, however, is legally
distinct from us and has no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to make funds available to us for
the payment of dividends to ITC Holdings stockholders or otherwise. The ability of each of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries we may have to pay dividends and make
other payments to us is subject to, among other things, the availability of funds, after taking
into account capital expenditure requirements, the terms of its indebtedness, applicable state laws
and regulations of the FERC and the FPA. While we currently intend to continue to pay quarterly
dividends on our common stock, we have no obligation to do so. The payment of dividends is within
the
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absolute discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our
results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial
condition, contractual restrictions, anticipated cash needs and other factors that our board deems
relevant.
We are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to fulfill our debt
obligations and/or to obtain additional financing.
We are highly leveraged. As of September 30, 2009, we had approximately $2.4 billion of
consolidated indebtedness, $859.0 million of which was secured by our assets. We had a total of
$185.2 million in revolving credit agreement indebtedness, $100.0 million outstanding under ITC
Holdings term loan and $2.1 billion of indebtedness under our various debt securities. Our
leveraged capital structure can have several important consequences, including, but not limited to,
the following:
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If future cash flows are insufficient, we may not be able to make principal or
interest payments on our debt obligations, which could result in the occurrence of an
event of default under one or more of those debt instruments. |
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If future cash flows are insufficient, we may need to incur further indebtedness in
order to make the capital expenditures and other expenses or investments planned by us. |
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Our indebtedness will have the general effect of reducing our flexibility to react
to changing business and economic conditions insofar as they affect our financial
condition and, therefore, may pose substantial risk to our shareholders. A substantial
portion of the dividends and payments in lieu of taxes we receive from our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries will be dedicated to the payment of interest on our
indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for the payment of dividends on our
common stock. |
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In the event that we are liquidated, our senior or subordinated creditors and the
senior or subordinated creditors of our subsidiaries will be entitled to payment in
full prior to any distributions to the holders of shares of our common stock. |
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Our revolving credit facilities mature in March 2012 for ITC Holdings,
ITCTransmission and METC and in January 2013 for ITC Midwest. Our ability to secure
additional financing prior to or after that time, if needed, may be substantially
restricted by the existing level of our indebtedness and the restrictions contained in
our debt instruments. |
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Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (Lehman), a member of our revolving credit agreement
syndication, was included in a bankruptcy filing made by its parent, Lehman Brothers
Holdings Inc., on September 14, 2008. Given the favorable terms of our existing
agreement compared to current market conditions, we do not expect to find a replacement
bank and as a result, our capacity to borrow under ITC Holdings revolving credit
facility continues to be reduced by Lehmans commitment of $19.8 million. |
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Current market conditions could affect our access to capital markets, restrict our
ability to secure financing to make the capital expenditures and other expenses or
investments planned by us and could adversely affect our business, financial condition,
cash flows and results of operations. |
We may incur substantial indebtedness in the future. The incurrence of additional indebtedness
would increase the leverage-related risks described here.
Certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our financial flexibility.
Our debt instruments include senior notes, secured notes, first mortgage bonds and revolving
credit agreements containing numerous financial and operating covenants that place significant
restrictions on, among other things, our ability to:
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engage in sale and lease-back transactions; |
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create liens or other encumbrances; |
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enter into mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions, or sell or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; |
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create and acquire subsidiaries; and |
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pay dividends or make distributions on our and ITCTransmissions capital stock and
METCs, ITC Midwests and ITC Great Plains member capital. |
Our revolving credit agreements, ITC Holdings senior notes, ITC Transmissions first mortgage
bonds, ITC Midwests first mortgage bonds and METCs senior secured notes require us to meet
certain financial ratios. Our ability to comply with these and other requirements and restrictions
may be affected by changes in economic or business conditions, results of operations or other
events beyond our control. A failure to comply with the obligations contained in any of our debt
instruments could result in acceleration of the related debt and the acceleration of debt under
other instruments evidencing indebtedness that may contain cross-acceleration or cross-default
provisions.
Adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us.
Our ability to access capital markets is important to our ability to operate our business.
Increased scrutiny of the energy industry and the impact of regulation, as well as changes in our
financial performance could result in credit agencies reexamining our credit ratings. A downgrade
in our credit ratings could restrict or discontinue our ability to access capital markets at
attractive rates and increase our borrowing costs. A rating downgrade could also increase the
interest we pay under our revolving credit agreements.
The amount of our federal income tax NOLs that we may use to reduce our tax liability in any given
period is limited.
