DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The section on page S-11 of the Prospectus Supplement under the heading “Description of Notes” is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
The following description of the particular terms of the notes being offered supplements and, to the extent inconsistent with or otherwise specified in an applicable pricing supplement, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable pricing supplement, the notes will have the terms described below. Capitalized terms used but not defined below have the meanings given to them in the accompanying prospectus and in the indenture relating to the notes.
The notes being offered by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the applicable pricing supplement will be issued under an indenture, dated as of February 16, 2012, as amended and as supplemented from time to time. U.S. Bank National Association was appointed as trustee, as successor to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, pursuant to an Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of March 9, 2012. The indenture is more fully described in the accompanying prospectus. The indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities that may be issued under it and provides that the debt securities may be issued under it from time to time in one or more series. The following statements are summaries of the material provisions of the indenture and the notes. These summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the indenture, including for the definitions of certain terms. From time to time we may offer other debt securities either publicly or through private placement having maturities, interest rates, covenants and other terms that may differ materially from the terms of the notes described herein and in any pricing supplement.
The notes constitute a single series of debt securities for purposes of the indenture and are unlimited in aggregate principal amount under the terms of the indenture. Our board of directors has authorized the issuance and sale of the notes from time to time, up to an additional aggregate principal amount of $1 billion in this offering. As of September 30, 2022, approximately
$2.1 billion aggregate principal amount of notes have been issued. We have, from time to time, repurchased certain notes and, therefore, as of September 30, 2022, $349.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes were outstanding.
Notes issued in accordance with this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the applicable pricing supplement will have the following general characteristics:
•the notes will be our direct unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding;
•the notes may be offered from time to time by us through the Purchasing Agent or the agents and each note will mature on a day that is at least 12 months from its date of original issuance;
•each note may be issued with a fixed or floating interest rate; any floating interest rate will be based on Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR (each an “Interest Rate Basis”);
•the notes will not be subject to any sinking fund; and
•the minimum denomination of the notes will be $1,000 (unless otherwise stated in the pricing supplement).
In addition, the pricing supplement relating to each offering of notes will describe specific terms of the notes, including but not limited to:
•the stated maturity date (“Maturity”);
•the denomination of your notes;
•the price at which we originally issue your notes, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;
•whether your notes are fixed rate notes or floating rate notes;
•if your notes are fixed rate notes, the annual rate at which your notes will bear interest, or the periodic rates in the case of notes that bear different rates at different times during the term of the notes, and the interest payment dates, if different from those stated below under “—Interest Rates—Fixed Rate Notes;”
•if your notes are floating rate notes, whether the note is a Regular Floating Rate Note or a Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note, the interest rate, the Interest Rate Basis (either Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR), the index maturity, the Spread or Spread Multiplier, initial base rate, maximum rate and/or minimum rate and the interest reset, determination, calculation and payment dates, all of which we describe under “-Interest Rates-Floating Rate Notes” below;
•if applicable, the circumstances under which your notes may be redeemed at our option or repaid at the holder’s option before the stated maturity, including any redemption commencement date, repayment date(s), redemption price(s) and redemption period(s), all of which we describe under “—Redemption and Repayment” below;
•whether the authorized representative of the holder of a beneficial interest in the notes will have the right to seek repayment upon the death of the holder as described under “—Survivor’s Option;”
•any special U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes; and
•any other significant terms of your notes, which could be different from those described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, but in no event inconsistent with the indenture.
We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by us may, at our discretion, be held, resold or surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.
Types of Notes
We may issue either of the two types of notes described below. Notes may have elements of each of the two types of notes described below. For example, notes may bear interest at a fixed rate for some periods and at a floating rate in others.
Fixed Rate Notes. Notes of this type will bear interest at one or more fixed rates described in your pricing supplement.
Fixed rate notes will bear interest from their original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the notes has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of fixed rate notes at the fixed rate or rates per annum stated in your pricing supplement during the applicable time periods as stated in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or the Maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid, or made available for payment, or from the issue date if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the interest payment date or Maturity. We will compute interest on fixed rate notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months (the 30/360 (ISDA) day count convention) unless your pricing supplement provides that we will compute interest on a different basis. We will pay interest on
each interest payment date and at Maturity as described below under “—Payments of Principal and Interest.” Notes may be offered that switch from a fixed rate to a floating rate or from a floating rate to a fixed rate during the term of the notes.
Floating Rate Notes. Notes of this type will bear interest at rates that are determined by reference to an interest rate formula based on the applicable Interest Rate Basis, which will be either Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR. In some cases, the rates may also be adjusted by adding or subtracting a Spread in relation to the applicable Interest Rate Basis or multiplying by a Spread Multiplier and may be subject to a minimum rate and/or a maximum rate. The interest rate formulas, applicable Interest Rate Basis and other features are described below in “-Interest Rates-Floating Rate Notes.” If your notes are floating rate notes, the applicable Interest Rate Basis and any adjustments that apply to the interest rate will be specified in your pricing supplement.
Interest Rates
This subsection describes the different kinds of interest rates that may apply to your notes, as specified in your pricing supplement.
Fixed Rate Notes. Fixed rate notes will bear interest from their original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the notes has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of fixed rate notes at the fixed yearly rate or rates stated in your pricing supplement during the applicable time periods as stated in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. Your pricing supplement will describe the interest periods and relevant interest payment dates on which interest on fixed rate notes will be payable. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or the Maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid, or made available for payment, or from the issue date if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the interest payment date or the Maturity. We will compute interest on fixed rate notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months (the 30/360 (ISDA) day count convention), unless your pricing supplement provides that we will compute interest on a different basis.
Interest Payments
We will pay interest on the fixed rate notes at Maturity and on each interest payment date as follows:
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Interest Payment Frequency | Interest Payment Dates |
Monthly | Fifteenth day of each calendar month, beginning in the first calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Quarterly | Fifteenth day of every third month, beginning in the third calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Semi-annually | Fifteenth day of every sixth month, beginning in the sixth calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Annually | Fifteenth day of every twelfth month, beginning in the twelfth calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
If any interest payment date for any fixed rate note, other than an interest payment date at Maturity, would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, the applicable interest payment date will follow the Following Business Day Convention (as defined under –“Business Day Convention”).
Floating Rate Notes.
Interest on floating rate notes will be determined by reference to the applicable “Interest Rate Basis”, which may be either Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR. The interest rate borne by the floating rate notes will be determined, in general, as described below.
Regular Floating Rate Notes. Unless a floating rate note is designated as a Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note, it will be a “Regular Floating Rate Note” and will bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable Interest Rate Basis:
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| • | plus or minus the applicable number of basis points to be added to or subtracted from the related Interest Rate Basis (the “Spread”), if any; and/or |
| • | multiplied by the applicable percentage of the related Interest Rate Basis by which the Interest Rate Basis will be multiplied to determine the applicable interest rate (the “Spread Multiplier”), if any. |
Commencing on the first Interest Reset Date (as defined below), the rate at which interest on the Regular Floating Rate Note will be payable will be reset as of each Interest Reset Date; provided, however, that the interest rate in effect for the period from the date of issue to, but excluding, the first Interest Reset Date will be the initial interest rate.
Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Notes. If a floating rate note is designated as a “Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note,” it will bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable Interest Rate Basis:
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| • | plus or minus the applicable Spread, if any; and/or |
| • | multiplied by the applicable Spread Multiplier; if any. |
Commencing on the first Interest Reset Date, the rate at which interest on the applicable Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note will be payable will be reset as of each Interest Reset Date; provided, however, that:
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| • | the interest rate in effect for the period from the date of issue to, to but excluding, the first Interest Reset Date will be the initial interest rate; and |
| • | the interest rate in effect commencing on, and including, the date on which interest begins to accrue on a fixed rate basis to Maturity will be the “Fixed Interest Rate,” if the rate is specified in the applicable pricing supplement, or if no Fixed Interest Rate is specified, the interest rate in effect on the Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note on the day immediately preceding the date on which interest begins to accrue on a fixed rate basis. |
Interest Reset Dates. The applicable floating rate note and the applicable pricing supplement will specify the dates on which the interest rate on the related floating rate note will be reset (each, an “Interest Reset Date”). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the Interest Reset Dates will be, in the case of floating rate notes which reset:
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| • | daily—each Business Day; |
| • | weekly—the Wednesday of each week; |
| • | monthly—the Fifteenth day of each month; |
| • | quarterly—the Fifteenth day of each of four months of each year as specified in your pricing supplement; |
| • | semiannually—the Fifteenth day of each of the two months of each year specified in your pricing supplement; or |
| • | annually—the Fifteenth day of the month of each year specified in your pricing supplement; |
provided, however, that with respect to Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Notes, the rate of interest will not reset after the applicable date on which interest on a fixed rate basis begins to accrue.
If any Interest Reset Date for any floating rate note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, the applicable Interest Reset Date will follow the Following Business Day Convention. However, if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, then the Interest Reset Date will be the immediately preceding Business Day (the “Modified Following Business Day Convention”). A pricing supplement may also specify a date (an “Interest Rate Reset Cutoff Date”) prior to an Interest Reset Date on which the interest rate for a floating rate note will no longer be subject to adjustment. Beginning on the Interest Rate Reset Cutoff Date, the interest rate applicable to such floating rate note will be the rate in effect on the Interest Rate Reset Cutoff Date.
Maximum and Minimum Interest Rates. A floating rate note may also have either or both of the following:
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| • | a maximum numerical limitation, or ceiling, on the rate at which interest may accrue during any interest period (a “Maximum Interest Rate”); and |
| • | a minimum numerical limitation, or floor, on the rate at which interest may accrue during any period (a “Minimum Interest Rate”). |
The indenture and any debt securities issued under the indenture, including the notes, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest, with certain exceptions, is 16% per annum on a simple interest basis for securities in which less than $250,000 has been invested and 25% per annum on a simple interest basis for securities in which $250,000 or more has been invested. This limit may not apply to securities in which $2,500,000 or more has been invested. While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower, including, in some cases, corporate borrowers.
Interest Payments. Each applicable pricing supplement will specify the dates on which interest will be payable. Each floating rate note will bear interest from the date of issue at the rates specified in the applicable note and your applicable pricing supplement until the principal of the note is paid or otherwise made available for payment. Except as provided below or in your applicable pricing supplement, the interest payment dates with respect to floating rate notes will be, in the case of floating rate notes which reset:
• daily, weekly or monthly—the Fifteenth day of each month;
• quarterly—the Fifteenth day of each of four months of each year as specified in your pricing supplement;
• semiannually—the Fifteenth day of each of the two months of each year specified in your pricing supplement;
• annually—the Fifteenth day of the month of each year specified in your pricing supplement; and
• at Maturity
If any interest payment date for any floating rate note, other than an interest payment date at Maturity, would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, the applicable interest payment date will follow the Following Business Day Convention. However, unless specified in your pricing supplement, if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, the applicable interest payment date will follow the Modified Following Business Day Convention. If the Maturity of a floating rate note falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity to the date of that payment on the next succeeding Business Day.
Unless specified otherwise in your pricing supplement, all percentages resulting from any calculation on floating rate notes will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards. For example, 9.876545%, or 0.09876545, would be rounded to 9.87655%, or 0.0987655. All dollar amounts used in or resulting from any calculation on floating rate notes will be rounded to the nearest cent or, in the case of a foreign currency, to the nearest unit (with one-half cent or unit being rounded upward).
With respect to each floating rate note, accrued interest is calculated by multiplying its principal amount by an accrued interest factor. Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the accrued interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated. Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the interest factor for each day will be computed by dividing the interest rate applicable to each day by 360.
Interest Determination Dates. Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the interest rate applicable to each interest reset period commencing on the Interest Reset Date with respect to that interest reset period will be the second U.S. Government Securities Business Day preceding the related Interest Reset Date (the “Interest Determination Date”).
Calculation Date. Unless otherwise provided in your pricing supplement, U.S. Bank National Association will be the calculation agent with respect to the floating rate notes. The calculation agent will notify us of each determination of the interest rate applicable to any floating rate note promptly after the determination is made. The calculation agent will, upon the request of the holder of any floating rate note, provide the interest rate then in effect and, if determined and notified to the calculation agent, the interest rate that will become effective as a result of a determination made for the next succeeding Interest Reset Date with respect to that floating rate note. Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the calculation date, if applicable, pertaining to any Interest Determination Date will be the earlier of:
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| • | the tenth calendar day after the applicable Interest Determination Date, or, if the tenth calendar day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day; or |
| • | the Business Day preceding the applicable interest payment date or Maturity, as the case may be. |
Interest Rate Basis. Each Interest Rate Basis shall be the rate determined in accordance with the applicable provisions below. Except as set forth above or in your pricing supplement, the interest rate in effect on each day will be:
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| • | if the day is an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date; or |
| • | if the day is not an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date immediately preceding the most recent Interest Reset Date, provided, however, that the interest rate in effect for the period from the date of issue to, but excluding, the first Interest Reset Date will be the initial interest rate. |
Compounded SOFR. Compounded SOFR notes will bear interest at the rates, calculated with reference to Compounded SOFR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, specified in the Compounded SOFR notes and in your pricing supplement.
Unless specified otherwise in your pricing supplement, the amount of interest accrued and payable on the Compounded SOFR notes for each interest period will be equal to the product of (i) the outstanding principal amount of the Compounded SOFR notes multiplied by (ii) the product of (a) the interest rate (Compounded SOFR plus the Spread) for the relevant interest period multiplied by (b) the quotient of the actual number of calendar days in such interest period divided by 360. In no event will the interest on Compounded SOFR notes be less than zero.
Unless specified otherwise in the applicable pricing supplement, “Compounded SOFR” means, with respect to any interest period, the rate computed in accordance with the following formula:
where:
“SOFR IndexStart” is the SOFR Index value for the day which is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date of the relevant interest period;
“SOFR IndexEnd” is the SOFR Index value for the day which is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the latter interest payment date relating to such interest period; and
“dc” is the actual number of calendar days in such Observation Period.
For purposes of determining Compounded SOFR, “SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities Business Day:
(1) the SOFR Index value as published for such U.S. Government Securities Business Day by the New York Federal Reserve as such index appears on the New York Federal Reserve’s Website at 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such U.S. Government Securities Business Day (the “SOFR Index Determination Time”); provided that:
(2) if a SOFR Index value does not so appear as specified in (1) above at the SOFR Index Determination Time, then:
i. if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, then Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “SOFR Index Unavailable” provisions described below; or
ii. if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to SOFR, then Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event” provisions described below.
SOFR Index Unavailable
If a SOFR IndexStart or SOFR IndexEnd is not published on the associated Interest Determination Date and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, “Compounded SOFR” means, for the applicable interest period for which such index is not available, the rate of return on a daily compounded interest investment calculated in accordance with the formula for SOFR Averages, and definitions required for such formula, published on the New York Federal Reserve’s Website at https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/treasury-repo-reference-rates-information. For the purposes of this provision, references in the SOFR Averages compounding formula and related definitions to “calculation period” shall be replaced with “Observation Period” and the words “that is, 30-, 90-, or 180- calendar days” shall be removed. If the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFRi”) does not so appear for any day, “i” in the Observation Period, SOFRi for such day “i” shall be SOFR published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which SOFR was published on the New York Federal Reserve’s Website.
Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event:
If we or our designee determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the then-current Benchmark, the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the Compounded SOFR notes in respect of all determinations on such date and for all determinations on all subsequent dates.
In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, we or our designee will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.
Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us or our designee pursuant to this section, including a determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:
(1) will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error;
(2) will be made in our or our designee’s sole discretion; and
(3) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the documentation relating to the Compounded SOFR notes, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the Compounded SOFR notes or any other party.
“Benchmark” means, initially, Compounded SOFR, as such term is defined above; provided that if we or our designee determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR (or the published SOFR Index used in the calculation thereof) or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.
“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date.
(1) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
(2) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or
(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by us or our designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:
(1) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;
(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or
(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by us or our designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time.
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of the interest period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other technical administrative or operational matters) that we or our designee decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if we or our designee decide that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if we or our designee determine that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as we or our designee determine is reasonably necessary).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including any daily published component used in the calculation thereof):
(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or
(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.
For the avoidance of doubt, if the event that gives rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.
For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of the definitions of Benchmark Replacement Date and Benchmark Transition Event, references to Benchmark also include any reference rate underlying such Benchmark.
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including the daily published component used in the calculation thereof):
(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component);
(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component), the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark (or such component), an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component) permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or
(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time
“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.
“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.
“Observation Period” means the period from and including two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding an interest payment date to but excluding two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the next interest payment date, provided that the first Observation Period shall be from and including two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the date of issue to but excluding the two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first interest payment date.
“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Compounded SOFR, the SOFR Index Determination Time, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Compounded SOFR, the time determined by us or our designee after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” is any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. Government securities.
SOFR. SOFR notes will bear interest at the rates, calculated with reference to SOFR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, specified in the SOFR notes and your pricing supplement. In no event will the interest on SOFR notes be less than zero.
“SOFR” means:
(1)the rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate) (the “Secured Overnight Financing Rate”) for the applicable Interest Determination Date published as of 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately following such Interest Determination Date (the “SOFR Determination Time”); or
(2)if the rate referred to in clause (1) does not appear by the SOFR Determination Time, then:
i.if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, then SOFR shall be the Secured Overnight Financing Rate published on the New York Federal Reserve’s website for the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which the Secured Overnight Financing Rate was published on the New York Federal Reserve’s website; or
ii.if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, then SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event” provisions described below.
Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event:
If we or our designee determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the SOFR notes in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates.
In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, we or our designee will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.
Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us or our designee pursuant to this section, including a determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:
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| (1) | will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error; |
| (2) | will be made in our or our designee’s sole discretion; and |
| (3) | notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the documentation relating to the SOFR notes, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the SOFR notes or any other party. |
“Benchmark” means, initially, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as such term is defined above; provided that if we or our designee determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.
“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date.
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| (1) | sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
| (2) | the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or |
| (3) | the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by us or our designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. |
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:
| | | | | | | | |
| (1) | the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement; |
| (2) | if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or |
| (3) | the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by us or our designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time |
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of the interest payment calculation period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that we or our designee decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if we or our designee decide that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if we or our designee determine that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as we or our designee determine is reasonably necessary).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or
(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.
For the avoidance of doubt, if the event that gives rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
| | | | | | | | |
| (1) | a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; |
| (2) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or |
| (3) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative. |
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to a Benchmark Replacement means a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time
“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.
“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.
“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, the SOFR Determination Time, and (2) if the Benchmark is not the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, the time determined by us or our designee after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” is any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. Government securities.
Term SOFR. Term SOFR notes will bear interest at the rates, calculated with reference to Term SOFR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, specified in the Term SOFR notes and in your pricing supplement.
Unless specified otherwise in the applicable pricing supplement, “Term SOFR” means, with respect to any interest period:
a.the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period on the day (such day, the “Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day”) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; or
b.if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR
Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day.
For purposes of the foregoing relating to the determination of Term SOFR:
“Term SOFR Reference Rate” means the forward-looking term rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate published by the Term SOFR Administrator..
“Interest Period” means the period of time from an Interest Reset Date to, but not including, the next following Interest Reset Date.
“Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Term SOFR”.
“Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of the Term SOFR Reference Rate).
Other capitalized terms used in the foregoing provisions relating to the determination of Term SOFR have the meanings described under “Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event.”
Effect of a Benchmark Transition Event:
If we or our designee determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the Term SOFR notes in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates.
In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, we or our designee will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.
Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us or our designee pursuant to this section, including a determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:
| | | | | | | | |
| (1) | will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error; |
| (2) | will be made in our or our designee’s sole discretion; and |
| (3) | notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the documentation relating to the Term SOFR notes, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the Term SOFR notes or any other party. |
“Benchmark” means, initially, Term SOFR, as such term is defined above; provided that if we or our designee determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Term SOFR rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.
“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date.
| | | | | | | | |
| (1) | sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
| (2) | the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or |
| (3) | the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by us or our designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. |
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us or our designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:
| | | | | | | | |
| (1) | the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement; |
| (2) | if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or |
| (3) | the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by us or our designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time |
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of the interest payment calculation period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that we or our designee decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if we or our designee decide that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if we or our designee determine that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as we or our designee determine is reasonably necessary).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or
(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.
For the avoidance of doubt, if the event that gives rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
| | | | | | | | |
| (1)
(2) | we, the calculation agent or our designee, after consulting with us, determines that the use of a forward-looking rate for the tenor specified in your pricing supplement based on SOFR is not administratively feasible; a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; |
| (3) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or |
| (4) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative. |
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to a Benchmark Replacement means a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time
“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.
“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.
“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Term SOFR, the Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Term SOFR, the time determined by us or our designee after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” is any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. Government securities
Business Day Convention
Except as otherwise specified as to floating rate notes above, the Business Day convention that will apply to your notes is the “Following Business Day Convention.” The “Following Business Day Convention” means, for any interest payment date or interest reset date, other than the Maturity, if such date would otherwise fall on a day that is not a business day, then such date will be postponed to the next day that is a Business Day.
“Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York.
Payment of Principal and Interest
Principal of and interest on beneficial interests in the notes will be made in accordance with the arrangements then in place between the paying agent and The Depository Trust Company (referred to as “DTC”) and its participants as described under “Registration and Settlement—The Depository Trust Company.” Payments in respect of any notes in certificated form will be made as described under “Registration and Settlement—Registration, Transfer and Payment of Certificated Notes.”
Interest on each note will be payable either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually on each interest payment date and at the note’s stated Maturity or on the date of redemption or repayment if a note is redeemed or repaid prior to Maturity. Interest is payable to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date before each interest payment date. Interest due at a note’s stated maturity or on a date of redemption or repayment will be payable to the person to whom principal is payable.
We will pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in connection with making payments in immediately available funds, but any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed upon any payments on a note, including, without limitation, any withholding tax, is the responsibility of the holders of beneficial interests in the note in respect of which such payments are made.
Record Dates for Interest Payments
The regular record date for any interest payment date will be the first day of the calendar month in which the interest payment date occurs, except that the regular record date for interest due on the note’s stated maturity date or date of earlier redemption or repayment will be that particular date. For the purpose of determining the holder at the close of business on a regular record date when business is not being conducted, the close of business will mean 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on that day.
Interest on a note will be payable beginning on the first interest payment date after its date of original issuance to holders of record on the corresponding regular record date.
Redemption and Repayment
Unless we otherwise provide in your pricing supplement, a note will not be redeemable or repayable prior to its stated maturity date.
If the pricing supplement states that the note will be redeemable at our option prior to its stated maturity date, then on such date or dates specified in the pricing supplement, we may redeem those notes at our option either in whole or from time to time in part, upon not less than five nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the holder of those notes.
If the pricing supplement states that your note will be repayable at your option prior to its stated maturity date, we will require receipt of notice of the request for repayment at least 30 but not more than 60 days prior to the date or dates specified in the pricing supplement. We also must receive the completed form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment.” Exercise of the repayment option by the holder of a note is irrevocable.
Since the notes will be represented by a global note, DTC or its nominee will be treated as the holder of the notes; therefore DTC or its nominee will be the only entity that receives notices of redemption of notes from us, in the case of our redemption of notes, and will be the only entity that can exercise the right to repayment of notes, in the case of optional repayment. See “Registration and Settlement.”
To ensure that DTC or its nominee will timely exercise a right to repayment with respect to a particular beneficial interest in a note, the beneficial owner of the interest in that note must instruct the broker or other direct or indirect participant through which it holds the beneficial interest to notify DTC or its nominee of its desire to exercise a right to repayment. Because different firms have different cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers, each beneficial owner should consult the broker or other direct or indirect participant through which it holds an interest in a note to determine the cut-off time by which the instruction must be given for timely notice to be delivered to DTC or its nominee. Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC or its nominee to participants, by participants to indirect participants and by participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners of the notes will be governed by agreements among them and any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.
The redemption of a note normally will occur on a specified interest payment date and any business day thereafter following receipt of a valid notice. The repayment of a note normally will occur on the interest payment date or dates following receipt of a valid notice. Unless otherwise specified in the pricing supplement, the redemption or repayment price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the note plus unpaid interest accrued to the date or dates of redemption or repayment.
We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. We may also purchase notes otherwise tendered for repayment by a holder or tendered by a holder’s duly authorized representative through exercise of the Survivor’s Option described below. If we purchase the notes in this manner, we have the discretion to either hold, resell or surrender the notes to the trustee for cancellation.
Survivor’s Option
The “Survivor’s Option” is a provision in a note pursuant to which we agree to repay that note, if requested by the authorized representative of the beneficial owner of that note, following the death of the beneficial owner of the note, so long as the note was owned by that beneficial owner or the estate of that beneficial owner at least six months prior to the request. The pricing supplement relating to each offering of notes will state whether the Survivor’s Option applies to those notes.
If a note is entitled to a Survivor’s Option, upon the valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option and the proper tender of that note for repayment, we will, at our option, repay or repurchase that note, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the deceased beneficial owner’s interest in that note plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of repayment.
To be valid, the Survivor’s Option must be exercised by or on behalf of the person who has authority to act on behalf of the deceased beneficial owner of the note (including, without limitation, the personal representative or executor of the deceased beneficial owner or the surviving joint owner with the deceased beneficial owner) under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction.
The death of a person holding a beneficial ownership interest in a note as a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety with another person, or as a tenant in common with the deceased holder’s spouse, will be deemed the death of a beneficial owner of that note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held will be subject to repayment by us upon request. However, the death of a person holding a beneficial ownership interest in a note as tenant in common with a person other than such deceased holder’s spouse will be deemed the death of a beneficial owner only with respect to such deceased person’s interest in the note.
The death of a person who, during his or her lifetime, was entitled to substantially all of the beneficial ownership interests in a note will be deemed the death of the beneficial owner of that note for purposes of the Survivor’s Option, regardless of whether that beneficial owner was the registered holder of that note, if entitlement to those interests can be established to the satisfaction of the trustee. A beneficial ownership interest will be deemed to exist in typical cases of nominee ownership, ownership under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, community property or other joint ownership arrangements between a husband and wife. In addition, a beneficial ownership interest will be deemed to exist in custodial and trust arrangements where one person has all of the beneficial ownership interests in the applicable note during his or her lifetime.
We have the discretionary right to limit the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option shall be accepted by us from authorized representatives of all deceased beneficial owners in any calendar year to an amount equal to the greater of $2,000,000 or 2% of the principal amount of all notes outstanding as of the end of the most recent calendar year. We also have the discretionary right to limit to $250,000 in any calendar year the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option shall be accepted by us from the authorized representative of any individual deceased beneficial owner of notes in such calendar year. In addition, we will not permit the exercise of the Survivor’s Option except in principal amounts of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000.
An otherwise valid election to exercise the Survivor’s Option may not be withdrawn. Each election to exercise the Survivor’s Option will be accepted in the order that elections are received by the trustee, except for any note the acceptance of which would contravene any of the limitations described in the preceding paragraph. Notes accepted for repayment through the exercise of the Survivor’s Option normally will be repaid on the first interest payment date that occurs 20 or more calendar days after the date of the acceptance. For example, if the acceptance date of a note tendered through a valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option is September 1, 2017, and interest on that note is paid monthly, we would normally, at our option, repay that note on the interest payment date occurring on October 15, 2017, because the September 15, 2017 interest payment date would occur less than 20 days from the date of acceptance. Each tendered note that is not accepted in any calendar year due to the application of any of the limitations described in the preceding paragraph will be deemed to be tendered in the following calendar year in the order in which all such notes were originally tendered. If a note tendered through a valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option is not accepted, the trustee will deliver a notice by first-class mail to the registered holder, at that holder’s last known address as indicated in the note register, that states the reason that note has not been accepted for repayment.
With respect to notes represented by a global note, DTC or its nominee is treated as the holder of the notes and will be the only entity that can exercise the Survivor’s Option for such notes. To obtain repayment pursuant to exercise of the Survivor’s Option for a note, the deceased beneficial owner’s authorized representative must provide the following items to the broker or other entity through which the beneficial interest in the note is held by the deceased beneficial owner:
•a written instruction to such broker or other entity to notify DTC of the authorized representative’s desire to obtain repayment pursuant to exercise of the Survivor’s Option;
•appropriate evidence satisfactory to the trustee (a) that the deceased was the beneficial owner of the note at the time of death and his or her interest in the note was owned by the deceased beneficial owner or his or her estate at least six months prior to the request for repayment, (b) that the death of the beneficial owner has occurred, (c) of the date of death of the beneficial owner, and (d) that the representative has authority to act on behalf of the beneficial owner;
•if the interest in the note is held by a nominee of the deceased beneficial owner, a certificate satisfactory to the trustee from the nominee attesting to the deceased’s beneficial ownership of such note;
•written request for repayment signed by the authorized representative of the deceased beneficial owner with the signature guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States;
•if applicable, a properly executed assignment or endorsement;
•tax waivers and any other instruments or documents that the trustee reasonably requires in order to establish the validity of the beneficial ownership of the note and the claimant’s entitlement to payment; and
•any additional information the trustee reasonably requires to evidence satisfaction of any conditions to the exercise of the Survivor’s Option or to document beneficial ownership or authority to make the election and to cause the repayment of the note.
In turn, the broker or other entity will deliver each of these items to the trustee, together with evidence satisfactory to the trustee from the broker or other entity stating that it represents the deceased beneficial owner.
