Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-86330
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 19, 2002)
$300,000,000
SUNTRUST BANKS, INC.
5.05% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007
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The notes will mature on July 1, 2007. Interest on the notes is payable
semiannually on January 1 and July 1 beginning January 1, 2003. The notes rank
equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness. The notes may not
be redeemed prior to maturity and will not be entitled to any sinking fund.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory
body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy
or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE RISK FACTORS ON PAGE S-1 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
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PER NOTE TOTAL
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Public Offering Price....................................... 99.949% $299,847,000
Net Proceeds to SunTrust Banks, Inc.(1)..................... 99.861% $299,583,000
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(1) After deducting underwriting discount of .088% of the aggregate principal
amount of the notes or a total of $264,000.
Interest on the notes will accrue from May 30, 2002 to the date of
delivery.
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The underwriters are offering the notes subject to various conditions. The
underwriters expect to deliver the notes to purchasers in book-entry form only
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company against payment in New
York, New York on or about May 30, 2002.
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY
May 21, 2002
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE
NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY 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, AND THE UNDERWRITERS ARE
NOT, MAKING AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE
OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION APPEARING
IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND THE DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DATES. OUR
BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE
CHANGED SINCE SUCH DATES.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
SunTrust Banks, Inc......................................... S-1
Risk Factors................................................ S-1
Use of Proceeds............................................. S-1
Certain Regulatory Considerations........................... S-2
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... S-5
Description of the Notes.................................... S-5
Underwriting................................................ S-8
Legal Opinions.............................................. S-9
PROSPECTUS
About this Prospectus....................................... 2
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 2
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 3
SunTrust Banks, Inc......................................... 5
Use of Proceeds............................................. 5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 5
Description of the Debt Securities.......................... 6
Plan of Distribution........................................ 15
Legal Matters............................................... 17
Experts..................................................... 17
SUNTRUST BANKS, INC.
We are the ninth largest commercial banking organization in the U.S. with
assets of approximately $106.2 billion at March 31, 2002. We provide a full line
of consumer and commercial banking services to our customers through over 1,190
branches and 2,350 ATMs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee,
Virginia and the District of Columbia. Our primary businesses include
traditional deposit and credit services as well as trust and investment
services. We also provide, through various subsidiaries, credit cards, mortgage
banking credit-related insurance, discount brokerage and investment banking
services. As of March 31, 2002, we had total deposits of approximately $69.5
billion, discretionary trust assets of approximately $96.6 billion and a
mortgage servicing portfolio of approximately $47.9 billion.
Under the long-standing policy of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding
company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary
banks and to commit resources to support these banks. As a result of this
policy, we may be required to commit resources to our subsidiary banks in
circumstances where we might not otherwise do so.
Because we are a bank holding company, our rights and the rights of our
creditors, including the holders of any of the debt securities offered by this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, to participate in the
distribution and payment of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon the
subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization would be subject to the prior
claims of such subsidiary's creditors except to the extent that we may be a
creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia. Our principal
executive offices are located at 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30308. Our general information telephone number is 404-588-7711.
RISK FACTORS
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS INDICTED OUR FORMER AUDITORS, ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP.
EVENTS ARISING OUT OF THIS INDICTMENT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE ABILITY OF ARTHUR
ANDERSEN TO SATISFY CLAIMS AGAINST IT.
Our former independent auditors, Arthur Andersen, have informed us that on
March 14, 2002, an indictment was unsealed charging Arthur Andersen with federal
obstruction of justice arising from the government's investigation of Enron
Corp. It is possible that events arising out of the indictment may adversely
affect the ability of Arthur Andersen to satisfy any claims arising from its
provision of auditing and other services to us, including claims that may arise
out of Arthur Andersen's audit of our financial statements which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes for general
corporate purposes, which may include:
- the repayment of long-term debt;
- the repayment of short-term debt, including commercial paper;
- the purchase of equity securities, including repurchase of our common
stock pursuant to our on-going stock repurchase plan;
- investments at the holding company level;
- investments in, or extensions of credit to, our banking and other
subsidiaries and other banks and companies engaged in other financial
service activities;
- possible acquisitions; and
- the purchase of investment securities.
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Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes, we may
temporarily invest the net proceeds in short-term marketable securities.
CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion sets forth certain of the elements of the
comprehensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and
banks and provides certain specific information relevant to us. Federal and
state regulation of financial institutions such as us is intended primarily for
the protection of depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds rather than
our shareholders and other creditors.
GENERAL
As a bank holding company and a financial holding company, we are subject
to the regulation and supervision of the Federal Reserve. Our primary subsidiary
is SunTrust Bank. SunTrust Bank is a Georgia state bank which has branches in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and the District of
Columbia.
SunTrust Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is regulated by
the Federal Reserve and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. SunTrust
Bank is subject to various requirements and restrictions under federal and state
law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions
on the types and amounts of loans that may be made and the interest that may be
charged thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made
and the types of services that may be offered. Various consumer laws and
regulations also affect the operations of SunTrust Bank. In addition to the
impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions
of the Federal Reserve as it attempts to control the money supply and credit
availability in order to influence the economy.
Pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act
of 1994, bank holding companies from any state may acquire banks located in any
other state, subject to certain conditions, including concentration limits. In
addition, a bank may establish branches across state lines by merging with a
bank in another state, subject to certain conditions.
Federal law and regulatory policy impose a number of obligations and
restrictions on bank holding companies and their depository institution
subsidiaries designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the depositors of
such depository institutions and to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
or "FDIC", insurance fund in the event the depository institution becomes in
danger of default or is in default. For example, under a policy of the Federal
Reserve with respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company
is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary
depository institutions and commit resources to support such institutions in
circumstances where it might not do so absent this policy. In addition, the
"cross-guarantee" provisions of federal law require insured depository
institutions under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or
reasonably anticipated as a result of the default of a commonly controlled
insured depository institution or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to a
commonly controlled insured depository institution in danger of default. In the
event of the insolvency or receivership of SunTrust Bank, the claims of
depositors and general creditors of SunTrust Bank are entitled to a priority of
payment over any of our claims or claims of our creditors, including any claims
based on any debt SunTrust Bank owes to us.