As of December 31, 2008, we had estimated federal income tax NOLs of $253.4 million, resulting
in part from accelerated depreciation methods for property, plant and equipment for income tax
reporting purposes. These federal income tax NOLs may be used to offset future taxable income and
thereby reduce our U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue
Code imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an ownership change to
use its federal income tax NOLs to reduce its tax liability. We are subject to annual limitations
on the use of such federal income tax NOLs as a result of changes in our ownership. We have not
recorded a valuation allowance relating to our federal income tax NOLs. In the event it becomes
more likely than not that any portion of the federal income tax NOLs will expire unused, we would
be required to recognize an expense to establish a valuation allowance in the period in which the
determination is made. If the expense is significant, it could have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations.
Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, Michigan corporate law and our debt
agreements may impede efforts by our shareholders to change the direction or management of our
company.
Our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that might enable our management
to resist a proposed takeover. These provisions could discourage, delay or prevent a change of
control or an acquisition at a price that our shareholders may find attractive. These provisions
also may discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our shareholders to elect
directors and take other corporate actions. The existence of these provisions could limit the price
that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions
include:
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a requirement that special meetings of our shareholders may be called only by our
board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors, our president or the
holders of a majority of the shares of our outstanding common stock; |
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advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals and nominations; and |
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the authority of our board to issue, without shareholder approval, common or
preferred stock, including in connection with our implementation of any shareholders
rights plan, or poison pill. |
In addition, our revolving credit agreements provide that a change in a majority of ITC
Holdings board of directors that is not approved by the current ITC Holdings directors or
acquiring beneficial ownership of 35% or more of ITC Holdings outstanding common shares will
constitute a default under those agreements.
Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation restrict market participants from voting or owning 5%
or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock.
Certain of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries have been granted favorable rate treatment by
the FERC based on their independence from market participants. The FERC defines a market
participant to include any person or entity that, either directly or through an affiliate, sells
or brokers electricity, or provides ancillary services to MISO or SPP, in the case of ITC Great
Plains. An affiliate, for these purposes, includes any person or entity that directly or indirectly
owns, controls or holds with the power to vote 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a
market participant. To help ensure that we and our subsidiaries will remain independent of market
participants, our Articles of Incorporation impose certain restrictions on the ownership and voting
of shares of our capital stock by market participants. In particular, the Articles of Incorporation
provide that we are restricted from issuing any shares of capital stock or recording any transfer
of shares if the issuance or transfer would cause any market participant, either individually or
together with members of its group (as defined in Commission beneficial ownership rules), to
beneficially own 5% or more of any class or series of our capital stock. Additionally, if a market
participant, together with its group members, acquires beneficial ownership of 5% or more of any
series of the outstanding shares of our capital stock, such market participant or any shareholder
who is a member of a group including a market participant will not be able to vote or direct or
control the votes of shares representing 5% or more of any series of our outstanding capital stock.
Finally, to the extent a market participant, together with its group members, acquires beneficial
ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any series of our capital stock, our Articles
of Incorporation allow our board of directors to redeem any shares of our capital stock so that,
after giving effect to the redemption, the market participant, together with its group members,
will cease to beneficially own 5% or more of that series of our outstanding capital stock.
Future sales of our shares could depress the market price of our common stock.
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of
shares of our common stock in the market or the perception that these sales could occur. These
sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to
sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
The compensation committee of our board of directors may approve restrictions on shares
granted under the 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan.
On an annual basis, the compensation committee approves grants of
shares of restricted stock that vest either three or
five years from
the grant date and options to purchase shares of our common stock
which vest ratably over a three or five year period from the grant
date.
As
of the date of this prospectus, we had approximately 50,823,480 shares of common stock
outstanding. Of those shares, 50,069,801 shares will be freely tradable.
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In
addition, as of the date of this prospectus, 3,698,199 shares were available for future
issuance under our 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 2006 Long
Term Incentive Plan, including 2,684,200 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock
options, of which 1,873,651 were vested as of the date of this prospectus. In the future, we may
issue our common stock in connection with investments or repayment of our debt. The amount of such
common stock issued could constitute a material portion of our then outstanding common stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The use of proceeds will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK
The following is a summary of the material terms of ITC Holdings capital stock and the
provisions of ITC Holdings Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Second Amended and
Restated Bylaws, which we refer to as our capital stock, our Articles of Incorporation and our
bylaws, respectively. It also summarizes relevant provisions of the Michigan Business Corporation
Act, or MBCA. Since the terms of our Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and the MBCA are more
detailed than the general information provided below, we urge you to read the actual provisions of
those documents and the MBCA. The following summary of our capital stock is subject in all respects
to the MBCA, our Articles of Incorporation and our bylaws. Our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws
are incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
General
As of the date of this prospectus, ITC Holdings authorized capital stock consisted of:
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100 million shares of common stock, without par value; and |
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10 million shares of preferred stock, without par value. |
As
of the date of this prospectus, there were 50,823,480 shares of our common stock
outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding and 533 holders of record of our
common stock.
