e497
Filed pursuant to Rule 497(e) under
the Securities Act of 1933, As Amended
File
no. 333-146095
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated May 8, 2009)
$40,000,000
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure
Corporation
Common Stock
We have entered into separate ATM Equity
Offeringsm*
Sales Agreements (the Sales Agreements) with each of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(Merrill Lynch) and Stifel, Nicolaus &
Company, Incorporated (Stifel, and together with
Merrill Lynch, the Sales Agents) relating to our
shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of
each Sales Agreement, we may offer and sell from time to time
shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of up
to $40,000,000 through the Sales Agents, as our agents for the
offer and sale of such common stock.
Sales of the common stock, if any, will be made by means of
ordinary brokers transactions on the New York Stock
Exchange (the NYSE) or otherwise at market prices
prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to the
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Our common stock is, and the shares offered in this prospectus
supplement and accompanying prospectus will be, listed on the
NYSE under the symbol TYG. The last reported sale
price of our common stock on December 18, 2009 was $31.15
per share. The net asset value (NAV) per share of
our common stock at the close of business on December 18,
2009 was $26.43.
Under the terms of the Sales Agreements, each Sales Agent will
receive from us a commission equal to 3.0% of the gross sales
price per share for any common stock sold through such Sales
Agent under the applicable Sales Agreement. If the Sales Agents
engage in special selling efforts, as that term is used in
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the 1934 Act), the Sales Agents will
receive from us a commission agreed upon at the time of sale. We
may also sell shares of common stock to either Sales Agent, as
principal for its own respective account, at a price agreed upon
at the time of sale. If we sell shares to either Sales Agent as
principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with
the applicable Sales Agent, setting forth the terms of such
transaction, and we will describe the agreement in a separate
prospectus supplement or pricing supplement.
The Sales Agents are not required to sell any specific number or
dollar amount of common stock, but subject to the terms and
conditions of the Sales Agreements will use their commercially
reasonable efforts to sell the common stock offered by this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. There is
no arrangement for common stock to be received in an escrow,
trust or similar arrangement. As of the date of this prospectus
supplement, we have sold an aggregate of 391,700 shares of
our common stock pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreements,
representing net proceeds to us of $10,113,171.90 after payment
of commissions to the Sales Agents of $312,786.81 in the
aggregate.
Investing in our common stock involves risks that are
described in the Risk Factors section beginning on
page 31 of the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is
truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
|
|
BofA
Merrill Lynch |
Stifel Nicolaus |
The date of this prospectus supplement is December 22, 2009.
|
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*
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ATM Equity Offering is a service
mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
|
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
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Page
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S-1
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S-5
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S-5
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S-6
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S-8
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S-11
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S-12
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S-12
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Prospectus
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Prospectus Summary
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1
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Summary of Company Expenses
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9
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Financial Highlights
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11
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Senior Securities
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14
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Market and Net Asset Value Information
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16
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Use of Proceeds
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18
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The Company
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19
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Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
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19
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Leverage
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27
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Risk Factors
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31
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Management of the Company
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40
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Closed-End Company Structure
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43
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Certain Federal Income Tax Matters
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43
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Determination of Net Asset Value
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49
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Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
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49
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Description of Securities
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52
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Rating Agency Guidelines
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59
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Certain Provisions in the Companys Charter and Bylaws
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60
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Selling Stockholders
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62
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Plan of Distribution
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62
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Administrator and Custodian
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65
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Legal Matters
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65
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Available Information
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65
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Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information
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66
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You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and in the statement of additional
information. We have not, and the Sales Agents have not,
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We
are not making an offer of these securities where the offer is
not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in the statement of
additional information is accurate only as of the dates on their
respective covers. Our business, financial condition and
prospects may have changed since such dates. We will advise
investors of any material changes to the extent required by
applicable law.
i
CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information contain forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the
words may, will, intend,
expect, estimate, continue,
plan, anticipate, and similar terms and
the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may
be contained in this prospectus supplement as well as in the
accompanying prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results
could differ materially from those contemplated by the
forward-looking statements. Several factors that could
materially affect our actual results are the performance of the
portfolio of securities we hold, the conditions in the
U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other
markets, the price at which our shares will trade in the public
markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with
the SEC.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and
results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the
Risk Factors section of the prospectus accompanying
this prospectus supplement. All forward-looking statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus are made as of the
date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing
obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend,
and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking
statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are
excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the
1933 Act).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations include, but are not
limited to, the factors described in the Risk
Factors section of the prospectus accompanying this
prospectus supplement. We urge you to review carefully these
sections for a more complete discussion of the risks of an
investment in our common stock.
ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary contains basic information about us and the
offering but does not contain all of the information that is
important to your investment decision. You should read this
summary together with the more detailed information contained
elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus and in the statement of additional information,
especially the information set forth under the heading
Risk Factors beginning on page 31 of the
accompanying prospectus. When used in this prospectus
supplement, the terms we, us, and
our refer to Tortoise Energy Infrastructure
Corporation, unless specified otherwise.
The
Company
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded MLPs in the energy
infrastructure sector. Our investment objective is to seek a
high level of total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our
investment objective, total return includes capital appreciation
of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we
invest regardless of the tax character of the distributions.
Similar to the tax characterization of distributions made by
MLPs to unitholders, a significant portion of our distributions
to stockholders are expected to be treated as a return of
capital to stockholders.
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company. We commenced operations in February 2004 following our
initial public offering. We were the first publicly traded
investment company offering access to a portfolio of MLPs. As of
the date of this prospectus supplement, we have $73 million
of our Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock due
December 31, 2019 (the Tortoise MRP Shares),
outstanding. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we
have approximately $170 million of our privately placed
Senior Notes (the Tortoise Notes), outstanding.
We have established an unsecured credit facility with
U.S. Bank N.A. serving as a lender and the lending
syndicate agent on behalf of other lenders participating in the
credit facility, which currently allows us to borrow up to
$70 million. Outstanding balances under the credit facility
generally accrue interest at a variable annual rate equal to the
one-month LIBOR rate plus 2.00%, with a fee of 0.25% on any
unused balance of the credit facility. As of the date of this
prospectus supplement, the current rate is 2.23%. The credit
facility remains in effect through June 20, 2010. We may
draw on the facility from time to time in accordance with our
investment policies. As of the date of this prospectus
supplement, we have outstanding approximately $10.0 million
under the credit facility. We have a fiscal year ending
November 30.
We expect to distribute substantially all of our distributable
cash flow (DCF) to holders of common stock through
quarterly distributions. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or their affiliates, and interest
payments received on debt securities owned by us, less current
or anticipated operating expenses, current taxes on our taxable
income, and leverage costs paid by us (including leverage costs
of the Tortoise Notes and Tortoise MRP Shares). Our Board of
Directors adopted a policy to target distributions to common
stockholders in an amount of at least 95% of DCF on an annual
basis.