Various regulatory bodies regulate and supervise our nonbanking
subsidiaries. For example, SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. is a broker-dealer and
investment adviser registered with the SEC and a member of the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., which
we refer to as the "NASD". SunTrust Securities, Inc. is also a broker-dealer and
investment adviser registered with the SEC and a member of the NASD. Trusco
Capital Management, Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. We
also have one limited purpose national bank subsidiary, SunTrust BankCard, N.A.,
which is regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency.
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On November 12, 1999, financial modernization legislation known as the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which we refer to as the "Act", was signed into law. The
Act creates a new type of financial services company called a financial holding
company. A bank holding company that elects to become a financial holding
company may engage in expanded securities activities, insurance sales and
underwriting activities, and other financial activities, and may also acquire
securities firms and insurance companies, subject in each case to certain
conditions. Securities firms and insurance companies may also acquire banks,
subject to certain conditions.
We became a financial holding company under the Act in March 2000. In order
for a financial holding company to remain entitled to take advantage of all of
the benefits of financial holding company status, its depository institution
subsidiaries must continue to meet applicable capital, management, and Community
Reinvestment Act standards.
In addition to the Act, there have been a number of legislative and
regulatory proposals that would have an impact on the operation of
bank/financial holding companies and their bank and nonbank subsidiaries. It is
impossible to predict whether or in what form these proposals may be adopted in
the future and, if adopted, what their effect will be on us.
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
There are various legal and regulatory limits on the extent to which
SunTrust Bank may pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to us.
The principal source of our cash revenues is dividends from our
subsidiaries, including SunTrust Bank. Federal and Georgia law limit the payment
of these dividends to a certain extent. The Federal Reserve must approve any
dividend if the total of all dividends declared by SunTrust Bank in any calendar
year exceeds SunTrust Bank's net income for that year combined with its retained
net income for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus
or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. In addition, a dividend may
not be paid in excess of SunTrust Bank's undivided profits without the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve and SunTrust Bank's shareholders. The relevant
federal and state bank regulatory agencies also have authority to prohibit a
bank holding company or a bank from engaging in any activity that, in the
opinion of such regulatory agency, constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in
conducting its business. Such regulatory agencies could deem the payment of
dividends, depending upon the financial condition of the subsidiary, to
constitute such an unsafe or unsound practice.
Under Georgia law, which also would apply to any payment of dividends by
SunTrust Bank to us, the prior approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and
Finance is required before any cash dividends may be paid by a state bank if:
(1) total classified assets at the most recent examination of such bank exceed
80% of the Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan losses of such bank; (2)
the aggregate amount of dividends declared or anticipated to be declared in the
calendar year exceeds 50% of the net profits, after taxes but before dividends,
for the previous calendar year; or (3) the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted
total assets is less than 6%.
In addition, SunTrust Bank is subject to limitations under Sections 23A and
23B of the Federal Reserve Act with respect to extensions of credit to,
investments in, and certain other transactions with us and our other
subsidiaries. Furthermore, such loans and extensions of credit, as well as
certain other transactions, are also subject to various collateral requirements.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
The Federal Reserve has adopted minimum risk-based and leverage capital
guidelines for bank holding companies. The minimum required risk-based capital
ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain
off-balance-sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%, of which 4%
must consist of Tier 1 capital. As of March 31, 2002, our total risk-based
capital ratio was 12.05% including 7.73% of Tier 1 capital. The minimum required
leverage capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to average total assets) is 3% for bank
holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including that
S-3
they have the highest regulatory rating. As of March 31, 2002, our leverage
capital ratio was 7.60%. Higher risk-based and leverage ratios may apply under
certain circumstances.
SunTrust Bank is subject to similar risk-based and leverage capital
requirements adopted by the Federal Reserve.
Failure to meet capital requirements can subject a bank to a variety of
enforcement remedies, including additional substantial restrictions on its
operations and activities, termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, and
under certain conditions the appointment of a receiver or conservator.
The federal banking agencies have broad powers under current federal law to
take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository
institutions. The extent of these powers depends on whether the institutions in
question are "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized,"
"significantly undercapitalized" or "critically undercapitalized," as these
terms are defined under regulations issued by each of the federal banking
agencies. Under certain circumstances, an institution may be downgraded to a
category lower than that warranted by its capital levels and subjected to the
supervisory restrictions applicable to institutions in the lower capital
category. A depository institution is generally prohibited from making capital
distributions (including paying dividends) or paying management fees to a
holding company if the institution would thereafter be undercapitalized.
An undercapitalized depository institution is subject to restrictions in a
number of areas, including asset growth, acquisitions, branching, new lines of
business, and borrowing from the Federal Reserve. In addition, an
undercapitalized depository institution is required to submit a capital
restoration plan. A depository institution's holding company must guarantee the
capital plan up to an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the depository
institution's assets at the time it becomes undercapitalized or the amount
needed to restore the capital of the institution to the levels required for the
institution to be classified as adequately capitalized at the time the
institution fails to comply with the plan and any such guarantee would be
entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy. A depository institution is
treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized if it fails to submit a
capital plan that is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in
restoring the depository institution's capital.
Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a
number of additional significant requirements and restrictions, including
requirements to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized,
to replace or improve management, to reduce total assets, to cease acceptance of
correspondent bank deposits, to restrict senior executive compensation and to
limit transactions with affiliates. Critically undercapitalized depository
institutions are further subject to restrictions on paying principal or interest
on subordinated debt, making investments, expanding, acquiring or selling
assets, extending credit for highly-leveraged transactions, paying excessive
compensation, amending their charters or bylaws and making any material changes
in accounting methods. In general, a receiver or conservator must be appointed
for a depository institution within 90 days after the institution is deemed to
be critically undercapitalized.
S-4
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of our
company, which includes our subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. The ratio of
earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing:
- net income plus all applicable income taxes plus fixed charges, by
- fixed charges.
Fixed charges represent interest expense, either including or excluding interest
on deposits as set forth below, and the portion of net rental expense deemed to
be equivalent to interest on long-term debt. Interest expense, other than on
deposits, includes interest on long-term debt, federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, mortgages, commercial paper and
other funds borrowed. For 1999, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been
computed excluding extraordinary gains.