Common Stock
All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock, including holders of common stock subject to
restricted stock awards, is entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, subject to the
restrictions on market participants described below. Holders of our common stock have no cumulative
voting rights.
Dividends. Holders of our common stock, including holders of common stock subject to
restricted stock awards, are entitled to receive dividends or other distributions declared by the
board of directors. The right of the board of directors to declare dividends is subject to the
right of any holders of ITC Holdings preferred stock, to the extent that any preferred stock is
authorized and issued, and the availability under the MBCA of sufficient funds to pay dividends. We
have not issued any shares of preferred stock. The declaration and payment of dividends is subject
to the discretion of ITC Holdings board of directors and depends on various factors, including our
net income, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed
relevant by our board of directors. As a holding company with no business operations, ITC Holdings
material assets consist primarily of the stock and membership interests in our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries ITC Holdings may have, deferred tax assets relating
primarily to federal income tax NOLs and cash on hand. Our only sources of cash to pay dividends to
our stockholders are dividends and other payments received by us from time to time from our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries we may have and the proceeds raised
from the sale of our debt and equity securities. Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries,
however, is legally distinct from us and has no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to make funds
available to us for the payment of dividends to ITC Holdings stockholders or otherwise. The
ability of each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries we may have to
pay dividends and make other payments to us is subject to, among other things, the availability of
funds, after taking into account capital expenditure requirements, the terms of its indebtedness,
applicable state laws and regulations of the FERC and the FPA. The debt agreements to which ITC
Holdings and its subsidiaries are parties contain covenants that could limit our ability to pay
dividends, as well as covenants that prohibit us from paying dividends if we are in default under
our revolving credit facilities.
Liquidation Rights. If our company is dissolved, the holders of our common stock will share
ratably in the distribution of all assets that remain after we pay all of our liabilities and
satisfy our obligations to the holders of any of ITC Holdings preferred stock, to the extent that
any preferred stock is authorized and issued.
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Preemptive and Other Rights. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights to
purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities of our company and, other than as described
below, there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to our
common stock.
Restrictions on Ownership by Market Participants. Our Articles of Incorporation include the
following restrictions on issuance to, and ownership and voting of ITC Holdings capital stock by,
market participants, as defined below, which are provisions to ensure that our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries remain independent transmission companies eligible for favorable
regulatory treatment, consistent with FERC orders.
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We are restricted from issuing any shares of capital stock or recording any transfer
of shares if the issuance or transfer would cause any market participant, either
individually or together with members of its group (as defined in Commission
beneficial ownership rules), to beneficially own 5% or more of any class or series of
our capital stock, provided that we may issue shares in excess of 5% to underwriters or
initial purchasers in underwritten offerings or private placements approved by our
board of directors. In addition, this restriction will not preclude settlement of any
transfer that occurs on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE (or another national
securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system on which the shares may
trade). |
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If a market participant, together with its group members, beneficially owns 5% or
more of any class or series of our capital stock, that market participant, together
with its group members, will not be permitted to exercise voting rights on shares
constituting 5% or more of that class or series. |
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We will have the right to redeem shares of capital stock beneficially owned by a
market participant (or its group members) if that market participant, together with its
group members, beneficially owns 5% or more of any class or series of our capital stock
so that the market participant, together with its group members, ceases to beneficially
own 5% or more of that class or series. |
Prior to redeeming any shares, we will be required to give at least 45 days written notice to
the holder of the shares. Prior to the redemption date, the stockholder may sell any shares that
would otherwise be redeemed to avoid redemption of those shares. The redemption price for any
shares redeemed will be the fair market value of the shares, as determined by our board of
directors in good faith. If our shares are listed on the NYSE (or another national securities
exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system), the fair market value will be equal to the
lesser of (x) the volume weighted average price for the shares over the 10 most recent trading days
immediately prior to the delivery of the redemption notice and (y) the volume weighted average
price for the shares over the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date the shares are
redeemed.