The death of a person owning a note in joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety with another or others shall be deemed the death of the holder of the note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held shall be subject to repayment, together with interest accrued thereon to the repayment date. The death of a person owning a note by tenancy in common shall be deemed the death of a holder of a note only with respect to the deceased holder’s interest in the note so held by tenancy in common; except that in the event a note is held by husband and wife as tenants in common, the death of either shall be deemed the death of the holder of the note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held shall be subject to repayment. The death of a person who, during his or her lifetime, was entitled to substantially all of the beneficial interests of ownership of a note, shall be deemed the death of the holder thereof for purposes of this provision, regardless of the registered holder, if such beneficial interest can be established to the satisfaction of the trustee and us. Such beneficial interest shall be deemed to exist in typical cases of nominee ownership, ownership under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, community property or other joint ownership arrangements between a husband and wife and trust arrangements where one person has substantially all of the beneficial ownership interest in the note during his or her lifetime.
We retain the right to limit the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option applicable to the notes will be accepted in any one calendar year as described above. All other questions regarding the eligibility or validity of any exercise of the Survivor’s Option will be determined by the trustee, in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding on all parties.
The broker or other entity will be responsible for disbursing payments received from the trustee to the authorized representative. See “Registration and Settlement.”
Forms for the exercise of the Survivor’s Option may be obtained from the Trustee at 100 Wall Street, Suite 600, New York, NY 10005, Attention: General Counsel.
If applicable, we will comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder, and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with any repayment of notes at the option of the registered holders or beneficial owners thereof.
RISKS RELATING TO FLOATING RATE NOTES BASED ON SOFR
Floating rate notes based on SOFR, Compounded SOFR and Term SOFR carry the following additional risks:
The composition and characteristics of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) are not the same as the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).
On June 22, 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) convened by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York identified SOFR as the rate that, in the consensus view of the ARRC, represented best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April 2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has also been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014. Investors should not rely on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of future changes in SOFR.
The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons. First, SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate. Second, SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities (e.g., three months). As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR (including Compounded SOFR and Term SOFR) will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events.
Floating rate notes have risks that conventional fixed rate notes do not.
Because the interest rate of floating rate notes may be based upon the Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR, there will be significant risks not associated with conventional fixed rate notes. These risks include fluctuation of the interest rates and the possibility that you will receive a lower amount of interest in the future as a result of such fluctuations. We have no control over various matters that are important in determining the existence, magnitude and longevity of these risks, including economic, financial and political events.
Reform of SOFR and the regulation or discontinuation of this and other “benchmarks” may adversely affect the value of and return on any notes based on or linked to a “benchmark.”
SOFR and other indices which are deemed “benchmarks” have been the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past, or to be discontinued, or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. Any such consequence could have a material adverse effect on the value of and return on any notes based on or linked to a “benchmark.”
Any of the international, national or other proposals for reform or the general increased regulatory scrutiny of “benchmarks” could increase the costs and risks of administering or otherwise participating in the setting of a “benchmark” and complying with any such regulations or requirements. Such factors may have the effect of discouraging market participants from continuing to administer or participate in certain “benchmarks,” trigger changes in the rules or methodologies used in certain “benchmarks,” or lead to the disappearance of certain “benchmarks.”
Any consequential changes to SOFR or any other “benchmark” as a result of United States or other international, national, or other proposals for reform or other initiatives or investigations, or any further uncertainty in relation to the timing and manner of implementation of such changes could have a material adverse effect on the trading market for, value of and return on any notes based on or linked to such “benchmark.”
SOFR has a limited history, and the future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on historical performance; SOFR may also be modified or discontinued.
The publication of SOFR began in April 2018, and, therefore, it has a very limited history. In addition, the future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on its limited historical performance. Future levels of SOFR may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. Prior observed patterns, if any, in the behavior of market variables and their relation to SOFR, such as correlations, may change in the future. Because only limited historical data has been released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, such analysis inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. The future performance of SOFR is impossible to predict and therefore no future performance of SOFR may be inferred from any of the historical actual or historical indicative data. Hypothetical or historical performance data are not indicative of, and have no bearing on, the potential performance of SOFR or any SOFR-linked notes.
SOFR is a relatively new rate, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor), as administrator of SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of SOFR, including changes related to the methods by which SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate SOFR, or the averages or periods used to report SOFR. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on SOFR notes, which may adversely affect the trading prices and marketability of those notes. The administrator of SOFR may withdraw, modify, amend, suspend or discontinue the calculation or dissemination of SOFR in its sole discretion and without notice and has no obligation to consider the interests of holders of the notes in calculating, withdrawing, modifying, amending, suspending or discontinuing SOFR.
Term SOFR has a limited history, and the future performance of Term SOFR cannot be predicted based on historical performance; Term SOFR may also be modified or discontinued.
The publication of Term SOFR began in April 2021, and, therefore, it has a very limited history. In addition, the future performance of Term SOFR cannot be predicted based on its limited historical performance. Future levels of Term SOFR may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. Prior observed patterns, if any, in the behavior of market variables and their relation to Term SOFR, such as correlations, may change in the future. Because only limited historical data has been released by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited, as administrator of Term SOFR, such analysis inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. The future performance of Term SOFR is impossible to predict and therefore no future performance of Term SOFR may be inferred from any of the historical actual or historical indicative data. Hypothetical or historical performance data are not indicative of, and have no bearing on, the potential performance of Term SOFR or any Term SOFR-linked notes.
Term SOFR is a relatively new rate, and CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (or a successor), as administrator of Term SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of Term SOFR, including changes related to the methods by which Term SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate Term SOFR, or the averages or periods used to report Term SOFR. If the manner in which Term SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on Term SOFR notes, which may adversely affect the trading prices and marketability of those notes. The administrator of Term SOFR may withdraw, modify, amend, suspend or discontinue the calculation or dissemination of Term SOFR in its sole discretion and without notice and has no obligation to consider the interests of holders of the notes in calculating, withdrawing, modifying, amending, suspending or discontinuing Term SOFR.
The interest rate on Compounded SOFR notes is based on Compounded SOFR and the SOFR Index, both of which are relatively new in the marketplace.
For each interest period, the interest rate on Compounded SOFR notes is based on Compounded SOFR, which is calculated according to the specific formula described under “Description of the Notes—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR” using the SOFR Index, as defined under “Description of the Notes—Interest Rates— Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR” published by the New York Federal Reserve, and not by using SOFR published on or in respect of a particular date during such interest period or an arithmetic average of SOFR during such period. For this and other reasons, the interest rate on Compounded SOFR notes during any interest period will not necessarily be the same as the interest rate on other SOFR-linked investments that use an alternative basis to determine the applicable interest rate. Further, if SOFR in respect of a particular date during an interest period is negative, its contribution to the SOFR Index will be less than one, resulting in a reduction to Compounded SOFR used to calculate the interest payable on Compounded SOFR notes for such period.
In addition, the New York Federal Reserve only began publishing the SOFR Index on March 2, 2020. Accordingly, the use of the SOFR Index or the specific formula for Compounded SOFR used in Compounded SOFR notes may not be widely adopted by other market participants, if at all. You should carefully review the specific formula for Compounded SOFR used in Compounded SOFR notes before making an investment in Compounded SOFR notes. If the market adopts a different calculation method than used in any Compounded SOFR notes, that would likely adversely affect the market value of Compounded SOFR notes.
Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the SOFR, Compounded SOFR and Term SOFR notes.
According to the ARRC, SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an alternative to USD LIBOR in part because it is considered a good representation of general funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, it does not measure bank-specific credit risk and, as a result, is less likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR a suitable substitute, replacement or successor for all of the purposes for which USD LIBOR historically has been used (including, without limitation, as a representation of the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks), which may, in turn, lessen market acceptance of SOFR. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the return on and value of the SOFR, Compounded SOFR and Term SOFR notes and the price at which investors can sell the SOFR, Compounded SOFR and Term SOFR notes in the secondary market.
Very limited market precedent exists for securities that use SOFR as the interest rate and the method for calculating an interest rate based upon SOFR in those precedents varies. In addition, if SOFR does not become widely used as a benchmark in
securities that are similar or comparable to the floating rate notes, the trading price of the floating rate notes may be lower than those of securities that are linked to rates that are more widely used. Similarly, market terms for floating rate debt securities linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in interest rate provisions or the manner of compounding the base rate, may evolve over time, and trading prices of the floating rate notes may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-based debt securities as a result. Investors in the floating rate notes may not be able to sell the floating rate notes at all or may not be able to sell the floating rate notes at prices that will provide them with a return comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.
The SOFR Index may be modified or discontinued and Compounded SOFR notes may bear interest by reference to a rate other than Compounded SOFR, which could adversely affect the value of Compounded SOFR notes.
The SOFR Index is published by the New York Federal Reserve based on data received by it from sources other than us, and we have no control over its methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices or availability of the SOFR Index at any time. There can be no guarantee, particularly given its relatively recent introduction, that the SOFR Index will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in Compounded SOFR notes. If the manner in which the SOFR Index is calculated, including the manner in which SOFR is calculated, is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest payable on Compounded SOFR notes and the trading prices of such notes. In addition, the New York Federal Reserve may withdraw, modify or amend the published SOFR Index or SOFR data in its sole discretion and without notice. With respect to any Compounded SOFR notes, the interest rate for any interest period will not be adjusted for any modifications or amendments to the SOFR Index or SOFR data that the New York Federal Reserve may publish after the interest rate for that interest period has been determined.
Interest on Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes and Term SOFR notes will be calculated using a reference rate other than the applicable benchmark if a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date occur.
If we or our designee determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR then a Benchmark Replacement will be determined in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions described below under “Description of Notes—Interest Rates— Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR,” “Description of Notes—Interest Rates— Floating Rate Notes—SOFR,” and “Description of Notes—Interest Rates— Floating Rate Notes—Term SOFR,” respectively. After such an event, interest on such notes will no longer be determined by reference to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR, but instead be determined by reference to the applicable Benchmark Replacement.
The selection of a Benchmark Replacement, and any decisions, determinations or elections made by us or our designee in connection with implementing a Benchmark Replacement with respect to Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR notes in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, including with respect to Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, could adversely affect the rate of interest on such notes, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for the notes. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any Benchmark Replacement will be similar to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR, or that any Benchmark Replacement will produce the economic equivalent of Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR as a reference rate for interest on such notes.
SOFR and Term SOFR may be more volatile than other benchmark or market rates.
Since the initial publication of SOFR and Term SOFR, daily changes in the rates have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as USD LIBOR, during corresponding periods. In addition, although changes in Term SOFR, Compounded SOFR and simple average SOFR generally are not expected to be as volatile as changes in daily levels of SOFR, the return on, value of and market for the SOFR notes may fluctuate more than floating rate debt securities with interest rates based on less volatile rates. In addition, the volatility of SOFR has reflected the underlying volatility of the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has at times conducted operations in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market in order to help maintain the federal funds rate within a target range. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will continue to conduct such operations in the future, and the duration and extent of any such operations is inherently uncertain. The effect of any such operations, or of the cessation of such operations to the extent they are commenced, is uncertain and could be materially adverse to investors in the floating rate notes.
Interest payments due on a series of Compounded SOFR notes will be determined only at the end of the relevant interest period.
Interest payments due on a series of Compounded SOFR notes s will be determined only at the end of the relevant interest period. Therefore, holders of any series of Compounded SOFR may not know the amount of interest payable with respect to each interest period until shortly prior to the related interest payment date, and it may be difficult for investors in such Compounded SOFR notes to estimate reliably the amounts of interest that will be payable on each such interest payment date at the beginning of or during the relevant interest period. In addition, some investors may be unwilling or unable to trade such Compounded SOFR notes without changes to their information technology systems, both of which could adversely impact the liquidity and trading price of any series of Compounded SOFR notes.
The Benchmark Replacements are uncertain and may not be a suitable replacement for Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR.
The terms of the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR notes provide for a “waterfall” of alternative rates to be used to determine the rate of interest on such notes if a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date occur. If each alternative rate referenced in the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” is unavailable or indeterminable, we or our designee will determine the Benchmark Replacement that will apply to the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR notes. The substitution of a Benchmark Replacement may adversely affect the value of and return on these notes.
In addition, the benchmark transition provisions provide for a Benchmark Replacement Adjustment to be added to the Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement in order to make the Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement equivalent to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR. However, such adjustment will not necessarily make the Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement equivalent to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR. In particular, as the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment may be a one-time adjustment, such adjustment above the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement may not respond to changes in unsecured bank credit risk or other market conditions on a periodic basis.
The rate of interest on the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR notes may be determined by reference to a Benchmark Replacement even if the applicable benchmark continues to be published.
If a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR, the rate of interest on the Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR notes will thereafter be determined by reference to the applicable Benchmark Replacement. In each case, a Benchmark Transition Event includes, among other things, a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the benchmark announcing that the benchmark is no longer representative. The rate of interest on those notes may therefore cease to be determined by reference to the benchmark and instead be determined by reference to the Benchmark Replacement, even if the benchmark continues to be published. Such rate may be lower than the benchmark for so long as the benchmark continues to be published, and the value of and return on the Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR notes may be adversely affected.
We or our designee will make determinations with respect to the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes and Term SOFR notes that could affect the value of and return on those notes.
We or our designee will make certain determinations with respect to the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes and Term SOFR as further described above under “Description of Notes” that may adversely affect the value of and return on those notes. In particular, if a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR, the applicable Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will be determined in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions described under “Description of Notes—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event”, “Description of Notes—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes—SOFR—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” or “Description of Notes—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes—Term SOFR—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event respectively, and we or our designee can make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes in connection with the implementation of the applicable Benchmark Replacement. Moreover, certain determinations may require the exercise of discretion and the making of subjective judgments, such as with respect to the Benchmark Replacement or the occurrence or non-occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event and any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us or our designee pursuant to the benchmark transition provisions will, if made by us, be made in our sole discretion and, in each case, will become effective without consent from the holders of those notes or any other party. All determinations by us or our designee will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on us and holders of the Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR absent manifest error. In making these potentially subjective determinations, we or our designee, may have
economic interests that are adverse to your interests, and such determinations may adversely affect the value of and return on the notes. Because the continuation of Compounded SOFR, SOFR or Term SOFR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed, and because the applicable Benchmark Replacement is uncertain, we or our designee are likely to exercise more discretion in respect of calculating interest payable on Compounded SOFR notes, SOFR notes or Term SOFR than would be the case in the absence of a Benchmark Transition Event and related Benchmark Replacement Date.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The following description of the particular terms of the notes being offered supplements and, to the extent inconsistent with or otherwise specified in an applicable pricing supplement, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable pricing supplement, the notes will have the terms described below. Capitalized terms used but not defined below have the meanings given to them in the accompanying prospectus and in the indenture relating to the notes.
The notes being offered by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the applicable pricing supplement will be issued under an indenture, dated as of February 16, 2012, as amended and as supplemented from time to time. U.S. Bank National Association was appointed as trustee, as successor to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, pursuant to an Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of March 9, 2012. The indenture is more fully described in the accompanying prospectus. The indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities that may be issued under it and provides that the debt securities may be issued under it from time to time in one or more series. The following statements are summaries of the material provisions of the indenture and the notes. These summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the indenture, including for the definitions of certain terms. From time to time we may offer other debt securities either publicly or through private placement having maturities, interest rates, covenants and other terms that may differ materially from the terms of the notes described herein and in any pricing supplement.
The notes constitute a single series of debt securities for purposes of the indenture and are unlimited in aggregate principal amount under the terms of the indenture. Our board of directors has authorized the issuance and sale of the notes from time to time, up to an additional aggregate principal amount of $1 billion in this offering. As of February 12, 2020, approximately $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of notes have been issued. We have, from time to time, repurchased certain notes and, therefore, as of February 12, 2020, $662.9 million aggregate principal amount of notes were outstanding.
Notes issued in accordance with this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the applicable pricing supplement will have the following general characteristics:
•the notes will be our direct unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding;
•the notes may be offered from time to time by us through the Purchasing Agent or the agents and each note will mature on a day that is at least 12 months from its date of original issuance;
•each note may be issued with a fixed or floating interest rate; any floating interest rate will initially be based on LIBOR;
•the notes will not be subject to any sinking fund; and
•the minimum denomination of the notes will be $1,000 (unless otherwise stated in the pricing supplement).
In addition, the pricing supplement relating to each offering of notes will describe specific terms of the notes, including but not limited to:
•the stated maturity;
•the denomination of your notes;
•the price at which we originally issue your notes, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;
•whether your notes are fixed rate notes or floating rate notes;
•if your notes are fixed rate notes, the annual rate at which your notes will bear interest, or the periodic rates in the case of notes that bear different rates at different times during the term of the notes, and the interest payment dates, if different from those stated below under “—Interest Rates—Fixed Rate Notes;”
•if your notes are floating rate notes, the interest rate, spread or spread multiplier or initial base rate, maximum rate and/or minimum rate; if there is more than one spread to be applied at different times during the term of the notes for your interest rate, which spread during which periods applies to your notes; and the interest reset, determination, calculation and payment dates, all of which we describe under “—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes” below;
•if applicable, the circumstances under which your notes may be redeemed at our option or repaid at the holder’s option before the stated maturity, including any redemption commencement date, repayment date(s), redemption price(s) and redemption period(s), all of which we describe under “—Redemption and Repayment” below;
•whether the authorized representative of the holder of a beneficial interest in the notes will have the right to seek repayment upon the death of the holder as described under “—Survivor’s Option;”
•any special U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes; and
•any other significant terms of your notes, which could be different from those described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, but in no event inconsistent with the indenture.
We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by us may, at our discretion, be held, resold or surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.
Types of Notes
We may issue either of the two types of notes described below. Notes may have elements of each of the two types of notes described below. For example, notes may bear interest at a fixed rate for some periods and at a floating rate in others.
Fixed Rate Notes. Notes of this type will bear interest at one or more fixed rates described in your pricing supplement.
Fixed rate notes will bear interest from their original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the notes has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of fixed rate notes at the fixed rate or rates per annum stated in your pricing supplement during the applicable time periods as stated in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or the maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid, or made available for payment, or from the issue date if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the interest payment date or maturity. We will compute interest on fixed rate notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months (the 30/360 (ISDA) day count convention) unless your pricing supplement provides that we will compute interest on a different basis. We will pay interest on each interest payment date and at maturity as described below under “—Payments of Principal and Interest.” Notes may be offered that switch from a fixed rate to a floating rate or from a floating rate to a fixed rate during the term of the notes.
Floating Rate Notes. Notes of this type will bear interest at rates that are determined by reference to an interest rate formula initially based on LIBOR. In some cases, the rates may also be adjusted by adding or subtracting a spread in relation to LIBOR or multiplying by a spread multiplier and may be subject to a minimum rate and/or a maximum rate. The various interest rate formulas and these other features are described below in “—Interest Rates—Floating Rate Notes.” If your notes are floating rate notes, the formula and any adjustments that apply to the interest rate will be specified in your pricing supplement.
Floating rate notes will bear interest from their original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the notes has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of floating rate notes at a rate per annum determined according to the interest rate formula stated in your pricing supplement during the applicable interest rate periods as stated in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. We will pay interest on each interest payment date and at maturity as described below “—Payments of Principal and Interest.” Notes may be offered that switch from a fixed rate to a floating rate or from a floating rate to a fixed rate during the term of the notes.
Interest Rates
This subsection describes the different kinds of interest rates that may apply to your notes, as specified in your pricing supplement.
Fixed Rate Notes. Fixed rate notes will bear interest from their original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the notes has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of fixed rate notes at the fixed yearly rate or rates stated in your pricing supplement during the applicable time periods as stated in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. Your pricing supplement will describe the interest periods and relevant interest payment dates on which interest on fixed rate notes will be payable. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or the maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid, or made available for payment, or from the issue date if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the interest payment date or the maturity. We will compute interest on fixed rate notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months (the 30/360 (ISDA) day count convention), unless your pricing supplement provides that we will compute interest on a different basis. We will pay interest on each interest payment date and at maturity as described below under “—Payments of Principal and Interest.”
Floating Rate Notes. Floating rate notes will bear interest at rates that are determined by reference to an interest rate formula initially based on LIBOR. In some cases, the rates may also be adjusted by adding or subtracting a spread in relation to LIBOR or multiplying by a spread multiplier and may be subject to a minimum rate and/or a maximum rate. If your note is a floating rate note, the formula and any adjustments that apply to the interest rate will be specified in your pricing supplement.
Each floating rate note will bear interest from its original issue date or from the most recent date to which interest on the note has been paid or made available for payment. Interest will accrue on the principal of a floating rate note at a rate per annum determined according to the interest rate formula stated in the pricing supplement during the applicable interest rate period
specified in your pricing supplement, until the principal is paid or made available for payment. We will pay interest on each interest payment date and at maturity as described below under “—Payment of Principal and Interest.”
In addition, the following will apply to floating rate notes.
Initial Base Rate
Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, for floating rate notes, the initial base rate will be the applicable LIBOR base rate in effect from and including the original issue date to but excluding the initial interest reset date. We will specify the initial base rate in your pricing supplement.
Spread or Spread Multiplier
In some cases, the base rate for floating rate notes may be adjusted:
•by adding or subtracting a specified number of basis points, called the spread, with one basis point being 0.01%; or
•by multiplying the base rate by a specified percentage, called the spread multiplier.
If you purchase floating rate notes, your pricing supplement will specify whether a spread or spread multiplier will apply to your notes and, if so, the amount of the applicable spread or spread multiplier and any increases or decreases in the spread or spread multiplier during the term of your notes.
Maximum and Minimum Rates
The actual interest rate, after being adjusted by the spread or spread multiplier, may also be subject to either or both of the following limits:
•a maximum rate—i.e., a specified upper limit that the actual interest rate in effect at any time may not exceed; and/or
•a minimum rate—i.e., a specified lower limit that the actual interest rate in effect at any time may not fall below.
If you purchase floating rate notes, your pricing supplement will specify whether a maximum rate and/or minimum rate will apply to your notes and, if so, what those rates are.
Whether or not a maximum rate applies, the interest rate on floating rate notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law, as it may be modified by U.S. law of general application. Under current New York law, the maximum rate of interest, with some exceptions, for any loan in an amount less than $250,000 is 16% and for any loan in the amount of $250,000 or more but less than $2,500,000 is 25%, per year on a simple interest basis. These limits do not apply to loans of $2,500,000 or more.
The rest of this subsection describes how the interest rate and the interest payment dates will be determined, and how interest will be calculated, on floating rate notes.
Interest Reset Dates
Except as otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the rate of interest on floating rate notes will be reset, by the calculation agent described below, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually (each, an “interest reset period”). The date on which the interest rate resets and the reset rate becomes effective is called the interest reset date. Except as otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the interest reset date will be as follows:
•for floating rate notes that reset daily, each London business day (as defined below);
•for floating rate notes that reset weekly, the Wednesday of each week;
•for floating rate notes that reset monthly, the third Wednesday of each month;
•for floating rate notes that reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of each of four months of each year as specified in your pricing supplement;
•for floating rate notes that reset semi-annually, the third Wednesday of each of two months of each year as specified in your pricing supplement; and
•for floating rate notes that reset annually, the third Wednesday of one month of each year as specified in your pricing supplement.
For floating rate notes, the interest rate in effect on any particular day will be the interest rate determined with respect to the latest interest reset date that occurs on or before that day. There are several exceptions, however, to the reset provisions described above.
Interest reset dates are subject to adjustment, as described below under “—Business Day Conventions.”
The base rate in effect from and including the original issue date to but excluding the first interest reset date will be the initial base rate. For floating rate notes that reset daily or weekly, the base rate in effect for each day following the fifth business day before an interest payment date to, but excluding, the interest payment date, and for each day following the fifth business day before the maturity to, but excluding, the maturity, will be the base rate in effect on that fifth business day.
Interest Determination Dates
The interest rate that takes effect on an interest reset date will be determined by the calculation agent for the LIBOR base rates by reference to a particular date called an interest determination date. Except as otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the interest determination date relating to a particular interest reset date will be the second London business day preceding the interest reset date.
Interest Calculation Date
The interest rate that takes effect on a particular interest reset date will be determined by reference to the corresponding interest determination date or interest reset date, as applicable. For some notes, however, the calculation agent will set the rate on a day no later than the corresponding interest calculation date. Unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement, the interest calculation date for rates to which a calculation date applies will be the business day immediately preceding the date on which interest will next be paid (on an interest payment date or the maturity, as the case may be). The calculation agent need not wait until the relevant interest calculation date to determine the interest rate if the rate information it needs to make the determination is available from the relevant sources sooner.
Interest Rate Calculations
Interest payable on floating rate notes for any particular interest period will be calculated as described below using an interest factor, expressed as a decimal, applicable to each day during the applicable interest period, unless otherwise specified in your pricing supplement.
Calculations relating to floating rate notes will be made by the calculation agent, an institution that we appoint as our agent for this purpose. We have initially appointed U.S. Bank National Association as our calculation agent for any floating rate notes. We may specify a different calculation agent in your pricing supplement. The applicable pricing supplement for your floating rate note will name the institution that we have appointed to act as the calculation agent for that note as of its original issue date. We may appoint a different institution to serve as calculation agent from time to time after the original issue date of your floating rate note without your consent and without notifying you of the change. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.
For floating rate notes, the calculation agent will determine, on the corresponding interest calculation date or interest determination date, as described below, the interest rate that takes effect on each interest reset date. In addition, the calculation agent will calculate the amount of interest that has accrued during each interest period—i.e., the period from and including the original issue date, or the last date to which interest has accrued (which may be the interest payment date or any interest reset date in accordance with the business day convention), to but excluding the next date to which interest will accrue (which may be the interest payment date or any interest reset date in accordance with the business day convention). For each interest period, the calculation agent will calculate the amount of accrued interest by multiplying the face amount of the floating rate note by an accrued interest factor for the interest period. Such accrued interest rate factor is determined by multiplying the applicable interest rate for the period by the day count fraction. The day count fraction will be determined in accordance with the 30/360 (ISDA) day count convention, where the number of days in the interest period in respect of which payment is being made is divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:
where:
“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the interest period falls;
“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the interest period falls;
“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the interest period falls;
“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the interest period falls;
“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the interest period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the interest period, unless such number would be 31 and D1 is greater than 29, in which case D2 will be 30.
Upon the request of the holder of any floating rate note, the calculation agent will provide the interest rate then in effect, and, if determined, the interest rate that will become effective on the next interest reset date with respect to such floating rate note.
All percentages resulting from any calculation relating to any note will be rounded upward or downward, as appropriate, to the next higher or lower one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, e.g., 9.876541% (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654% (or .0987654) and 9.876545% (or .09876545) being rounded up to 9.87655% (or .0987655). All amounts used in or resulting from any calculation relating to any note will be rounded upward or downward to the nearest cent.
Sources and Corrections
If we refer to a rate as set forth on a display page, other published source, information vendor or other vendor officially designated by the sponsor of that rate, if there is a successor source for the display page, other published source, information vendor or other official vendor, we refer to that successor source as applicable as determined by the calculation agent. When we refer to a particular heading or headings on any of those sources, those references include any successor or replacement heading or headings as determined by the calculation agent.
If the applicable rate is based on information obtained from a Reuters screen, that rate will be subject to the corrections, if any, published on that Reuters screen within one hour of the time that rate was first displayed on such source.
LIBOR Calculation
LIBOR, with respect to the base rate and any interest reset date, will be the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the index maturity specified in your pricing supplement, appearing on the Reuters screen LIBOR page as of approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on the relevant interest determination date.
•If the rate described above does not so appear on the Reuters screen LIBOR page, then LIBOR will be determined on the basis of the rates at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the calculation agent at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on the relevant interest determination date, to prime banks in the London interbank market for a period of the specified index maturity, beginning on the relevant interest reset date, and in a representative amount. The calculation agent will request the principal London office of each of these major banks to provide a quotation of its rate. If at least two quotations are provided, LIBOR for the relevant interest reset date will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations.
•If fewer than two of the requested quotations described above are provided, LIBOR for the relevant interest reset date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted by major banks in New York City selected by the calculation agent, at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time (or the time in the relevant principal financial center), on the relevant interest reset date, for loans in U.S. dollars (or the index currency) to leading European banks for a period of the specified index maturity, beginning on the relevant interest reset date, and in a representative amount.
•If no quotation is provided as described in the preceding paragraph, then the calculation agent, after consulting such sources as it deems comparable to any of the foregoing quotations or display page, or any such source as it deems reasonable from which to estimate LIBOR or any of the foregoing lending rates, shall determine LIBOR for that interest reset date in its sole discretion.
•Notwithstanding the forgoing, if we, in our sole discretion, determine that LIBOR has been permanently discontinued and we have notified the calculation agent of such determination, the calculation agent will use, as a substitute for LIBOR (the “Alternative Rate”) for each interest determination date thereafter, the reference rate selected as an alternative to LIBOR by the central bank, reserve bank, monetary authority or any similar institution (including any committee or working group thereof) that is consistent with accepted market practice regarding the selection and use of a substitute for LIBOR. As part of such substitution, the calculation agent will, after consultation with us, make such adjustments (“Adjustments”) to the Alternative Rate or the spread thereon, as well as the business day convention, interest determination dates and related provisions and definitions, in each case that are consistent with accepted market practice for the use of such Alternative Rate for the floating rate notes. If the calculation agent determines, following consultation with us, that there is no clear market consensus as to whether any rate has replaced LIBOR in customary market usage, (a) the calculation agent shall have the right to resign as calculation agent in respect of the floating rate notes and (b) we will appoint, in our sole discretion, a new calculation agent to replace the calculation agent, solely in its role as calculation agent in respect of the floating rate notes, to determine the
alternative rate and make any adjustments thereto, and the determinations of such calculation agent will be binding on us, the trustee and the holder of the floating rate notes. If, however, the calculation agent or any subsequent calculation agent determines that LIBOR has been discontinued, but for any reason an Alternative Rate has not been determined, LIBOR will be equal to such rate on the interest determination date when LIBOR was last available on the Reuters screen LIBOR page, as determined by the calculation agent or any subsequent calculation agent.