Investment
Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser)
serves as our investment adviser. The Adviser specializes in
managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy
companies. The Adviser was formed in October 2002 to provide
portfolio management services to institutional and
high-net-worth
investors seeking professional management of their MLP
investments. As of October 31, 2009, the Adviser had
approximately $2.5 billion of client assets under
management. The Advisers investment committee is comprised
of five portfolio managers. See Management of the
Company in the accompanying prospectus.
The Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to Tortoise
Energy Capital Corporation, Tortoise North American Energy
Corporation, Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation and Tortoise
Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc., which are also
publicly traded, closed- end management investment companies.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 11550 Ash
Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
S-1
Recent
Developments
Adviser Transaction. On
September 15, 2009, the Adviser announced that senior
management of the Adviser had acquired, along with Mariner
Holdings, LLC (Mariner), all of the ownership
interests in the Adviser (the Transaction). As part
of the Transaction, Mariner purchased a majority stake in the
Adviser, with the intention to provide growth capital and
resources and provide the Adviser with a complementary strategic
partner in the asset management business. Mariner is an
independent investment firm with affiliates focused on wealth
and asset management.
On September 11, 2009, our stockholders approved, and on
September 15, 2009, effective upon the closing of the
Transaction we entered into, a new Investment Advisory Agreement
with the Adviser (the Current Investment Advisory
Agreement). The terms of the Current Investment Advisory
Agreement are substantially identical to the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement formerly in place between us and
the Adviser (the Former Investment Advisory
Agreement), except for the effective and termination
dates, and simply continue the relationship between us and the
Adviser. The advisory fee we pay to the Adviser under the
Current Investment Advisory Agreement has not changed from the
amount paid under the Former Investment Advisory Agreement.
On September 15, 2009, effective upon the consummation of
the Transaction, Terry Matlack resigned from our Board of
Directors in order to comply with a safe harbor under
Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act). Mr. Matlack remains a Managing
Director of the Adviser, a member of the Advisers
Investment Committee and our Chief Financial Officer.
Our portfolio management, investment objectives and policies,
and investment processes did not change as a result of the
Transaction or entering into the Current Investment Advisory
Agreement. The current Managing Directors of the Adviser
continue to serve as the Investment Committee of the Adviser
responsible for the investment management of our portfolio. The
Adviser retained its name and other personnel currently
providing services to us and remains located at 11550 Ash
Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
The business and affairs of the Adviser are currently managed by
its five Managing Directors
David J. Schulte (also our Chief Executive Officer and
President), Terry C. Matlack (also our Chief Financial Officer),
H. Kevin Birzer (also a director and our Chairman of the
Board), Zachary A. Hamel (also our Senior Vice President), and
Kenneth P. Malvey (also our Senior Vice President and Treasurer).
Common Stock Distribution. On
September 1, 2009, we paid a distribution in the amount of
$0.54 per common share. On November 30, 2009, we paid a
distribution of $0.54 per common share.
Credit Facility Extension. On
June 19, 2009, we entered into an amendment of our
unsecured credit facility with U.S. Bank N.A. and a lending
syndicate effective as of June 20, 2009. The amended credit
agreement provides for a $70 million revolving credit
facility and extends the term of the credit facility until
June 20, 2010. During the extension, outstanding balances
will accrue interest at a variable annual rate equal to the
one-month LIBOR rate plus 2.00% and unused balances of the
credit facility will accrue a non-use fee equal to an annual
rate of 0.25%.
Moodys Rating Action. On
December 8, 2009, Moodys Investors Service announced
our Auction Rate Preferred Stock and Auction Rate Senior Notes
had been downgraded. While Moodys acknowledged our low 26%
ratio of leverage to total assets and corresponding strong
coverage ratios, the rating on our Auction Rate Preferred Stock
moved from Aa2 to A1 and the rating on
our Auction Rate Senior Notes moved from Aaa to
Aa2. Our leverage profile has improved significantly
over the past year due to increased asset values, debt reduction
and equity issuance. Fitch Ratings, which published their
Closed-End Fund Debt and Preferred Stock Rating Criteria
update on August 17, 2009, has not changed their ratings of
any of our securities. Fitch assigned a rating of
AAA to our Auction Rate Senior Notes and a rating of
AA to our Tortoise MRP Shares.
Issuance of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred
Stock. On December 14, 2009, we issued
$65 million of our Tortoise MRP Shares. Distributions on
the Tortoise MRP Shares are payable monthly at a rate of 6.25%
per annum. We must redeem the Tortoise MRP Shares on
December 31, 2019. We may redeem the Tortoise MRP Shares
prior to December 31, 2019 under certain circumstances. On
December 21, 2009, we issued an additional $8 million of
our Tortoise MRP Shares pursuant to the underwriters
exercise of their overallotment option.
S-2
Issuance of Series F & G Tortoise Notes.
On December 21, 2009, we issued $59,975,000 in aggregate
principal amount of our Series F and Series G Tortoise Notes to
a single holder. The $29,975,000 Series F Tortoise Notes are
due December 21, 2012 and bear interest at 4.5% per annum. The
$30,000,000 Series G Tortoise Notes are due December 21, 2016
and bear interest at 5.85% per annum.
Leverage Reduction. On December 21, 2009,
we redeemed all $70 million of our outstanding Auction Rate
Preferred Stock and all $60 million of our outstanding Auction
Rate Senior Notes.
Change to Leverage Target. Historically, our
leverage target has been up to 33% of our total assets at the
time of incurrence. Our Board of Directors also previously
approved a policy permitting temporary increases in the amount
of leverage we may use from 33% of our total assets to up to 38%
of our total assets at the time of incurrence, provided that (i)
such leverage is consistent with the limits set forth in the
1940 Act and (ii) such increased leverage is reduced over time
in an orderly fashion. On December 16, 2009, our Board of
Directors reduced our leverage target to 25% of our total assets
at the time of incurrence and also approved a policy permitting
temporary increases in the amount of leverage we may use from
25% of our total assets to up to 30% of our total assets at the
time of incurrence, provided that (i) such leverage is
consistent with the limits set forth in the 1940 Act and (ii)
that we expect to reduce such increased leverage over time in an
orderly fashion.
The
Offering
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Common stock offered |
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Up to $40,000,000 |
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Use of proceeds |
|
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily to
retire short-term debt outstanding under our credit facility and
to redeem outstanding senior securities. We may also use
proceeds from this offering to invest in energy infrastructure
companies in accordance with our investment objective and
policies or for working capital purposes. See Use of
Proceeds. |
|
Risk factors |
|
See the section titled Risk Factors and other
information included in the accompanying prospectus for a
discussion of factors you should carefully consider before
deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. |
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NYSE symbol |
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TYG |
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Stockholder Transaction Expenses: |
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Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)
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3.00% |
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Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)
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0.33% |
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Dividend reinvestment plan
fees(1)
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None |
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(1)
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Stockholders will pay a transaction
fee plus brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent to sell
common stock held in a dividend reinvestment account. See
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase
Plan in the accompanying prospectus.