A market participant has the meaning given to that term by the FERC and includes:
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an entity that, either directly or through an affiliate, sells or brokers electric
energy, or provides ancillary services to our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries or MISO
or SPP (unless the FERC finds that the entity does not have economic or commercial
interests that would be significantly affected by the actions or decisions of the
Regulated Operating Subsidiary or MISO or SPP); or |
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any other entity that the FERC finds to be a market participant because it has
economic or commercial interests that would be significantly affected by the actions or
decisions of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries or MISO or SPP. |
An affiliate, for these purposes, includes any person that directly or indirectly owns,
controls or holds with the power to vote 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such
specified company. (18 CFR § 35.34(b)(2).)
A determination by our board of directors, acting in good faith, that a person or entity is a
market participant will be binding on all stockholders. In determining whether any shares of
capital stock are beneficially owned by a market participant, or its group members, our board of
directors may rely solely on our stock transfer
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records, public filings with the Commission on Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D by beneficial
owners of our shares and on the declarations described below.
Certain Stockholders Required to Certify as to Market Participant Relationships. Our Articles
of Incorporation permit, and require if we request, the following persons or entities to make
certain declarations to us:
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any person or entity that, together with its group members, acquires beneficial
ownership of 5% or more of any class or series of capital stock of ITC Holdings and
which has made a filing with the Commission under Regulation 13D-G in respect of such
beneficial ownership; or |
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any person or entity (other than a depositary institution or broker-dealer who is
not a beneficial owner for purposes of Regulation 13D-G) that is a record holder of 5%
or more of any class or series of capital stock of ITC Holdings. |
The declaration must be delivered to us within 10 days of any request and must include the
following information:
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the number of shares of capital stock beneficially owned by such person or entity,
together with its group members, together with the name of the record holders of such shares; and |
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a certification by such person or entity that neither it nor its group members is a
market participant (or, in lieu of such certification, the stockholder may deliver a
certified list of all of such persons or entitys activities and investments related
to the sale, marketing, trading, brokering or distribution of electric energy or
provision of ancillary services to our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries or to MISO or
SPP, as applicable.). |
Any person, entity or group that fails to deliver the declaration when requested by us to do
so will be deemed to be a market participant for purposes of the voting restrictions and redemption
provisions described above, unless that person, entity or group subsequently delivers the required
declaration to ITC Holdings and the board of directors determines that such person, entity or group
is not a market participant.
Preferred Stock
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series
of preferred stock. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange on which our common stock is
listed, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further
action by you. Our board of directors is authorized to determine, with respect to any series of
preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series including:
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the number of shares of the series; |
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the designation of the series; |
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the rights with respect to dividends, if any, of the series; |
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the conversion and redemption rights, if any, of the series; |
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the rights of holders of the series upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
ITC Holdings, or in the event of any merger, consolidation or sale of assets; |
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the terms of any sinking fund, redemption, repurchase or purchase account, if any,
to be provided for shares of the series; |
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the preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if
any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series; and |
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the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series. |
Provisions That May Discourage Takeovers
The MBCA and our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may have the
effect of discouraging transactions involving an actual or threatened change of control. These
provisions could protect the continuity of our directors and management and possibly deprive our
stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than the
prevailing market prices. The following description is subject in its entirety to applicable
provisions of the MBCA and our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws.
Availability of Authorized but Unissued Shares. Under the terms of our Articles of
Incorporation, our board of directors may issue shares of authorized common stock without
stockholder approval. However, the listing requirements of the NYSE, which would apply so long as
our common stock is listed on the NYSE, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to
or exceeding 20% of the then-outstanding voting power or then-outstanding number of shares of
common stock. If our board of directors decides to issue shares to persons supportive of current
management, this could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our
company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. Authorized but unissued
shares also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of our
company, including dilution through a stockholder rights plan of the type commonly known as a
poison pill, which the board of directors could adopt without a stockholder vote.
Issuance of Preferred Stock. In addition, our board of directors could issue shares of
preferred stock having voting rights that adversely affect the voting power of holders of our
common stock, which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or impeding a change in control of
our company.
No Cumulative Voting. Under the MBCA, stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights for
the election of directors unless the Articles of Incorporation so provide. Our Articles of
Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting.