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
-------------------------------- -------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Including interest on deposits......... 1.60 1.54 1.59 1.51 1.66 1.55 1.81
Excluding interest on deposits......... 2.74 2.31 2.38 2.45 2.61 2.43 2.98
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The following description of the notes (referred to in the accompanying
prospectus as the "senior debt securities") supplements, and to the extent
inconsistent therewith, replaces, the description of the senior debt securities
set forth in the accompanying prospectus, to which description reference is
hereby made.
GENERAL
The notes will be issued in an initial aggregate principal amount of
$300,000,000, and will mature on July 1, 2007. The notes may not be redeemed by
us prior to their stated maturity and are not entitled to any sinking fund. The
notes will be issued in fully registered form only, without coupons. The notes
will be issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of May 1, 1993, between us and
J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor in interest to PNC
Bank, National Association, as trustee. We refer to this indenture as the senior
indenture. The notes constitute a single series of senior debt securities under
the senior indenture. As discussed below, payment of the principal of, and
interest on, the notes represented by a global note registered in the name of or
held by The Depository Trust Company, or its nominee will be made in immediately
available funds to DTC or its nominees, as the case may be, as the registered
owner and holder of such global note.
We may, without the consent of the holders of the notes, issue additional
notes from the series of notes offered by this prospectus supplement. Any
additional notes will have the same ranking, interest rate, maturity date and
other terms as the notes. Any additional notes, together with the notes offered
by this prospectus supplement, will constitute a single series of debt
securities under the senior indenture.
INTEREST
The notes will bear interest at the rate of 5.05% per annum from May 30,
2002 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been
paid or provided for, payable semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year,
commencing January 1, 2003. If an interest payment date would otherwise fall on
a day that is not a business day, such interest payment date will be the
following day that is a business day. Interest payable on any interest payment
date will be payable to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at
the close of business on the June 15 and December 15 next preceding the interest
payment date. Interest on the notes will be calculated based on a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months.
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REDEMPTION
The notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and will not be entitled to
any sinking fund.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The defeasance provisions of the senior indenture described under
"Description of the Debt Securities -- Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in
the accompanying prospectus will apply to the notes.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
The notes initially will be represented by one or more book-entry
securities deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC and registered in the name of a
nominee of DTC. Except as set forth below, the notes will be available for
purchase in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof in book-entry
form only. Except in the limited circumstances described under "Description of
the Debt Securities -- Book-Entry Securities" in the accompanying prospectus,
owners of beneficial interests in the book-entry securities will not be entitled
to have notes represented by such book-entry securities registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such
notes in definitive form, and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the senior indenture.
The notes of each beneficial owner of a book-entry security will be
evidenced solely by entries on the books of the beneficial owner's securities
intermediary. The actual purchaser of the notes will generally not be entitled
to have the notes represented by the global note registered in its name and will
not be considered the owner under the senior indenture. In most cases, a
beneficial owner will also not be able to obtain a paper certificate evidencing
the holder's ownership of notes. The book-entry system for holding notes
eliminates the need for physical movement of certificates and is the system
through which most publicly traded securities are held in the United States.
However, the laws of some jurisdictions require some purchasers of securities to
take physical delivery of their securities in definitive form. These laws may
impair the ability to transfer book-entry securities.
DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the
State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York
banking law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation"
within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing
agency" registered under section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The
rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
We will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership
interest in the book-entry securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to us. Under such
circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depositary is not
obtained, certificates will be printed and delivered. Additionally, we may
decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC or
any successor depositary with respect to the notes. In that event, certificates
for the notes will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but we do not take
responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
For additional information regarding the book-entry system, see
"Description of the Debt Securities -- Book-Entry Securities" in the
accompanying prospectus.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
Settlement for the notes will be made by the underwriters in immediately
available funds. All payments of principal and interest will be made by us in
immediately available funds or the equivalent. The notes will trade in DTC's
Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity, and secondary market
S-6
trading activity in the notes will therefore be required by DTC to settle in
immediately available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any,
of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the notes.
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UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement
relating to the notes, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters listed
below, and the underwriters have agreed to purchase from us, the respective
principal amount of notes set forth after their names below at the price to the
public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this
prospectus supplement.
UNDERWRITER PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
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Goldman, Sachs & Co......................................... $100,000,000
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.................................... 100,000,000
SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc............................... 100,000,000
------------
Total..................................................... $300,000,000
============
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions to be
paid to the underwriters by us in connection with this offering.
PER NOTE TOTAL
-------- --------
Underwriting discount....................................... .088 % $264,000
The underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in the underwriting agreement, to purchase all the notes if any notes are
purchased. We have been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters
propose initially to offer the notes to the public at the public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers
at such price less a concession not in excess of $0.625 per $1,000 principal
amount of the notes. The underwriters may allow and such dealers may reallow a
concession not in excess of $0.50 per $1,000 principal amount of the notes.
After the initial public offering, the public offering price and such
concessions may be changed.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
contribute to any payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof.
In connection with this offering and in compliance with applicable law, the
underwriters may sell more than the principal amount of notes shown in the first
paragraph above and may effect transactions which stabilize, maintain or
otherwise affect the market price of the notes at levels above those which might
otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions may include placing bids
for the notes or effecting purchases of the notes for the purpose of pegging,
fixing or maintaining the price of the notes or for the purpose of reducing a
short position created in connection with the offering. In addition, if the
underwriters purchase notes in the open market and the securities purchased can
be traced to a particular member of the selling group, the underwriters may
require the selling group member in question to purchase the notes in question
at the cost price to the underwriters or may recover from (or decline to pay to)
the selling group member in question the selling concession applicable to the
securities in question. The underwriters are not required to engage in any of
these activities and any such activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at
any time.
Each underwriter represents, warrants and agrees that: (i) it has not
offered or sold and, prior to the expiry of a period of six months from the
closing date, will not offer or sell any notes to persons in the United Kingdom
except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding,
managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of
their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will
not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of
the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has only communicated
or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be
communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity
(within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
("FSMA")) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any notes in
circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the company;
and (iii) it has
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complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect
to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom.