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Example |
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This example replaces the example as set forth on page 9 of
the accompanying prospectus with respect to this offering. |
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The following example illustrates the expenses that common
stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock
assuming (1) a sales load of 3.00% and offering expenses of
0.33% of the offering price; (2) total annual expenses of
4.69% of net assets |
S-3
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attributable to shares of common stock; (3) a 5% annual
return; and (4) all distributions are reinvested at net
asset value: |
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Total Expenses Paid by Common Stockholders
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$
|
76
|
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$
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168
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$
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260
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$
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493
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The example should not be considered a representation of
future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than
those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be
greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example. |
S-4
ISSUANCE
BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
The offering price per common share in this offering, after
deducting all expenses of issuance, including the compensation
paid to the Sales Agents, may be below our NAV per common share.
The NAV of our currently outstanding shares of common stock will
be diluted upon the issuance of any shares of common stock below
NAV. At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 22,
2009, our stockholders granted us the authority to sell shares
of our common stock for less than NAV, subject to certain
conditions. See Description of Securities
Common Stock Issuance of Additional Shares in
the accompanying prospectus.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily to
retire short-term debt outstanding under our credit facility and
to redeem outstanding senior securities. We may also use
proceeds from this offering to invest in energy infrastructure
companies in accordance with our investment objective and
policies or for working capital purposes.
S-5
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization: (i) as
of August 31, 2009, (ii) pro forma to reflect the
subsequent borrowing under our credit facility through the date
of this prospectus supplement, the issuance of Tortoise MRP
Shares in the amount of $65,000,000 on December 14, 2009,
the issuance of Tortoise MRP Shares in the amount of $8,000,000
on December 21, 2009 pursuant to the underwriters
exercise of their overallotment option, the issuance of Series F
& G Tortoise Notes in the aggregate amount of $59,975,000
on December 21, 2009, the redemption of all $70,000,000 of
our outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Stock on December 21,
2009, the redemption of all $60,000,000 of our outstanding
Auction Rate Senior Notes on December 21, 2009, the issuance of
243,100 shares of common stock under our at-the-market
offering program during the period from September 1, 2009
through the date of this prospectus supplement and the issuance
of an aggregate of 134,593 shares of common stock pursuant
to our dividend reinvestment plan on September 1, 2009 and
November 30, 2009; and (iii) pro forma as adjusted to
reflect the issuance of all remaining shares offered hereby
(assuming the sale of 949,399 common shares at a price of $31.15
per share (the last reported sale price of our common shares on
the New York Stock Exchange on December 18, 2009)). Actual
sales, if any, of our common shares, and the actual application
of the proceeds thereof, under this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus may be different than as set forth
in the table below. In addition, the price per share of any such
sale may be greater or less than $31.15, depending on the market
price of our common shares at the time of any such sale. As
indicated below, common stockholders will bear the offering
costs associated with this offering.
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Actual
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Pro Forma as
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August 31, 2009
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Pro Forma
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Adjusted
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(Unaudited)
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(Unaudited)
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(Unaudited)
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Short-term debt:
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Unsecured credit facility: $70,000,000
available(1)
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$
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4,400,000
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$
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10,000,000
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$
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Long-term debt:
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Tortoise Notes, denominations of $25,000 or any multiple
thereof(2)
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170,000,000
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169,975,000
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169,975,000
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|
Preferred Stock:
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Auction Rate Preferred Stock, $25,000 stated value per
share at liquidation; 10,400 shares
authorized/2,800 shares issued and outstanding actual; no
shares outstanding pro forma and pro forma as
adjusted)(2)
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70,000,000
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|
|
|
|
|
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Tortoise MRP Shares, $10.00 stated value per share at
liquidation; no shares authorized/outstanding actual;
10,000,000 shares authorized/7,300,000 outstanding pro
forma and pro forma as
adjusted)(2)
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|
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73,000,000
|
|
|
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73,000,000
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Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Consist of Capital
Stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 common shares
authorized; 23,659,394 common shares issued and outstanding
actual; 24,037,087 common shares issued and outstanding pro
forma; 24,986,486 common shares issued and outstanding pro forma
as
adjusted(2)
|
|
|
23,659
|
|
|
|
24,037
|
(3)
|
|
|
24,986
|
(3)(5)
|
Additional paid-in capital
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|
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400,809,251
|
|
|
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410,497,356
|
(4)
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|
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439,187,239
|
(4)(6)
|
Common stock subscribed
|
|
|
312,297
|
|
|
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312,297
|
|
|
|
312,297
|
|
Subscriptions receivable
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|
|
(312,297
|
)
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|
|
(312,297
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)
|
|
|
(312,297
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)
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Accumulated net investment loss, net of income taxes
|
|
|
(35,808,080
|
)
|
|
|
(35,808,080
|
)
|
|
|
(35,808,080
|
)
|
Undistributed realized gain, net of income taxes
|
|
|
25,084,073
|
|
|
|
25,084,073
|
|
|
|
25,084,073
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of income taxes
|
|
|
152,113,633
|
|
|
|
152,113,633
|
|
|
|
152,113,633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$
|
542,222,536
|
|
|
$
|
551,911,019
|
|
|
$
|
580,601,851
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
We have an unsecured credit facility with U.S. Bank, N.A. and a
lending syndicate that allows us to borrow up to
$70 million. The amended credit facility expires on
June 20, 2010. As of the date of this prospectus
supplement, we had $10.0 million borrowed under our credit
facility. |
|
(2) |
|
None of these outstanding shares/notes are held by us or for our
account. |
S-6
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the issuance of 243,100 shares of common stock
(aggregate par value $243) under our at-the-market offering
program during the period from September 1, 2009 through
the date of this prospectus supplement and the issuance of an
aggregate of 134,593 shares of common stock (aggregate par
value $135) pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan on
September 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects the issuance of 243,100 shares of common stock
during the period from September 1, 2009 through the date
of this prospectus supplement in an aggregate amount of
$6,282,672 less $0.001 par value per share ($243) and the
issuance of an aggregate of 134,593 shares of common stock
pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan on September 1,
2009 and November 30, 2009 in an aggregate amount of
$3,405,811 less $0.001 par value per share ($135). |
|
(5) |
|
Pro forma as adjusted common stock assumes the issuance of
949,399 shares of common stock offered hereby (aggregate
par value $949). |
|
(6) |
|
Pro forma as adjusted additional paid-in capital assumes the
proceeds from the issuance of 949,399 shares of common
stock offered hereby ($29,573,773), less $0.001 par value
per share of common stock ($949), less the underwriting discount
($882,941). |
S-7
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
Information contained in the table below under the heading
Per Common Share Data and Supplemental Data
and Ratios shows our per common share operating
performance. Except when noted, the information in this table is
derived from our financial statements audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, whose report on such financial
statements is contained in our 2008 Annual Report and
incorporated by reference into the statement of additional
information, both of which are available from us upon request.