•For the purpose of this section, we define the term “index maturity” as the interest rate period of LIBOR, or any Alternative Rate, as applicable, on which the interest rate formula is based as specified in your pricing supplement.
In all cases, if the stated maturity or any earlier redemption date or repayment date with respect to any note falls on a day that is not a business day, any payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest otherwise due on such day will be made on the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period from and after such stated maturity, redemption date or repayment date, as the case may be.
Business Days
The term “London business day” will apply to your floating rate notes, as specified in your pricing supplement, and it means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in London generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close and is also a day on which dealings in the applicable index currency are transacted in the London interbank market.
Business Day Convention
The business day convention that will apply to your notes is the “following business day convention.” The “following business day convention” means, for any interest payment date or interest reset date, other than the maturity, if such date would otherwise fall on a day that is not a business day, then such date will be postponed to the next day that is a business day.
Payment of Principal and Interest
Principal of and interest on beneficial interests in the notes will be made in accordance with the arrangements then in place between the paying agent and The Depository Trust Company (referred to as “DTC”) and its participants as described under “Registration and Settlement—The Depository Trust Company.” Payments in respect of any notes in certificated form will be made as described under “Registration and Settlement—Registration, Transfer and Payment of Certificated Notes.”
Interest on each note will be payable either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually on each interest payment date and at the note’s stated maturity or on the date of redemption or repayment if a note is redeemed or repaid prior to maturity. Interest is payable to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date before each interest payment date. Interest due at a note’s stated maturity or on a date of redemption or repayment will be payable to the person to whom principal is payable.
We will pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in connection with making payments in immediately available funds, but any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed upon any payments on a note, including, without limitation, any withholding tax, is the responsibility of the holders of beneficial interests in the note in respect of which such payments are made.
Payment and Record Dates for Interest
Interest on the notes will be paid as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Interest Payment Frequency | | Interest Payment Dates |
Monthly | | Fifteenth day of each calendar month, beginning in the first calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Quarterly | | Fifteenth day of every third month, beginning in the third calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Semi-annually | | Fifteenth day of every sixth month, beginning in the sixth calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
Annually | | Fifteenth day of every twelfth month, beginning in the twelfth calendar month following the month the note was issued. |
The regular record date for any interest payment date will be the first day of the calendar month in which the interest payment date occurs, except that the regular record date for interest due on the note’s stated maturity date or date of earlier redemption or repayment will be that particular date. For the purpose of determining the holder at the close of business on a
regular record date when business is not being conducted, the close of business will mean 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on that day.
Interest on a note will be payable beginning on the first interest payment date after its date of original issuance to holders of record on the corresponding regular record date.
“Business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York.
Redemption and Repayment
Unless we otherwise provide in the applicable pricing supplement, a note will not be redeemable or repayable prior to its stated maturity date.
If the pricing supplement states that the note will be redeemable at our option prior to its stated maturity date, then on such date or dates specified in the pricing supplement, we may redeem those notes at our option either in whole or from time to time in part, upon not less than five nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the holder of those notes.
If the pricing supplement states that your note will be repayable at your option prior to its stated maturity date, we will require receipt of notice of the request for repayment at least 30 but not more than 60 days prior to the date or dates specified in the pricing supplement. We also must receive the completed form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment.” Exercise of the repayment option by the holder of a note is irrevocable.
Since the notes will be represented by a global note, DTC or its nominee will be treated as the holder of the notes; therefore DTC or its nominee will be the only entity that receives notices of redemption of notes from us, in the case of our redemption of notes, and will be the only entity that can exercise the right to repayment of notes, in the case of optional repayment. See “Registration and Settlement.”
To ensure that DTC or its nominee will timely exercise a right to repayment with respect to a particular beneficial interest in a note, the beneficial owner of the interest in that note must instruct the broker or other direct or indirect participant through which it holds the beneficial interest to notify DTC or its nominee of its desire to exercise a right to repayment. Because different firms have different cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers, each beneficial owner should consult the broker or other direct or indirect participant through which it holds an interest in a note to determine the cut-off time by which the instruction must be given for timely notice to be delivered to DTC or its nominee. Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC or its nominee to participants, by participants to indirect participants and by participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners of the notes will be governed by agreements among them and any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.
The redemption of a note normally will occur on a specified interest payment date and any business day thereafter following receipt of a valid notice. The repayment of a note normally will occur on the interest payment date or dates following receipt of a valid notice. Unless otherwise specified in the pricing supplement, the redemption or repayment price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the note plus unpaid interest accrued to the date or dates of redemption or repayment.
We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. We may also purchase notes otherwise tendered for repayment by a holder or tendered by a holder’s duly authorized representative through exercise of the Survivor’s Option described below. If we purchase the notes in this manner, we have the discretion to either hold, resell or surrender the notes to the trustee for cancellation.
Survivor’s Option
The “Survivor’s Option” is a provision in a note pursuant to which we agree to repay that note, if requested by the authorized representative of the beneficial owner of that note, following the death of the beneficial owner of the note, so long as the note was owned by that beneficial owner or the estate of that beneficial owner at least six months prior to the request. The pricing supplement relating to each offering of notes will state whether the Survivor’s Option applies to those notes.
If a note is entitled to a Survivor’s Option, upon the valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option and the proper tender of that note for repayment, we will, at our option, repay or repurchase that note, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the deceased beneficial owner’s interest in that note plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of repayment.
To be valid, the Survivor’s Option must be exercised by or on behalf of the person who has authority to act on behalf of the deceased beneficial owner of the note (including, without limitation, the personal representative or executor of the deceased beneficial owner or the surviving joint owner with the deceased beneficial owner) under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction.
The death of a person holding a beneficial ownership interest in a note as a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety with another person, or as a tenant in common with the deceased holder’s spouse, will be deemed the death of a beneficial owner of that note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held will be subject to repayment by us upon request. However, the death of a person holding a beneficial ownership interest in a note as tenant in common with a person other than such deceased holder’s spouse will be deemed the death of a beneficial owner only with respect to such deceased person’s interest in the note.
The death of a person who, during his or her lifetime, was entitled to substantially all of the beneficial ownership interests in a note will be deemed the death of the beneficial owner of that note for purposes of the Survivor’s Option, regardless of whether that beneficial owner was the registered holder of that note, if entitlement to those interests can be established to the satisfaction of the trustee. A beneficial ownership interest will be deemed to exist in typical cases of nominee ownership, ownership under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, community property or other joint ownership arrangements between a husband and wife. In addition, a beneficial ownership interest will be deemed to exist in custodial and trust arrangements where one person has all of the beneficial ownership interests in the applicable note during his or her lifetime.
We have the discretionary right to limit the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option shall be accepted by us from authorized representatives of all deceased beneficial owners in any calendar year to an amount equal to the greater of $2,000,000 or 2% of the principal amount of all notes outstanding as of the end of the most recent calendar year. We also have the discretionary right to limit to $250,000 in any calendar year the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option shall be accepted by us from the authorized representative of any individual deceased beneficial owner of notes in such calendar year. In addition, we will not permit the exercise of the Survivor’s Option except in principal amounts of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000.
An otherwise valid election to exercise the Survivor’s Option may not be withdrawn. Each election to exercise the Survivor’s Option will be accepted in the order that elections are received by the trustee, except for any note the acceptance of which would contravene any of the limitations described in the preceding paragraph. Notes accepted for repayment through the exercise of the Survivor’s Option normally will be repaid on the first interest payment date that occurs 20 or more calendar days after the date of the acceptance. For example, if the acceptance date of a note tendered through a valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option is September 1, 2017, and interest on that note is paid monthly, we would normally, at our option, repay that note on the interest payment date occurring on October 15, 2017, because the September 15, 2017 interest payment date would occur less than 20 days from the date of acceptance. Each tendered note that is not accepted in any calendar year due to the application of any of the limitations described in the preceding paragraph will be deemed to be tendered in the following calendar year in the order in which all such notes were originally tendered. If a note tendered through a valid exercise of the Survivor’s Option is not accepted, the trustee will deliver a notice by first-class mail to the registered holder, at that holder’s last known address as indicated in the note register, that states the reason that note has not been accepted for repayment.
With respect to notes represented by a global note, DTC or its nominee is treated as the holder of the notes and will be the only entity that can exercise the Survivor’s Option for such notes. To obtain repayment pursuant to exercise of the Survivor’s Option for a note, the deceased beneficial owner’s authorized representative must provide the following items to the broker or other entity through which the beneficial interest in the note is held by the deceased beneficial owner:
•a written instruction to such broker or other entity to notify DTC of the authorized representative’s desire to obtain repayment pursuant to exercise of the Survivor’s Option;
•appropriate evidence satisfactory to the trustee (a) that the deceased was the beneficial owner of the note at the time of death and his or her interest in the note was owned by the deceased beneficial owner or his or her estate at least six months prior to the request for repayment, (b) that the death of the beneficial owner has occurred, (c) of the date of death of the beneficial owner, and (d) that the representative has authority to act on behalf of the beneficial owner;
•if the interest in the note is held by a nominee of the deceased beneficial owner, a certificate satisfactory to the trustee from the nominee attesting to the deceased’s beneficial ownership of such note;
•written request for repayment signed by the authorized representative of the deceased beneficial owner with the signature guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States;
•if applicable, a properly executed assignment or endorsement;
•tax waivers and any other instruments or documents that the trustee reasonably requires in order to establish the validity of the beneficial ownership of the note and the claimant’s entitlement to payment; and
•any additional information the trustee reasonably requires to evidence satisfaction of any conditions to the exercise of the Survivor’s Option or to document beneficial ownership or authority to make the election and to cause the repayment of the note.
In turn, the broker or other entity will deliver each of these items to the trustee, together with evidence satisfactory to the trustee from the broker or other entity stating that it represents the deceased beneficial owner.
The death of a person owning a note in joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety with another or others shall be deemed the death of the holder of the note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held shall be subject to repayment, together with interest accrued thereon to the repayment date. The death of a person owning a note by tenancy in common shall be deemed the death of a holder of a note only with respect to the deceased holder’s interest in the note so held by tenancy in common; except that in the event a note is held by husband and wife as tenants in common, the death of either shall be deemed the death of the holder of the note, and the entire principal amount of the note so held shall be subject to repayment. The death of a person who, during his or her lifetime, was entitled to substantially all of the beneficial interests of ownership of a note, shall be deemed the death of the holder thereof for purposes of this provision, regardless of the registered holder, if such beneficial interest can be established to the satisfaction of the trustee and us. Such beneficial interest shall be deemed to exist in typical cases of nominee ownership, ownership under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, community property or other joint ownership arrangements between a husband and wife and trust arrangements where one person has substantially all of the beneficial ownership interest in the note during his or her lifetime.
We retain the right to limit the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which exercises of the Survivor’s Option applicable to the notes will be accepted in any one calendar year as described above. All other questions regarding the eligibility or validity of any exercise of the Survivor’s Option will be determined by the trustee, in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding on all parties.
The broker or other entity will be responsible for disbursing payments received from the trustee to the authorized representative. See “Registration and Settlement.”
Forms for the exercise of the Survivor’s Option may be obtained from the Trustee at 100 Wall Street, Suite 1600, New York, NY 10005, Attention: General Counsel.
If applicable, we will comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder, and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with any repayment of notes at the option of the registered holders or beneficial owners thereof.
REGISTRATION AND SETTLEMENT
The Depository Trust Company
All of the notes we offer will be issued in book-entry only form. This means that we will not issue certificates for notes, except in the limited case described below. Instead, we will issue global notes in registered form. Each global note will be held through DTC and will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
Accordingly, Cede & Co. will be the holder of record of the notes. Each note represented by a global note evidences a beneficial interest in that global note.
Beneficial interests in a global note will be shown on, and transfers are effected through, records maintained by DTC or its participants. In order to own a beneficial interest in a note, you must be an institution that has an account with DTC or have a direct or indirect account with such an institution. Transfers of ownership interests in the notes will be accomplished by making entries in DTC participants’ books acting on behalf of beneficial owners.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered holder of a global note, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be the sole holder and owner of the notes represented thereby for all purposes, including payment of principal and interest, under the indenture. Except as otherwise provided below, you will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes and will not be considered the holder of the notes for any purpose under the indenture. Accordingly, you must rely on the procedures of DTC and the procedures of the DTC participant through which you own your note in order to exercise any rights of a holder of a note under the indenture. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of notes take physical delivery of such notes in certificated form. Those limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the notes.
Each global note representing notes will be exchangeable for certificated notes of like tenor and terms and of differing authorized denominations in a like aggregate principal amount, only if (1) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global notes or we become aware that DTC has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in any such case we fail to appoint a successor to DTC within 60 calendar days, (2) we, in our sole discretion, determine that the global notes shall be exchangeable for certificated notes or (3) an event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the notes under the indenture. Upon any such exchange, the certificated notes shall be registered in the names of the beneficial owners of the global note representing the notes.
The following is based on information furnished by DTC:
DTC will act as securities depositary for the notes. The notes will be issued as fully-registered notes registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. Generally, one fully registered global note will be issued for all of the principal amount of the notes.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 2 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues and money market instruments from over 85 countries that DTC’s direct participants deposit with DTC.
DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among direct participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between direct participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include both U.S. and non U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC, in turn, is owned by a number of direct participants of DTC and members of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation, and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation, as well as by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The DTC rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.
Purchases of the notes under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the notes on DTC’s records. The beneficial interest of each actual purchaser of each note is in turn to be recorded on the direct and indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase.
Beneficial owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participant through which the beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of beneficial interests in the notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of direct and indirect participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their beneficial interests in notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the notes is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all notes deposited by direct participants with DTC will be registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the notes; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such notes will be credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct and indirect participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Beneficial owners of the notes may wish to take certain steps to augment the transmission to them of notices of significant events with respect to the notes, such as redemption, tenders, defaults, and proposed amendments to the security documents. For example, beneficial owners of the notes may wish to ascertain that the nominee holding the notes for their benefit has agreed to obtain and transmit notices to beneficial owners. In the alternative, beneficial owners may wish to provide their names and addresses to the registrar of the notes and request that copies of the notices be provided to them directly. Any such request may or may not be successful.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the notes unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC’s procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the regular record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
We will pay principal and or interest payments on the notes in same-day funds directly to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts on the applicable payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of these participants and not of DTC or any other party, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of the direct or indirect participant.
We will send any redemption notices to DTC. If less than all of the notes are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in such issue to be redeemed.
A beneficial owner, or its authorized representative, shall give notice to elect to have its notes repaid by us, through its direct or indirect participant, to the trustee, and shall effect delivery of such notes by causing the direct participant to transfer that participant’s interest in the global note representing such notes, on DTC’s records, to the trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of notes in connection with a demand for repayment will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the global note representing such notes are transferred by the direct participants on DTC’s records.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for the notes at any time by giving us reasonable notice. Under such circumstances, if a successor securities depositary is not obtained, we will print and deliver certificated notes. We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depositary). In that event, we will print and deliver certificated notes.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but neither we, the Purchasing Agent nor any agent takes any responsibility for its accuracy.
Registration, Transfer and Payment of Certificated Notes
If we ever issue notes in certificated form, those notes may be presented for registration, transfer and payment at the office of the registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated and maintained by us. We have designated U.S. Bank National Association to act in those capacities for the notes. The registrar or transfer agent will make the transfer or registration only if it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. There will not be a service charge
for any exchange or registration of transfer of the notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with the exchange. At any time, we may change transfer agents or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We also may designate additional transfer agents for any notes at any time.
We will not be required to: (1) issue, exchange or register the transfer of any note to be redeemed for a period of 15 days after the selection of the notes to be redeemed; (2) exchange or register the transfer of any note that was selected, called or is being called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part; or (3) exchange or register the transfer of any note as to which an election for repayment by the holder has been made, except the unrepaid portion of any note being repaid in part.
We will pay principal of and interest on any certificated notes at the offices of the paying agents we may designate from time to time. Generally, we will pay interest on a note by check on any interest payment date other than at stated maturity or upon earlier redemption or repayment to the person in whose name the note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that payment. We will pay principal and interest at stated maturity or upon earlier redemption or repayment in same-day funds against presentation and surrender of the applicable notes.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Under the terms of the Selling Agent Agreement dated February 13, 2020, which we refer to as the “Selling Agent Agreement,” the notes will be offered from time to time by us to the Purchasing Agent for subsequent resale to agents, including Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC and other dealers who are broker-dealers and securities firms. The agents, including the Purchasing Agent, and the additional agents named from time to time pursuant to the Selling Agent Agreement, are, or will be, parties to the Selling Agent Agreement. The notes will be offered for sale in the United States only. Dealers who are members of the selling group have executed a Master Selected Dealer Agreement with the Purchasing Agent. We also may appoint additional agents to sell the notes. Any sale of the notes through those additional agents, however, will be on the same terms and conditions to which the original agents have agreed. The Purchasing Agent will purchase the notes at a discount ranging from 0.4% to 3.8% of the non-discounted price for each note sold. However, we also may sell the notes to the Purchasing Agent at a discount greater than or less than the range specified above. The discount at which we sell the notes to the Purchasing Agent will be set forth in the applicable pricing supplement. The Purchasing Agent also may sell notes to dealers at a concession not in excess of the discount it received from us. In certain cases, the Purchasing Agent and the other agents and dealers may agree that the Purchasing Agent will retain the entire discount. We will disclose any particular arrangements in the applicable pricing supplement.
Following the solicitation of orders, each of the agents, severally and not jointly, may purchase notes as principal for its own account from the Purchasing Agent. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable pricing supplement, these notes will be purchased by the agents and resold by them to one or more investors at a fixed public offering price. After the initial public offering of notes, the public offering price (in the case of notes to be resold at a fixed public offering price), discount and concession may be changed.
Except for notes sold to level-fee accounts, notes offered to the public will be offered at the public offering price set forth in the applicable pricing supplement. Agents purchasing notes on an agency basis for client accounts shall purchase notes at the public offering price. Notes sold by the agents for their own account may be sold at the public offering price less a discount specified in the applicable pricing supplement. Notes purchased by the agents on behalf of level-fee accounts may be sold to such accounts at the discount to the public offering price specified in the applicable pricing supplement, in which case, such agents will not retain any portion of the sales price as compensation.
We have the sole right to accept offers to purchase notes and may reject any proposed offer to purchase notes in whole or in part. Each agent also has the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to reject any proposed offer to purchase notes in whole or in part. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offer without notice. We also may change the terms, including the interest rate we will pay on the notes, at any time prior to our acceptance of an offer to purchase.
Each agent, including the Purchasing Agent, may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. We have agreed to indemnify the agents against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to any payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. We also have agreed to reimburse the agents for certain expenses.
No note will have an established trading market when issued. We do not intend to apply for the listing of the notes on any securities exchange. However, we have been advised by the agents that they may purchase and sell notes in the secondary market as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The agents are not obligated to make a market in the notes, and they may discontinue making a market in the notes at any time without notice. Neither we nor the agents can provide any assurance regarding the development, liquidity or maintenance of any trading market for any notes. All secondary trading in the notes will settle in same-day funds. See “Registration and Settlement.”
In connection with certain offerings of notes, the rules of the SEC permit the Purchasing Agent to engage in transactions that may stabilize the price of the notes. The Purchasing Agent will conduct these activities for the agents. These transactions may consist of short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. A short sale is the sale by the Purchasing Agent of a greater amount of notes than the amount the Purchasing Agent has agreed to purchase in connection with a specific offering of notes. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made by the Purchasing Agent to prevent or retard a decline in the price of the notes while an offering of notes is in process. In general, these purchases or bids for the notes for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a syndicate short position could cause the price of the notes to be higher than it might otherwise be in the absence of those purchases or bids. Neither we nor the Purchasing Agent makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that these transactions may have on the price of any notes. In addition, neither we nor the Purchasing Agent makes any representation that, once commenced, these transactions will not be discontinued without notice. The Purchasing Agent is not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
Some of the agents and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. In particular, affiliates of certain agents are lenders under our credit facility and may receive a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the notes made pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus through the repayment of any borrowings.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the agents and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The agents and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the notes will be passed upon for the Company by Sean Dailey, our Vice President, Legal, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (“Skadden, Arps”), New York, New York, and Venable LLP, as special Maryland counsel, Baltimore, Maryland, will pass on certain matters for the Company. Troutman Sanders LLP will pass on certain matters for the agents. Skadden, Arps and Venable LLP each have from time to time acted as counsel for us and our subsidiaries and may do so in the future.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRMS
BDO USA, LLP is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company and National Property REIT Corp. RSM US LLP is the independent registered public accounting firm of First Tower Finance Company LLC.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a universal shelf registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the notes offered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the notes being registered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. We file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. This information and the information specifically regarding how we voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the period ended June 30, 2019, are available free of charge by contacting us at 10 East 40th Street, 42nd floor, New York, NY 10016 or by telephone at toll-free (888) 748-0702. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
No dealer, salesperson or other individual has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us or the agents. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus, as well as information incorporated by reference, is current only as of the date of that information. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any related free writing prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs or that information contained herein is current as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
PROSPECTUS
PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Subscription Rights
Warrants
Units
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, together or separately, under this registration statement our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our securities, warrants representing rights to purchase our securities or separately tradeable units combining two or more of our securities, collectively, the Securities, to provide us with additional capital. Securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be disclosed in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our Securities.
We may offer shares of common stock, subscription rights, units, warrants, options or rights to acquire shares of common stock, at a discount to net asset value per share in certain circumstances. Sales of common stock at prices below net asset value per share dilute the interests of existing stockholders, have the effect of reducing our net asset value per share and may reduce our market price per share. We do not intend to seek stockholder approval at our 2020 annual meeting to be able to issue shares of common stock below net asset value, subject to the condition that the maximum number of shares salable below net asset value pursuant to this authority in any particular offering that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, but may seek stockholder approval to do so in the future. See “Sales of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value” in this prospectus.
Our Securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of our Securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents, underwriters or dealers, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. We may not sell any of our Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of the prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such Securities. Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PSEC.” As of February 12, 2020 the last reported sales price for our common stock was $6.50.
Prospect Capital Corporation, or the Company, is a company that lends to and invests in middle market privately-held companies. Prospect Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, has been organized as a closed-end investment company since April 13, 2004 and has filed an election to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act, and is a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
Prospect Capital Management L.P., our investment adviser, manages our investments and Prospect Administration LLC, our administrator, provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.
Investing in our Securities involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. Before buying any Securities, you should read the discussion of the material risks of investing in our Securities in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus.
This prospectus contains important information about us that you should know before investing in our Securities. Please read it before making an investment decision and keep it for future reference. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. You may make inquiries or obtain this information free of charge by writing to Prospect Capital Corporation at 10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, or by calling 212-448-0702. Our Internet address is http://www.prospectstreet.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website to be a part of this prospectus. You may also obtain information about us from our website and the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).
The SEC has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
The date of this Prospectus is February 13, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statistical and market data used in this prospectus has been obtained from governmental and independent industry sources and publications. We have not independently verified the data obtained from these sources. Forward-looking information obtained from these sources is subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties regarding the other forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, for which the safe harbor provided in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is not available.
You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. 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 offers to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of this prospectus and the information in any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the accompanying prospectus supplement. Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date. To the extent required by applicable law, we will update this prospectus during the offering period to reflect material changes to the disclosure herein. See also “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information.”
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. Pursuant to the Small Business Credit Availability Act, or the SBCAA, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which means we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below 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, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including any filings on or after the date of this prospectus from the date of filing (excluding any information furnished, rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this prospectus relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be automatically modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this prospectus or (2) any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. The documents incorporated by reference herein include:
•our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 filed with the SEC on August 27, 2019;
•our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2019 filed with the SEC on November 6, 2019 and December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020;
•our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 29, 2019, August 12, 2019, September 11, 2019, September 24, 2019, November 7, 2019, December 5, 2019, and December 23, 2019;
•our definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on September 9, 2019; and
•the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-50691) filed with the SEC on April 16, 2004, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby.
To obtain copies of these filings, see “Available Information.” We will also provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should direct requests for documents by writing to:
Investor Relations
10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
Telephone: (212) 448-0702
This prospectus is also available on our website at http://www.prospectstreet.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this prospectus.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC, using the “shelf” registration process as a “well-known seasoned issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time on a delayed basis over a three-year period, shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase shares of our securities, warrants representing rights to purchase our securities or units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. The Securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer Securities, we will provide an accompanying prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will together constitute the prospectus for an offering of our Securities. The accompanying prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Please carefully read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement together with any exhibits and the additional information described under the headings “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information” and the section under the heading “Risk Factors” before you make an investment decision. You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, collectively, in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about this offering. It does not contain all the information that may be important to an investor. For a more complete understanding of this offering, we encourage you to read this entire document and the documents to which we have referred.
Information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are statements about the future that may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plans,” “anticipate,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements do not meet the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. The matters described in “Risk Factors” and certain other factors noted throughout this prospectus and in any exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to any such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company reminds all investors that no forward-looking statement can be relied upon as an accurate or even mostly accurate forecast because humans cannot forecast the future.
The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Prospect,” and “Company” refer to Prospect Capital Corporation; “Prospect Capital Management” or the “Investment Adviser” refers to Prospect Capital Management L.P., our investment adviser; and “Prospect Administration” or the “Administrator” refers to Prospect Administration LLC, our administrator.
The Company
We are a financial services company that lends to and invests in middle market privately-held companies. In this prospectus, we use the term “middle-market” to refer to companies typically with annual revenues between $50 million and $2 billion.
From our inception to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, we invested primarily in industries related to the industrial/energy economy, which consists of companies in the discovery, production, transportation, storage and use of energy resources as well as companies that sell products and services to, or acquire products and services from, these companies. Since then, we have widened our strategy to focus on other sectors of the economy and continue to broaden our portfolio holdings.
We have been organized as a closed-end investment company since April 13, 2004 and have filed an election to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. We are a non-diversified company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our headquarters are located at 10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, and our telephone number is (212) 448-0702.
Our Investment Objective and Policies
Our investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We focus on making investments in private companies. We are a non-diversified company within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
We invest primarily in first and second lien secured loans and unsecured debt, which in some cases includes an equity component. First and second lien secured loans generally are senior debt instruments that rank ahead of unsecured debt of a given portfolio company. These loans also have the benefit of security interests on the assets of the portfolio company, which may rank ahead of or be junior to other security interests. Our investments in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) are subordinated to senior loans and are generally unsecured. Our investments have generally ranged between $5 million and $250 million each, although the investment size may be more or less than this range. We invest in debt and equity positions of CLOs which are a form of securitization in which the cash flows of a portfolio of loans are pooled and passed on to different classes of owners in various tranches. Our CLO investments are derived from portfolios of corporate debt securities which are generally risk rated from BB to B.
We have qualified and elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to qualify for RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses.
The Offering
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, together or separately, our Securities, which we expect to use initially to maintain balance sheet liquidity, involving repayment of debt under our credit facility, investment in high quality short-term debt instruments or a combination thereof, and thereafter to make long-term investments in accordance with our investment objectives.
Our Securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering will disclose the terms of that offering, including the name or names of any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of our Securities by us, the purchase price, and any fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents, underwriters or dealers, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. We may not sell any of our Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of our Securities.
We may sell our common stock, subscription rights, units, warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value of our common stock upon approval of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors, in certain circumstances. Our stockholders approved our ability to issue warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders for an unlimited time period and in accordance with the 1940 Act which provides that the conversion or exercise price of such warrants, options or rights may be less than net asset value per share at the date such securities are issued or at the date such securities are converted into or exercised for shares of our common stock. We do not intend to seek stockholder approval at our 2020 annual meeting to be able to issue shares of common stock below net asset value, subject to the condition that the maximum number of shares salable below net asset value pursuant to this authority in any particular offering that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, but may seek stockholder approval to do so in the future. See “Sales of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value” in this prospectus and in the prospectus supplement, if applicable. Sales of common stock at prices below net asset value per share dilute the interests of existing stockholders, have the effect of reducing our net asset value per share and may reduce our market price per share. We have no current intention of engaging in a rights offering, although we reserve the right to do so in the future.
Set forth below is additional information regarding the offering of our Securities:
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Use of Proceeds | | Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from selling Securities pursuant to this prospectus initially to maintain balance sheet liquidity, involving repayment of debt under our credit facility, if any, investments in high quality short-term debt instruments or a combination thereof, and thereafter to make long-term investments in accordance with our investment objective. Interest on borrowings under the credit facility is one-month LIBOR plus 220 basis points, with no minimum LIBOR floor. Additionally, the lenders charge a fee on the unused portion of the credit facility equal to either 50 basis points if more than sixty percent of the credit facility is drawn, or 100 basis points if more than thirty-five percent and an amount less than or equal to sixty percent of the credit facility is drawn, or 150 basis points if an amount less than or equal to thirty-five percent of the credit facility is drawn. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
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Investment Advisory Agreement | | The Company has entered into an investment advisory and management agreement with the Investment Adviser, or the “Investment Advisory Agreement,” under which the Investment Adviser, subject to the overall supervision of our Board of Directors, manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, us. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser: (i) determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes, (ii) identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies); and (iii) closes and monitors investments we make.
For providing these services the Investment Adviser receives a fee from us, consisting of two components: a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% on our total assets. For services currently rendered under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter.