Our subsidiary, SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc., is a member of The National
Association of Securities Dealers, or the NASD, and will serve as an underwriter
in this offering. The underwriting arrangements for this offering comply with
Rules 2720 and 2810 of the NASD. In accordance with those rules, no member of
the NASD participating in the underwriting will be permitted to confirm sales to
accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without prior specific
written approval of the customer.
Certain of the underwriters may use this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus for offers and sales related to market-making
transactions in the notes. These underwriters may act as principal or agent in
these transactions, and the sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
market prices at the time of sale.
Some of the underwriters or their affiliates engage in transactions with,
and, from time to time, have performed services for, us and our subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business.
The notes are new securities with no established trading market and there
can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any markets that may develop for the
notes, the ability of the holders of the notes to sell their notes or at what
price holders of the notes will be able to sell their notes. Future trading
prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things,
prevailing interest rates, our operating results, and the market for similar
securities. We have been advised by the underwriters that they initially intend
to make a market in the notes, but the underwriters are not obligated to do so
and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.
We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor
on or about the closing date specified on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement, which will be on the sixth business day following the date the notes
are priced. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in
the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days
after the date the securities are priced, unless the parties to any such trade
expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade notes on
the date of pricing or on the next two succeeding business days will be
required, by virtue of the fact that the notes will settle in T+6, to specify an
alternative settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed
settlement; such purchasers should also consult their own advisors in this
regard.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by King & Spalding, New
York, New York, and Raymond D. Fortin, our Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Fortin will rely upon the opinion of King &
Spalding as to matters of New York law. As of May 15, 2002, Mr. Fortin
beneficially owned 7,800 shares of our common stock and 20,800 restricted
shares, and held options to purchase 28,400 shares.
The validity of the notes will be passed upon for the underwriters by
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York. Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has in the past performed, and continues to perform,
legal services for us and our subsidiaries.
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PROSPECTUS
$1,300,000,000
SUNTRUST BANKS, INC.
DEBT SECURITIES
---------------------
We may offer from time to time up to $1,300,000,000 of debt securities. We
will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus
supplement carefully before you invest.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED THAT
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DEBT SECURITIES WILL BE OUR UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS, WILL NOT BE SAVING
ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF OURS OR ANY OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES AND
WILL NOT BE INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK
INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.
The date of this prospectus is April 19, 2002
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with
the SEC using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may
sell debt securities in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of
$1,300,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
debt securities. Each time we sell debt securities, we will provide a prospectus
supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable
prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under
the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the
Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy
any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facilities at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, 233 Broadway, New York, New York
10279 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed
rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the operation of the public reference facilities. Our SEC filings
are also available at the office of the New York Stock Exchange. For further
information on obtaining copies of our public filings at the New York Stock
Exchange, you should call (212) 656-5060.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated
by reference is an important part of this prospectus and information that we
subsequently file with the SEC will automatically update and supercede
information in this prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed
with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all the
debt securities offered by this prospectus:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001;
- Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2001;
- Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 19, 2002; and
- Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 20, 2002.
You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing
unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing)
at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address:
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
303 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 658-4879
Attention: Gary Peacock, Jr.
Senior Vice President
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We have also filed a registration statement (No. 333-86330) with the SEC
relating to the debt securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is
part of the registration statement. You may obtain from the SEC a copy of the
registration statement and exhibits that we filed with the SEC when we
registered the debt securities. The registration statement may contain
additional information that may be important to you.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. We have
not authorized anyone else to provide you with additional or different
information. We may only use this prospectus to sell debt securities if it is
accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We are only offering these debt
securities in states where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that
the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement is
accurate as of any date other than the dates on the front of those documents.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the federal securities laws. We may also make forward-looking statements in
reports filed with the SEC that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus
or in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Statements that are not historical
facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements
preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "plans," "estimates" or similar expressions. These statements are
based on beliefs and assumptions of our management, and on information currently
available to our management.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We caution you that a number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to
control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions
may increase significantly;
- changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins;
- changes in general economic or business conditions in the geographic
regions and industries in which we operate may lead to a deterioration in
credit quality or reduced demand for credit;
- domestic or international military or terrorist activities or conflicts
may adversely impact general economic conditions in affected areas;
- legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting
standards, may adversely affect the business in which we are engaged;
- changes may occur in the securities markets;
- our competitors may have greater financial resources and develop products
that enable them to compete more successfully than we do;
- our ability to develop competitive new products and services and the
acceptance of such products and services by our customers may impact our
results of operations;
- changes in consumer spending and saving habits may impact demand for our
products and services;
- changes in competitors' pricing policies may affect our business;
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- our ability to manage the costs associated with expanding existing
distribution channels and developing new ones and to increase revenues
from such distribution channels may affect our margins; and
- the effect of corporate restructurings, mergers, acquisition and/or
dispositions on our business, including, without limitation, related
charges against our earnings, our ability to successfully integrate
acquisitions and our ability to realize expected revenue growth and/or
expense savings from such corporate restructurings, mergers, acquisitions
and/or dispositions.
We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue
reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based
on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of
them in light of new information or future events.
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SUNTRUST BANKS, INC.
SunTrust is the ninth largest commercial banking organization in the U.S.
with assets of approximately $104.7 billion at December 31, 2001. SunTrust
provides a full line of consumer and commercial banking services to more than
5.5 million customers through over 1,100 branches and 1,990 ATMs in Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
SunTrust's primary businesses include traditional deposit and credit services as
well as trust and investment services. SunTrust also provides, through various
subsidiaries, credit cards, mortgage banking credit-related insurance, discount
brokerage and investment banking services. As of December 31, 2001, SunTrust had
total deposits of approximately $67.5 billion, discretionary trust assets of
approximately $89.5 billion and a mortgage servicing portfolio of approximately
$47.6 billion.
Under the long-standing policy of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding
company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary
banks and to commit resources to support these banks. As a result of this
policy, we may be required to commit resources to our subsidiary banks in
circumstances where we might not otherwise do so.