The information as of August 31, 2009 and for the period
from December 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009 appears
in our unaudited interim financial statements as filed with the
SEC in our most recent stockholder report for the period ended
August 31, 2009. See Where You Can Find More
Information in this prospectus supplement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
August 31,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Common Share
Data(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
17.36
|
|
|
$
|
32.96
|
|
|
$
|
31.82
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Public offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of common
and preferred
stock(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.23
|
)
|
Premiums less underwriting discounts and offering costs on
offerings(4)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment
loss(5)(6)
|
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
(0.61
|
)
|
|
|
(0.32
|
)
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and
interest rate swap
contracts(5)(6)
|
|
|
7.41
|
|
|
|
(12.76
|
)
|
|
|
4.33
|
|
|
|
7.41
|
|
|
|
2.67
|
|
|
|
3.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase (decrease) from investment operations
|
|
|
7.31
|
|
|
|
(13.05
|
)
|
|
|
3.72
|
|
|
|
7.09
|
|
|
|
2.51
|
|
|
|
3.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Distributions to Preferred Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to preferred stockholders
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Distributions to Common Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(1.62
|
)
|
|
|
(2.23
|
)
|
|
|
(2.19
|
)
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to common stockholders
|
|
|
(1.62
|
)
|
|
|
(2.23
|
)
|
|
|
(2.19
|
)
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$
|
22.92
|
|
|
$
|
17.36
|
|
|
$
|
32.96
|
|
|
$
|
31.82
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end of period
|
|
$
|
25.82
|
|
|
$
|
17.11
|
|
|
$
|
32.46
|
|
|
$
|
36.13
|
|
|
$
|
28.72
|
|
|
$
|
27.06
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market
Value(7)
|
|
|
62.17
|
%
|
|
|
(42.47
|
)%
|
|
|
(4.43
|
)%
|
|
|
34.50
|
%
|
|
|
13.06
|
%
|
|
|
12.51
|
%
|
S-8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
August 31,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Data and Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period
(000s)
|
|
$
|
542,223
|
|
|
$
|
407,031
|
|
|
$
|
618,412
|
|
|
$
|
532,433
|
|
|
$
|
404,274
|
|
|
$
|
336,553
|
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
34.85
|
%
|
|
|
(26.73
|
)%
|
|
|
11.19
|
%
|
|
|
20.03
|
%
|
|
|
9.10
|
%
|
|
|
15.20
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
34.80
|
%
|
|
|
(26.92
|
)%
|
|
|
11.00
|
%
|
|
|
19.81
|
%
|
|
|
8.73
|
%
|
|
|
14.92
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
4.57
|
%
|
|
|
5.51
|
%
|
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
|
|
3.97
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
2.01
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
4.52
|
%
|
|
|
5.32
|
%
|
|
|
4.56
|
%
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense), without regard to non-recurring
organizational expenses, to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
4.57
|
%
|
|
|
5.51
|
%
|
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
|
|
3.97
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
1.90
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense), without regard to non-recurring
organizational expenses, to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
4.52
|
%
|
|
|
5.32
|
%
|
|
|
4.56
|
%
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
(1.38
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.24
|
)%
|
|
|
(2.24
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
(1.33
|
)%
|
|
|
(2.86
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
after current and deferred income tax benefit (expense), before
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
(31.66
|
)%
|
|
|
29.19
|
%
|
|
|
(9.68
|
)%
|
|
|
(18.31
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.37
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.37
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
after current and deferred income tax benefit (expense), after
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
(31.61
|
)%
|
|
|
29.38
|
%
|
|
|
(9.49
|
)%
|
|
|
(18.09
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.00
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.65
|
)%
|
S-9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
August 31,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover
rate(8)
|
|
|
16.65
|
%
|
|
|
5.81
|
%
|
|
|
9.30
|
%
|
|
|
2.18
|
%
|
|
|
4.92
|
%
|
|
|
1.83
|
%
|
Short-term borrowings, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
4,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
38,050
|
|
|
$
|
32,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt obligations, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
170,000
|
|
|
$
|
210,000
|
|
|
$
|
235,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
110,000
|
|
Preferred stock, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
185,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
35,000
|
|
Per common share amount of long-term debt obligations
outstanding, at end of period
|
|
$
|
7.19
|
|
|
$
|
8.96
|
|
|
$
|
12.53
|
|
|
$
|
9.86
|
|
|
$
|
11.07
|
|
|
$
|
8.67
|
|
Per common share amount of net assets, excluding long-term debt
obligations, at end of period
|
|
$
|
30.11
|
|
|
$
|
26.32
|
|
|
$
|
45.49
|
|
|
$
|
41.68
|
|
|
$
|
38.19
|
|
|
$
|
35.21
|
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of long-term debt
obligations and short-term
borrowings(12)(13)
|
|
$
|
4,510
|
|
|
$
|
3,509
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
$
|
4,051
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of long-term debt obligations and
short-term
borrowings(12)(13)
|
|
|
451
|
%
|
|
|
351
|
%
|
|
|
394
|
%
|
|
|
405
|
%
|
|
|
387
|
%
|
|
|
438
|
%
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred
stock(14)
|
|
$
|
218,651
|
|
|
$
|
170,225
|
|
|
$
|
108,569
|
|
|
$
|
215,155
|
|
|
$
|
169,383
|
|
|
$
|
265,395
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred
stock(13)(15)
|
|
$
|
80,465
|
|
|
$
|
64,099
|
|
|
$
|
58,752
|
|
|
$
|
74,769
|
|
|
$
|
68,008
|
|
|
$
|
83,026
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of preferred
stock(13)(15)
|
|
|
322
|
%
|
|
|
256
|
%
|
|
|
235
|
%
|
|
|
299
|
%
|
|
|
272
|
%
|
|
|
332
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Commencement of Operations.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Information presented relates to a
share of common stock outstanding for the entire period.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Represents the dilution per common
share from underwriting and other offering costs for the year
ended November 30, 2008 and the period ended
August 31, 2009. Represents the effect of the issuance of
preferred stock for the year ended November 30, 2007.
Represents the dilution per common share from underwriting and
other offering costs for the year ended November 30, 2006.