The incentive fee has two parts. The first part, the income incentive fee, is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees and other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement described below, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital gains or losses. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). The “catch-up” provision requires us to pay 100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 125% of the quarterly hurdle rate in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized assuming an annualized hurdle rate of 7%). The “catch-up” provision is meant to provide Prospect Capital Management with 20% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply when our pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 125% of the quarterly hurdle rate in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized assuming an annualized hurdle rate of 7%). The second part of the incentive fee, the capital gains incentive fee, is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of our realized capital gains for the calendar year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation at the end of such year. |
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Administration Agreement | | The Company has entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Prospect Administration under which Prospect Administration, among other things, provides (or arranges for the provision of) administrative services and facilities for us. For providing these services, we reimburse Prospect Administration for our allocable portion of overhead incurred by Prospect Administration in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and her staff, including the internal legal staff. Under this agreement, Prospect Administration furnishes us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities. Prospect Administration also performs, or oversees the performance of, our required administrative services, which include, among other things, being responsible for the financial records that we are required to maintain and preparing reports to our stockholders and reports filed with the SEC. In addition, Prospect Administration assists us in determining and publishing our net asset value, overseeing the preparation and filing of our tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our stockholders, and generally oversees the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others. We reimburse Prospect Administration for our allocable portion of expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs of our chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief compliance officer, treasurer and secretary and their respective staffs. |
Distributions | | In June 2010, our Board of Directors approved a change in dividend policy from quarterly distributions to monthly distributions. Since that time, we have paid monthly distributions to the holders of our common stock and intend to continue to do so. The amount of the monthly distributions is determined by our Board of Directors and is based on our estimate of our investment company taxable income and net short-term capital gains. Certain amounts of the monthly distributions may from time to time be paid out of our capital rather than from earnings for the month as a result of our deliberate planning or accounting reclassifications. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits constitute a return of capital and will reduce the stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock. A return of capital (1) is a return of the original amount invested, (2) does not constitute earnings or profits and (3) will have the effect of reducing the basis such that when a stockholder sells its shares the sale may be subject to taxes even if the shares are sold for less than the original purchase price. After the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, these distributions will constitute capital gains to such stockholders. Certain additional amounts may be deemed as distributed to stockholders for income tax purposes. Other types of Securities will likely pay distributions in accordance with their terms. See “Price Range of Common Stock,” “Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
Taxation | | We have qualified and elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or a RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our qualification as a RIC and obtain RIC tax treatment, we must satisfy certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. See “Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
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Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan | | We have adopted a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends or distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash, and the ability to purchase additional shares by making optional cash investments. As a result, when our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or distribution, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan will have their cash dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividends or distributions. If you are not a current stockholder and want to enroll or have “opted out” and wish to rejoin, you may purchase shares directly through the plan or opt in by enrolling online or submitting to the plan administrator a completed enrollment form and, if you are not a current stockholder, making an initial investment of at least $250. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan.” |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market Symbol | | PSEC |
Anti-takeover Provisions | | Our charter and bylaws, as well as certain statutory and regulatory requirements, contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock. See “Description Of Our Capital Stock.” |
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent and Registrar | | Our Securities are held under custody agreements by (1) U.S. Bank National Association, (2) Israeli Discount Bank of New York Ltd., (3) Fifth Third Bank, (4) Peapack-Gladstone Bank, (5) Customers Bank, (6) Key Bank National Association, and (7) BankUnited, N.A. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company acts as our transfer agent, dividend paying agent and registrar. |
License Agreement | | We entered into a license agreement with Prospect Capital Investment Management, LLC, an affiliate of Prospect Capital Management, pursuant to which Prospect Capital Investment Management agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty free license to use the name “Prospect Capital.” Under this agreement, we have a right to use the Prospect Capital name, for so long as Prospect Capital Management or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. Other than with respect to this limited license, we have no legal right to the Prospect Capital name. This license agreement will remain in effect for so long as the Investment Advisory Agreement with our Investment Adviser is in effect. |
Risk Factors | | Investment in our Securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective that should be considered by prospective purchasers of our Securities. In addition, as a business development company, our portfolio primarily includes securities issued by privately-held companies. These investments generally involve a high degree of business and financial risk, and are less liquid than public securities. We are required to mark the carrying value of our investments to fair value on a quarterly basis, and economic events, market conditions and events affecting individual portfolio companies can result in quarter-to-quarter mark-downs and mark-ups of the value of individual investments that collectively can materially affect our net asset value, or NAV. Also, our determinations of fair value of privately-held securities may differ materially from the values that would exist if there was a ready market for these investments. A large number of entities compete for the same kind of investment opportunities as we do. Moreover, our business requires a substantial amount of capital to operate and to grow and we seek additional capital from external sources. In addition, the failure to qualify as a RIC eligible for pass-through tax treatment under the Code on income distributed to stockholders could have a materially adverse effect on the total return, if any, obtainable from an investment in our Securities. See “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Securities. |
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Available Information | | We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, which contains additional information about us and our Securities being offered by this prospectus. We are obligated to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information is available at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. We maintain a website at http://www.prospectstreet.com and we make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through this website. You may also obtain such information by contacting us at 10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016 or by telephone at (212) 448-0702. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed in “Incorporation by Reference” in this prospectus and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including any filings on or after the date of this prospectus from the date of filing (excluding any information furnished, rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this prospectus relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be automatically modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this prospectus or (2) any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Please refer to “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information” See “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information” in this prospectus for further information on where to access, or how to request, copies of documents or further information in connection with the Company, this prospectus or an offering of Securities to which this prospectus relates. |
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in this offering will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. In these tables, we assume that we have borrowed $1.08 billion under our credit facility, which is the maximum amount available under the credit facility with the current levels of other debt, in addition to our other indebtedness of $2.1 billion. We do not intend to issue preferred stock during the year. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you” or “us” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, the Company will pay such fees and expenses out of our net assets and, consequently, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in the Company. However, you will not be required to deliver any money or otherwise bear personal liability or responsibility for such fees or expenses. | | | | | |
Stockholder transaction expenses: | |
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)(1) | - |
Offering expenses borne by the Company (as a percentage of offering price)(2) | - |
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses(3) | $15.00 |
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)(4) | - |
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock): | |
Management fees(5) | 4.05 | % |
Incentive fees payable under Investment Advisory Agreement (20% of realized capital gains and 20% of pre-incentive fee net investment income)(6) | 2.18 | % |
Total advisory fees | 6.23 | % |
Total interest expense(7) | 5.41 | % |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(8) | 0.86 | % |
Other expenses(9) | 1.14 | % |
Total annual expenses(6)(9) | 13.64 | % |
Example
The following table demonstrates the projected dollar amount of cumulative expenses we would pay out of net assets and that you would indirectly bear over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed we have borrowed all $1.08 billion available under our line of credit, in addition to our other indebtedness of $2.1 billion and that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above and that we would pay the costs shown in the table above. We do not anticipate increasing the leverage percentage to a level higher than that which would be indicated after the borrowing of the entire available balance of the credit facility. Any future debt issuances would be dependent on future equity issuances and we do not anticipate any significant change in the borrowing costs as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock. In the event that securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate these examples to reflect the applicable sales load.
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| | 1 Year | | 3 Years | | 5 Years | | 10 Years |
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return* | | $ | 115 | | | $ | 322 | | | $ | 504 | | | $ | 864 | |
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return** | | $ | 125 | | | $ | 350 | | | $ | 547 | | | $ | 935 | |
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* Assumes that we will not realize any capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation.
** Assumes no unrealized capital depreciation or realized capital losses and 5% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains (and therefore subject to the capital gains incentive fee).
While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The income incentive fee under our Investment Advisory Agreement with Prospect Capital Management is unlikely to be material assuming a 5% annual return and is not included in the example. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our distributions to our common stockholders and our expenses would likely be higher. In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at NAV, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan” for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.
This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.
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(1)In the event that the Securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated applicable sales load.
(2)The related prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated amount of offering expenses, the offering price and the estimated offering expenses borne by us as a percentage of the offering price.
(3)The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.” The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. There are no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in reinvestment of dividends or other distributions under the plan except that, if a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a $15 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share brokerage commissions from the proceeds. See “Capitalization” and “Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Repurchase Plan” in this prospectus.
(4)The related prospectus supplement will disclose the offering price and the total stockholder transaction expenses as a percentage of the offering price.
(5)Our base management fee is 2% of our gross assets (which include any amount borrowed, i.e., total assets without deduction for any liabilities, including any borrowed amounts for non-investment purposes, for which purpose we have not and have no intention of borrowing). Although we have no intent to borrow the entire amount available under our line of credit, assuming that we had total borrowings of $3.2 billion, the 2% management fee of gross assets would equal approximately 4.05% of net assets.
(6)Based on the incentive fee paid during our six months ended December 31, 2019, all of which consisted of an income incentive fee. The capital gain incentive fee is paid without regard to pre-incentive fee income.
The incentive fee has two parts. The first part, the income incentive fee, is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees and other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement (as defined herein), and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital gains or losses. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized).
The net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of the gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base management fee. We pay the Investment Adviser an income incentive fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:
•No incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate;
•100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 125.00% of the quarterly hurdle rate in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized assuming a 7.00% annualized hurdle rate); and
•20.00% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 125.00% of the quarterly hurdle rate in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized assuming a 7.00% annualized hurdle rate).
These calculations are appropriately prorated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.
The second part of the incentive fee, the capital gains incentive fee, is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20.00% of our realized capital gains for the calendar year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation at the end of such year. In determining the capital gains incentive fee payable to the Investment Adviser, we calculate the aggregate realized capital gains, aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, as applicable, with respect to each investment that has been in our portfolio. For the purpose of this calculation, an “investment” is defined as the total of all rights and claims which may be asserted against a portfolio company arising from our participation in the debt, equity, and other financial instruments issued by that company. Aggregate realized capital gains, if any, equal the sum of the differences between the aggregate net sales price of each investment and the aggregate amortized cost basis of such investment when sold or otherwise disposed. Aggregate realized capital losses equal the sum of the amounts by which the aggregate net sales price of each investment is less than the aggregate amortized cost basis of such investment when sold or otherwise disposed. Aggregate unrealized capital depreciation equals the sum of the differences, if negative, between the aggregate valuation of each investment and the aggregate amortized cost basis of such investment as of the applicable calendar year-end. At the end of the applicable calendar year, the amount of capital gains that serves as the basis for our calculation of the capital gains incentive fee involves netting aggregate realized capital gains against aggregate realized capital losses on a since-inception basis and then reducing this amount by the aggregate unrealized capital depreciation. If this number is positive, then the capital gains incentive fee payable is equal to 20.00% of such amount, less the aggregate amount of any capital gains incentive fees paid since inception.
(7)As of February 12, 2020, Prospect has $2.1 billion outstanding of its Unsecured Notes (as defined below) in various maturities, ranging from April 15, 2020 to October 15, 2043, and interest rates, ranging from 3.75% to 6.88%, some of which are convertible into shares of Prospect common stock at various conversion rates.
(8)The Company’s stockholders indirectly bear the expenses of underlying investment companies in which the Company invests. This amount includes the fees and expenses of investment companies in which the Company is invested in as of December 31, 2019. When applicable, fees and expenses are based on historic fees and expenses for the investment companies, and for those investment companies with little or no operating history fees and expenses are based on expected fees and expenses stated in the investment companies’ prospectus or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. Future fees and expenses for certain investment companies may be substantially higher or lower because certain fees and expenses are based on the performance of the investment companies, which may fluctuate over time. The amount of the Company’s average net assets used in calculating this percentage was based on net assets of approximately $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2019. Amount reflects the estimated annual asset management fees incurred indirectly by us in connection with our investment in CLOs during the next 12 months, including asset management fees payable to the collateral managers of CLO equity tranches and incentive fees due to the collateral managers of CLO equity tranches. As a percent of the Company’s net assets, the CLO acquired fund fees are 0.86%. The 0.86% is based on 3.45% of fees for the entire CLO portfolio. The 3.45% is composed of 3.45% of collateral manager fees and 0% of incentive fees. The 3.45% of collateral manager fees are determined by multiplying 0.40% (collateral managers fees historically paid) by 8.61 (the leverage in such CLOs). However, such amounts are uncertain and difficult to predict. Future fees and expenses may be substantially higher or lower because certain fees and expenses are based on the performance of the CLOs, which may fluctuate over time. As a result of such investments, our stockholders may be required to pay two levels of fees in connection with their investment in our shares, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement, and fees charged to us on such investments.
(9)“Other expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. The amount shown above represents expenses during our six months ended December 31, 2019, which reflects all of our estimated recurring operating expenses (except fees and expenses reported in other items of this table) that are deducted from our operating income and reflected as expenses in our Statement of Operations. The estimate of our overhead expenses, including payments under an administration agreement with Prospect Administration, or the Administration Agreement is based on our projected allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Prospect Administration in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. “Other expenses” does not include non-recurring expenses.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Securities involves a high degree of risk. Before you invest in our Securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2019, the risk factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus supplement, any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and those described below. You should carefully consider such risk factors, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our Securities. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face. If any of the adverse events or conditions described below occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our NAV, and the trading price of our common stock could decline, or the value of our preferred stock, debt securities, and warrants, if any are outstanding, may decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should also carefully review the cautionary statement in this prospectus referred to under “Forward-Looking Statements” below. See also “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information” in this prospectus.
Risks Relating to Our Business
Our Board of Directors may change our operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse to us and could impair the value of our stockholders’ investment.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies and our strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, financial condition, and value of our common stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay dividends and cause stockholders to lose all or part of their investment.
Risks Relating to Our Investments
We have not yet identified the portfolio company investments we intend to acquire using the proceeds of the offerings.
We have not yet identified the potential investments for our portfolio that we will purchase following the future offerings pursuant to this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement. Our Investment Adviser will select our investments subsequent to the closing of any such offering, and our stockholders will have no input with respect to such investment decisions. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our Securities.
Risks Relating to the Offerings Pursuant to This Prospectus
We may use proceeds of future offerings in a way with which you may not agree.
We will have significant flexibility in applying the proceeds of the offerings and may use the net proceeds from the offerings in ways with which you may not agree, or for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of such offerings. We will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of future offerings. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that net proceeds of such offerings, pending full investment, are used to pay expenses rather than to make investments.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully deploy the proceeds of offerings within the timeframe we have contemplated.
We currently anticipate that a portion of the net proceeds of future offerings will be invested in accordance with our investment objective within six to twelve months following completion of any such offering. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to locate a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to allow us to successfully deploy in that timeframe that portion of net proceeds of such future offerings. To the extent we are unable to invest within our contemplated timeframe after the completion of an offering, our investment income, and in turn our results of operations, will likely be adversely affected.
Our most recent NAV was calculated as of December 31, 2019 and our NAV when calculated as of any date thereafter may be higher or lower.
Our most recent NAV per share is $8.66 determined by us as of December 31, 2019. NAV per share as of March 31, 2020 may be higher or lower than $8.66 based on potential changes in valuations, issuances of securities and earnings for the quarter then ended. Our board of directors has not yet approved the fair value of portfolio investments as of any date subsequent to December 31, 2019. The fair value of our portfolio investments is determined using a consistently applied valuation process
in accordance with our documented valuation policy that has been reviewed and approved by our board of directors, who also approve in good faith the valuation of such securities on a quarterly basis in connection with the preparation of quarterly financial statements and based on input from independent valuation firms, our Adviser, the Administrator and the audit committee of our board of directors.
Risks Relating to Our Securities
Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in our debt securities.
Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for the publicly issued debt securities.
Senior securities, including debt, expose us to additional risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently use our revolving credit facility to leverage our portfolio and we expect in the future to borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks and other lenders and may securitize certain of our portfolio investments. We also have the Unsecured Notes outstanding, which are a form of leverage and are senior in payment rights to our common stock.
With certain limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are only allowed to borrow amounts or otherwise issue senior securities such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least 200% after such borrowing or other issuance. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Investment Adviser’s and our Board of Directors’ assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. Leverage involves risks and special considerations for stockholders, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including the following:
•A likelihood of greater volatility in the net asset value and market price of our common stock;
•Diminished operating flexibility as a result of asset coverage or investment portfolio composition requirements required by lenders or investors that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act;
•The possibility that investments will have to be liquidated at less than full value or at inopportune times to comply with debt covenants or to pay interest or dividends on the leverage;
•Increased operating expenses due to the cost of leverage, including issuance and servicing costs;
•Convertible or exchangeable securities, such as the Convertible Notes (as defined below) outstanding or those issued in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock;
•Subordination to lenders’ superior claims on our assets as a result of which lenders will be able to receive proceeds available in the case of our liquidation before any proceeds will be distributed to our stockholders;
•Difficulty meeting our payment and other obligations under the Unsecured Notes (as defined below) and our other outstanding debt;
•The occurrence of an event of default if we fail to comply with the financial and/or other restrictive covenants contained in our debt agreements, including the credit agreement and each indenture governing the Unsecured Notes, which event of default could result in all or some of our debt becoming immediately due and payable;
•Reduced availability of our cash flow to fund investments, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for these purposes;
•The risk of increased sensitivity to interest rate increases on our indebtedness with variable interest rates, including borrowings under our amended senior credit facility; and
•Reduced flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, and increasing our vulnerability to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate and the general economy.
For example, the amount we may borrow under our revolving credit facility is determined, in part, by the fair value of our investments. If the fair value of our investments declines, we may be forced to sell investments at a loss to maintain compliance with our borrowing limits. Other debt facilities we may enter into in the future may contain similar provisions. Any such forced sales would reduce our net asset value and also make it difficult for the net asset value to recover. The Investment Adviser and our Board of Directors in their best judgment nevertheless may determine to use leverage if they expect that the benefits to our stockholders of maintaining the leveraged position will outweigh the risks.
•In addition, our ability to meet our payment and other obligations of the Unsecured Notes and our credit facility depends on our ability to generate significant cash flow in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general
economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot provide assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our existing credit facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our payment obligations under the Unsecured Notes and our other debt and to fund other liquidity needs. If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt obligations, we may need to refinance or restructure our debt, including the Unsecured Notes, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. If we are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under the Unsecured Notes and our other debt.
Illustration. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of interest expense. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below. The calculation assumes (i) $5.4 billion in total assets, (ii) an average cost of funds of 5.59%, (iii) $2.2 billion in debt outstanding and (iv) $3.2 billion of shareholders’ equity.
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Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (net of expenses) | | (10.0) | % | | (5.0) | % | | — | % | | 5.0 | % | | 10.0 | % |
Corresponding Return to Stockholder | | (20.7) | % | | (12.3) | % | | (3.8) | % | | 4.6 | % | | 13.0 | % |
The assumed portfolio return is required by regulation of the SEC and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, our projected or actual performance. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. Pursuant to SEC regulations, this table is calculated as of December 31, 2019. As a result, it has not been updated to take into account any changes in assets or leverage since December 31, 2019.
On March 23, 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act was signed into law, which included various changes to regulations under the federal securities laws that impact BDCs, including changes to the 1940 Act to allow BDCs to decrease their asset coverage requirement to 150% from 200% under certain circumstances. While certain other BDCs have elected to allow for the increase in leverage, after consideration of the expected negative impact on us, including a rating downgrade by S&P, our Board of Directors has not currently elected to approve application of the modified asset coverage requirement for the Company.
The Convertible Notes and the Public Notes present other risks to holders of our common stock, including the possibility that such notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party and accounting uncertainty.
Certain provisions of our $172.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2020, our $290.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.95% Convertible Notes due 2022 and our $201.3 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Convertible Notes due 2025, which we refer to collectively as the Convertible Notes and our $320.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2023, our $234.4 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Notes due 2024, our $70.8 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Senior Notes due 2028, our $69.2 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Notes due 2029 and our $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Notes due 2024, which we refer to collectively as the Public Notes, could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of the Convertible Notes and the Public Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all of their notes or any portion of the principal amount of such notes in integral multiples of $1,000. We may also be required to increase the conversion rate or provide for conversion into the acquirer’s capital stock in the event of certain fundamental changes with respect to the Convertible Notes. These provisions could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
The accounting for convertible debt securities is subject to frequent scrutiny by the accounting regulatory bodies and is subject to change. We cannot predict if or when any such change could be made and any such change could have an adverse impact on our reported or future financial results. Any such impacts could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We may in the future determine to fund a portion of our investments with preferred stock, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss and the risks of investing in us in the same way as our borrowings.
Preferred stock, which is another form of leverage, has the same risks to our common stockholders as borrowings because the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of such dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of such preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and preferred stockholders are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference.
Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.
Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears, would have the right to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of our credit facilities, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.
In addition to regulatory restrictions that restrict our ability to raise capital, our credit facility contains various covenants which, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the facility, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
The agreement governing our credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants include:
•Restrictions on the level of indebtedness that we are permitted to incur in relation to the value of our assets;
•Restrictions on our ability to incur liens; and
•Maintenance of a minimum level of stockholders’ equity.
As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with these covenants. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there are no assurances that we will continue to comply with the covenants in our credit facility. Failure to comply with these covenants would result in a default under this facility which, if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders thereunder, could result in an acceleration of repayments under the facility and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to extend our existing credit facility, the revolving period of which is currently scheduled to expire on September 9, 2023, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position and our ability to pay expenses and make distributions.
The revolving period for our credit facility with a syndicate of lenders is currently scheduled to terminate on September 9, 2023, with an additional one-year amortization period (with distributions allowed) after the completion of the revolving period. During such one-year amortization period, all principal payments on the pledged assets will be applied to reduce the balance. At the end of the one-year amortization period, the remaining balance will become due, if required by the lenders. If the credit facility is not renewed or extended by the participant banks by September 9, 2023, we will not be able to make further borrowings under the facility after such date and the outstanding principal balance on that date will be due and payable on September 9, 2024. As of December 31, 2019, we had $92.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. Interest on borrowings under the credit facility is one-month LIBOR plus 220 basis points with a minimum LIBOR floor of zero. Additionally, the lenders charge a fee on the unused portion of the credit facility equal to either 50 basis points if more than 60% of the credit facility is drawn, or 100 basis points if more than 35% and an amount less than or equal to 60% of the credit facility is drawn, or 150 basis points if an amount less than or equal to 35% of the credit facility is drawn.
The credit facility requires us to pledge assets as collateral in order to borrow under the credit facility. If we are unable to extend our facility or find a new source of borrowing on acceptable terms, we will be required to pay down the amounts outstanding under the facility during the one-year term-out period through one or more of the following: (1) principal collections on our securities pledged under the facility, (2) at our option, interest collections on our securities pledged under the facility and cash collections on our securities not pledged under the facility, or (3) possible liquidation of some or all of our loans and other assets, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position and may force us to decrease or stop paying certain expenses and making distributions until the facility is repaid. In addition, our stock price could decline significantly, we would be restricted in our ability to acquire new investments and, in connection with our year-end audit, and our independent registered accounting firm could raise an issue as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Failure to refinance our existing Unsecured Notes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.
The Prospect Capital InterNotes ® issued pursuant to our medium term notes program, which we refer to as the Prospect Capital InterNotes, the Convertible Notes and the Public Notes, which we collectively refer to as the Unsecured Notes, mature at various dates from April 15, 2020 to October 15, 2043. If we are unable to refinance the Unsecured Notes or find a new source of borrowing on acceptable terms, we will be required to pay down the amounts outstanding at maturity under the facility during the two-year term-out period through one or more of the following: (1) borrowing additional funds under our then current credit facility, (2) issuance of additional common stock or (3) possible liquidation of some or all of our loans and other assets, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. In addition, our stock price could decline significantly; we would be restricted in our ability to acquire new investments and, in connection with our year-end audit, our independent registered accounting firm could raise an issue as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
The trading market or market value of our publicly issued debt securities may fluctuate.
Our publicly issued debt securities may or may not have an established trading market. We cannot assure our noteholders that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, our publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the time remaining to the maturity of these debt securities;
•the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities;
•the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies;
•the general economic environment;
•the supply of debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any;
•the redemption or repayment features, if any, of these debt securities;
•the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and
•market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities.
Our noteholders should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers when they decide to sell their debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities.
Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect our noteholders return on any debt securities that we may issue.
If our noteholders’ debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem their debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In addition, if our noteholders’ debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem their debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In this circumstance, our noteholders may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as their debt securities being redeemed.
Our shares of common stock currently trade at a discount from net asset value and may continue to do so in the future, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital.
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to predict whether any shares of our common stock will trade at, above, or below net asset value. The stocks of BDCs as an industry, including shares of our common stock, currently trade below net asset value as a result of concerns over liquidity, interest rate changes, leverage restrictions and distribution requirements. When our common stock is trading below its net asset value per share, we will not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. Similar to our 2019 annual meeting, we do not intend to seek stockholder approval at our 2020 annual meeting to be able to sell shares of common stock at any level of discount from net asset value per share, subject to the condition that the maximum number of shares salable below net asset value pursuant to this authority in any particular offering that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, but may seek stockholder approval to do so in the future. Our stockholders approved our ability to issue warrants,
options or rights to acquire our common stock at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders for an unlimited time period and in accordance with the 1940 Act which provides that the conversion or exercise price of such warrants, options or rights may be less than net asset value per share at the date such securities are issued or at the date such securities are converted into or exercised for shares of our common stock.
There is a risk that investors in our common stock may not receive dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.
We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we declare a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to sell some of our investments in order to make cash dividend payments.
In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution.
The above-referenced restrictions on distributions may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements.
Investing in our securities may involve a high degree of risk and is highly speculative.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our shares may not be suitable for someone with low risk tolerance.
Our stockholders may experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.
All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. Stockholders who do not elect to receive distributions in shares of common stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their shares if our shares are trading at a premium and dilution if our shares are trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would depend on various factors, including the proportion of our stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of the distribution payable to a stockholder.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale (including as a result of the conversion of the Convertible Notes into common stock), could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.
If we sell shares of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or are convertible into shares of our common stock at a discount to our net asset value per share, stockholders who do not participate in such sale will experience immediate dilution in an amount that may be material.
Similar to our 2019 annual meeting, we do not intend to seek stockholder approval at our 2020 annual meeting to be able to sell shares of common stock at any level of discount from net asset value per share, subject to the condition that the maximum number of shares salable below net asset value pursuant to this authority in any particular offering that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, but may seek stockholder approval to do so in the future. Our stockholders approved our ability to issue warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders for an unlimited time period and in accordance with the 1940 Act which provides that the conversion or exercise price of such warrants, options or rights may be less than net asset value per share at the date such securities are issued or at the date such securities are converted into or exercised for shares of our common stock. The issuance or sale by us of shares of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or are convertible into shares of our common stock at a discount to net asset value poses a risk of dilution to our stockholders. In particular, stockholders who do not purchase additional shares of common stock at or below the discounted price in proportion to their current ownership will experience an immediate decrease in net asset value per share (as well as in the aggregate net asset value
of their shares of common stock if they do not participate at all). These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase we experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting interests from such issuance or sale. In addition, such sales may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades. We have sold shares of our common stock at prices below net asset value per share in the past and may do so to the future. We have not sold any shares of our common stock at prices below net asset value per share since December 3, 2014.
Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.
We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security or other property from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits “joint” transactions with an affiliate, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our independent directors. Subject to certain limited exceptions, we are prohibited from buying or selling any security or other property from or to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates and persons with whom we are in a control relationship, or entering into joint transactions with any such person, absent the prior approval of the SEC.
On January 13, 2020 we received a co-investment exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”), which superseded a prior co-investment exemptive order granted on February 10, 2014, granting us the ability to negotiate terms other than price and quantity of co-investment transactions with other funds managed or owned by the Investment Adviser or certain affiliates, including Priority Income Fund, Inc. and TP Flexible Income Fund, Inc. (f/k/a Pathway Capital Opportunity Fund, Inc.), subject to the conditions included therein. Under the terms of the Order, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment objective and strategies. In certain situations where co-investment with one or more funds managed or owned by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates is not covered by the Order, such as when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the same issuer, the personnel of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates will need to decide which fund will proceed with the investment. Such personnel will make these determinations based on policies and procedures, which are designed to reasonably ensure that investment opportunities are allocated fairly and equitably among affiliated funds over time and in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Moreover, except in certain circumstances, when relying on the Order, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which one or more funds managed by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates has previously invested.
The market price of our securities may fluctuate significantly.
The market price and liquidity of the market for our securities may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:
•significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of business development companies or other companies in the energy industry, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or business development companies;
•loss of RIC qualification;
•changes in earnings or variations in operating results;
•changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
•any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
•departure of one or more of Prospect Capital Management’s key personnel;
•operating performance of companies comparable to us;
•short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally;
•future sales of our securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock or the conversion of such securities, including the Convertible Notes;
•uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economic recovery;
•concerns regarding European sovereign debt;
•changes in prevailing interest rates;
•litigation matters;
•general economic trends and other external factors; and
•loss of a major funding source.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has, from time to time, been brought against that company.
If our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.
There is a risk that you may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.
We have made and intend to continue to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results or maintain a tax status that will allow or require any specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a business development company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions.
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
Our charter, bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest. These provisions may prevent stockholders from being able to sell shares of our common stock at a premium over prevailing market prices.
Our charter provides for the classification of our Board of Directors into three classes of directors, serving staggered three-year terms, which may render a change of control or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. Furthermore, any and all vacancies on our Board of Directors will be filled generally only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term and until a successor is elected and qualifies.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to create and issue new series of shares, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of stock into one or more classes or series, including preferred stock and, without stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of shares of common stock that we have authority to issue, which could have the effect of diluting a stockholder’s ownership interest. Prior to the issuance of shares of stock of each class or series, including any reclassified series, our Board of Directors is required by our governing documents to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series of shares of stock.