Because we are a bank holding company, our rights and the rights of our
creditors, including the holders of any of the debt securities offered by this
prospectus, to participate in the distribution and payment of assets of any of
our subsidiaries upon the subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization would be
subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary's creditors except to the extent
that we may be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia. Our principal
executive offices are located at 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30308. Our general information telephone number is 404-588-7711.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, we will use
the net proceeds from the sale of any debt securities for general corporate
purposes. These purposes may include the following:
- the repayment of long-term debt;
- the repayment of short-term debt, including commercial paper;
- the purchase of equity securities, including repurchase of our common
stock pursuant to our on-going stock repurchase plan;
- investments at the holding company level;
- investments in, or extensions of credit to, our banking and other
subsidiaries and other banks and companies engaged in other financial
service activities;
- possible acquisitions; and
- the purchase of investment securities.
Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of any debt securities, we may
temporarily invest the net proceeds in short-term marketable securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of our
company, which includes our subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. The ratio of
earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing:
- net income plus all applicable income taxes plus fixed charges, by
- fixed charges.
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Fixed charges represent interest expense, either including or excluding interest
on deposits as set forth below, and the portion of net rental expense deemed to
be equivalent to interest on long-term debt. Interest expense, other than on
deposits, includes interest on long-term debt, federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, mortgages, commercial paper and
other funds borrowed. For 1999, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been
computed excluding extraordinary gains.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Including interest on deposits.............................. 1.60 1.54 1.59 1.51 1.66
Excluding interest on deposits.............................. 2.74 2.31 2.38 2.45 2.61
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
As used in this prospectus, debt securities means the debentures, notes,
bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time.
The debt securities will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities and will be issued under one or more separate indentures between us
and a trustee. Senior debt securities will be issued under a senior indenture
and subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture.
We sometimes refer to the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture in
this prospectus collectively as the "indentures." Unless the applicable
prospectus supplement states otherwise, the trustee under the senior indenture
will be J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor in
interest to PNC Bank, National Association, and the trustee under the
subordinated indenture will be Bank One, N.A., as successor in interest to The
First National Bank of Chicago.
We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. The summary
is not complete. You should read the following summary together with the
applicable indenture to help you understand the terms of the debt securities.
The forms of the indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In the summary below, we have
included references to section numbers of the applicable indenture so that you
can easily locate these provisions. You can obtain copies of the indentures by
following the directions under the caption "Where You Can Find More Information"
beginning on page 2 of this prospectus.
GENERAL
The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt
securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from
time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various
maturities, at par or at a discount. We may issue additional debt securities of
a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of
such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt
securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series,
will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable
indenture. The indentures also do not limit our ability to incur other debt and
do not contain financial or similar restrictive covenants.
A prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities being
offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms may
include some or all of the following:
- the title of the debt securities;
- whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated
debt securities;
- any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities;
- the maturity date or dates of the debt securities;
- the rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or variable, per annum
at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of
determining such rate or rates, if any;
- the date or dates from which interest, if any, will accrue;
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- the dates on which interest will be payable and the related record dates;
- whether payments of principal or interest will be determined by any
index, formula or other method and the manner of determining the amount
of such payments;
- the place or places where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on the debt securities will be payable if other than the location
specified in this prospectus;
- any redemption dates, prices, rights, obligations and restrictions on the
debt securities;
- any mandatory or optional sinking fund, purchase fund or analogous
provisions;
- the denominations in which the debt securities will be issuable if other
than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof;
- the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon
the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities if other than the
principal amount;
- the currency or currency unit in which principal of, premium, if any, and
interest will be paid if other than U.S. dollars;
- whether we will issue the debt securities in permanent global form and
the circumstances under which such permanent global debt security may be
exchanged;
- whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different
subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities;
- if such debt securities are senior debt securities, whether the
defeasance provisions of the senior indenture will apply to such series
of debt securities;
- any special tax implications of the debt securities;
- any deletions from, changes in or additions to the events of default or
the covenants specified in the applicable indenture; and
- any other material terms of the debt securities not specified in this
prospectus (Section 301).
We may issue both senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities
at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. We refer to these
securities as "original issue discount securities," which means any security
that provides for an amount less than its principal amount to be due and payable
upon the acceleration of its maturity. We will describe the federal income tax
consequences and other special considerations applicable to any original issue
discount securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, we will issue
debt securities only in fully registered form, without coupons, and in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. Holders of debt
securities will not pay any service charge for any registration of transfer or
exchange of the debt securities. We may, however, require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other government charge payable in connection
with such registration or transfer.
PAYMENT; TRANSFER
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal,
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable,
and the debt securities will be transferable, at the corporate trust office of
SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, Georgia, except that interest may be paid at our
option by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as it
appears on the security register. We will have the right to require a holder of
any debt security, in connection with any payment on such debt security, to
certify information to us or, in the absence of such certification, we will be
entitled to rely on any legal presumption to enable us to determine our
obligation, if any, to deduct or withhold taxes, assessments or governmental
charges from such payment.
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RANKING
General. The debt securities will be our direct unsecured obligations. The
senior debt securities will rank equally with our other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will rank junior
to all senior indebtedness (as defined below) and, in certain circumstances, to
all additional senior obligations (as defined below).
As of December 31, 2001, we had an aggregate of approximately $1.018
billion of long-term senior indebtedness outstanding and an aggregate of
approximately $341 million of short-term senior indebtedness outstanding, which
consisted primarily of master notes. As of December 31, 2001, we had no
additional senior obligations outstanding. We expect from time to time to incur
additional senior indebtedness and additional senior obligations. The indentures
do not prohibit or limit the incurrence of additional senior indebtedness or
additional senior obligations. As of December 31, 2001, we had an aggregate of
approximately $900 million of long-term subordinated debt securities outstanding
and an aggregate of $1.450 billion of trust preferred securities outstanding.