Represents the effect of the issuance of preferred stock for the
year ended November 30, 2005. Represents $(1.17) and
$(0.06) for the issuance of common and preferred stock,
respectively, for the period from February 27, 2004 through
November 30, 2004.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Represents the premium on the shelf
offerings of $0.02 per share, less the underwriting and offering
costs of $0.01 per share for the period ended August 31,
2009. Represents the premium on the shelf offerings of $0.34 per
share, less the underwriting and offering costs of $0.25 per
share for the year ended November 30, 2008. Represents the
premium on the shelf offerings of $0.21 per share, less the
underwriting and offering costs of $0.13 per share for the year
ended November 30, 2007. The amount is less than $0.01 per
share, and represents the premium on the secondary offering of
$0.14 per share, less the underwriting discounts and offering
costs of $0.14 per share for the year ended November 30,
2005.
|
|
(5)
|
|
The per common share data for the
periods ended November 30, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004
do not reflect the change in estimate of investment income and
return of capital, for the respective period. See Note 2C
to the August 31, 2009 financial statements for further
disclosure.
|
|
(6)
|
|
The per common share data for the
year ended November 30, 2008 reflects the cumulative effect
of adopting FIN 48, which was a $1,165,009 increase to the
beginning balance of accumulated net investment loss, or $(0.06)
per share. See Note 5 to the August 31, 2009 financial
statements for further disclosure.
|
S-10
|
|
|
(7)
|
|
Not annualized. Total investment
return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the
beginning of the period (or initial public offering price) and a
sale at the closing price on the last day of the period reported
(excluding brokerage commissions). The calculation also assumes
reinvestment of distributions at actual prices pursuant to the
Companys dividend reinvestment plan.
|
|
(8)
|
|
Annualized for periods less than
one full year.
|
|
(9)
|
|
The expense ratios and net
investment income (loss) ratios do not reflect the effect of
distributions to preferred stockholders.
|
|
(10)
|
|
For the period from
December 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009, the Company
accrued $7,514,900 and $99,744,644 for current and deferred
income tax expense, respectively. For the year ended
November 30, 2008, the Company accrued $260,089 for current
tax expense and $185,024,497 for deferred income tax benefit.
The Company accrued $42,516,321, $71,661,802, $24,659,420 and
$30,330,018 for the years ended November 30, 2007, 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively, for current and deferred income tax
expense.
|
|
(11)
|
|
The ratio excludes the impact of
current and deferred income taxes.
|
|
(12)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred
stock at the end of the period divided by long-term debt
obligations and short-term borrowings outstanding at the end of
the period.
|
|
(13)
|
|
As of November 30, 2008, the
Company had restricted cash in the amount of $20,400,000 to be
used to redeem long-term debt obligations with a par value of
$20,000,000, which are excluded from these asset coverage
calculations.
|
|
(14)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
preferred stock at the end of the period divided by preferred
stock outstanding at the end of the period, assuming the
retirement of all long-term debt obligations and short-term
borrowings.
|
|
(15)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred
stock at the end of the period divided by long-term debt
obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred stock
outstanding at the end of the period.
|
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We have entered into separate Sales Agreements with each of the
Sales Agents under which we may issue and sell from time to time
shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of up
to $40,000,000 through the Sales Agents, as our agents for the
offer and sale of such common stock. Sales of the shares of
common stock, if any, will be made by means of ordinary
brokers transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. As agents, the
Sales Agents will not engage in any transactions that stabilize
our common stock.
Under the terms of the Sales Agreements, we also may sell shares
of our common stock to the Sales Agents as principal for their
own accounts at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. The
Sales Agents may offer the common stock sold to them as
principals from time to time through public or private
transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at
fixed prices, at negotiated prices, at various prices determined
at the time of sale or at prices related to prevailing market
prices. If we sell shares to either Sales Agent as principal, we
will enter into a separate terms agreement with the applicable
Sales Agent, setting forth the terms of such transaction, and we
will describe the agreement in a separate prospectus supplement
or pricing supplement.
The Sales Agents will offer the common stock subject to the
terms and conditions of the Sales Agreements on a daily basis or
as otherwise agreed upon by us and the Sales Agents. We will
designate the maximum amount of common stock to be sold through
the Sales Agents on a daily basis or otherwise determine such
maximum amount together with the Sales Agents. Subject to the
terms and conditions of the Sales Agreements, each of the Sales
Agents will use their commercially reasonable efforts to sell on
our behalf all of the designated common stock. We may instruct
the Sales Agents not to sell common stock if the sales cannot be
effected at or above the price designated by us in any such
instruction. We or either of the Sales Agents may suspend the
offering of the common stock being made through the Sales Agents
under the Sales Agreements upon proper notice to the other party.
Under the terms of the Sales Agreements, each Sales Agent will
receive from us a commission equal to 3.00% of the gross sales
price per share of common stock for any shares sold through such
Sales Agent under the applicable Sales Agreement. The remaining
sales proceeds, after deducting any expenses payable by us and
any transaction fees imposed by any governmental, regulatory, or
self-regulatory organization in connection with the sales, will
equal our net proceeds for the sale of such common stock. If the
Sales Agents engage in special selling efforts, as that term is
used in Regulation M under the 1934 Act, the Sales
Agents will receive from us a commission agreed upon at the time
of sale.
S-11
The Sales Agents will each provide written confirmation to us
following the close of trading on the NYSE each day in which
shares of common stock are sold under the Sales Agreements. Each
confirmation will include the number of common stock sold on
that day, the gross sales price per share, the net proceeds to
us and the compensation payable by us to each of the Sales
Agents.
Settlement for sales of common stock will occur, unless the
parties agree otherwise, on the third business day that is also
a trading day following the date on which any sales were made in
return for payment of the net proceeds to us. There is no
arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or
similar arrangement.
We will report at least quarterly the number of shares of common
stock sold through the Sales Agents under the Sales Agreements,
the net proceeds to us and the compensation paid by us to each
of the Sales Agents in connection with the sales of common stock.
In connection with the sales of the common stock on our behalf,
the Sales Agents may be deemed to be underwriters
within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and the compensation
paid to the Sales Agents may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts. We have agreed in the Sales Agreements
to provide indemnification and contribution to the Sales Agents
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
1933 Act.
In the ordinary course of their business, the Sales Agents
and/or their
affiliates have in the past performed, and may continue to
perform, investment banking, broker dealer, lending, financial
advisory, or other services for us for which they have received,
or may receive, separate fees.
If either of the Sales Agents or we have reason to believe that
the exemptive provisions set forth in Rule 101(c)(1) of
Regulation M under the Exchange Act are not satisfied, that
party will promptly notify the other and sales of common stock
under the Sales Agreements will be suspended until that or other
exemptive provisions have been satisfied in the judgment of the
Sales Agents and us.
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by
us, excluding commissions payable to the Sales Agents under the
Sales Agreements, will be approximately $130,000.
The offering of shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales
Agreements will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale
of shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of
$40,000,000 and (2) the termination of both of the Sales
Agreements by the Sales Agents or us.