Our charter and bylaws also provide that our Board of Directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws, and to make new bylaws. The Maryland General Corporation Law also contains certain provisions that may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, such as:
•The Maryland Business Combination Act, which, subject to certain limitations, prohibits certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the common stock or an affiliate thereof) for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and, thereafter, imposes special minimum price provisions and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations.
•The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, which provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation (defined as shares of common stock which, when aggregated with other shares of common stock controlled by the stockholder, entitles the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors, as described more fully below) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares of common stock.
The provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act will not apply, however, if our Board of Directors adopts a resolution that any business combination between us and any other person will be exempt from the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution that any business combination between us and any other person is exempted from the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act, provided that the business
combination is first approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons as defined in the 1940 Act. There can be no assurance that this resolution will not be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time. If the resolution is altered or repealed, the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us.
As permitted by Maryland law, our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act any and all acquisitions by any person of our common stock. This bylaw provision may be amended or eliminated by our Board of Directors at any time in the future, provided that we will notify the Division of Investment Management at the SEC prior to amending or eliminating this provision. However, the SEC has taken the position that the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act is inconsistent with the 1940 Act and may not be invoked by a BDC. It is the view of the staff of the SEC that opting into the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act would be acting in a manner inconsistent with Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act. See “Description of Our Capital Stock” for more information.
Your interest in us may be diluted if you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering. In addition, if the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of your shares.
In the event we issue subscription rights, stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect that they will, at the completion of a rights offering pursuant to this prospectus, own a smaller proportional interest in us than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering.
In addition, if the subscription price is less than the net asset value per share of our common stock, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of their shares as a result of the offering. The amount of any decrease in net asset value is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and net asset value per share will be on the expiration date of a rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Such dilution could be substantial.
We may in the future choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case our stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash they receive.
We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in part in our stock. In accordance with guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), a publicly traded RIC should generally be eligible to treat a distribution of its own stock as fulfilling its RIC distribution requirements if each stockholder is permitted to elect to receive his or her distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC (even where there is a limitation on the percentage of the distribution payable in cash, provided that the limitation is at least 20%), subject to the satisfaction of certain guidelines. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, each stockholder electing to receive cash generally must receive a portion of his or her distribution in cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). If these and certain other requirements are met, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the distribution paid in stock generally will be a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock.
Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends would be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. Stockholder (as defined in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”) may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. Stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, it may be subject to transaction fees (e.g., broker fees or transfer agent fees) and the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of its stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to Non-U.S. Stockholders (as defined in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”), we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock. It is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to pay dividends in cash and our stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from selling Securities pursuant to this prospectus initially to maintain balance sheet liquidity, involving repayment of debt under our credit facility, if any, investments in high quality short-term debt instruments or a combination thereof, and thereafter to make long-term investments in accordance with our investment objective. Interest on borrowings under the credit facility is one-month LIBOR plus 220 basis points, with no minimum LIBOR floor. Additionally, the lenders charge a fee on the unused portion of the credit facility equal to either 50 basis points if more than sixty percent of the credit facility is drawn, or 100 basis points if more than thirty-five percent and an amount less than or equal to sixty percent of the credit facility is drawn, or 150 basis points if an amount less than or equal to thirty-five percent of the credit facility is drawn. A supplement to this prospectus relating to each offering will provide additional detail, to the extent known at the time, regarding the use of the proceeds from such offering including any intention to utilize proceeds to pay expenses in order to avoid sales of long-term assets.
We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Securities pursuant to this prospectus will be used for the above purposes within six months, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions, and will be so used within two years. In addition, we expect that there will be several offerings pursuant to this prospectus; we expect that substantially all of the proceeds from all offerings will be used within three years. Pending our new investments, we plan to invest a portion of net proceeds in cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment and other general corporate purposes. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities, which may generate a loss to the Company.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2019, any of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K, or any other oral or written statements made in press releases or otherwise by or on behalf of Prospect Capital Corporation including this prospectus may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements predict or describe our future operations, business plans, business and investment strategies and portfolio management and the performance of our investments and our investment management business. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “intends,” “intend,” “intended,” “goal,” “estimate,” “estimates,” “expects,” “expect,” “expected,” “project,” “projected,” “projections,” “plans,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “anticipated,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “designed to,” “foreseeable future,” “believe,” “believes,” “continue,” and “scheduled” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements do not meet the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:
•our future operating results;
•our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
•the impact of investments that we expect to make;
•our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
•the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
•the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
•difficulty in obtaining financing or raising capital, especially in volatile credit and equity environments;
•the level and volatility of prevailing interest rates and credit spreads;
•adverse developments in the availability of desirable loan and investment opportunities whether they are due to competition, regulation or otherwise;
•a compression of the yield on our investments and the cost of our liabilities, as well as the level of leverage available to us;
•our regulatory structure and tax treatment, including our ability to operate as a business development company and a RIC;
•the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
•the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;
•the ability of the Investment Adviser to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments; and
•authoritative generally accepted accounting principles or policy changes from such standard-setting bodies as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the IRS, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and other authorities that we are subject to, as well as their counterparts in any foreign jurisdictions where we might do business.
Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus, and such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. The Company reminds all investors that no forward-looking statement can be relied upon as an accurate or even mostly accurate forecast because humans cannot forecast the future. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Through March 2010, we made quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. In June 2010, we changed our distribution policy from a quarterly payment to a monthly payment. To the extent prudent and practicable, we currently intend to continue making distributions on a monthly basis. Our ability to pay distributions could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants. Our distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Certain amounts of the monthly distributions may from time to time be paid out of our capital rather than from earnings for the quarter as a result of our deliberate planning or by accounting reclassifications.
As a RIC, we generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains we distribute each taxable year to our stockholders, provided that in such taxable year, we distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (as defined by the Code) to our stockholders. Any undistributed taxable income is subject to U.S. federal income tax. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of our ordinary income recognized during the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gain net income, as defined by the Code, recognized for the one year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years.
We did not have an excise tax liability for the calendar year ended December 31, 2019. Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders, as appropriate, on Form 1099-DIV after the end of the calendar year.
In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (which we define as net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may decide in the future to retain such capital gains for investment. In such event, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on the retained amount. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we may be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.
During the years ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, we distributed approximately $263.6 million and $277.2 million, respectively, to our stockholders. The following table summarizes our distributions declared and payable for the years ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2019.
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Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Amount Per Share | | Amount Distributed (in thousands) |
5/9/2017 | | 7/29/2017 | | 8/18/2017 | | $ | 0.083330 | | | $ | 30,011 | |
5/9/2017 | | 8/31/2017 | | 9/22/2017 | | 0.083330 | | | 30,017 | |
8/25/2017 | | 9/30/2017 | | 10/20/2017 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,619 | |
8/25/2017 | | 10/31/2017 | | 11/17/2017 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,623 | |
11/8/2017 | | 11/30/2017 | | 12/22/2017 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,630 | |
11/8/2017 | | 12/30/2017 | | 1/19/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,659 | |
11/8/2017 | | 1/31/2018 | | 2/16/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,691 | |
2/7/2018 | | 2/28/2018 | | 3/23/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,724 | |
2/7/2018 | | 3/31/2018 | | 4/20/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,759 | |
2/7/2018 | | 4/28/2018 | | 5/18/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,797 | |
5/9/2018 | | 5/31/2018 | | 6/22/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,829 | |
5/9/2018 | | 6/30/2018 | | 7/20/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,865 | |
Total declared and payable for the year ended June 30, 2018 | | $ | 277,224 | |
| | | | | | | | |
5/9/2018 | | 7/31/2018 | | 8/23/2018 | | $ | 0.060000 | | | $ | 21,881 | |
5/9/2018 | | 8/31/2018 | | 9/20/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,898 | |
8/28/2018 | | 9/28/2018 | | 10/18/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,914 | |
8/28/2018 | | 10/31/2018 | | 11/21/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,930 | |
11/6/2018 | | 11/30/2018 | | 12/20/2018 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,945 | |
11/6/2018 | | 1/2/2019 | | 1/24/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 21,963 | |
11/6/2018 | | 1/31/2019 | | 2/21/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,003 | |
2/6/2019 | | 2/28/2018 | | 3/21/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,008 | |
2/6/2019 | | 3/29/2019 | | 4/18/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,013 | |
2/6/2019 | | 4/30/2019 | | 5/23/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,018 | |
5/8/2019 | | 5/31/2019 | | 6/20/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,023 | |
5/8/2019 | | 6/28/2019 | | 7/18/2019 | | 0.060000 | | | 22,028 | |
Total declared and payable for the year ended June 30, 2019 | | $ | 263,624 | |
Dividends and other distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. As such, the table above includes distributions with record dates during the years ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018. It does not include distributions previously declared to stockholders of record on any future dates, as those amounts are not yet determinable. The following dividends were previously declared and will be recorded and payable subsequent to June 30, 2019:
◦$0.06 per share for July 2019 to holders of record on July 31, 2019 with a payment date of August 22, 2019.
◦$0.06 per share for August 2019 to holders of record on August 30, 2019 with a payment date of September 19, 2019.
◦$0.06 per share for September 2019 to holders of record on September 30, 2019 with a payment date of October 24, 2019.
◦$0.06 per share for October 2019 to holders of record on October 31, 2019 with a payment date of November 20, 2019.
◦$0.06 per share for November 2019 to holders of record on November 29, 2019 with a payment date of December 19, 2019.
◦$0.06 per share for December 2019 to holders of record on January 2, 2020 with a payment date of January 23, 2020.
◦$0.06 per share for January 2020 to holders of record on January 31, 2020 with a payment date of February 20, 2020.
SENIOR SECURITIES
Information about our senior securities is shown in the following table as of the end of each of the last ten fiscal years. (All figures in this item are in thousands except per unit data.) The senior securities table below has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. The report of BDO USA, LLP on the senior securities table, as of June 30, 2019, is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total Amount Outstanding(1) | | Asset Coverage per Unit(2) | | Involuntary Liquidating Preference per Unit(3) | | Average Market Value per Unit(4) |
Credit Facility(15) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 92,000 | | | $ | 58,259 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 167,000 | | | 34,298 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 37,000 | | | 155,503 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 368,700 | | | 18,136 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 92,000 | | | 69,470 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 124,000 | | | 34,996 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 96,000 | | | 22,668 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2011 (as of June 30, 2011) | | 84,200 | | | 18,065 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2010 (as of June 30, 2010) | | 100,300 | | | 8,093 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2015 Notes(5) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | $ | 150,000 | | | $ | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 150,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 150,000 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 150,000 | | | 3,277 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2011 (as of June 30, 2011) | | 150,000 | | | 3,740 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2016 Notes(6) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | $ | 167,500 | | | $ | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 167,500 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 167,500 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 167,500 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 167,500 | | | 3,277 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2011 (as of June 30, 2011) | | 172,500 | | | 3,740 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2017 Notes(7) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | $ | 50,734 | | | $ | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 129,500 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 130,000 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 130,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 130,000 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 130,000 | | | 3,277 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2018 Notes(8) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | $ | 85,419 | | | $ | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 200,000 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 200,000 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 200,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 200,000 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total Amount Outstanding(1) | | Asset Coverage per Unit(2) | | Involuntary Liquidating Preference per Unit(3) | | Average Market Value per Unit(4) |
2019 Notes(10) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | $ | 101,647 | | | $ | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 200,000 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 200,000 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 200,000 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 200,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 200,000 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
5.00% 2019 Notes(11) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | $ | 153,536 | | | $ | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 300,000 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 300,000 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 300,000 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 300,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2020 Notes(16) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 175,037 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 224,114 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 392,000 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 392,000 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 392,000 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 392,000 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 400,000 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
6.95% 2022 Notes(9) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 2,305 | | | — | | | $ | 1,038 | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 100,000 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | 1,036 | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 100,000 | | | 3,277 | | | — | | | 996 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2022 Notes(17) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 292,127 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 328,500 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 328,500 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 225,000 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2023 Notes(12) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 319,002 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 318,863 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 318,675 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 248,507 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 248,293 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 248,094 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 247,881 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 247,725 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2024 Notes | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 234,443 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | $ | 1,012 | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 234,443 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | 1,002 | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 199,281 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | 1,029 | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 199,281 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | 1,027 | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 161,364 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | 951 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total Amount Outstanding(1) | | Asset Coverage per Unit(2) | | Involuntary Liquidating Preference per Unit(3) | | Average Market Value per Unit(4) |
6.375% 2024 Notes(12) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 99,753 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 99,726 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2025 Notes | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 201,250 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 201,250 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
2028 Notes | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 70,761 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | $ | 1,029 | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 70,761 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | 984 | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 55,000 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | 1,004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2029 Notes | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 69,170 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | $ | 1,054 | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 69,170 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | 983 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Prospect Capital InterNotes®(14) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 622,409 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 707,699 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 760,924 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 980,494 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 908,808 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 827,442 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 785,670 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 363,777 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
All Senior Securities(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal 2020 (as of December 31, 2019, unaudited) | | $ | 2,175,952 | | | $ | 2,463 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2019 (as of June 30, 2019) | | 2,421,526 | | | 2,365 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2018 (as of June 30, 2018) | | 2,346,563 | | | 2,452 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2017 (as of June 30, 2017) | | 2,681,435 | | | 2,251 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2016 (as of June 30, 2016) | | 2,707,465 | | | 2,269 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2015 (as of June 30, 2015) | | 2,983,736 | | | 2,241 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2014 (as of June 30, 2014) | | 2,773,051 | | | 2,305 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2013 (as of June 30, 2013) | | 1,683,002 | | | 2,578 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2012 (as of June 30, 2012) | | 664,138 | | | 3,277 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2011 (as of June 30, 2011) | | 406,700 | | | 3,740 | | | — | | | — | |
Fiscal 2010 (as of June 30, 2010) | | 100,300 | | | 8,093 | | | — | | | — | |
____________________________________________
(1) Except as noted, the total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the year/period presented (in 000’s).
(2)The asset coverage ratio for a class of secured senior securities representing indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided by secured senior securities representing indebtedness. The asset coverage ratio for a class of unsecured senior securities is inclusive of all senior securities. This asset coverage ratio is multiplied by $1,000 to determine the Asset Coverage Per Unit.
(3)This column is inapplicable.
(4)This column is inapplicable, except for the 6.95% 2022 Notes, the 2024 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2029 Notes. The average market value per unit is calculated as an average of quarter-end prices and shown as the market value per $1,000 of indebtedness.
(5)We repaid the outstanding principal amount of the 2015 Notes on December 15, 2015.
(6)We repaid the outstanding principal amount of the 2016 Notes on August 15, 2016.
(7)We repaid the outstanding principal amount of the 2017 Notes on October 15, 2017.
(8)We repaid the outstanding principal amount of the 2018 Notes on March 15, 2018.
(9)We redeemed the 6.95% 2022 Notes on May 15, 2015.
(10)We repaid the outstanding principal amount of the 2019 Notes on January 15, 2019.
(11)We redeemed the 5.00% 2019 Notes on September 26, 2018.
(12)For the period ended December 31, 2019 and all fiscal years ended June 30th, the notes are presented net of unamortized discount.
(13)While we do not consider commitments to fund under revolving arrangements to be Senior Securities, if we were to elect to treat such unfunded commitments, which were $25,111 as of December 31, 2019 as Senior Securities for purposes of Section 18 of the 1940 Act, our asset coverage per unit would be $2,435.
(14)Pursuant to notice to call provided on December 11, 2019, we redeemed, prior to maturity, $3,918 of our Prospect Capital InterNotes® at par with settlement on January 15, 2020. The notes were scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022 and bore interest rates that ranged from 4.500% to 4.750%. During the period of January 1, 2020 through February 12, 2020, we issued $44,822 aggregate principal amount of Prospect Capital InterNotes® at par.
(15)As of February 12, 2020, we had $206,000 outstanding borrowings under our credit facility.
(16)On December 23, 2019, we commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash up to $10,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes (“2020 Notes December Tender Offer”). The 2020 Notes December Tender Offer expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on January 23, 2020 (one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on January 22, 2020). As of the expiration date of the 2020 Notes December Tender Offer, $2,215 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes, representing approximately 1.27% of the outstanding 2020 Notes, were validly tendered and accepted. Following the settlement of the 2020 Notes December Tender Offers, approximately $172,822 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes remains outstanding.
(17)On December 23, 2019, we commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash up to $25,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes (“2022 Notes December Tender Offer”). The 2022 Notes December Tender Offer expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on January 23, 2020 (one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on January 22, 2020). As of the expiration date of the 2022 Notes December Tender Offer, $1,302 aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes, representing approximately 0.45% of the outstanding 2022 Notes, were validly tendered and accepted. Following the settlement of the 2022 Notes December Tender Offer, approximately $290,825 aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes remains outstanding.
(18)If we were to consider the additional borrowings, issuances, repurchases and maturities subsequent to December 31, 2019, our asset coverage per unit for our senior secured credit facility and unsecured notes would be $26,751 and $2,368, respectively, or $2,337 including the effects of unfunded commitments.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PSEC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our NAV per share of common stock and the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Our common stock historically trades at prices both above and below its NAV per share. There can be no assurance, however, that such premium or discount, as applicable, to NAV per share will be maintained. Common stock of business development companies, like that of closed-end investment companies, frequently trades at a discount to current NAV per share. In the past, our common stock has traded at a discount to our NAV per share. The risk that our common stock may continue to trade at a discount to our NAV per share is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline.
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| | | | Stock Price | | Premium (Discount) of High to NAV | | Premium (Discount) of Low to NAV | | Dividends Declared | |
| | NAV(1) | | High(2) | | Low(2) | |
Twelve Months Ending June 30, 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First quarter | | $ | 9.12 | | | $ | 8.34 | | | $ | 6.55 | | | (8.6) | % | | (28.2) | % | | $ | 0.226660 | | |
Second quarter | | 9.28 | | | 7.26 | | | 5.56 | | | (21.8) | % | | (40.1) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Third quarter | | 9.23 | | | 7.01 | | | 6.21 | | | (24.1) | % | | (32.7) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Fourth quarter | | 9.35 | | | 6.93 | | | 6.30 | | | (25.9) | % | | (32.6) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Twelve Months Ending June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First quarter | | $ | 9.39 | | | $ | 7.58 | | | $ | 6.67 | | | (19.3) | % | | (29.0) | % | | $ | 0.180000 | | |
Second quarter | | 9.02 | | | 7.27 | | | 5.77 | | | (19.4) | % | | (36.0) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Third quarter | | 9.08 | | | 6.93 | | | 6.27 | | | (23.7) | % | | (30.9) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Fourth quarter | | 9.01 | | | 6.83 | | | 6.24 | | | (24.2) | % | | (30.7) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Twelve Months Ending June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First quarter | | $ | 8.87 | | | $ | 6.73 | | | $ | 6.30 | | | (24.1) | % | | (29.0) | % | | $ | 0.180000 | | |
Second quarter | | 8.66 | | | 6.70 | | | 6.37 | | | (22.6) | % | | (26.4) | % | | 0.180000 | | |
Third quarter (through February 12, 2020) | | (3)(4) | | 6.61 | | | 6.46 | | | (4) | | (4) | | 0.180000 | | (5) |
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high or low sales price. The NAVs shown are based on outstanding shares of our common stock at the end of each period.
(2)The High/Low Stock Price is calculated as of the closing price on a given day in the applicable quarter.
(3)Our most recently estimated NAV per share is $8.66 on December 31, 2019. NAV per share as of March 31, 2020, may be higher or lower than $8.66 based on potential changes in valuations, issuances of securities, dividends paid and earnings for the quarters then ended.
(4)NAV has not yet been finally determined for any day after December 31, 2019.
(5)On February 10, 2020, Prospect announced the declaration of monthly dividends in the following amounts and with the following dates:
•$0.06 per share for February 2020 (record date of February 28, 2020 and payment date of March 19, 2020);
•$0.06 per share for March 2020 (record date of March 31, 2020 and payment date of April 23, 2020); and
•$0.06 per share for April 2020 (record date of April 30, 2020 and payment date of May 21, 2020).
On February 12, 2020, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $6.50 per share.
As of February 12, 2020, we had approximately 141 stockholders of record.
The below table sets forth each class of our outstanding securities as of February 12, 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Title of Class | | Amount Authorized | | Amount Held by Registrant or for its Account | | Amount Outstanding |
Common Stock | | 1,000,000,000 | | | — | | | 367,658,352 | |
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Investment Adviser
Prospect Capital Management, a Delaware limited partnership that is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act,” manages our investments. Prospect Capital Management is led by John F. Barry III and M. Grier Eliasek, two senior executives with significant investment advisory and business experience. Both Messrs. Barry and Eliasek spend a significant amount of their time in their roles at Prospect Capital Management working on our behalf. The principal executive offices of Prospect Capital Management are 10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016. We depend on the due diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the senior management of the Investment Adviser. We also depend, to a significant extent, on the Investment Adviser’s investment professionals and the information and deal flow generated by those investment professionals in the course of their investment and portfolio management activities. The Investment Adviser’s senior management team evaluates, negotiates, structures, closes, monitors and services our investments. Our future success depends to a significant extent on the continued service of the senior management team, particularly John F. Barry III and M. Grier Eliasek. The departure of any of the senior managers of the Investment Adviser could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective. In addition, we can offer no assurance that Prospect Capital Management will remain the Investment Adviser or that we will continue to have access to its investment professionals or its information and deal flow.
We have entered into an investment advisory and management agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Investment Adviser, subject to the overall supervision of our Board of Directors, manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, us. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser: (i) determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes, (ii) identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies); and (iii) closes and monitors investments we make. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, we pay Prospect Capital Management investment advisory fees, which consist of an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, which we define as total assets without deduction for any liabilities (and, accordingly, includes the value of assets acquired with proceeds from borrowings), as well as a two-part incentive fee based on our performance. Mr. Barry currently controls Prospect Capital Management. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement (as defined below), we pay Prospect Capital Management investment advisory fees, which consist of an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as a two-part incentive fee based on our performance.
Staffing
Mr. John F. Barry III, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Grier Eliasek, our Chief Operating Officer and President, and Ms. Kristin L. Van Dask, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, comprise our senior management. Over time, we expect to add additional officers and employees.
Messrs. Barry and Eliasek each also serves as an officer of Prospect Administration and performs his respective functions under the Administration Agreement. Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by Prospect Capital Management. In addition, we reimburse Prospect Administration for our allocable portion of expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs of our chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief compliance officer, treasurer and secretary and their respective staffs.
Properties
We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. Our corporate headquarters are located at 10 East 40th Street, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, where we occupy an office space pursuant to the Administration Agreement.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in various investigations, claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These matters may relate to intellectual property, employment, tax, regulation, contract or other matters. The resolution of such matters that may arise out of these investigations, claims and proceedings will be subject to various uncertainties and, even if such matters are without merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
We are not aware of any material pending legal proceeding, and no such material proceedings are contemplated to which we are a party or of which any of our property is subject.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals function as portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of our portfolio. Our portfolio managers are not responsible for day-to-day management of any other accounts. For a description of their principal occupations for the past five years, see above.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Position | | Length of Service with Company (Years) |
John F. Barry III | | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | | 15 | |
M. Grier Eliasek | | President and Chief Operating Officer | | 15 | |
Mr. Eliasek receives no compensation from the Company. Mr. Eliasek receives a salary and bonus from Prospect Capital Management that takes into account his role as a senior officer of the Company and of Prospect Capital Management, his performance and the performance of each of Prospect Capital Management and the Company. Mr. Barry receives no compensation from the Company. Mr. Barry, as the sole member of Prospect Capital Management, receives a salary and/or bonus from Prospect Capital Management and is entitled to equity distributions after all other obligations of Prospect Capital Management are met.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our common stock beneficially owned by each of the portfolio managers described above as of December 31, 2019.
| | | | | | | | |
Name | | Aggregate Dollar Range of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by Portfolio Managers |
John F. Barry III | | Over $100,000 |
M. Grier Eliasek | | Over $100,000 |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
We have entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with Prospect Capital Management. Our Chairman of the Board of Directors is the sole member of and controls Prospect Capital Management. Our senior management may in the future also serve as principals of other investment managers affiliated with Prospect Capital Management that may in the future manage investment funds with investment objectives similar to ours. In addition, our executive officers and directors and the principals of Prospect Capital Management may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or related lines of business as we do or of investment funds managed by affiliates. Accordingly, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by advisers affiliated with Prospect Capital Management. However, our Investment Adviser and other members of the affiliated present and predecessor companies of Prospect Capital Management intend to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner consistent with our investment objectives and strategies so that we are not disadvantaged in relation to any other client.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Administration Agreement, Prospect Administration provides, or arranges to provide, the Company with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. Prospect Capital Management is the sole member of and controls Prospect Administration.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
As of February 12, 2020, there were no persons that owned 25% or more of our outstanding voting securities, and we believe no person should be deemed to control us, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
The following table sets forth, as of February 12, 2020, certain ownership information with respect to our common stock for those persons who directly or indirectly own, control or hold with the power to vote, 5% or more of our outstanding common stock and all officers and directors, as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners set forth in the tables below have sole voting and investment power.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned | | Percentage of Class(1) |
5% or more holders | | | | |
John F. Barry III (2) | | 64,103,524 | | 17.4 | % |
Other executive officers and directors as a group | | 1,360,095 | | 0.4 | % |
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Based on a total of 367,658,352 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of February 12, 2020.
(2)Mr. Barry also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Barry has sole voting and dispositive power over 63,913,087 shares held by him directly and through the John and Daria Barry Foundation as of February 12, 2020. Mr. Barry has shared voting and dispositive power over the remaining 190,437 shares beneficially owned as of February 12, 2020.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directors and officers as of February 12, 2020 within the same family of investment companies. Information as to beneficial ownership is based on information furnished to us by the directors. We are part of a “family of investment companies”, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, that includes Priority Income Fund, Inc. (“Priority”) and TP Flexible Income Fund, Inc. (formerly Pathway Capital Opportunity Fund, Inc.) (“FLEX”).
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Name of Director or Officer | | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Company(1) | | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Priority(1) | | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in FLEX(1) |
Independent Directors | | | | | | |
William J. Gremp | | Over $100,000 | | None | | None |
Andrew C. Cooper | | None | | None | | None |
Eugene S. Stark | | Over $100,000 | | Over $100,000 | | None |
Interested Directors | | | | | | |
John F. Barry III | | Over $100,000 | | None | | None |
M. Grier Eliasek | | Over $100,000 | | None | | None |
Officer | | | | | | |
Kristin Van Dask | | Over $100,000 | | None | | None |
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Dollar ranges are as follows: none, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000 or over $100,000.
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
The following is a listing of our portfolio companies at December 31, 2019. Values are as of December 31, 2019. (All figures in this item are in thousands)
The portfolio companies are presented in three categories: “companies more than 25% owned” are portfolio companies in which Prospect directly or indirectly owns more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio company and, therefore, such portfolio company is presumed to be controlled by us under the 1940 Act; “companies owned 5% to 24.99%” are portfolio companies where Prospect directly or indirectly owns 5% to 24.99% of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio company and/or holds one or more seats on the portfolio company’s Board of Directors and, therefore, such portfolio company is deemed to be an affiliated person with us under the 1940 Act; “companies less than 5% owned” are portfolio companies where Prospect directly or indirectly owns less than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio company and where it has no other affiliations with such portfolio company. As of December 31, 2019, Prospect owned controlling interests in CP Energy Services Inc.; Credit Central Loan Company, LLC; Echelon Transportation LLC; First Tower Finance Company LLC; Freedom Marine Solutions, LLC; InterDent, Inc.; Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort; MITY, Inc.; National Property REIT Corp.; Nationwide Loan Company LLC; NMMB, Inc.; Pacific World Corporation; R-V Industries, Inc.; Universal Turbine Parts, LLC; USES Corp.; and Valley Electric Company, Inc. We also own affiliated interests in Edmentum Ultimate Holdings, LLC; Nixon, Inc.; Targus Cayman HoldCo Limited; and United Sporting Companies, Inc. Prospect makes available significant managerial assistance to its portfolio companies. Prospect generally requests and may receive rights to observe the meetings of its portfolio companies’ Boards of Directors.