Because we are a holding company, our right and the rights of our
creditors, including holders of debt securities, to participate in any
distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon its liquidation,
reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of creditors of
that subsidiary, except to the extent that we are a creditor of that subsidiary
with recognized claims. However, in the event of a liquidation or other
resolution of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors and
other general or subordinated creditors are entitled to a priority of payment
over the claims of holders of any obligation of the institution to its
shareholders, including any depository institution holding company or any
shareholder or creditor thereof. Our subsidiaries have significant outstanding
long-term debt and substantial obligations with respect to deposit liabilities
and federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, other
short-term borrowings and various other financial obligations.
In addition, the indentures and the debt securities will not contain any
provision that would protect the holders of the debt securities against a sudden
and dramatic decline in credit quality resulting from a takeover,
recapitalization or similar restructuring of our company or other event
involving us that may adversely affect our credit quality.
Subordination of the Subordinated Securities. The subordinated debt
securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our
senior indebtedness and, in certain circumstances relating to the dissolution,
winding-up, liquidation of or reorganization of our company, to all additional
senior obligations (Article 13).
Under the subordinated indenture "senior indebtedness" means
(1) all indebtedness of our company for money borrowed, whether now
outstanding or subsequently created, assumed or incurred, other than:
- the subordinated debt securities;
- any obligation ranking equally with the subordinated debt securities; or
- any obligation ranking junior to the subordinated debt securities, and
(2) any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such senior
indebtedness.
The subordinated indenture defines the term "indebtedness for money
borrowed" to mean:
- any obligation of ours, or any obligation guaranteed by us, for the
repayment of borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes or other written instruments; and
- any deferred obligation for the payment of the purchase price of property
or assets acquired other than in the ordinary course of business.
The subordinated indenture defines "additional senior obligations" to mean
all of our indebtedness, whether now outstanding or subsequently created,
assumed or incurred, for claims in respect of derivative
8
products such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity
contracts and similar arrangements; provided, however, that additional senior
obligations do not include:
(1) any claims in respect of senior indebtedness; or
(2) any obligations ranking junior to or equally with the subordinated
debt securities.
As a result of these subordination provisions, no payment on account of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities
may be made if a payment default with respect to senior indebtedness exists and
any applicable grace period has expired or the maturity of any senior
indebtedness has been accelerated. Upon any payment or distribution of assets to
creditors upon any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, reorganization,
readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar
proceedings or any liquidation or winding-up of or relating to our company as a
whole, whether voluntary or involuntary,
(1) the holders of all senior indebtedness will first be entitled to
receive payment in full before the holders of the subordinated debt
securities will be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt
securities; and
(2) if after giving effect to the operation of clause (1) above:
- any assets remain available for payment or distribution in respect of the
subordinated debt securities, and
- creditors in respect of additional senior obligations have not received
payment in full;
then the amounts referred to in the first bullet above will first be
applied to pay or provide for the payment in full of all such additional
senior obligations before any payment may be made on the subordinated debt
securities.
If the holders of subordinated debt securities receive any payment at a
time when they know that all senior indebtedness and additional senior
obligations have not been paid in full, then such payment shall be held in trust
for the benefit of the holders of senior indebtedness and/or additional senior
obligations, as the case may be (Section 1301).
As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of our
insolvency, holders of subordinated debt securities may recover less, ratably,
than holders of senior indebtedness and additional senior obligations. In
addition, in the event of insolvency, our creditors that do not hold senior
indebtedness or who hold subordinated debt securities may recover less, ratably,
than holders of senior indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than holders
of the subordinated debt securities.
RESTRICTION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES
Under the senior indenture, we have agreed not to sell, assign, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of, or permit the issuance of, or permit a
subsidiary to sell, assign, pledge, transfer or dispose of, any shares of voting
stock of any subsidiary or any securities convertible into voting stock of any
subsidiary which is:
(1) a principal constituent bank; or
(2) a subsidiary which owns shares of voting stock or any securities
convertible into voting stock of a principal constituent bank.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this covenant does not prohibit:
- any dispositions made by us or any subsidiary (A) acting in a fiduciary
capacity for any person other than us or any subsidiary or (B) to us or
any of our wholly owned (except for directors' qualifying shares)
subsidiaries; or
- the merger or consolidation of a principal constituent bank with and into
a principal constituent bank.
9
This covenant also does not prohibit sales, assignments, pledges, transfers
or other dispositions of shares of voting stock of a corporation referred to in
clause (1) or (2) above where:
(1) the sales, assignments, pledges, transfers or other dispositions
are made, in the minimum amount required by law, to any person for the
purpose of the qualification of such person to serve as a director; or
(2) the sales, assignments, pledges, transfers or other dispositions
are made in compliance with an order of a court or regulatory authority of
competent jurisdiction or as a condition imposed by any such court or
authority to the acquisition by us, directly or indirectly, of any other
corporation or entity; or
(3) in the case of a disposition of shares of voting stock or any
securities convertible into voting stock of a principal constituent bank,
or sales of voting stock or any securities convertible into voting stock
of any subsidiary included in clause (2) above, the sales, assignments,
pledges, transfers or other dispositions are:
- for fair market value as determined by our board of directors or the
board of directors of the subsidiary disposing of such shares or
securities; and
- after giving effect to such disposition and to any potential dilution (if
the shares or securities are convertible into voting stock), we and our
directly or indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries will own directly not
less than 80% of the voting stock of such principal constituent bank or
subsidiary; or
(4) a constituent bank sells additional shares of voting stock to its
shareholders at any price, so long as immediately after such sale we own,
directly or indirectly, at least as great a percentage of the voting stock
of such constituent bank as we owned prior to such sale of additional
shares; or
(5) a pledge is made or a lien is created to secure loans or other
extensions of credit by a constituent bank subject to Section 23A of the
Federal Reserve Act (Section 1005).
Any constituent bank that has total assets equal to more than 15% of the total
assets of all constituent banks is defined in the senior indenture to be a
principal constituent bank (Section 101). As of December 31, 2001, SunTrust Bank
was the only constituent bank that is a principal constituent bank under the
senior indenture.