Limitation on Calling Special Meetings of Stockholders. The MBCA allows the board of
directors or officers, directors or stockholders authorized in our bylaws to call special meetings
of stockholders. Our bylaws provide that a special meeting may be called by our board of directors,
the chairperson of the board (if the office is filled) or president, and shall be called by the
president or secretary at the written request of stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding
shares of stock entitled to vote at the proposed special meeting. Business to be transacted at a
special meeting is limited by our bylaws to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the
meeting.
Action Without Meeting of Stockholders. Any action required or permitted by the MBCA to be
taken at a meeting of stockholders, directors or a committee of directors may be taken without a
meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if all of the shareholders, directors or
committee members entitled to vote consent to such action in writing, or to the extent permitted by
the MBCA, by electronic transmission, before or after the action is taken.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our bylaws
provide that stockholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring
business before an annual or special meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their
proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a stockholders notice
must be received by the corporate secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 90
days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the previous years annual
meeting or, in the case of a special meeting, the date of the special meeting. Our bylaws also
specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders notice. These provisions may
impede stockholders ability to bring matters before an annual or special meeting of stockholders
or make nominations for directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders.
Business Combinations and Change of Control. The MBCA contains statutes which regulate
business combinations and changes in control of Michigan corporations.
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Chapter 7A of the MBCA provides that a business combination subject to Chapter 7A between a
covered Michigan corporation or any of its subsidiaries and a beneficial owner of shares entitled
to 10% or more of the voting power of such corporation generally requires the affirmative vote of
90% of the votes of each class of stock entitled to vote, and not less than two thirds of the votes
of each class of stock entitled to vote (excluding voting shares owned by such 10% or more owner),
voting as a separate class. These requirements do not apply if (1) the corporations board of
directors approves the transaction before the 10% or more owner becomes such or (2) the transaction
satisfies certain fairness standards, certain other conditions are met and the 10% or more owner
has been such for at least five years. Chapter 7A business combinations include, among other
transactions, mergers, significant asset transfers, certain disproportionate issuances of shares to
an interested stockholder, certain reclassifications and recapitalizations disproportionately
favorable to such stockholder, and the adoption of a plan of liquidation or dissolution in which
such a stockholder would receive anything other than cash. Chapter 7A does not restrict the
purchase of shares from other stockholders in the open market, through private transactions or
acquired through a tender offer.
As permitted by Chapter 7A, our Articles of Incorporation provide that we are not governed by
the provisions of that Chapter. In order for ITC Holdings to become subject to the provisions of
Chapter 7A, our stockholders would have to vote affirmatively to amend our Articles of
Incorporation.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
As permitted by the MBCA, our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws generally limit the
personal liability of our directors to us and our stockholders for breach of their fiduciary duty
and require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the MBCA.
Specifically, our bylaws require us to indemnify directors and officers against expenses (including
actual and reasonable attorneys fees), judgments (other than in an action by or in the right of
ITC Holdings), penalties, fines, excise taxes and settlements actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding brought against a
director or officer by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of ITC
Holdings or, while serving as a director or officer, is or was serving at the request of ITC
Holdings as a director, officer, member, partner, trustee, employee, fiduciary or agent of another
enterprise to the maximum extent permitted by, and in accordance with the procedures and
requirements specified in, the MBCA. Our bylaws also provide that indemnification is a contractual
right between us and the officer or director, who may not be adversely affected by a repeal of the
indemnification provisions of our bylaws.
The MBCA and our bylaws authorize us to purchase and maintain insurance from a third party
insurer on behalf of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of ITC Holdings
or who is or was serving at the request of ITC Holdings as a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee or agent of another enterprise, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify him or
her under the bylaws or the laws of the State of Michigan. We maintain a directors and officers
insurance policy. The policy insures directors and officers against unindemnified losses from
certain wrongful acts in their capacities as directors and officers and provides that the insurer
will pay on behalf of the Registrant for those losses for which we have lawfully indemnified the
directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted
to officers and directors pursuant to the provisions described above or otherwise, we have been
advised that, in the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell shares of common stock from time to time in any of the following ways:
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through underwriters or dealers; |
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directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; or |
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through agents. |
The prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of such shares of common
stock, including:
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the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of shares
of common stock underwritten or purchased by each of them; and |
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the public offering price of the shares of common stock and the proceeds to us and
any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. |
Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time.
We may affect the distribution of the shares from time to time in one or more transactions
either:
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at a fixed price or at prices that may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale; |
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at prices relating to such prevailing market prices; |
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at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
Transactions through dealers may include block trades in which dealers will attempt to sell
the shares of common stock as agent but may position and resell the block as principal to
facilitate the transaction. The shares of common stock may be sold through dealers or agents or to
dealers acting as market makers.