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Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Companies more than 25% owned | | | | | |
CP Energy Services Inc. 1508 Neptune Drive Clinton, Oklahoma 73601 | Energy Equipment & Services | Senior Secured Term Loan (12.95% (LIBOR + 11.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/29/2022) | First priority lien | | | 35,048 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A to Spartan Energy Services, Inc. (9.80% (LIBOR + 8.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/31/2022) | First priority lien | | | 13,156 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B to Spartan Energy Services, Inc. (15.80% PIK (LIBOR + 14.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/31/2022) | First priority lien | | | 20,801 | |
| | Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (16.00%, 790 shares) | | 100.0 | % | 32,716 | | |
| | Common Stock (102,924 shares) | | 99.8 | % | — | | |
Credit Central Loan Company, LLC 700 East North Street, Suite 15 Greenville, SC 29601 | Consumer Finance | Subordinated Term Loan (10.00% plus 10.00% PIK, due 6/26/2024)(1) | Second priority lien | | | 56,862 | |
| | Class A Units (14,867,312 units)(1) | | 98.6 | % | 20,020 | | |
| | Net Revenues Interest (25% of Net Revenues)(1) | | 25.0 | % | — | | |
Echelon Transportation, LLC 1465 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 | Aerospace & Defense | Senior Secured Term Loan (11.99% (LIBOR + 9.75% with 2.00% LIBOR floor) plus 2.25% PIK, due 3/31/2022) | First priority lien | | | 39,917 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (11.24% (LIBOR + 9.00% with 2.00% LIBOR floor) plus 1.00% PIK, due 12/7/2024) | First priority lien | | | 19,198 | |
| | Membership Interest (100%) | | 100.0 | % | 31,950 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
First Tower Finance Company LLC P.O. Box 320001 406 Liberty Park Court Flowood, Mississippi 39232 | Consumer Finance | Subordinated Term Loan to First Tower, LLC (10.00% plus 10.50% PIK, due 6/24/2024)(1)(1) | Second priority lien | | | 277,987 | |
| | Class A Units (95,709,910 units)(1)(1) | | 80.1 | % | 224,798 | | |
Freedom Marine Solutions, LLC 111 Evergreen Drive Houma, Louisiana 70364 | Energy Equipment & Services | Membership Interest (100%) | | 100.0 | % | 14,920 | | |
InterDent, Inc. 9800 South La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 800 Inglewood, California 90301 | Health Care Providers & Services | Senior Secured Term Loan A/B (6.85% (LIBOR + 5.05% with 0.75% LIBOR floor), due 9/5/2020) | First priority lien | | | 14,000 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.30% (LIBOR + 5.50% with 0.75% LIBOR floor), due 9/5/2020) | First priority lien | | | 77,994 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (10.00% PIK, due 9/5/2020) | First priority lien | | | 104,977 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan C (18.00% PIK, in non-accrual status effective 10/1/2018, due 9/5/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan D (1.00% PIK, in non-accrual status effective 10/1/2018, due 9/5/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Common Stock (99,900 shares) | | 99.9 | % | — | | |
Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort 23230 Kickapoo Road Waller, Texas 77484 | Diversified Consumer Services | Membership Interest (100%) | | 100.0 | % | 4,361 | | |
MITY, Inc. 1301 West 400 North Orem, UT 84057 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Senior Secured Note A (10.00% (LIBOR + 7.00% with 3.00% LIBOR floor), due 6/30/2020) | First priority lien | | | 26,250 | |
| | Senior Secured Note B (10.00% (LIBOR + 7.00% with 3.00% LIBOR floor) plus 10.00% PIK, due 6/30/2020) | First priority lien | | | 29,936 | |
| | Subordinated Unsecured Note to Broda Enterprises ULC (10.00%, due 1/1/2028)(1) | | | | — | |
| | Common Stock (42,053 shares) | | 100.0 | % | — | | |
National Property REIT Corp. 1389 Center Drive, Suite 170, Park City, Utah 84098 | Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) / Online Lending / Structured Finance | Senior Secured Term Loan A (6.50% (LIBOR + 3.50% with 3.00% LIBOR floor) plus 5.00% PIK, due 12/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 433,553 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (5.00% (LIBOR + 2.00% with 3.00% LIBOR floor) plus 5.50% PIK, due 12/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 79,000 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan C (15.00% (LIBOR + 12.00% with 3.00% LIBOR floor) plus 2.25% PIK, due 12/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 51,428 | |
| | Residual Profit Interest(2) | | | 37,562 | | |
| | Common Stock (3,203,927 shares) | | 100.0 | % | 425,345 | | |
Nationwide Loan Company LLC 3435 North Cierco Avenue Chicago, IL 60641 | Consumer Finance | Senior Subordinated Term Loan to Nationwide Acceptance LLC (10.00% plus 10.00% PIK, due 6/18/2020)(1) | Second priority lien | | | 19,420 | |
| | Class A Units (32,456,159 units)(1) | | 94.5 | % | 16,807 | | |
NMMB, Inc. 10 Abeel Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 | Media | Senior Secured Note (10.50% (LIBOR + 8.50% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/30/2024) | First priority lien | | | 15,100 | |
| | Common Stock (21,419 shares) | | 92.4 | % | 22,818 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Pacific World Corporation 100 Technology Drive, Suite 200 Irvine, California 92618 | Personal Products | Revolving Line of Credit – $26,000 Commitment (9.06% (LIBOR + 7.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), in non-accrual status effective 10/1/2019, due 9/26/2020) | First priority lien | | | 20,825 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.06% PIK (LIBOR + 5.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), in non-accrual status effective 10/24/2018, due 9/26/2020) | First priority lien | | | 41,785 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (11.06% PIK (LIBOR + 9.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), in non-accrual status effective 5/21/2018, due 9/26/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Convertible Preferred Equity (227,330 shares) | | 100.0 | % | — | | |
| | Common Stock (6,778,414 shares) | | 7.8 | % | — | | |
R-V Industries, Inc. 584 Poplar Road Honey Brook, PA 19344 | Machinery | Senior Subordinated Note (10.95% (LIBOR + 9.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 3/31/2022) | Second priority lien | | | 28,622 | |
| | Common Stock (745,107 shares) | | 88.3 | % | 7,881 | | |
Universal Turbine Parts, LLC 120 Grouby Airport Road Prattsville, AL 36067 | Trading Companies & Distributors | Delayed Draw Term Loan – $5,000 Commitment (10.25% (LIBOR + 7.75% with 2.50% LIBOR floor), due 7/22/2021) | First priority lien | | | 998 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.70% (LIBOR + 5.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 7/22/2021) | First priority lien | | | 27,624 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (13.70% PIK (LIBOR + 11.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), in non-accrual status effective 7/1/2018, due 7/22/2021) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Common Stock (10,000 units) | | 100.0 | % | — | | |
USES Corp. 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1030 Dallas, TX 75201 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Senior Secured Term Loan A (9.00% PIK, in non-accrual status effective 4/1/2016, due 7/29/2022) | First priority lien | | | 16,101 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (15.50% PIK, in non-accrual status effective 4/1/2016, due 7/29/2022) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Common Stock (268,962 shares) | | 100.0 | % | — | | |
Valley Electric Company, Inc. 1100 Merrill Creek Parkway Everett, WA 98023 | Construction & Engineering | Senior Secured Note to Valley Electric Co. of Mt. Vernon, Inc. (8.00% (LIBOR + 5.00% with 3.00% LIBOR floor) plus 2.50% PIK, due 12/31/2024) | First priority lien | | | 10,430 | |
| | Senior Secured Note (8.00% plus 10.00% PIK, due 6/23/2024) | First priority lien | | | 33,301 | |
| | Consolidated Revenue Interest (2.0%) | | 2.0 | % | 2,746 | | |
| | Common Stock (50,000 shares) | | 95.0 | % | 76,023 | | |
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Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Companies 5% to 24.99% owned | | | | | |
Edmentum Ultimate Holdings, LLC 5600 West 83rd Street, Suite 300, 8200 Tower Bloomington, MN 55437 | Diversified Consumer Services | Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility to Edmentum, Inc. – $7,834 Commitment (5.00% PIK, due 12/9/2021) | Second priority lien | | | 8,033 | |
| | Unsecured Senior PIK Note (8.50% PIK, due 12/9/2021) | | | | 8,548 | |
| | Unsecured Junior PIK Note (10.00% PIK, due 12/9/2021) | | | | 40,338 | |
| | Class A Units (370,964 units) | | 11.5 | % | 8,123 | | |
Nixon, Inc. 701 South Coast Highway Encinitas, CA 92024 | Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | Common Stock (857 units) | | 8.6 | % | — | | |
Targus Cayman HoldCo Limited 1211 North Miller Street Anaheim, CA 92806 | Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | Common Stock (7,383,395 shares) | | 9.7 | % | 16,224 | | |
United Sporting Companies, Inc. 1211 North Miller Street Anaheim, CA 92806 | Distributors | Second Lien Term Loan (12.80% (LIBOR + 11.00% with 1.75% LIBOR floor) plus 2.00% PIK, in non-accrual status effective 4/1/2017, due 11/16/2019) | Second priority lien | | | 6,357 | |
| | Common Stock (218,941 shares) | | 22.0 | % | — | | |
Companies less than 5% owned | | | | | |
8TH Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. 1335 Strassner Drive Brentwood, Missouri 63144 | Food Products | Second Lien Term Loan (9.49% (LIBOR + 7.75%), due 10/1/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 24,841 | |
ACE Cash Express, Inc. 1231 Greenway Drive, Suite 600 Irving, TX 75038 | Consumer Finance | Senior Secured Note (12.00%, due 12/15/2022)(1) | First priority lien | | | 25,491 | |
Ahead Data Blue, LLC 401 North Michigan Avenue Suite 3400 Chicago, IL 60611 | IT Services | Second Lien Term Loan (10.30% (LIBOR + 8.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 11/8/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 70,000 | |
AmeriLife Group, LLC 2650 McCormick Drive, Suite 300T Clearwater, FL 33759 | Insurance | Second Lien Term Loan (10.80% (LIBOR + 9.00%), due 6/11/2027) | Second priority lien | | | 10,000 | |
Apidos CLO XI P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 10.94%, due 10/17/2030)(1) | | | 27,462 | | |
Apidos CLO XII P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 15.64%, due 4/15/2031)(1) | | | 30,457 | | |
Apidos CLO XV P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 15.00%, due 4/21/2031)(1) | | | 29,519 | | |
Apidos CLO XXII P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 7.32%, due 10/20/2027)(1) | | | 23,446 | | |
Ark-La-Tex Wireline Services, LLC 6913 Wesport Avenue Shreveport, LA 71129 | Energy Equipment & Services | Escrow Receivable | | | — | | |
Atlantis Health Care Group (Puerto Rico), Inc. 299 Park Avenue, 34th Floor New York, New York 10171 | Health Care Providers & Services | Revolving Line of Credit – $6,000 Commitment (10.75% (LIBOR + 8.75% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 2/21/2020) | First priority lien | | | 2,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (10.75% (LIBOR + 8.75% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 2/21/2020) | First priority lien | | | 73,919 | |
Barings CLO 2018-III P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 9.42%, due 7/20/2029)(1) | | | 34,711 | | |
Broder Bros., Co. Six Neshaminy Interplex, 6th Floor Trevose, PA 19053 | Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | Senior Secured Note (10.47% (LIBOR + 8.50% with 1.25% LIBOR floor), due 12/02/2022) | First priority lien | | | 172,844 | |
Brookside Mill CLO Ltd. 75 Fort Street P.O. Box 1350 George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1108 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 5.43%, due 1/17/2028)(1) | | | 12,763 | | |
California Street CLO IX Ltd. P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 10.64%, due 7/16/2032)(1) | | | 31,743 | | |
Candle-Lite Company, LLC 10521 Millington Ct Cincinnati, OH 45242 | Household Products | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.42% (LIBOR + 5.50% with 1.25% LIBOR floor), due 1/23/2023) | First priority lien | | | 12,061 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (11.42% (LIBOR + 9.50% with 1.25% LIBOR floor), due 1/23/2023) | First priority lien | | | 12,500 | |
Capstone Logistics Acquisition, Inc. 6525 The Corners Parkway, Suite 520 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Second Lien Term Loan (10.05% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 10/7/2022) | Second priority lien | | | 98,982 | |
Carlyle C17 CLO Limited P.O. Box 1093 Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 20.27%, due 4/30/2031)(1) | | | 12,792 | | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO 2014-4-R, Ltd. 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9005 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 21.30%, due 7/15/2030)(1) | | | 17,577 | | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO 2016-3, Ltd. 27 Hospital Road George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9008 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.59%, due 10/20/2029)(1) | | | 26,208 | | |
CCPI Inc. 838 Cherry Street Blanchester, OH 45107 | Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | Escrow Receivable | | | 2,307 | | |
CCS-CMGC Holdings, Inc. 1283 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 500 Nashville, TX 37217 | Health Care Providers & Services | First Lien Term Loan (7.30% (LIBOR + 5.50%), due 10/1/2025) | First priority lien | | | 5,945 | |
| | First Lien Term Loan (7.43% (LIBOR + 5.50%), due 10/1/2025) | First priority lien | | | 3,586 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.93% (LIBOR + 9.00%), due 10/1/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 36,399 | |
Cent CLO 21 Limited P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 13.37%, due 7/27/2030)(1) | | | 28,433 | | |
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Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
CIFC Funding 2013-III-R, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 12.15%, due 4/24/2031)(1) | | | 22,814 | | |
CIFC Funding 2013-IV, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 14.09%, due 4/28/2031)(1) | | | 28,641 | | |
CIFC Funding 2014-IV-R, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 13.42%, due 10/17/2030)(1) | | | 25,457 | | |
CIFC Funding 2016-I, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.55%, due 10/21/2031)(1) | | | 27,479 | | |
Cinedigm DC Holdings, LLC 902 Broadway, 9th Floor New York, NY 10010 | Entertainment | Senior Secured Term Loan (11.00% (LIBOR + 9.00% with 2.00% LIBOR floor) plus 2.50% PIK, due 3/31/2021) | First priority lien | | | 12,559 | |
Class Valuation, LLC 2600 Bellingham Dr. #100 Troy, MI 48083 | Real Estate Management & Development | Revolving Line of Credit – $1,500 Commitment (10.20% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 3/12/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (10.20% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 3/10/2023) | First priority lien | | | 38,432 | |
Collections Acquisition Company, Inc. Two Easton Oval, Suite 310 Columbus, OH 43219 | Diversified Financial Services | Senior Secured Term Loan (10.15% (LIBOR + 7.65% with 2.50% LIBOR floor), due 6/3/2024) | First priority lien | | | 30,433 | |
Columbia Cent CLO 27 Limited P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 17.36%, due 10/25/2028)(1) | | | 24,635 | | |
Coverall North America, Inc. 1201 West Peachtree, Suite 2800 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.95% (LIBOR + 6.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/02/2020) | First priority lien | | | 5,100 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (12.95% (LIBOR + 11.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/02/2020) | First priority lien | | | 23,000 | |
CP VI Bella Midco 2701 Renaissance Boulevard, Suite 200 King of Prussia, PA 19406 | IT Services | Second Lien Term Loan (8.55% (LIBOR + 6.75%), due 12/29/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 15,750 | |
Digital Room, LLC 8000 Haskell Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406 | Commercial Services & Supplies | First Lien Term Loan (6.80% (LIBOR + 5.00%), due 5/21/2026) | First priority lien | | | 9,819 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.80% (LIBOR + 9.00%), due 5/21/2027) | Second priority lien | | | 69,477 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Dunn Paper, Inc. 218 Riverview St. Port Huron, MI 48060 | Paper & Forest Products | First Lien Term Loan (6.55% (LIBOR + 4.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/26/2022) | First priority lien | | | 4,371 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.55% (LIBOR + 8.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/26/2023) | Second priority lien | | | 11,379 | |
Easy Gardener Products, Inc. 3022 Franklin Avenue Waco, Texas 76710 | Household Durables | Senior Secured Term Loan (11.95% (LIBOR + 10.00% with 0.25% LIBOR floor), in non-accrual status effective 10/1/2019, due 09/30/2020) | First priority lien | | | 4,353 | |
Engine Group, Inc. 315 Park Avenue South, 14th Floor New York, NY 10010 | Media | Senior Secured Term Loan (6.94% (LIBOR + 5.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/15/2022) | First priority lien | | | 4,031 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.94% (LIBOR + 9.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/15/2023) | Second priority lien | | | 31,305 | |
EXC Holdings III Corp 200 West Street Waltham, MA 02451 | Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | Second Lien Term Loan (9.59% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/01/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 12,408 | |
Galaxy XV CLO, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 9.86%, due 10/15/2030)(1) | | | 25,468 | | |
Galaxy XXVII CLO, Ltd. 190 Elgin Avenue George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9005 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 8.24%, due 5/16/2031)(1) | | | 11,463 | | |
Galaxy XXVIII CLO, Ltd. 190 Elgin Avenue George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9005 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 7.75%, due 7/15/2031)(1) | | | 18,207 | | |
GEON Performance Solutions, ULC 75 Tideman Drive Orangeville, Ontario Canada, L9W 3K3 | Chemicals | Revolving Line of Credit – $3,621 Commitment (7.96% (LIBOR+6.25% with 1.63% LIBOR floor), due10/25/2024) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | First Lien Term Loan (7.96% (LIBOR+6.25% with 1.63% LIBOR floor), due10/25/2024) | First priority lien | | | 31,207 | |
Global Tel*Link Corporation 12021 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 100 Reston, Virginia 20190 | Diversified Telecommunication Services | First Lien Term Loan (6.05% (LIBOR + 4.25%), due 11/29/2025) | First priority lien | | | 9,490 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.05% (LIBOR + 8.25%), due 11/29/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 38,674 | |
GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc. 7350 N. Dobson Road, Suite 130 Scottsdale, Arizona 85256 | Air Freight & Logistics | Second Lien Term Loan (10.04% (LIBOR + 8.25%), due 5/15/2027) | Second priority lien | | | 12,385 | |
H.I.G. ECI Merger Sub, Inc. 100 High Street, 16th Floor Boston, MA 02110 | IT Services | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.45% (LIBOR + 5.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 5/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 44,016 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (12.45% (LIBOR + 10.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 5/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 29,900 | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2012-1 Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 8/15/2023)(1) | | | — | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2013-1 Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 4/15/2025)(1) | | | 1,347 | | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2014-1 Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 4/18/2026)(1) | | | 1,244 | | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2014-2 Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 4/28/2025)(1) | | | — | | |
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2015-3 Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 5.48%, due 10/18/2027)(1) | | | 23,126 | | |
HALYARD MD OPCO, LLC 19 West 44th St. Suite 1401 New York, NY 10036 | Media | Revolving Line of Credit – $2,000 Commitment (9.94% (LIBOR + 8.00%), due 2/6/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | First Lien Term Loan (10.00% (LIBOR + 8.00% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/6/2023) | First priority lien | | | 11,250 | |
HarbourView CLO VII-R, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.35%, due 7/18/2031)(1) | | | 10,796 | | |
Help/Systems Holdings, Inc. 6455 City West ParkWay Eden Prairie, MN 55344 | Software | First Lien Term Loan (6.55% (LIBOR + 4.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/19/2027) | First priority lien | | | 8,416 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (9.80% (LIBOR + 8.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/19/2027) | Second priority lien | | | 17,157 | |
Inpatient Care Management Company, LLC 19105 US Highway 41 North, Suite 300 Lutz, FL 33548 | Health Care Providers & Services | Senior Secured Term Loan (9.95% (LIBOR + 8.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 6/8/2021) | First priority lien | | | 16,568 | |
Jefferson Mill CLO Ltd. 75 Fort Street, P.O. Box 1350 George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1108 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.33%, due 10/20/2031)(1) | | | 12,525 | | |
K&N Parent, Inc. 1455 Citrus Street Riverside, CA 92507 | Auto Components | Second Lien Term Loan (10.55% (LIBOR + 8.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 10/21/2024) | Second priority lien | | | 25,491 | |
Keystone Acquisition Corp. 777 East Park Drive Harrisburg, PA 17111 | Health Care Providers & Services | Second Lien Term Loan (11.19% (LIBOR + 9.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 5/1/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 50,000 | |
LCM XIV Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Queensgate House Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 12.43%, due 7/21/2031)(1) | | | 19,141 | | |
Maverick Healthcare Equity, LLC 2546 West Birchwood Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202 | Health Care Providers & Services | Preferred Units (10.00%, 1,250,000 units) | | 1.4 | % | — | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
| | Class A Common Units (1,250,000 units) | | 1.4 | % | — | | |
Medusind Acquisition, Inc. 1450 Brickell Avenue, 31st Floor Miami, FL 33131
| Health Care Providers & Services | First Lien Term Loan (10.25% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 4/8/2024) | First priority lien | | | 23,302 | |
Mountain View CLO 2013-I Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 8.54%, due 10/15/2030)(1) | | | 18,882 | | |
Mountain View CLO IX Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 17.73%, due 7/15/2031)(1) | | | 29,285 | | |
Octagon Investment Partners XV, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.41%, due 7/19/2030)(1) | | | 24,320 | | |
Octagon Investment Partners 18-R Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Queensgate House Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 14.15%, due 4/16/2031)(1) | | | 21,652 | | |
Pearl Intermediate Parent LLC 1 Gorham Island, Suite 300 Westport, CT 06880 | Health Care Providers & Services | Second Lien Term Loan (8.05% (LIBOR + 6.25%), due 2/15/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 4,978 | |
PeopleConnect Intermediate, LLC 500 108th Avenue, Suite 1600 Bellevue, WA 98004 | Interactive Media & Services | Revolving Line of Credit – $1,000 Commitment (11.45% (LIBOR + 9.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 7/1/2020) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A (8.45% (LIBOR + 6.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 7/1/2020) | First priority lien | | | 17,328 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (14.45% (LIBOR + 12.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 7/1/2020) | First priority lien | | | 19,413 | |
PG Dental Holdings New Jersey, LLC 33 Wood Avenue South, 6th Fl. Iselin, NJ 08830 | Health Care Providers & Services | Delayed Draw Term Loan – $5,000 Commitment (10.00% (LIBOR + 7.25% with 2.75% LIBOR floor), due 5/31/2024) | First priority lien | | | 2,000 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (10.00% (LIBOR + 7.25% with 2.75% LIBOR floor), due 5/31/2024) | First priority lien | | | 22,530 | |
PGX Holdings, Inc. 330 North Cutler Drive North Salt Lake, UT 84054 | Diversified Consumer Services | Second Lien Term Loan (10.80% (LIBOR + 9.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/29/2021) | Second priority lien | | | 85,332 | |
PlayPower, Inc. 11515 Vanstory Drive, Suite 100 Huntersville, NC 28078 | Leisure Products | First Lien Term Loan (7.46% (LIBOR + 5.50%), due 5/10/2026) | First priority lien | | | 6,408 | |
Research Now Group, Inc. & Survey Sampling International LLC 5800 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 600 Plano, TX 75024 | Professional Services | First Lien Term Loan (7.41% (LIBOR + 5.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/20/2024) | First priority lien | | | 9,800 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (11.41% (LIBOR + 9.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/20/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 50,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
RGIS Services, LLC 345 Park Avenue, 44th Floor New York, NY 10154 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Senior Secured Term Loan (9.43% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 3/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 3,800 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (9.41% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 3/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 4,329 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (9.44% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 3/31/2023) | First priority lien | | | 8,739 | |
RME Group Holding Company 810 7th Avenue, 35th Floor New York, NY 10019 | Media | Senior Secured Term Loan A (7.95% (LIBOR + 6.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 5/4/2022) | First priority lien | | | 28,021 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (12.95% (LIBOR + 11.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 5/4/2022) | First priority lien | | | 22,474 | |
Rocket Software, Inc. 275 Grove Street Newton, MA 02466 | Software | Second Lien Term Loan (10.05% (LIBOR + 8.25%), due 11/27/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 49,568 | |
Romark WM-R Ltd. 75 Fort Street, P.O. Box 1350 George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1108 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.68%, due 4/20/2031)(1) | | | 15,618 | | |
Rosa Mexicano 264 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018 | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | Revolving Line of Credit– $500 Commitment (9.45% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 3/29/2023) | First priority lien | | | — | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan (9.45% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 3/29/2023) | First priority lien | | | 21,310 | |
Securus Technologies Holdings, Inc. 14651 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600 Dallas, TX 75254-8815 | Communications Equipment | First Lien Term Loan (6.30% (LIBOR + 4.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/1/2024) | First priority lien | | | 8,418 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.05% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/01/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 41,279 | |
SEOTownCenter, Inc. 2600 W. Executive Pkwy. #200 Lehi, UT 84043 | IT Services | Senior Secured Term Loan A (9.50% (LIBOR + 7.50% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 4/07/2023) | First priority lien | | | 25,000 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (14.50% (LIBOR + 12.50% with 2.00% LIBOR floor), due 4/07/2023) | First priority lien | | | 19,000 | |
Shutterfly, Inc. 2800 Bridge Parkway Redwood City, CA 94065 | Internet & Direct Marketing Retail | First Lien Term Loan (7.80% (LIBOR + 6.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/25/2026) | First priority lien | | | 2,400 | |
| | First Lien Term Loan (7.94% (LIBOR + 6.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/25/2026) | First priority lien | | | 16,208 | |
SMG US Midco 300 Conshohocken State Rd., Suite 450 West Conshohocken, PA 19428 | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | Second Lien Term Loan (8.80% (LIBOR + 7.00%), due 1/23/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 7,500 | |
Sorenson Communications, LLC 4192 South Riverboat Road Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 | Diversified Telecommunication Services | First Lien Term Loan (8.44% (LIBOR + 6.50%), due 4/29/2024) | First priority lien | | | 9,216 | |
Spectrum Holdings III Corp 2500 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 472 Alpharetta, GA 30009 | Health Care Equipment & Supplies | Second Lien Term Loan (8.80% (LIBOR + 7.00% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 1/31/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 6,151 | |
Staples, Inc. 500 Staples Drive Framingham, MA 01702 | Distributors | First Lien Term Loan (6.69% (LIBOR + 5.00%), due 4/16/2026) | First priority lien | | | 8,897 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Strategic Materials 17220 Katy Freeway, Suite 150 Houston, TX 77094 | Household Durables | Second Lien Term Loan (9.68% (LIBOR + 7.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 11/1/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 5,590 | |
Stryker Energy, LLC 6690 Beta Drive, Suite 214 Mayfield Village, OH 44143 | Energy Equipment & Services | Overriding Royalty Interests | | | — | | |
Sudbury Mill CLO Ltd. 75 Fort Street, P.O. Box 1350 George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1108 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 1/17/2026)(1) | | | 4,194 | | |
Symphony CLO XIV Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 0.00%, due 7/14/2026)(1) | | | 18,512 | | |
Symphony CLO XV, Ltd. PO Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 9.66%, due 1/17/2032)(1) | | | 23,550 | | |
TGP HOLDINGS III LLC 1215 E. Wilmington Ave., Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84106 | Household Durables | Second Lien Term Loan (10.30% (LIBOR + 8.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 9/25/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 2,968 | |
TouchTunes Interactive Networks, Inc. 850 Third Avenue, Suite 15C New York, NY 10022 | Entertainment | Second Lien Term Loan (9.95% (LIBOR + 8.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 5/29/2022) | Second priority lien | | | 12,194 | |
Town & Country Holdings, Inc. 295 Fifth Avenue, Suite 412 New York, NY 10016 | Distributors | First Lien Term Loan (10.45% (LIBOR + 8.50% with 1.50% LIBOR floor), due 1/26/2023) | First priority lien | | | 162,268 | |
Transplace Holdings, Inc. 3010 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 200 Frisco, TX 75034 | Transportation Infrastructure | Second Lien Term Loan (10.55% (LIBOR + 8.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 10/6/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 28,104 | |
Universal Fiber Systems, LLC 14401 Industrial Park Road Bristol, VA 24202 | Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | Second Lien Term Loan (11.43% (LIBOR + 9.50% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 10/02/2022) | Second priority lien | | | 36,710 | |
Upstream Newco, Inc. 1200 Corporate Drive, Suite 400 Birmingham, AL 35242 | Health Care Providers & Services | First Lien Term Loan (6.30% (LIBOR + 4.50%), due 11/20/2026) | First priority lien | | | 8,209 | |
| | Second Lien Term Loan (10.30% (LIBOR + 8.50%), due 11/20/2027) | Second priority lien | | | 21,797 | |
USG Intermediate, LLC 6500 River Place Blvd., Building III, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78730 | Leisure Products | Revolving Line of Credit – $1,300 Commitment (11.05% (LIBOR + 9.25% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/24/2020) | First priority lien | | | 1,300 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan A (8.55% (LIBOR + 6.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/24/2022) | First priority lien | | | 3,159 | |
| | Senior Secured Term Loan B (13.55% (LIBOR + 11.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 8/24/2022) | First priority lien | | | 18,283 | |
| | Equity | | — | % | — | | |
Venio LLC 640 Freedom Business Center Drive, Suite 600 King of Prussia, PA 19406 | Professional Services | Second Lien Term Loan (4.00% plus 10.00% PIK (LIBOR + 7.50% with 2.50% LIBOR floor), due 2/19/2020) | Second priority lien | | | 25,416 | |
Versant Health Holdco, Inc. (f/k/a Wink Holdco, Inc.) 939 Elkridge Landing Road, Suite 200 Linthicum, MD 21090 | Insurance | Second Lien Term Loan (8.55% (LIBOR + 6.75% with 1.00% LIBOR floor), due 12/1/2025) | Second priority lien | | | 2,989 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Company | Nature of its Principal Business | Title and Class of Securities Held | Collateral Held | % of Class Held | Fair Value (Equity) | Fair Value (Debt) |
| | | | | (in thousands) | (in thousands) |
Voya CLO 2012-4, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 11.56%, due 10/16/2028)(1) | | | 25,983 | | |
Voya CLO 2014-1, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 10.80%, due 4/18/2031)(1) | | | 21,733 | | |
Voya CLO 2016-3, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 10.03%, due 10/20/2031)(1) | | | 20,019 | | |
Voya CLO 2017-3, Ltd. P.O. Box 1093, Boundary Hall Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Cayman Islands | Structured Finance | Subordinated Structured Note (Residual Interest, current yield 10.45%, due 7/20/2030)(1) | | | 40,255 | | |
VT Topco, Inc. 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Suite 3200 Livingston, NJ 07039 | Commercial Services & Supplies | Second Lien Term Loan (8.94% (LIBOR + 7.00%), due 8/17/2026) | Second priority lien | | | 6,971 | |
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Certain investments that the Company has determined are not “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, we may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of our total assets. The Company monitors the status of these assets on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2019, our non-qualifying assets as a percentage of total assets stood at 26.4%.
(2)As of December 31, 2019, our percent interest in the residual profit interest for National Property REIT Corp. was equal to 8.3% of Senior Secured Term Loan A residual profit and 100.0% of Senior Secured Term Loan C residual profit, calculated in arrears.