The subordinated indenture does not contain the foregoing covenant.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Definition. Under the indentures, the following events will constitute an
event of default with respect to debt securities of any series:
(1) we fail for 30 days to pay any interest on any debt security of
that series when due and payable;
(2) we fail to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of
that series when due;
(3) we fail to deposit any sinking fund payment in respect of any debt
security of that series when due;
(4) we fail to perform any other covenant in the applicable indenture
(other than a covenant included in such indenture solely for the benefit
of series of debt securities other than that series), for 90 days after
written notice as provided in the applicable indenture;
(5) a decree or order for relief in respect of our company is entered
by a court having jurisdiction in an involuntary case under federal or
state bankruptcy laws, and continues unstayed and in effect for 60
consecutive days;
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(6) we commence a voluntary case under federal or state bankruptcy laws
or consent to the entry of a decree or order for relief in an involuntary
case under any such law; and
(7) any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities
of that series (Section 501).
Remedies. If an event of default:
- with respect to senior debt securities of any series occurs and is
continuing, or
- described in clause (5) or clause (6) with respect to subordinated debt
securities of any series occurs and is continuing,
then either the relevant trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare
by notice in writing to us the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of
that series are original issue discount securities, such portion of the
principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all the
debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. At any time
after a declaration of acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on
acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain
circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration (Section 502).
Accordingly, unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise,
the payment of the principal of the subordinated debt securities may be
accelerated only upon the occurrence of an event of default described in clause
(5) or clause (6) of the preceding paragraph and may not be accelerated upon a
payment or covenant default. In the event of a payment or covenant default with
respect to subordinated debt securities, the trustee, subject to certain
limitations and conditions, may institute judicial proceedings to enforce the
payment of any amount due or the performance of such covenant or any other
proper remedy (Section 503). Under certain circumstances, the trustee may
withhold notice to the holders of the subordinated debt securities of a default
if the trustee determines in good faith that the withholding of such notice is
in the best interest of such holders, and the trustee shall withhold such notice
for certain defaults for a period of 30 days (Section 602).
Obligations of Trustee. The indentures provide that, subject to the duty
of the relevant trustee during an event of default to act with the required
standard of care, such trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of
its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction
of any of the holders, unless such holders shall have offered to such trustee
reasonable security or indemnity (Section 603). Subject to such provisions for
the indemnification of the trustee and to certain other conditions, the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the relevant trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on such trustee, with respect to the
debt securities of that series. However, such trustee may decline to act if the
holders' direction is contrary to law or the applicable indenture, would unduly
prejudice the right of other holders or would involve such trustee in personal
liability (Section 512).
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to the applicable indenture, or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any remedy, unless:
- such holder has given the relevant trustee written notice of a continuing
event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series;
- the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and
offered reasonable indemnity, to the relevant trustee to institute such
proceeding as trustee;
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- such trustee has not received an inconsistent direction from the holders
of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
that series; and
- the trustee has failed to institute the requested proceeding within 60
days (Section 507).
However, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute right to receive
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such debt security
on the due dates expressed in such debt security and to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment (Section 508).
Under the indentures we must furnish to the relevant trustee annually a
statement regarding our performance of certain of our obligations under the
applicable indenture and as to any default in such performance (Senior Indenture
Section 1006; Subordinated Indenture Section 1005).
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The senior indenture provides that, to the extent indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, we may deposit in trust with the relevant
trustee cash and/or government securities in an amount sufficient, without
reinvestment, to pay all sums due on any series of senior debt securities. If we
make this deposit, then, at our option, we:
(1) will be deemed to have satisfied and paid all of our obligations in
respect of the senior debt securities of that particular series; or
(2) will not need to comply with certain restrictive covenants
contained in the senior indenture and the occurrence of a covenant default
will no longer be an event of default with respect to such series of
senior debt securities, which we refer to as "covenant defeasance."
Such a trust may only be established if, among other things,
- no event of default exists or occurs as a result of such deposit; and
- we deliver an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
result of such deposit.
If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to any series of
senior debt securities and the maturity of that series is accelerated upon an
event of default, the amount of cash and government securities on deposit with
the trustee may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such senior debt
securities at the time of the acceleration. However, we will remain liable with
respect to such payments (Article 13).
The subordinated indenture does not contain defeasance and covenant
defeasance provisions.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
We and the relevant trustee may modify and amend the applicable indenture
with the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such modification or
amendment. However, we may not, without the consent of the holder of each debt
security affected:
- change the maturity date of the principal of, or interest on, any debt
security,
- reduce the principal amount of, or any premium or rate of interest on,
any debt security,
- reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security
payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof,
- change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium
or interest on, any debt security,
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- impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
or with respect to any debt security, or
- reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities
of any series required to modify or amend either indenture or to waive
compliance with certain provisions of, or defaults under, either
indenture (Section 902).
The holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of debt
securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, our
compliance with certain restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture.
(Senior Indenture Section 1007; Subordinated Indenture Section 1006).
The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of debt
securities of that series, waive any past default under the applicable
indenture, except:
- a default in the payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on,
any debt security of that series; or
- a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under such
indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder
of each debt security of the series affected (Section 513).
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND TRANSFER OF ASSETS
We may consolidate with or merge into, or transfer our assets substantially
as an entirety to, any corporation organized under the laws of the U.S., any
state thereof or the District of Columbia, provided that:
- the successor corporation assumes our obligations on the debt securities
and under the indentures,
- after giving effect to the transaction no event of default, and no event
which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an event of default,
shall have occurred and be continuing, and
- certain other conditions are met (Section 801).
TRUSTEES
Either or both of the trustees may resign or be removed with respect to one
or more series of debt securities and a successor trustee may be appointed to
act with respect to such series (Section 610). In the event that two or more
persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt
securities, each such trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the related
indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other such
trustee, and any action described herein to be taken by the "trustee" may then
be taken by each such trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one
or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee (Section 611).
In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries conduct banking
transactions with the trustees and/or their affiliates, and the trustees and/or
their affiliates conduct banking transactions with us and our subsidiaries.
BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities in the form of one or more book-entry
securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in
the applicable prospectus supplement (Section 301). In such a case, we will
issue one or more book-entry securities in denominations equal to the portion of
the aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the series to be
represented by such book-entry securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a book-entry
security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such
book-entry security to its nominee or by its nominee to the depositary or
another nominee of the depositary or by the
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depositary or any such nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of
such successor (Section 305).