As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have sold an
aggregate of 391,700 shares of our common stock pursuant to
the terms of the Sales Agreements, representing net proceeds to
us of $10,113,171.90 after payment of commissions to the Sales
Agents of $312,786.81 in the aggregate.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered
hereby will be passed upon for us by Husch Blackwell Sanders
LLP, Kansas City, Missouri (Husch Blackwell).
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Sales Agents by Cleary
Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, New York, New York
(Cleary Gottlieb). Husch Blackwell and Cleary
Gottlieb may rely on the opinion of Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland, on certain matters of Maryland law.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
1934 Act, and the 1940 Act and are required to file
reports, including annual and semi-annual reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. We voluntarily
file quarterly shareholder reports.
Our 2008 Annual Report, as filed with the SEC and which contains
our audited financial statements as of November 30, 2008
and for the year then ended, notes thereto, and other
information about us is incorporated by reference into our
statement of additional information. Our 2009 1st,
2nd and 3rd Quarter Reports, as filed with the SEC and
which contain our unaudited financial statements as of
February 28, 2009, May 31, 2009 and August 31,
2009, notes thereto, and other information about us is
incorporated by reference into our statement of additional
S-12
information. These documents are available on the SECs
EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied for a fee at the
SECs public reference room, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional
information about the operation of the public reference room
facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at
(202) 551-5850.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do
not contain all of the information in our registration
statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules.
Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document
are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is
made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found on our
Advisers website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com and in our
registration statement (including amendments, exhibits, and
schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the SEC. Information included on our Advisers
website does not form part of this prospectus supplement. The
SEC maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov)
that contains our registration statement, other documents
incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed
electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and
reports filed under the 1934 Act.
S-13
|
|
Base
Prospectus |
|
$375,000,000
Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corporation
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the
Company, we or our) is a
nondiversified, closed-end management investment company. Our
investment objective is to seek a high level of total return
with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders.
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited
partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure
sector. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of
our total assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies and invest at
least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of MLPs. We
cannot assure you that we will achieve our investment objective.
Unlike most investment companies, we have not elected to be
treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code.
We may offer, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis,
including through a rights offering to existing stockholders, up
to $375,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common
stock ($0.001 par value per share), preferred stock
($0.001 par value per share) or debt securities, which we
refer to in this prospectus collectively as our securities, in
one or more offerings. We may offer our common stock, preferred
stock or debt securities separately or together, in amounts, at
prices and on terms set forth in a prospectus supplement to this
prospectus. In addition, from time to time, certain of our
stockholders may offer our common stock in one or more
offerings. The sale of such stock by certain of our stockholders
may involve shares of common stock that were issued to the
stockholders in one or more private transactions and will be
registered by us for resale. The identity of any selling
stockholder, the number of shares of our common stock to be
offered by such selling stockholder, the price and terms upon
which our shares of common stock are to be sold from time to
time by such selling stockholder, and the percentage of common
stock held by any selling stockholder after the offering, will
be set forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. You
should read this prospectus and the related prospectus
supplement carefully before you decide to invest in any of our
securities.
We may offer our securities, or certain of our stockholders may
offer our common stock, directly to one or more purchasers
through agents that we or they designate from time to time, or
to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
relating to the particular offering will identify any agents or
underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between us or any selling stockholder and
such agents or underwriters or among the underwriters or the
basis upon which such amount may be calculated. For more
information about the manner in which we may offer our
securities, or a selling stockholder may offer our common stock,
see Plan of Distribution and Selling
Stockholders. Our securities may not be sold through
agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus
supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol TYG. As of April 28, 2009, the last
reported sale price for our common stock was $23.86.
Investing in our securities involves certain
risks. You could lose some or all of your investment.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 31 of this
prospectus. You should consider carefully these risks together
with all of the other information contained in this prospectus
and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to
purchase our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Prospectus dated May 8, 2009
This prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets
forth concisely the information that you should know before
investing. You should read the prospectus and prospectus
supplement, which contain important information, before deciding
whether to invest in our securities. You should retain the
prospectus and prospectus supplement for future reference. A
statement of additional information, dated May 8, 2009, as
supplemented from time to time, containing additional
information, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by reference in
its entirety into this prospectus. You may request a free copy
of the statement of additional information, the table of
contents of which is on page 66 of this prospectus, request
a free copy of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports,
request other information or make stockholder inquiries, by
calling toll-free 1-866-362-9331 or by writing to us at 11550
Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Our annual,
semi-annual and quarterly reports and the statement of
additional information also are available on our investment
advisers website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
Information included on our website does not form part of this
prospectus. You can review and copy documents we have filed at
the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
Call 1-202-551-5850 for information. The SEC charges a fee for
copies. You can get the same information free from the
SECs website
(http://www.sec.gov).
You may also
e-mail
requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a
request in writing to the SECs Public Reference Section,
100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549.
Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and
are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured
depository institution and are not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board
or any other government agency.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
Prospectus Summary
|
|
|
1
|
|
Summary of Company Expenses
|
|
|
9
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
11
|
|
Senior Securities
|
|
|
14
|
|
Market and Net Asset Value Information
|
|
|
16
|
|
Use of Proceeds
|
|
|
18
|
|
The Company
|
|
|
19
|
|
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
19
|
|
Leverage
|
|
|
27
|
|
Risk Factors
|
|
|
31
|
|
Management of the Company
|
|
|
40
|
|
Closed-End Company Structure
|
|
|
43
|
|
Certain Federal Income Tax Matters
|
|
|
43
|
|
Determination of Net Asset Value
|
|
|
49
|
|
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
|
|
|
49
|
|
Description of Securities
|
|
|
52
|
|
Rating Agency Guidelines
|
|
|
59
|
|
Certain Provisions in the Companys Charter and Bylaws
|
|
|
60
|
|
Selling Stockholders
|
|
|
61
|
|
Plan of Distribution
|
|
|
62
|
|
Administrator and Custodian
|
|
|
65
|
|
Legal Matters
|
|
|
65
|
|
Available Information
|
|
|
65
|
|
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information
|
|
|
66
|
|
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement in making your investment decisions. We
have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you
with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely
on it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not
constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy
any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is
not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus and
in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the dates on
their covers. Our business, financial condition and prospects
may have changed since such dates. We will advise investors of
any material changes to the extent required by applicable
law.
i
CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the
statement of additional information contain
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the words may,
will, intend, expect,
estimate, continue, plan,
anticipate, and similar terms and the negative of
such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in
this prospectus as well as in any accompanying prospectus
supplement. By their nature, all forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Several factors that could materially affect our
actual results are the performance of the portfolio of
securities we hold, the conditions in the U.S. and
international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price
at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other
factors discussed in our periodic filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and
results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the
Risk Factors section of this prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus
supplement are made as of the date of this prospectus or the
accompanying prospectus supplement, as the case may be. Except
for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws,
we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any
forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements
contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided
by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the 1933 Act).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations include, but are not
limited to, the factors described in the Risk
Factors section of this prospectus. We urge you to review
carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the
risks of an investment in our securities.
ii
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about us and
our securities. It is not complete and may not contain all of
the information you may want to consider. You should review the
more detailed information contained in this prospectus and in
any related prospectus supplement and in the statement of
additional information, especially the information set forth
under the heading Risk Factors beginning on
page 31 of this prospectus.