SALES OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
We may submit to our stockholders, for their approval, a proposal seeking authorization to make sales of our common stock at prices below our most recently determined NAV per share. Pursuant to the approval of our Board of Directors, we have made such sales in the past, and we may continue to do so under this prospectus if we seek and receive stockholder approval.
In making a determination that an offering below NAV per share is in our and our stockholders’ best interests, our Board of Directors considers a variety of factors including matters such as:
•The effect that an offering below NAV per share would have on our stockholders, including the potential dilution they would experience as a result of the offering;
•The amount per share by which the offering price per share and the net proceeds per share are less than the most recently determined NAV per share;
•The relationship of recent market prices of par common stock to NAV per share and the potential impact of the offering on the market price per share of our common stock;
•Whether the estimated offering price would closely approximate the market value of our shares;
•The potential market impact of being able to raise capital;
•The nature of any new investors anticipated to acquire shares of common stock in the offering;
•The anticipated rate of return on and quality, type and availability of investments; and
•The leverage available to us.
Our Board of Directors also considers the fact that sales of common stock at a discount will benefit our Investment Adviser as the Investment Adviser will earn additional investment management fees on the proceeds of such offerings, as it would from the offering of any other securities of the Company or from the offering of common stock at premium to NAV per share.
If we seek and receive stockholder approval, we will not sell shares of common stock under a prospectus supplement to a registration statement (the “current registration statement”) if the cumulative dilution to our NAV per share from offerings under the current registration statement exceeds 15%. This limit would be measured separately for each offering pursuant to the current registration statement by calculating the percentage dilution or accretion to aggregate NAV from that offering and then summing the percentage from each offering. For example, if our most recently determined NAV per share at the time of the first offering is $8.66 and we have 368.0 million shares of common stock outstanding, sale of 70.0 million shares of common stock at net proceeds to us of $4.33 per share (an approximately 50% discount) would produce dilution of 8.00%. If we subsequently determined that our NAV per share decreased to $8.03 on the then 438.0 million shares of common stock outstanding and then made an additional offering, we could, for example, sell approximately an additional 68.5 million shares of common stock at net proceeds to us of $4.05 per share, which would produce dilution of 6.77%, before we would reach the aggregate 15% limit. If we file a new post-effective amendment, the threshold would reset.
Sales by us of our common stock at a discount from NAV per share pose potential risks for our existing stockholders whether or not they participate in the offering, as well as for new investors who participate in the offering.
The following three headings and accompanying tables will explain and provide hypothetical examples on the impact of an offering at a price less than NAV per share on three different set of investors:
•existing stockholders who do not purchase any shares of common stock in the offering;
•existing stockholders who purchase a relatively small amount of shares of common stock in the offering or a relatively large amount of shares of common stock in the offering; and
•new investors who become stockholders by purchasing shares of common stock in the offering.
NAV per share used in the tables below is based on Prospect’s most recently determined NAV per share as of December 31, 2019, as adjusted to give effect to issuances and redemption of Prospect common stock since December 31, 2019. The NAV per share used for purposes of providing information in the table below is thus an estimate and does not necessarily reflect actual NAV per share at the time sales are made. Actual NAV per share may be higher or lower based on potential changes in valuations of Prospect’s portfolio securities, accruals of income, expenses and distributions declared and thus may be higher or lower at the assumed sales prices than shown below.
The tables below provide hypothetical examples of the impact that an offering at a price less than NAV per share may have on the NAV per share of shareholders and investors who do and do not participate in such an offering. However, the tables below do not show and are not intended to show any potential changes in market price that may occur from an offering at a price less than NAV per share and it is not possible to predict any potential market price change that may occur from such an offering.
As previously noted, our stockholders approved our ability to issue warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders for an unlimited time period and in accordance with the 1940 Act which provides that the conversion or exercise price of such warrants, options or rights may be less than net asset value per share at the date such securities are issued or at the date such securities are converted into or exercised for shares of our common stock. While our Board of Directors would likely consider factors similar to those described above in connection with the issuance of any such warrants, options or rights, the 15% dilution limit described above will not apply to any such warrants, options or rights. To the extent shares of common stock are issued at a discount to NAV per share upon the conversion or exercise of any such warrants, options or rights, the below hypothetical examples would also apply.
Impact On Existing Stockholders Who Do Not Participate in the Offering
Our existing stockholders who do not participate in an offering below NAV per share or who do not buy additional shares of common stock in the secondary market at the same or lower price we obtain in the offering (after expenses and commissions) face the greatest potential risks. These stockholders will experience an immediate decrease (often called dilution) in the NAV of the shares of common stock they hold and their NAV per share. These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase we will experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to the offering. These stockholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares of common stock, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.
The following chart illustrates the level of NAV dilution that would be experienced by a nonparticipating stockholder in three different hypothetical offerings of different sizes and levels of discount from NAV per share. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. Actual sales prices and discounts may differ from the presentation below. There is no maximum level of discount from NAV at which we may sell shares pursuant to the stockholder authority.
The examples assume that we have 368.0 common shares outstanding, $5,437,000,000 in total assets and $2,250,000,000 in total liabilities. The current NAV and NAV per share are thus $3,187,000,000 and $8.66. The table illustrates the dilutive effect on nonparticipating Stockholder A of (1) an offering of 18,400,000 shares (5% of the outstanding shares) at $8.23 per share after offering expenses and commission (a 5% discount from NAV); (2) an offering of 36,800,000 shares (10% of the outstanding shares) at $7.79 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 10% discount from NAV); (3) an offering of 92,000,000 shares (25% of the outstanding shares) at $6.50 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 25% discount from NAV); and (4) an offering of 92,000,000 shares (25% of the outstanding shares) at $0.00 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 100% discount from NAV).
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| Prior to Sale | Example 1 5% Offering at 5% Discount | Example 2 10% Offering at 10% Discount | Example 3 25% Offering at 25% Discount | Example 4 25% Offering at 100% Discount |
| Below NAV | Following Sale | % Change | Following Sale | % Change | Following Sale | % Change | Following Sale | % Change |
Offering Price | | | | | | | | | |
Price per Share to Public | | $8.59 | | | $8.13 | | | $6.77 | | | — | | |
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer | | $8.23 | | | $7.79 | | | $6.50 | | | — | | |
Decrease to NAV | | | | | | | | | |
Total Shares Outstanding | 368,000,000 | 386,400,000 | 5.00 | % | 404,800,000 | 10.00 | % | 460,000,000 | 25.00 | % | 460,000 | 25.00 | % |
NAV per Share | $8.66 | | $8.64 | | (0.24) | % | $8.58 | | (0.91) | % | $8.23 | | (5.00) | % | 6.93 | (20.00) | % |
Dilution to Stockholder | | | | | | | | | |
Shares Held by Stockholder A | 368,000 | 368,000 | — | | 368,000 | — | | 368,000 | — | | 368,000 | — | |
Percentage Held by Stockholder A | 0.10 | % | 0.10 | % | (4.76) | % | 0.09 | % | (9.09) | % | 0.08 | % | (20.00) | % | 0.08 | % | (20.00) | % |
Total Asset Values | | | | | | | | | |
Total NAV Held by Stockholder A | $3,187,000 | | $3,179,412 | | (0.24) | % | $3,158,027 | | (0.91) | % | $3,027,650 | | (5.00) | % | $2,549,600 | | (20.00) | % |
Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $8.66 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale) | | $3,187,000 | | | $3,187,000 | | | $3,187,000 | | | $3,187,000 | | |
Total Dilution to Stockholder A (Total NAV Less Total Investment) | | $(7,588) | | $(28,972) | | $(159,350) | | $(637,400) | |
Per Share Amounts | | | | | | | | | |
NAV per Share Held by Stockholder A | | $8.64 | | | $8.58 | | | $8.23 | | | $6.93 | | |
Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $8.66 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale) | $8.66 | | $8.66 | | | $8.66 | | | $8.66 | | | $8.66 | | |
Dilution per Share Held by Stockholder A (NAV per Share Less Investment per Share) | | $(0.02) | | $(0.08) | | $(0.43) | | $(1.73) | |
Percentage Dilution to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share) | | | (0.24) | % | | (0.91) | % | | (5.00) | % | | (20.00) | % |
Impact On Existing Stockholders Who Do Participate in the Offering
Our existing stockholders who participate in an offering below NAV per share or who buy additional shares of common stock in the secondary market at the same or lower price as we obtain in the offering (after expenses and commissions) will experience the same types of NAV dilution as the nonparticipating stockholders, albeit at a lower level, to the extent they purchase less than the same percentage of the discounted offering as their interest in our shares of common stock immediately prior to the offering. The level of NAV dilution will decrease as the number of shares of common stock such stockholders purchase increases. Existing stockholders who buy more than such percentage will experience NAV dilution on their existing shares but will, in contrast to existing stockholders who purchase less than their proportionate share of the offering, experience an increase (often called accretion) in average NAV per share over their investment per share and will also experience a disproportionately greater increase in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than our increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to the offering. The level of accretion will increase as the excess number of shares of common stock such stockholder purchases increases. Even a stockholder who over-participates will, however, be subject to the risk that we may make additional discounted offerings in which such stockholder does not participate, in which case such a stockholder will experience NAV dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These shareholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares of common stock, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential decreases in NAV per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases. There is no maximum level of discount from NAV at which we may sell shares pursuant to this authority.
The following chart illustrates the level of dilution and accretion in the offering for a stockholder that acquires shares equal to (1) 50% of its proportionate share of the offering (i.e., 46,000 shares, which is 0.05% of the offering rather than its 0.10% proportionate share) and (2) 150% of such percentage (i.e., 138,000 shares, which is 0.15% of the offering rather than its 0.10% proportionate share). NAV has not been finally determined for any day after December 31, 2019. The table below is shown based upon the adjusted NAV of $8.66 as described above. The following example assumes a sale of 92,000,000 shares at a sales price to the public of $6.77 with a 4% underwriting discount and commissions and $350,000 of expenses ($6.50 per share net).
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| | 50 % Participation | 150% Participation |
| Prior to Sale Below NAV | Following Sale | % Change | Following Sale | % Change |
Offering Price | | | | | |
Price per Share to Public | | $6.77 | | | $6.77 | | |
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer | | $6.50 | | | $6.50 | | |
Decrease to NAV | | | | | |
Total Shares Outstanding | 368,000,000 | 460,000,000 | 25.00 | % | 460,000,000 | 25.00 | % |
NAV per Share | $8.66 | | $8.23 | | (5.00) | % | $8.23 | | (5.00) | % |
Dilution to Nonparticipating Stockholder | | | | | |
Shares Held by Stockholder A | 368,000 | 414,000 | 12.50 | % | 506,000 | 37.50 | % |
Percentage Held by Stockholder A | 0.10 | % | 0.09 | % | (10.00) | % | 0.11 | % | 10.00 | % |
Total NAV Held by Stockholder A | $8.66 | | $3,406,106 | | 6.88 | % | $4,163,019 | | 30.63 | % |
Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $8.66 per Share) on Shares Held Prior to Sale | | $3,498,413 | | | $4,121,238 | | |
Total Dilution to Stockholder A (Total NAV Less Total Investment) | | $(92,307) | | $41,781 | | |
NAV per Share Held by Stockholder A after offering | | $8.23 | | | $8.23 | | |
Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $8.66 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale) | | $8.45 | | | $8.14 | | |
Dilution per Share Held by Stockholder A (NAV per Share Less Investment per Share) | | $(0.22) | | $0.09 | |
Percentage Dilution to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share) | | | (2.64) | % | | 1.01 | % |
Impact On New Investors
Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering below NAV but whose investment per share is greater than the resulting NAV per share due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the issuer will experience an immediate decrease, albeit small, in the NAV of their shares of common stock and their NAV per share compared to the price they pay for their shares of common stock. Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering below NAV per share and whose investment per share is also less than the resulting NAV per share due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the issuer being significantly less than the discount per share will experience an immediate increase in the NAV of their shares of common stock and their NAV per share compared to the price they pay for their shares of common stock. These investors will experience a disproportionately greater participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than our increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests. These investors will, however, be subject to the risk that we may make additional discounted offerings in which such new stockholder does not participate, in which case such new stockholder will experience dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These investors may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares of common stock, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases. There is no maximum level of discount from NAV at which we may sell shares pursuant to this authority.
The following chart illustrates the level of dilution or accretion for new investors that would be experienced by a new investor in the same hypothetical 5%, 10% and 25% discounted offerings as described in the first chart above. The illustration is for a new investor who purchases the same percentage (0.10%) of the shares of common stock in the offering as Stockholder A in the prior examples held immediately prior to the offering. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. Actual sales prices and discounts may differ from the presentation below. There is no maximum level of discount from NAV at which we may sell shares pursuant to the stockholder authority.
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| | | | Example 1 5% Offering at 5% Discount | | Example 2 10% Offering at 10% Discount | | Example 3 25% Offering at 25% Discount |
| | Prior to Sale Below NAV | | Following Sale | | % Change | | Following Sale | | % Change | | Following Sale | | % Change |
Offering Price | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Price per Share to Public | | | | $ | 8.59 | | | | | $8.13 | | | | | $6.77 | | | |
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer | | | | $ | 8.23 | | | | | $7.79 | | | | | $6.50 | | | |
Decrease to NAV | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Shares Outstanding | | 368,000,000 | | | 386,400,000 | | | 5.00 | % | | 404,800,000 | | | 10.00 | % | | 460,000,000 | | | 25.00 | % |
NAV per Share | | $ | 8.66 | | | $ | 8.64 | | | (0.24) | % | | $ | 8.58 | | | (0.91) | % | | $ | 8.23 | | | (5.00) | % |
Dilution to Participating Stockholder | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares Held by Stockholder A | | — | | | 18,400 | | | | | 36,800 | | | | | 92,000 | | | |
Percentage Held by Stockholder A | | — | % | | — | % | | | | 0.01 | % | | | | 0.02 | % | | |
Total NAV Held by Stockholder A | | $ | — | | | $ | 158,971 | | | | | $ | 315,803 | | | | | $ | 756,913 | | | |
Total investment by Stockholder A | | | | $ | 158,055 | | | | | $ | 299,146 | | | | | $ | 622,826 | | | |
Total Dilution to Stockholder A (Total NAV Less Total Investment) | | | | $ | 916 | | | | | $ | 16,657 | | | | | $ | 134,087 | | | |
NAV per Share Held by Stockholder A | | | | $ | 8.59 | | | | | $ | 8.13 | | | | | $ | 6.77 | | | |
Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A | | | | $ | 8.64 | | | | | $ | 8.58 | | | | | $ | 8.23 | | | |
Dilution per Share Held by Stockholder A (NAV per Share Less Investment per Share) | | | | $ | (0.05) | | | | | $ | (0.45) | | | | | $ | (1.46) | | | |
Percentage Dilution to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share) | | | | | | 0.58 | % | | | | 5.57 | % | | | | 21.53 | % |
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND DIRECT STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
We have adopted a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends or other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash as provided below, and the ability to purchase additional shares by making optional cash investments. As a result, when our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or other distribution, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan will have their cash dividends or other distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividends or other distributions. If you are not a current stockholder and want to enroll or have “opted out” and wish to rejoin, you may purchase shares directly through the plan or opt in by enrolling online or submitting to the plan administrator a completed enrollment form and, if you are not a current stockholder, making an initial investment of at least $250.
No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to have their cash dividend or other distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire dividend or other distribution in cash by notifying the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in writing so that such notice is received by the plan administrator no later than the record date for dividends to stockholders. The plan administrator will set up a dividend reinvestment account for shares acquired pursuant to the plan for each stockholder who has not so elected to receive dividends and distributions in cash or who has enrolled in the plan as described herein (each, a “Participant”). The plan administrator will hold each Participant’s shares, together with the shares of other Participants, in non-certificated form in the plan administrator’s name or that of its nominee. Upon request by a Participant to terminate their participation in the plan, received in writing, via the internet or the plan administrator’s toll free number no later than 3 business days prior to a dividend or other distribution payment date, such dividend or other distribution will be paid out in cash and not be reinvested. If such request is received fewer than 3 business days prior to a dividend or other distribution payment date, such dividend or other distribution will be reinvested but all subsequent dividends and distributions will be paid to the stockholder in cash on all balances. Upon such termination of the Participant’s participation in the plan, all whole shares owned by the Participant will be issued to the Participant in certificated form and a check will be issued to the Participant for the proceeds of fractional shares less a transaction fee of $15.00 to be deducted from such proceeds. Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary may receive dividends or other distributions in cash by notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their election.
We primarily use newly-issued shares to implement reinvestment of dividends and distributions under the plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with the implementation of reinvestment of dividends or other distributions under the plan. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend or other distribution payable to such stockholder by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the last business day before the payment date for such dividend or other distribution. Market price per share on that date will be the closing price for such shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or, if no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of the dividend or other distribution cannot be established until the value per share at which additional shares will be issued has been determined and elections of our stockholders have been tabulated. Stockholders who do not elect to receive dividends and distributions in shares of common stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their shares if our shares are trading at a premium at the time we issue new shares under the plan and dilution if our shares are trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would depend on various factors, including the proportion of our stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of the dividend or other distribution payable to a stockholder.
There are no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in reinvestment of dividends or other distributions under the plan. The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. If a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a $15 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share brokerage commissions from the proceeds.
Stockholders who receive dividends or other distributions in the form of stock are subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as are stockholders who elect to receive their dividends or other distributions in cash. A stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of stock received in a dividend or other distribution from us will be equal to the total dollar amount of the dividend or other distribution payable to the stockholder. Any stock received in a dividend or other distribution will have a new holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. Stockholder’s account (as defined below).
Participants in the plan have the option of making additional cash payments to the plan administrator for investment in the shares at the then current market price. Such payments may be made in any amount from $25 to $10,000 per transaction. Participants in the plan may also elect to have funds electronically withdrawn from their checking or savings account each month. Direct debit of cash will be performed on the 10th of each month. Participants may elect this option by submitting a written authorization form or by enrolling online at the plan administrator’s website. The plan administrator will use all funds received from participants since the prior investment of funds to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market. We will not use newly-issued shares of our common stock to implement such purchases. Purchase orders will be submitted daily. The Plan Administrator may, at its discretion, submit purchase orders less frequently but no later than 30 days after receipt. The plan administrator will charge each stockholder who makes such additional cash payments $2.50, plus a $0.10 per share brokerage commission. Cash dividends and distributions payable on all shares credited to your plan account will be automatically reinvested in additional shares pursuant to the terms of the plan. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions. Instructions sent by a participant to the plan administrator in connection with such participant’s cash payment may not be rescinded.
Participants may terminate their accounts under the plan by notifying the plan administrator via its website at www.amstock.com or by filling out the transaction request form located at the bottom of their statement and sending it to the plan administrator at American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, P.O. Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560 or by calling the plan administrator’s Interactive Voice Response System at (888) 888-0313. Upon termination, the stockholder will receive certificates for the full shares credited to your plan account. If you elect to receive cash, the plan administrator sells such shares and delivers a check for the proceeds, less the $0.10 per share commission and the plan administrator’s transaction fee of $15. In every case of termination, fractional shares credited to a terminating plan account are paid in cash at the then-current market price, less any commission and transaction fee.
The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed to each participant at least 30 days prior to any payable date for the payment of any dividend by us or other distribution pursuant to any additional cash payment made. All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed to the plan administrator by mail at American Stock Transfer and Trust Company LLC, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219, or by telephone at 888-888-0313.
Stockholders who purchased their shares through or hold their shares in the name of a broker or financial institution should consult with a representative of their broker or financial institution with respect to their participation in our dividend reinvestment plan and direct stock purchase plan. Such holders of our stock may not be identified as our registered stockholders with the plan administrator and may not automatically have their cash dividend or other distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock by the plan administrator.
1. How do I purchase shares if I am not an existing registered holder?
To make an investment online, log on to www.amstock.com, click on “Shareholders” followed by “Invest Online,” then select “All Plans” from the left toolbar. Select “Prospect Capital Corporation” Common Stock,” followed by “Invest Now.” Follow the “Steps to Invest,” which will guide you through the six-step investment process. Follow the prompts to provide your banking account number and ABA routing number to allow for the direct debit of funds from your savings or checking account. You will receive a receipt of your transaction upon completion of the investment process, as well as a subsequent e-mail confirming the number of shares purchased and their price (generally within two business days). To invest by mail, complete an Enrollment Application, which can be obtained by calling the Plan Administrator at 1-888-888-0313, and enclose a check made payable to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC for the value of your investment. The Enrollment Application may also be downloaded from the Plan Administrator’s website (www.amstock.com). The minimum initial investment is $250.00. The maximum investment is $10,000.00 per transaction. Once you are a stockholder, the minimum purchase amount is reduced to $25.00. For purchases made with voluntary contributions, there is a transaction fee of $2.50 per purchase and a per-share commission of $0.10, each to be paid by the participants in the Plan. Your cash payment, less applicable service charges, fees and commissions, will be used to purchase shares on the open market for your account. Both full and fractional shares, up to three decimal places, will be credited to your Plan account. The Plan Administrator will commingle net funds (if applicable) with cash payments from all participants to purchase shares in the open market. Purchase orders will be submitted daily. The Plan Administrator may, at its discretion, submit purchase orders less frequently but no later than 30 days after receipt. No interest will be paid by the Plan Administrator pending investment. Instructions sent to the Plan Administrator may not be rescinded. You may also authorize the Plan Administrator, on the enrollment application or the Plan Administrator’s website, to make monthly purchases of a specified dollar amount, by automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Funds will be withdrawn from your bank account, via electronic funds transfer (EFT), on the 10th day of each month (or the next following day if the 10th is not a business day). To terminate monthly purchases by automatic withdrawal, please send the Plan Administrator written, signed instructions, which must be received by the Plan Administrator not less than 3 business days prior to an automatic withdrawal for such termination to take effect prior to such withdrawal. It is your responsibility to notify the Plan Administrator if your direct debit information changes. If a check or ACH withdrawal is returned to the Plan Administrator as “unpaid,” the Plan Administrator will sell shares if already purchased and liquidate additional shares, if necessary, to reimburse itself for any loss incurred, as well as a returned check fee of $25.00. This is in addition to any other rights the Plan Administrator may have.
Stockholders who purchased their shares through or hold their shares in the name of a broker or financial institution should consult with a representative of their broker or financial institution with respect to their participation in the Plan. Such holders of common stock may not be identified as registered stockholders of Prospect Capital Corporation with the Plan Administrator.
2. How do I purchase additional shares if I am already a registered stockholder?
Additional shares may be purchased at any time. All of the terms outlined in Section #1 above apply, except the minimum investment is only $25.00. To make an investment online, log on to www.amstock.com and select “Shareholders” followed by “Account Access and General Information,” and finally “Account Access.” You will be prompted to enter your Unique Account ID. If you do not have a Unique Account ID, register directly online and your Unique Account ID will be provided. Follow the prompts when registering for your Unique Account ID. From the left toolbar, select “Purchase Additional Shares” and complete the steps. Optional cash payments may also be mailed to the Plan Administrator using the tear-off portion of your account statement (sent in conjunction with each scheduled dividend) or purchase transaction advice, or via detailed written instructions. You may also authorize the Plan Administrator, on an enrollment application or the Plan Administrator’s website, to make monthly purchases of a specified dollar amount by automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Funds will be withdrawn from your bank account, via electronic funds transfer (EFT), on the 10th day of each month (or the next following day if the 10th is not a business day). To terminate monthly purchases by automatic withdrawal, you must send the Plan Administrator written, signed instructions. It is your responsibility to notify the Plan Administrator if your direct debit information changes. All shares will be purchased in the open market at the current market price.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to us and to an investment in our shares. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to us or our investors on such an investment. For example, we have not described tax consequences that we assume to be generally known by investors or certain considerations that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities, pension plans and trusts, financial institutions, U.S. Stockholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, persons who mark-to-market our shares and persons who hold our shares as part of a “straddle,” “hedge” or “conversion” transaction. This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax. This summary assumes that investors hold our common stock as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code). This discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, each as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to differing interpretation or change, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to the any of the tax aspects set forth below.
This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in shares of our preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our securities, warrants representing rights to purchase our securities or separately tradeable units combining two or more of our securities. The tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.
A “U.S. Stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
•A citizen or individual resident of the United States;
•A corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
•An estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
•A trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.
A “Non-U.S. Stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is not a partnership and is not a U.S. Stockholder.
If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective stockholder that is a partner of a partnership holding shares of our common stock should consult its tax advisor with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.
Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to an investor of an investment in our shares will depend on the facts of his, her or its particular situation. We encourage investors to consult their own tax advisors regarding the specific consequences of such an investment, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.
Election To Be Taxed As A RIC
As a business development company, we have elected and intend to continue to qualify to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally are not subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to obtain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).
Taxation As A RIC
In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:
•qualify to be treated as a business development company or be registered as a management investment company under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year;
•derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or other securities or currencies or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (as defined in the Code) (the 90% Income Test); and
•diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:
◦at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets and do not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer (which for these purposes includes the equity securities of a “qualified publicly traded partnership”); and
◦no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, (i) of one issuer, (ii) of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships.”
To the extent that we invest in entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”), we generally must include the items of gross income derived by the partnerships for purposes of the 90% Income Test, and the income that is derived from a partnership (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”) will be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by us directly. In addition, we generally must take into account our proportionate share of the assets held by partnerships (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”) in which we are a partner for purposes of the asset diversification tests. If the partnership is a “qualified publicly traded partnership,” the net income derived from such partnership will be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test, and interests in the partnership will be “securities” for purposes of the diversification tests. We intend to monitor our investments in equity securities of entities that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes to prevent our disqualification as a RIC.
In order to meet the 90% Income Test, we may establish one or more special purpose corporations to hold assets from which we do not anticipate earning dividend, interest or other qualifying income under the 90% Income Test. Any such special purpose corporation would generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax, and could result in a reduced after-tax yield on the portion of our assets held by such corporation.
Provided that we qualify as a RIC and satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (which we define as net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) we timely distribute to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any investment company taxable income and net capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.
We will be subject to a 4% non-deductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income of RICs unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of our ordinary income recognized during the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gain net income, as defined by the Code, recognized for the one year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount, we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.
We may hold a more than 10% interest in certain foreign corporations that are treated as controlled foreign corporations (“CFC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In that event, we would be treated as receiving an income inclusion (treated as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporations in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for that tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such year. If we acquire shares in “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”), we may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) would generally require us to recognize income or gain in advance of the receipt of cash.
Gain or loss realized by us from warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long we held a particular warrant. As a RIC, we are not allowed to carry forward or carry back a net operating loss for purposes of computing our investment company taxable income in other taxable years.
Recently issued guidance from the IRS generally permits publicly offered RICs to pay cash/stock dividends consisting of up to 80% stock if certain requirements are met. Any dividends paid in stock in accordance with such guidance will be taxable to the shareholder as if the dividend had been paid in cash and we will receive a dividend paid deduction for such distribution.
Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the diversification tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or to avoid the excise tax, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.
If we fail to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or otherwise fail to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would we be required to make distributions. Distributions would generally be taxable to our individual and other non-corporate taxable stockholders as ordinary dividend income eligible for the reduced maximum rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, provided certain holding period and other requirements are met. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, we would be required to distribute to our stockholders our accumulated earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if we failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, then, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year, we would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if we had been liquidated) or, alternatively, be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years.
Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain and qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (vii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. We will monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of these provisions.
We may invest in preferred securities or other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may be unclear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the expected tax treatment, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized, requiring us to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change our portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.
Taxation Of U.S. Stockholders
Distributions by us generally are taxable to U.S. Stockholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, our ordinary income plus realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses) will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. Stockholders to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by us) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction available to corporations, but only to the extent that our income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gain rates to the extent that we receive qualified dividend income (generally, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations). There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of our distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income.
Distributions of our net capital gain (which is generally our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly reported by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. Stockholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of the U.S. Stockholder’s holding period for its common stock and regardless of whether paid in cash
or reinvested in additional common stock. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. Stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. Stockholder.
Under proposed regulations on which taxpayers are entitled to rely, properly reported dividends paid by us that are attributable to our “qualified REIT dividends” (generally, ordinary income dividends paid by a REIT, not including capital gain dividends or dividends treated as qualified dividend income) may be eligible for the 20% deduction described in Section 199A of the Code in the case of non-corporate U.S. shareholders, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by the shareholder and us. There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of our distributions will qualify for such deduction. Subject to any future regulatory guidance to the contrary, any distribution attributable to income from our investments in publicly traded partnerships, if any, will not qualify for the 20% deduction that could be available to a noncorporate shareholder were the shareholder to own such partnership interests directly.
Although we currently intend to distribute any long-term capital gains at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain some or all of our long-term capital gains, and designate the retained amount as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, we will pay tax on the retained amount, each U.S. Stockholder will be required to include its proportionate share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. Stockholder, and the U.S. Stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to its allocable share of the tax paid thereon by us. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. Stockholder’s tax basis for its common stock. The amount of tax that individual stockholders are treated as having paid and for which they will receive a credit may exceed the tax they owe on the retained net capital gain. Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. Stockholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations or may be refunded to the extent it exceeds such U.S. Stockholder’s liability for U.S. federal income tax. A U.S. Stockholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form in order to claim a refund for the taxes we paid. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. We cannot treat any of our investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”
For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, we may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make such an election, the U.S. Stockholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in any such month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by our U.S. Stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
If a U.S. Stockholder purchases shares of our common stock shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will include the value of the distribution and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution even though it represents a return of its investment.