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any
portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a book-entry
security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We
anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary
arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a book-entry security, the depositary for such
book-entry security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities
represented by such book-entry security to the accounts of persons that have
accounts with such depositary, which we refer to as "participants." Such
accounts will be designated by the underwriters or agents with respect to such
debt securities or by us if we offer and sell such debt securities directly.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the
depositary's system is also available to other persons, such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly, which we refer
to as "indirect participants." Persons who are not participants may beneficially
own book-entry securities held by the depositary only through participants or
indirect participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in any book-entry security will be shown
on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records
maintained by the depositary or its nominee with respect to interests of
participants for such book-entry security and on the records of participants
with respect to interests of indirect participants. The laws of some states
require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such laws, as well as the limits on participation
in the depositary's book-entry system, may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a book-entry security.
So long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of a
book-entry security, the depositary or such nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the debt securities represented by such book-entry security
for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as provided below,
owners of beneficial interests in debt securities represented by book-entry
securities will not be entitled to have debt securities represented by such
book-entry security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled
to receive physical delivery of such debt securities in definitive form, and
will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable
indenture.
Payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on debt securities
registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee will be made to the
depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the
book-entry security representing such debt securities. We expect that the
depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or
interest, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal
amount of the book-entry security for such debt securities, as shown on the
records of such depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by
participants and indirect participants to owners of beneficial interests in such
book-entry security held through such persons will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities
registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such participants
and indirect participants. Neither we, the trustee, any authenticating agent,
any paying agent, nor the security registrar for such debt securities will have
any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or
payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a book-entry
security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to
such beneficial ownership interests (Section 311).
If the depositary for debt securities of a series notifies us that it is
unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if at any time the depositary
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, we have agreed to appoint a successor depositary. If we have not appointed
a successor within 90 days, we will issue debt securities of such series in
definitive registered form in exchange for the book-entry security representing
such series of debt securities. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole
discretion determine that the debt securities of any series issued in the form
of one or
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more book-entry securities shall no longer be represented by such book-entry
security and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such series in
definitive registered form in exchange for such book-entry securities. Further,
if we so specify with respect to the debt securities of a series, we may issue
debt securities in definitive registered form in exchange for book-entry
securities if an event of default, or an event which with notice, lapse of time
or both would be an event of default with respect to the debt securities of such
series has occurred and is continuing. In any such instance, an owner of a
beneficial interest in a book-entry security will be entitled to physical
delivery of debt securities in definitive registered form of the series
represented by such book-entry security which are equal in aggregate principal
amount to such beneficial interest and to have such debt securities registered
in its name (Section 305).
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell any series of debt securities:
- through underwriters or dealers;
- through agents; or
- directly to one or more purchasers.
Any such underwriters, dealers or agents may include any of our
broker-dealer subsidiaries, including SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. and
SunTrust Securities, Inc.
The distribution of the debt securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions:
- at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time;
- at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
- at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
- at negotiated prices.
For each series of debt securities, the prospectus supplement will set
forth the terms of the offering including:
- the initial public offering price;
- the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;
- the purchase price of the debt securities;
- our proceeds from the sale of the debt securities;
- any underwriting discounts, agency fees, or other compensation payable to
underwriters or agents;
- any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or repaid to dealers;
and
- the securities exchanges on which the debt securities will be listed, if
any.
15
If we use underwriters in the sale, they will buy the debt securities for
their own account. The underwriters may then resell the debt securities in one
or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices
determined at the time of sale or thereafter. The obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the debt securities will be subject to certain
conditions. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the debt
securities offered if they purchase any debt securities. Any initial public
offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time. In connection with an offering,
underwriters and selling group members and their affiliates may engage in
transactions to stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the
debt securities in accordance with applicable law.
If we use dealers in the sale, we will sell debt securities to such dealers
as principals. The dealers may then resell the debt securities to the public at
varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. If we use
agents in the sale, they will use their reasonable best efforts to solicit
purchases for the period of their appointment. If we sell directly, no
underwriters or agents would be involved. We are not making an offer of debt
securities in any state that does not permit such an offer.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the debt securities
distribution may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act
of 1933. Any discounts, commissions, or profit they receive when they resell the
debt securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under
the Securities Act of 1933. We may have agreements with underwriters, dealers
and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including
certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with
respect to payments that they may be required to make.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers from
certain institutions whereby the institution contractually agrees to purchase
the debt securities from us on a future date at a specific price. This type of
contract may be made only with institutions that we specifically approve. Such
institutions could include banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment
companies and educational and charitable institutions. The underwriters, dealers
or agents will not be responsible for the validity or performance of these
contracts.
The debt securities will be new issues of securities with no established
trading market and unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, will not be listed on any exchange. It has not presently been
established whether the underwriters, if any, of the debt securities will make a
market in the debt securities. If the underwriters make a market in the debt
securities, such market making may be discontinued at any time without notice.
No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the debt
securities.
Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are members of the NASD and may participate
in distributions of debt securities. Accordingly, offerings of debt securities
in which our broker-dealer subsidiaries participate will conform with the
provisions of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD.
This prospectus, together with any applicable prospectus supplement, may
also be used by any of our broker-dealer subsidiaries in connection with offers
and sales of debt securities in market-making transactions at negotiated prices
related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale. Any of our broker-
dealer subsidiaries, including SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. and SunTrust
Securities, Inc., may act as principal or agent in such transactions. None of
our broker-dealer subsidiaries has any obligation to make a market in any of the
debt securities and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time
without notice, at its sole discretion.
Underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions
with, or perform services for, us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the debt securities will be passed
upon for us by Raymond D. Fortin, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary, and by King & Spalding, and for any underwriters by Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. As of April 12, 2002, Mr. Fortin beneficially owned
7,800 shares of our common stock and 20,800 restricted shares, and held options
to purchase 28,400 shares.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements of SunTrust Banks, Inc.
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are
incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said report.
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$300,000,000
SUNTRUST
5.05% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
MAY 21, 2002
(INCLUDING PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 19, 2002)
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY
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