If underwriters are used in the sale of any shares of common stock, the shares will be
acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or
more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. The shares of common stock may be either offered to
the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by
underwriters. Generally, the underwriters obligations to purchase the shares of common stock will
be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
the shares of common stock if they purchase any of the shares of common stock (other than any
shares of common stock purchased upon exercise of any over-allotment option, if any).
We may sell the shares of common stock through agents from time to time. The prospectus
supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the shares of common stock and any
commissions paid to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the
period of its appointment. Any underwriters, broker-dealers and agents that participate in the
distribution of the shares of common stock may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in Section
2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. Any commissions paid or any discounts, commissions or concessions
allowed to any such persons, and any profits they receive on resale of the shares of
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common stock, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities
Act. We will identify any underwriters or agents and describe their compensation in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
The shares of common stock may be sold on any national securities exchange on which the common
stock may be listed at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market or in transactions
otherwise than on such exchanges or in the over-the-counter market or in transactions that include
special offerings and exchange distributions pursuant to and in accordance with the rules of such
exchanges.
We may enter into derivative transactions or forward sale agreements on shares of common stock
with third parties. In such event, we may pledge the shares underlying such transactions to the
counterparties under such agreements, to secure our delivery obligations. The counterparties or
third parties may borrow shares of common stock from us 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, we may deliver shares of common stock to the counterparties that, in turn,
the counterparties may deliver to us or third parties, as the case may be, to close out the open
borrowings of shares of common stock. The counterparty in such transactions will be an underwriter
and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters or agents may purchase and sell the shares of common stock in the open market.
These transactions may include over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which
creates a short position. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities and are permitted so long
as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve
the placing of any bid on behalf of the underwriting syndicate or the effecting of any purchase to
reduce a short position created in connection with the offering. The underwriters or agents also
may impose a penalty bid, which permits them to reclaim selling concessions allowed to syndicate
activities that may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the shares of
common stock, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market.
These activities, if begun, may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on
any exchange on which the shares of common stock are traded, in the over-the-counter market or
otherwise.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol ITC.
Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to
payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents and
underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the
ordinary course of business. The specific terms of the lock-up provisions in respect of any given
offering will be described in the prospectus supplement.
LEGAL MATTERS
Dykema Gossett PLLC will pass upon the validity of the issuance of our common stock and as to
certain matters of Michigan law. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York. In addition, Stuntz, Davis & Staffier, P.C.,
Washington, D.C. is advising us on matters relating to the FERC. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is
relying upon the opinion of Dykema Gossett PLLC as to certain matters of Michigan law.
EXPERTS
The financial statements, and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in this
Prospectus by reference from the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the effectiveness of ITC
Holdings Corp.s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are
incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have
been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance
therewith, file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Commission. Our Commission filings are available to the public over the Internet at the
Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with
the Commission at its public reference facility located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference
room. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE. You may inspect reports and other information
concerning us at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition,
our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act are available to the public through the Commissions Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov and free of charge through our website at http://www.itc-holdings.com as soon as
reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Commission.
Information contained on our website, however, is not and should not be deemed a part of this
prospectus.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The Commission allows us to incorporate by reference the information contained in documents
that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring
you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
prospectus. Information in this prospectus supersedes information incorporated by reference that we
filed with the Commission prior to the date of this prospectus, while information that we file
later with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate
by reference the documents (other than any portion of such document that is furnished rather than
filed) listed below and any future filings we will make with the Commission under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus until the registration
statement, of which this prospectus is a part, has been terminated:
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our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008; |
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our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30,
2009 and September 30, 2009; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2009 (Exhibit 99.2 only),
February 12, 2009, April 6, 2009, April 13, 2009, May 22, 2009, August 20, 2009,
September 1, 2009, November 19, 2009, December 8,
2009 (second filing) and December 14, 2009; and |
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the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form
8-A (File No. 001-32576) filed on July 20, 2005. |
We will provide to each person, including a beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is
delivered a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling us at:
ITC Holdings Corp.
27175 Energy Way
Novi, Michigan 48377
Attention: General Counsel
Tel: (248) 946-3000
You should read the information relating to us in this prospectus together with the
information in the documents incorporated by reference. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to
incorporate information furnished to, but not filed with, the Commission.
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Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
July 27, 2011