A U.S. Stockholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if such U.S. Stockholder sells or otherwise disposes of its shares of our common stock. Any gain or loss arising from such sale or taxable disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Stockholder has held its shares for more than one year. Otherwise, it would be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or taxable disposition of shares of our common stock held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or undistributed capital gain deemed received, with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a taxable disposition of shares of our common stock may be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. Capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gains (subject to an exception for individuals under which a limited amount of capital losses may be offset against ordinary income).
In general, individual U.S. Stockholders currently are subject to a preferential rate on their net capital gain, or the excess of realized net long-term capital gain over realized net short-term capital loss for a taxable year, including long-term capital gain derived from an investment in our shares. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. Stockholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at ordinary income rates.
Certain U.S. Stockholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends received from us and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of our stock.
We make available to each of our U.S. Stockholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice detailing, on a per share and per distribution basis, the amounts includible in such U.S. Stockholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the amount and the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. Stockholder’s particular situation.
Payments of dividends, including deemed payments of constructive dividends, or the proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock generally are subject to information reporting unless the U.S. Stockholder is an exempt recipient. Such payments may also be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding at the applicable rate if the recipient of such payment fails to supply a taxpayer identification number and otherwise comply with the rules for establishing an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that certain information is provided timely to the IRS.
Taxation Of Non-U.S. Stockholders
Whether an investment in our common stock is appropriate for a Non-U.S. Stockholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in our common stock by a Non-U.S. Stockholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. Stockholders should consult their tax advisers before investing in our common stock.
Distributions of our investment company taxable income to Non-U.S. Stockholders that are not “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Stockholder will generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
Properly reported distributions to Non-U.S. Stockholders are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of our “qualified net interest income” (generally, our U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which we are at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of our “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of our net short-term capital gain over our long-term capital loss for such taxable year). Depending on our circumstances, we may report all, some or none of our potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a Non-U.S. Stockholder needs to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if we report the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. Stockholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of our distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gains.
Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gain to a Non-U.S. Stockholder, and gains recognized by a Non-U.S. Stockholder upon the sale of our common stock, that are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Stockholder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the Non-U.S. Stockholder is a nonresident alien individual and is physically present in the U.S. for 183 or more days during the taxable year and meets certain other requirements.
Distributions of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (including deemed distributions) to Non-U.S. Stockholders, and gains recognized by Non-U.S. Stockholders upon the sale of our common stock, that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Stockholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents and domestic corporations. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Stockholder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) branch profits tax on its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments, if its investment in our common stock is effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
If we distribute our net capital gain in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions (which we may do in the future), a Non-U.S. Stockholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. Stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the Non-U.S. Stockholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.
In addition, withholding at a rate of 30% is required on dividends in respect of shares of our stock held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the
Secretary of the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to interests in, and accounts maintained by, the institution to the extent such interests or accounts are held by certain U.S. persons or by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity through which our shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of gross proceeds from the sale of, our shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under certain exemptions will be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which the applicable withholding agent will in turn provide to the IRS. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. We will not pay any additional amounts to stockholders in respect of any amounts withheld. Non-U.S. Stockholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of the legislation on their investment in our shares.
A Non-U.S. Stockholder generally will be required to comply with certain certification procedures to establish that such holder is not a U.S. person in order to avoid backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends, including deemed payments of constructive dividends, or the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock. In addition, we are required to annually report to the IRS and each Non-U.S. Stockholder the amount of any dividends or constructive dividends treated as paid to such Non-U.S. Stockholder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividend or constructive dividend payments and the amount withheld may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Stockholder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against a Non-U.S. Stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is provided timely to the IRS.
Non-U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our common stock.
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice, and potential investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax considerations relevant to their particular situation.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK
The following description is based on relevant portions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and on our charter and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.
Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of stock, par value $0.001 per share, all of which is initially classified as common stock. Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PSEC.” There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.
Under our charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock, and to authorize the issuance of such shares, without obtaining stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors will only take such actions in accordance with Section 18 as modified by Section 61 of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits business development companies to only one class or series of common stock and only one class of preferred stock. As permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that the Board of Directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.
The below table sets forth each class of our outstanding securities as of February 12, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) Title of Class | | (2) Amount Authorized | | (3) Amount Held by the Company or for its Account | | (4) Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Shown Under (3) |
Common Stock | | 1,000,000,000 | | | — | | | 367,658,352 | |
Common Stock
All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefor. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by U.S. federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any preferred stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that prior to the issuance of preferred stock holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock will elect all of our directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect any director.
Preferred Stock
Our charter authorizes our Board of Directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. You should note, however, that any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution (other than in shares of stock) is made with respect to our common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock become in arrears by two years or more until all arrears are cured. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal
to operate other than as an investment company. We believe that the availability for issuance of preferred stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring future financings and acquisitions.
Limitation On Liability Of Directors And Officers; Indemnification And Advance Of Expenses
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to obligate ourselves to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as a director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as a director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, manager, member or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in any such capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of us in any of the capacities described above and any of our employees or agents or any employees or agents of our predecessor. In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Our insurance policy does not currently provide coverage for claims, liabilities and expenses that may arise out of activities that a present or former director or officer of us has performed for another entity at our request. There is no assurance that such entities will in fact carry such insurance. However, we note that we do not expect to request our present or former directors or officers to serve another entity as a director, officer, partner or trustee unless we can obtain insurance providing coverage for such persons for any claims, liabilities or expenses that may arise out of their activities while serving in such capacities.
Provisions Of The Maryland General Corporation Law And Our Charter And Bylaws
Anti-takeover Effect
The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board of Directors. These provisions could have the effect of depriving stockholders of an
opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of us. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.
Control Share Acquisitions
The Maryland General Corporation Law under the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
•one-tenth or more but less than one-third,
•one-third or more but less than a majority, or
•a majority or more of all voting power.
The requisite stockholder approval must be obtained each time an acquiror crosses one of the thresholds of voting power set forth above. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the Board of Directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including, as provided in our bylaws, compliance with the 1940 Act. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act any and all acquisitions by any person of our shares of stock. There can be no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. However, we will notify the Division of Investment Management at the SEC prior to amending our bylaws to be subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act and will make such amendment only if the Board of Directors determines that it would be in our best interests.
Business Combinations
Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
•any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s shares; or
•an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
A person is not an interested stockholder under this statute if the Board of Directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the Board of Directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the Board of Directors.
After the five-year prohibition, any such business combination must be recommended by the Board of Directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
•80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and
•two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.
These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
The statute provides various exemptions from its provisions, including for business combinations that are exempted by the Board of Directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution that any business combination between us and any other person is exempted from the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act, provided that the business combination is first approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons as defined in the 1940 Act. This resolution, however, may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time. If this resolution is repealed, or the Board of Directors does not otherwise approve a business combination, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Conflicts with 1940 Act
Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law, including the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (if we amend our bylaws to be subject to such Act) and the Maryland Business Combination Act, or any provision of our charter or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.
Classified Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving classified three-year terms. The current terms of the first, second and third classes will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders held in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, and in each case, until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Each year one class of directors will be elected to the Board of Directors by the stockholders to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.
Election of Directors
Our charter and bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors will be required to elect a director. Under the charter, our Board of Directors may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal
Our charter provides that the number of directors will be set only by the Board of Directors in accordance with our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors. However, unless our bylaws are amended, the number of directors may never be less than three nor more than eight. Our charter provides that, pursuant to an election to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law regarding the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause, as defined in our charter, and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.
Action by Stockholders
The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or (unless the charter provides for stockholder action by less than unanimous written consent, which our charter does not) by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of our bylaws regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.
Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (3) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of provision of notice and at the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (2) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of provision of notice and at the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.
The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board of Directors a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board of Directors, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board of Directors any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders
Our bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by the chairman of the Board, our Board of Directors and certain of our officers. Additionally, our bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the secretary of the corporation upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless advised by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter generally provides for approval of charter amendments and extraordinary transactions if declared advisable by the Board and approved by the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our charter also provides that certain charter amendments and any proposal for our conversion, whether by merger or otherwise, from a closed-end company to an open-end company, any proposal for our liquidation or dissolution or certain amendments to Article IV and Article V of our charter requires the approval of the stockholders entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by at least two-thirds of our continuing directors (in addition to approval by our Board of Directors), such amendment or proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such a matter. The “continuing directors” are defined in our charter as our current directors as well as those directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the continuing directors then on the Board of Directors.
Our charter and bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal any provision of our bylaws.
No Appraisal Rights
Except with respect to appraisal rights arising in connection with the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act discussed above, as permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that stockholders will not be entitled to exercise appraisal rights.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK
In addition to shares of common stock, our charter authorizes the issuance of preferred stock. If we offer preferred stock under this prospectus, we will issue an appropriate prospectus supplement. We may issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors is authorized to fix for any series of preferred stock the number of shares of such series and the designation, relative powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series; except that, such an issuance must adhere to the requirements of the 1940 Act, Maryland law and any other limitations imposed by law.
The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any distribution is made with respect to common stock, the liquidation preference of the preferred stock, together with all other senior securities, must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets (taking into account such distribution) and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more.
For any series of preferred stock that we may issue, our Board of Directors will determine and the prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe:
•the designation and number of shares of such series;
•the rate and time at which, and the preferences and conditions under which, any dividends will be paid on shares of such series, the cumulative nature of such dividends and whether such dividends have any participating feature;
•any provisions relating to convertibility or exchangeability of the shares of such series;
•the rights and preferences, if any, of holders of shares of such series upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
•the voting powers of the holders of shares of such series;
•any provisions relating to the redemption of the shares of such series;
•any limitations on our ability to pay dividends or make distributions on, or acquire or redeem, other securities while shares of such series are outstanding;
•any conditions or restrictions on our ability to issue additional shares of such series or other securities;
•if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. Federal income tax considerations; and
•any other relative power, preferences and participating, optional or special rights of shares of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.
All shares of preferred stock that we may issue will be identical and of equal rank except as to the particular terms thereof that may be fixed by our Board of Directors, and all shares of each series of preferred stock will be identical and of equal rank except as to the dates from which cumulative dividends thereon will be cumulative.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES
We currently have the Notes outstanding. However, we may issue additional debt securities in one or more series in the future which, if publicly offered, will be under an indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee. The specific terms of each series of debt securities we publicly offer will be described in the particular prospectus supplement relating to that series. The prospectus supplement may or may not modify the general terms found in this prospectus and will be filed with the SEC. For a complete description of the terms of a particular series of debt securities, you should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series. The description below is a summary with respect to future debt securities we may issue and not a summary of the Notes.
As required by federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, the debt securities are governed by a document called an “indenture.” On March 9, 2012, we entered into an Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance (the “Agreement”) with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Retiring Trustee”) and U.S. Bank National Association (the “trustee”). Under the Agreement, we formally accepted the resignation of the Retiring Trustee and appointed the trustee under the Indenture, dated as of February 16, 2012 (the “indenture”), by and between us and the Retiring Trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between us and the Retiring Trustee, as further supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 8, 2012, by and between us and the Retiring Trustee, and as further supplemented by the Joinder Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 8, 2012, by and among us, the Retiring Trustee and the trustee. We accepted the resignation of the Retiring Trustee and appointed the trustee in order to take advantage of a more efficient money market based system of settling issuances of notes issued pursuant to the indenture not available through the Retiring Trustee. The indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “Events of Default—Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us.
Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of debt securities. For example, in this section, we use capitalized words to signify terms that are specifically defined in the indenture. Some of the definitions are repeated in this prospectus, but for the rest you will need to read the indenture. We have filed the form of the indenture with the SEC. See “Incorporation by Reference” and “Available Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the indenture.
The prospectus supplement, which will accompany this prospectus, will describe the particular series of debt securities being offered by including:
•the designation or title of the series of debt securities;
•the total principal amount of the series of debt securities;
•the percentage of the principal amount at which the series of debt securities will be offered;
•the date or dates on which principal will be payable;
•the rate or rates (which may be either fixed or variable) and/or the method of determining such rate or rates of interest, if any;
•the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, or the method of determining such date or dates, and the date or dates on which any interest will be payable;
•the terms for redemption, extension or early repayment, if any;
•the currencies in which the series of debt securities are issued and payable;
•whether the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on a series of debt securities will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how these amounts will be determined;
•the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to The City of New York, of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt securities;
•the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued;
•the provision for any sinking fund;
•any restrictive covenants;
•any events of default;
•whether the series of debt securities are issuable in certificated form;
•any provisions for defeasance or covenant defeasance;
•any special federal income tax implications, including, if applicable, federal income tax considerations relating to original issue discount;
•whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts (and the terms of this option);
•any provisions for convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities into or for any other securities;
•whether the debt securities are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination;
•the listing, if any, on a securities exchange; and
•any other terms.
The debt securities may be secured or unsecured obligations. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue debt only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of debt. On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Small Business Credit Availability, which included various changes to regulations under the federal securities laws that impact BDCs, including changes to the 1940 Act to allow BDCs to decrease their asset coverage requirement to 150% from 200% under certain circumstances. While certain other BDCs have elected to allow for the increase in leverage, after consideration of the expected negative impact on us, including a rating downgrade by S&P, our Board of Directors has not currently elected to approve application of the modified asset coverage requirement for the Company. If we choose to take advantage of such additional leverage, it will mean that for every $100 of net assets, we may raise $200 from senior securities, such as borrowings or issuing preferred stock. If our asset coverage ratio declines below 200% (or 150% if we determine to take advantage of the additional leverage), we may not be able to incur additional debt and may need to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so, and we may not be able to make distributions. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, will be paid by us in immediately available funds.
General
The indenture provides that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the attached prospectus supplement (“offered debt securities”) and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities (“underlying debt securities”), may be issued under the indenture in one or more series.
For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal of or premium or interest, if any, on debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.
The indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from time to time. Debt securities issued under the indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the “indenture securities.” The indenture also provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of indenture securities. See “Resignation of Trustee” below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term “indenture securities” means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under the indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.
The indenture does not contain any provisions that give you protection in the event we issue a large amount of debt.
We refer you to the prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.
We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.
Conversion and Exchange
If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the prospectus supplement will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.
Issuance of Securities in Registered Form
We may issue the debt securities in registered form, in which case we may issue them either in book-entry form only or in “certificated” form. Debt securities issued in book-entry form will be represented by global securities. We expect that we will usually issue debt securities in book-entry only form represented by global securities.
We also will have the option of issuing debt securities in non-registered form as bearer securities if we issue the securities outside the United States to non-U.S. persons. In that case, the prospectus supplement will set forth the mechanics for holding the bearer securities, including the procedures for receiving payments, for exchanging the bearer securities, including the procedures for receiving payments, for exchanging the bearer securities for registered securities of the same series, and for receiving notices. The prospectus supplement will also describe the requirements with respect to our maintenance of offices or agencies outside the United States and the applicable U.S. federal tax law requirements.
Book-Entry Holders
We will issue registered debt securities in book-entry form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means debt securities will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary that will hold them on behalf of financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the debt securities held by the depositary or its nominee. These institutions may hold these interests on behalf of themselves or customers.
Under the indenture, only the person in whose name a debt security is registered is recognized as the holder of that debt security. Consequently, for debt securities issued in book-entry form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the debt securities and we will make all payments on the debt securities to the depositary. The depositary will then pass along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn will pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the debt securities.
As a result, investors will not own debt securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the debt securities are represented by one or more global securities, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.
Street Name Holders
In the future, we may issue debt securities in certificated form or terminate a global security. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their debt securities in their own names or in “street name.” Debt securities held in street name are registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution chosen by the investor, and the investor would hold a beneficial interest in those debt securities through the account he or she maintains at that institution.
For debt securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the debt securities are registered as the holders of those debt securities and we will make all payments on those debt securities to them. These institutions will pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold debt securities in street name will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.
Legal Holders
Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the applicable trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the applicable trustee, run only to the legal holders of the debt securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a debt security or has no choice because we are issuing the debt securities only in book-entry form.
For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, if we want to obtain the approval of the holders for any purpose (for example, to amend an indenture or to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture), we would seek the approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the debt securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.
When we refer to you, we mean those who invest in the debt securities being offered by this prospectus, whether they are the holders or only indirect holders of those debt securities. When we refer to your debt securities, we mean the debt securities in which you hold a direct or indirect interest.
Special Considerations for Indirect Holders
If you hold debt securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, we urge you to check with that institution to find out:
•how it handles securities payments and notices,
•whether it imposes fees or charges,
•how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required,
•whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future for a particular series of debt securities,
•how it would exercise rights under the debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests, and
•if the debt securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.
Global Securities
As noted above, we usually will issue debt securities as registered securities in book-entry form only. A global security represents one or any other number of individual debt securities. Generally, all debt securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.
Each debt security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all debt securities issued in book-entry form.
A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “Special Situations when a Global Security Will Be Terminated”. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all debt securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that has an account with the depositary. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the debt security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.
Special Considerations for Global Securities
As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. The depositary that holds the global security will be considered the holder of the debt securities represented by the global security.
If debt securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:
An investor cannot cause the debt securities to be registered in his or her name, and cannot obtain certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities, except in the special situations we describe below.
•An investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities, as we describe under “Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above.
•An investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form.
•An investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the debt securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective.
•The depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security. We and the trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security. We and the trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way.
•If we redeem less than all the debt securities of a particular series being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount to be redeemed from each of its participants holding that series.
•An investor is required to give notice of exercise of any option to elect repayment of its debt securities, through its participant, to the applicable trustee and to deliver the related debt securities by causing its participant to transfer its interest in those debt securities, on DTC’s records, to the applicable trustee.
•DTC requires that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security deposited in its book-entry system use immediately available funds. Your broker or bank may also require you to use immediately available funds when purchasing or selling interests in a global security.
•Financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the debt securities. There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.
Special Situations when a Global Security will be Terminated
In a few special situations described below, a global security will be terminated and interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form (certificated securities). After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated debt securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders. We have described the rights of legal holders and street name investors under “Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above.
The special situations for termination of a global security are as follows:
•if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security, and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 60 days,
•if we notify the trustee that we wish to terminate that global security, or
•if an event of default has occurred with regard to the debt securities represented by that global security and has not been cured or waived; we discuss defaults later under “Events of Default.”
The prospectus supplement may list situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. If a global security is terminated, only the depositary, and not we or the applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions in whose names the debt securities represented by the global security will be registered and, therefore, who will be the holders of those debt securities.
Payment and Paying Agents
We will pay interest to the person listed in the applicable trustee’s records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”
Payments on Global Securities
We will make payments on a global security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interests in the global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants, as described under “—Special Considerations for Global Securities.”
Payments on Certificated Securities
We will make payments on a certificated debt security as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the office of the applicable trustee in New York, NY and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement or in a notice to holders against surrender of the debt security.
Alternatively, if the holder asks us to do so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the due date. To request payment by wire, the holder must give the applicable trustee or other paying agent appropriate transfer instructions at least 15 business days
before the requested wire payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an interest payment date, the instructions must be given by the person who is the holder on the relevant regular record date. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in effect unless and until new instructions are given in the manner described above.
Payment When Offices Are Closed
If any payment is due on a debt security on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date, except as otherwise indicated in the attached prospectus supplement. Such payment will not result in a default under any debt security or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.
Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.
Events of Default
You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the debt securities of your series and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.
The term “Event of Default” in respect of the debt securities of your series means any of the following:
•We do not pay the principal of, or any premium on, a debt security of the series on its due date.
•We do not pay interest on a debt security of the series within 30 days of its due date.
•We do not deposit any sinking fund payment in respect of debt securities of the series on its due date.
•We remain in breach of a covenant in respect of debt securities of the series for 90 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of debt securities of the series.
•We file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.
•Any other Event of Default in respect of debt securities of the series described in the prospectus supplement occurs.
An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except in the payment of principal, premium or interest, if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders.
Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs
If an Event of Default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series under certain circumstances.
Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”). (Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances. No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.
Before you are allowed to bypass your trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:
•You must give your trustee written notice that an Event of Default has occurred and remains uncured.
•The holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action.
•The trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity.
•The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities must not have given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the above notice during that 60-day period.
However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt securities on or after the due date.
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may waive any past defaults other than:
•the payment of principal, any premium or interest or
•in respect of a covenant that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder.
Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.
Each year, we will furnish to each trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities or else specifying any default.
Merger or Consolidation
Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:
•Where we merge out of existence or sell our assets, the resulting entity must agree to be legally responsible for our obligations under the debt securities.
•The merger or sale of assets must not cause a default on the debt securities and we must not already be in default (unless the merger or sale would cure the default). For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of Default that has occurred and has not been cured, as described under “Events of Default” above. A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an Event of Default if the requirements for giving us a notice of default or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.
•Under the indenture, no merger or sale of assets may be made if as a result any of our property or assets or any property or assets of one of our subsidiaries, if any, would become subject to any mortgage, lien or other encumbrance unless either (i) the mortgage, lien or other encumbrance could be created pursuant to the limitation on liens covenant in the indenture without equally and ratably securing the indenture securities or (ii) the indenture securities are secured equally and ratably with or prior to the debt secured by the mortgage, lien or other encumbrance.
•We must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee.
•We must satisfy any other requirements specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.
Modification or Waiver
There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.
Changes Requiring Your Approval
First, there are changes that we cannot make to your debt securities without your specific approval. The following is a list of those types of changes:
•change the stated maturity of the principal of, or interest on, a debt security;
•reduce any amounts due on a debt security;
•reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of a security following a default;
•adversely affect any right of repayment at the holder’s option;
•change the place (except as otherwise described in the prospectus or prospectus supplement) or currency of payment on a debt security;
•impair your right to sue for payment;
•adversely affect any right to convert or exchange a debt security in accordance with its terms;
•modify the subordination provisions in the indenture in a manner that is adverse to holders of the debt securities;
•reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;
•reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults;
•modify any other aspect of the provisions of the indenture dealing with supplemental indentures, modification and waiver of past defaults, changes to the quorum or voting requirements or the waiver of certain covenants; and
•change any obligation we have to pay additional amounts.
Changes Not Requiring Approval
The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the outstanding debt securities in any material respect. We also do not need any approval to make any change that affects only debt securities to be issued under the indenture after the change takes effect.
Changes Requiring Majority Approval
Any other change to the indenture and the debt securities would require the following approval:
•If the change affects only one series of debt securities, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of that series.
•If the change affects more than one series of debt securities issued under the same indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series affected by the change, with all affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.
In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series of debt securities issued under an indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance with some of our covenants in that indenture. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under “—Changes Requiring Your Approval.”
Further Details Concerning Voting
When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal to attribute to a debt security:
•For original issue discount securities, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of these debt securities were accelerated to that date because of a default.
•For debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example, because it is based on an index), we will use a special rule for that debt security described in the prospectus supplement.
•For debt securities denominated in one or more foreign currencies, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent.
Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under “Defeasance—Full Defeasance.”
We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding indenture securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. If we set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of one or more series, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding indenture securities of those series on the record date and must be taken within eleven months following the record date.
Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.
Defeasance
The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement that the provisions of covenant defeasance and full defeasance will not be applicable to that series.
Covenant Defeasance
Under current United States federal tax law, we can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series was issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your debt securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:
•If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates.
•We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current United States federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity.
•We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with.
Full Defeasance
If there is a change in United States federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:
•If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates.
•We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current United States federal tax law or an IRS ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity. Under current United States federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your share of the cash and notes or bonds at the time the cash and notes or bonds were deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities and you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of the deposit.
•We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with.
Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities
If registered debt securities cease to be issued in book-entry form, they will be issued:
•only in fully registered certificated form,
•without interest coupons, and
•unless we indicate otherwise in the prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and amounts that are multiples of $1,000.
Holders may exchange their certificated securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed.
Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of their trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders transferring debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.
Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.
If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in your prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.
If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.
If a registered debt security is issued in book-entry form, only the depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since it will be the sole holder of the debt security.
Resignation of Trustee
Each trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to these series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.
Indenture Provisions—Subordination
Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below), but our obligation to you to make payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), sinking fund and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of our assets by us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over, upon written notice to the Trustee, to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to the payment of all the Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness upon this distribution by us, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent of payments made to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.
By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities. The indenture provides that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.
Senior Indebtedness is defined in the indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:
•our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whenever created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed (other than indenture securities issued under the indenture and denominated as subordinated debt securities), unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or under which the same is outstanding it is provided that this indebtedness is not senior or prior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities, and
•renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any of this indebtedness.
If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the approximate amount of our Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.
The Trustee under the Indenture
U.S. Bank National Association will serve as trustee under the indenture.
Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies
Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
General
We may issue subscription rights to the holders of the class of securities to whom the subscription rights are being distributed, or the Holders to purchase our Securities. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights offering to the Holders, we would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a prospectus supplement to the Holders on the record date that we set for receiving subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The applicable prospectus supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
•the period of time the offering would remain open (which shall be open a minimum number of days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and shall not be open longer than 120 days);
•the title of such subscription rights;
•the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof);
•the ratio of the offering;
•the number of such subscription rights issued to each Holder;
•the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded if they are transferable;
•if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;
•the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which such right shall expire (subject to any extension);
•the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege;
•any termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and
•any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights.
Exercise of Subscription Rights
Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of our Securities at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement we will forward, as soon as practicable, the Securities purchasable upon such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR WARRANTS
The following is a general description of the terms of the warrants we may issue from time to time. Particular terms of any warrants we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants.
We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities from time to time. Such warrants may be issued independently or together with one of our Securities and may be attached or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
A prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants we may issue, including the following:
•the title of such warrants;
•the aggregate number of such warrants;
•the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
•the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the price of such warrants may be payable;
•the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities issuable upon exercise of such warrants;
•the price at which and the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the shares of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
•the date on which the right to exercise such warrants will commence and the date on which such right will expire;
•whether such warrants will be issued in registered form or bearer form;
•if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
•if applicable, the number of such warrants issued with each share of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities;
•if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related shares of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities will be separately transferable;
•information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
•if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and
•any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.
We and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.
Under the 1940 Act, we may generally only offer warrants provided that (1) the warrants expire by their terms within ten years; (2) the exercise or conversion price is not less than the current market value at the date of issuance; (3) our stockholders authorize the proposal to issue such warrants, and our Board of Directors approves such issuance on the basis that the issuance is in our best interests and the best interest of our stockholders; and (4) if the warrants are accompanied by other securities, the warrants are not separately transferable unless no class of such warrants and the securities accompanying them has been publicly distributed. The 1940 Act also provides that the amount of our voting securities that would result from the exercise of all outstanding warrants at the time of issuance may not exceed 25% of our outstanding voting securities.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR UNITS
A unit is a separate security consisting of two or more other securities that either may or must be traded or transferred together as a single security. The following is a general description of the terms of the units we may issue from time to time. Particular terms of any units we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such units. For a complete description of the terms of particular units, you should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to those particular units.
We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include contracts for purchase of any such security or debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities, such that the holder holds each component. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security.
A prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of any series of units we may issue, including the following:
•the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or transferred separately;
•a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;
•a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and
•whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Our securities are held under custody agreements by (1) U.S. Bank National Association, (2) Israeli Discount Bank of New York Ltd., (3) Fifth Third Bank, (4) Peapack-Gladstone Bank, (5) Customers Bank, (6) Key Bank National Association, and (7) BankUnited, N.A. The addresses of the custodians are: (1) U.S. Bank National Association, Corporate Trust Services, One Federal Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation Custody Account Administrator; (2) Israeli Discount Bank of New York Ltd., 511 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation, Account Administrator; (3) Fifth Third Bank, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD1090CD, Cincinnati, OH, 45263, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation Custody Account Administrator; (4) Peapack-Gladstone Bank, 500 Hills Drive, Bedminster, New Jersey 07921, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation, Account Administrator; (5) Customers Bank, 99 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation, Account Administrator; (6) Key Bank National Association, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, Attention: Prospect Capital Corporation, Account Administrator; (7) BankUnited, N.A., 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 130, Melville, New York 11747, Ref: Prospect Capital Corporation; and (8) Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1761 East St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705, Attention: Mortgage Custody - PC141C. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company acts as our transfer agent, dividend paying agent and registrar. The principal business address of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, telephone number: (718) 921-8200.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
Since we generally acquire and dispose of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, we infrequently use brokers in the normal course of our business. We have not paid any brokerage commissions during the three most recent fiscal years. Subject to policies established by our Board of Directors, Prospect Capital Management is primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly-traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions.
Prospect Capital Management does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for the Company, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While Prospect Capital Management generally seeks reasonably competitive trade execution costs, the Company will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, Prospect Capital Management may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to it and the Company and any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if Prospect Capital Management determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters regarding the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, NY, and Venable LLP as special Maryland counsel.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRMS
BDO USA, LLP is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company and National Property REIT Corp. RSM US LLP is the independent accounting firm of First Tower Finance Company LLC.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form N-2, including amendments, relating to the shares we are offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, including any exhibits and schedules it may contain. For further information concerning us or the shares we are offering, please refer to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to describe the material terms thereof but are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each statement is qualified in all respects by this reference.
We file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
We maintain a website at http://www.prospectstreet.com and we make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through this website. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this prospectus.
No person is authorized to give any information or represent anything not contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement. We are only offering the securities in places where sales of those securities are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement, as well as information incorporated by reference, is current only as of the date of that information. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT |
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February 13, 2020 |
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