The
Company
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited
partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure
sector. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of
total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to
stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total
return includes capital appreciation of, and all distributions
received from, securities in which we invest regardless of the
tax character of the distributions. Similar to the tax
characterization of distributions made by MLPs to unitholders, a
significant portion of our distributions have been and are
expected to continue to be treated as a return of capital to
stockholders.
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the 1940 Act). We were organized as a
corporation on October 30, 2003, pursuant to a charter (the
Charter) governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland. Our fiscal year ends on November 30. We commenced
operations in February 2004 following our initial public
offering. Since that time, we completed eight additional
offerings of common stock. As of November 30, 2008, we had
net assets of $407,031,320 attributable to our common stock. Our
common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol TYG. As of the
date of this prospectus, we have outstanding $70 million of
preferred stock and $170 million of long-term debt
obligations. We have entered into an unsecured revolving credit
facility with U.S. Bank N.A. serving as a lender and the
lending syndicate agent on behalf of other lenders participating
in the credit facility, which currently allows us to borrow up
to $40,000,000. The credit facility remains in effect through
June 20, 2009. We currently expect to seek to renew the
credit facility at an amount sufficient to meet our operating
needs. As of the date of this prospectus, we have outstanding
approximately $22.3 million under the credit facility.
Investment
Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C., a registered investment
adviser specializing in managing portfolios of investments in
MLPs and other energy companies (the Adviser),
serves as our investment adviser. As of March 31, 2009, the
Adviser managed assets of approximately $1.7 billion in the
energy sector, including the assets of four publicly traded and
two privately held closed-end management investment companies,
and separate accounts for institutions and high net worth
individuals. The Advisers investment committee is
comprised of five portfolio managers. See Management of
the Company.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 11550 Ash
Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
The
Offering
We may offer, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, up
to $375,000,000 of our securities, including common stock
pursuant to a rights offering, or certain of our stockholders
who purchased shares from us in private placement transactions
may offer our common stock, on terms to be determined at the
time of the offering. Our securities will be offered at prices
and on terms to be set forth in one or more prospectus
supplements to this prospectus. Subject to certain conditions,
we may offer our common stock at prices below our net asset
value (NAV). We will provide information in the
prospectus supplement for the expected trading market, if any,
for our preferred stock or debt securities.
While the number and amount of securities we may issue pursuant
to this registration statement is limited to $375,000,000 of
securities, our board of directors (the Board of
Directors or the Board) may, without any
action by the stockholders, amend our 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 under our Charter or the 1940 Act.
1
We may offer our securities, or certain of our stockholders may
offer our common stock, directly to one or more purchasers
through agents that we or they designate from time to time, or
to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
relating to the offering will identify any agents or
underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between us or any selling stockholder and
such agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis
upon which such amount may be calculated. See Plan of
Distribution and Selling Stockholders. Our
securities may not be sold through agents, underwriters or
dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing
the method and terms of the offering of our securities.
Use of
Proceeds
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend
to use the net proceeds of any sale of our securities primarily
to invest in energy infrastructure companies in accordance with
our investment objective and policies as described under
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies within approximately three months of receipt of
such proceeds. We may also use proceeds from the sale of our
securities to retire all or a portion of any debt we incur, to
redeem preferred stock or for working capital purposes,
including the payment of distributions, interest and operating
expenses, although there is currently no intent to issue
securities primarily for this purpose. We will not receive any
of the proceeds from a sale of our common stock by any selling
stockholder.
Federal
Income Tax Status of Company
Unlike most investment companies, we have not elected to be
treated as a regulated investment company under the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Internal Revenue Code). Therefore, we are obligated
to pay federal and applicable state corporate taxes on our
taxable income. On the other hand, we are not subject to the
Internal Revenue Codes diversification rules limiting the
assets in which regulated investment companies can invest. Under
current federal income tax law, these rules limit the amount
that regulated investment companies may invest directly in the
securities of certain MLPs to 25% of the value of their total
assets. We invest a substantial portion of our assets in MLPs.
Although MLPs generate taxable income to us, we expect the MLPs
to pay cash distributions in excess of the taxable income
reportable by us. Similarly, we expect to distribute
substantially all of our distributable cash flow
(DCF) to our common stockholders. DCF is the amount
we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or affiliates of MLPs in which we
invest, and interest payments received on debt securities owned
by us, less current or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on
our taxable income, and leverage costs paid by us (including
leverage costs of preferred stock, debt securities and
borrowings under our unsecured credit facility). However, unlike
regulated investment companies, we are not effectively required
by the Internal Revenue Code to distribute substantially all of
our income and capital gains. See Certain Federal Income
Tax Matters.
Distributions
We expect to distribute substantially all of our DCF to holders
of common stock through quarterly distributions. Our Board of
Directors adopted a policy to target distributions to common
stockholders in an amount of at least 95% of DCF on an annual
basis. We will pay distributions on our common stock each fiscal
quarter out of DCF, if any. As of the date of this prospectus,
we have paid distributions every quarter since the completion of
our first full fiscal quarter ended on May 31, 2004. There
is no assurance that we will continue to make regular
distributions. If distributions paid to holders of our common
and preferred stock exceed the current and accumulated earnings
and profit allocated to the particular shares held by a
stockholder, the excess of such distribution will constitute,
for federal income tax purposes, a tax-free return of capital to
the extent of the stockholders basis in the shares and
capital gain thereafter. A return of capital reduces the basis
of the shares held by a stockholder, which may increase the
amount of gain recognized upon the sale of such shares. Our
preferred stock and debt securities will pay dividends and
interest, respectively, in accordance with their terms. So long
as we have preferred stock and debt securities outstanding, we
may not declare dividends on common or preferred stock unless we
meet applicable asset coverage tests.
Principal
Investment Policies
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of our total
assets (including assets we obtain through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies and invest at
least 70% of our total assets in equity
2
securities of MLPs. Energy infrastructure companies engage in
the business of transporting, processing, storing, distributing
or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids (primarily
propane), coal, crude oil or refined petroleum products, or
exploring, developing, managing or producing such commodities.
We invest primarily in energy infrastructure companies organized
in the United States. All publicly traded companies in which we
invest have an equity market capitalization greater than
$100 million at the time of investment.
We also may invest in equity and debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies that are organized
and/or taxed
as corporations to the extent consistent with our investment
objective. We also may invest in securities of general partners
or other affiliates of MLPs and private companies operating
energy infrastructure assets.
We have adopted the following additional nonfundamental
investment policies:
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We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted
securities, primarily through direct placements. Subject to this
policy, we may invest without limitation in illiquid securities.
The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and
privately issued securities of publicly traded energy
infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether issued
by public companies or private companies, are generally
considered illiquid. Investments in private companies that do
not have any publicly traded shares or units are limited to 5%
of total assets.
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We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities
of energy infrastructure companies, including securities rated
below investment grade (commonly referred to as junk
bonds). Below investment grade debt securities will be
rated at least B3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
(Moodys) and at least B- by
Standard & Poors Ratings Group
(S&P) at the time of purchase, or comparably
rated by another statistical rating organization or if unrated,
determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
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We will not invest more than 10% of total assets in any single
issuer.
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We will not engage in short sales.
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We may change our nonfundamental investment policies without
stockholder approval and will provide notice to stockholders of
material changes (including notice through stockholder reports);
provided, however, that a change in the policy of investing at
least 90% of our total assets in energy infrastructure companies
requires at least 60 days prior written notice to
stockholders. Unless otherwise stated, these investment
restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will not be
required to reduce a position due solely to market value
fluctuations. The term total assets includes assets obtained
through leverage for the purpose of each investment restriction.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to
100% of our total assets in securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies,
short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a rating agency or other
liquid fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be
consistent with a defensive posture (collectively,
short-term securities), or we may hold cash. To the
extent we invest in short-term securities or cash for defensive
purposes, such investments are inconsistent with, and may result
in us not achieving, our investment objective.
We also may invest in short-term securities or cash pending
investment of offering proceeds to meet working capital needs
including, but not limited to, for collateral in connection with
certain investment techniques, to hold a reserve pending payment
of distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and
settlement of trades. The yield on such securities may be lower
than the returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income
securities.
Use of
Leverage by the Company
The borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred stock and
debt securities represents the leveraging of our common stock.
The issuance of additional common stock may enable us to
increase the aggregate amount of our leverage. We reserve the
right at any time to use financial leverage to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act (50% of total assets for preferred
stock and
331/3%
of total assets for senior debt securities) or we may elect to
reduce the use of leverage or use no leverage at all.
Historically, our leverage target has been up to 33% of our
total assets at the time of incurrence. Our Board of Directors
has approved a policy permitting temporary increases in the
amount of leverage we may use from 33% of our total assets to up
to 38% of our total assets at the time of incurrence, provided
3
that (i) such leverage is consistent with the limits set
forth in the 1940 Act and (ii) such increased leverage is
reduced over time in an orderly fashion. The timing and terms of
any leverage transactions will be determined by our Board of
Directors. Additionally, the percentage of our assets
attributable to leverage may vary significantly during periods
of extreme market volatility and will increase during periods of
declining market prices of our portfolio holdings.
The use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased income
and capital appreciation for common stockholders, but at the
same time, it creates special risks that may adversely affect
common stockholders. Because the Advisers fee is based
upon a percentage of our Managed Assets (as defined below), the
Advisers fee is higher when we are leveraged. Therefore,
the Adviser has a financial incentive to use leverage, which
will create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and our
common stockholders, who will bear the costs of our leverage.
There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be
successful during any period in which it is used. The use of
leverage involves risks, which can be significant. See
Leverage and Risk Factors
Additional Risks to Common Stockholders Leverage
Risk.
We may use interest rate transactions for hedging purposes only,
in an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure. We do not intend to hedge the
interest rate risk of our portfolio holdings. Accordingly, if no
leverage is outstanding, we currently do not expect to engage in
interest rate transactions. Interest rate transactions that we
may use for hedging purposes may expose us to certain risks that
differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings.
See Leverage Hedging Transactions and
Risk Factors Company Risks Hedging
Strategy Risk.
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that the Adviser
and its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities
for other clients, in which we have no interest. The Adviser or
its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
these accounts over us. Any of the Advisers or its
affiliates proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may
compete with us for specific trades. The Adviser or its
affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy
or sell securities for, other accounts and customers, which
advice or securities recommended may differ from advice given
to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, us, even
though their investment objectives may be the same as, or
similar to, our objectives.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by the Adviser and its
affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be
based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal or
internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may
be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the size
of our position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on
co-investing in private placement securities under the 1940 Act.
Our investment opportunities may be limited by affiliations of
the Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure
companies. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Conflicts of Interest.
Company
Risks
Our NAV, our ability to make distributions, our ability to
service debt securities and preferred stock, and our ability to
meet asset coverage requirements depends on the performance of
our investment portfolio. The performance of our investment
portfolio is subject to a number of risks, including the
following:
Recent Developments Risk. Our capital
structure and performance was adversely impacted by the weakness
in the credit markets and broad stock market, and the resulting
rapid and dramatic declines in the value of MLPs that occurred
in late 2008, and may continue to be adversely affected if the
weakness in the credit and stock markets continue. If our NAV
declines or remains volatile, there is an increased risk that we
may be required to reduce outstanding leverage, which could
adversely affect our stock price and ability to pay
distributions at historical levels. A sustained economic
slowdown may adversely affect the ability of MLPs to sustain
their historical distribution levels, which in turn, may
adversely affect our ability to sustain distributions at
historical levels. MLPs that have historically relied heavily on
outside capital to fund their growth have been impacted by the
slowdown in capital markets. The recovery of the MLP sector is
dependent on several factors including the recovery of the
financial sector, the general economy and the
4
commodity markets. Measures taken by the U.S. Government to
stimulate the U.S. economy may not be successful or may not
have the intended effect.
Concentration Risk. Under normal
circumstances, we concentrate our investments in the energy
infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on securities issued by
MLPs. The primary risks inherent in the energy infrastructure
industry include the following: (1) the performance and
level of distributions of MLPs can be affected by direct and
indirect commodity price exposure, (2) a decrease in market
demand for natural gas or other energy commodities could
adversely affect MLP revenues or cash flows, (3) energy
infrastructure assets deplete over time and must be replaced and
(4) a rising interest rate environment could increase an
MLPs cost of capital.
Industry Specific Risk. Energy infrastructure
companies also are subject to risks specific to the industry
they serve. For risks specific to the pipeline, processing,
propane and coal industries, see Risk Factors
Company Risks Industry Specific Risk.
MLP Risk. We invest primarily in equity
securities of MLPs. As a result, we are subject to the risks
associated with an investment in MLPs, including cash flow risk,
tax risk, deferred tax risk capital markets risk. Cash flow risk
is the risk that MLPs will not make distributions to holders
(including us) at anticipated levels or that such distributions
will not have the expected tax character. MLPs also are subject
to tax risk, which is the risk that MLPs might lose their
partnership status for tax purposes. Deferred tax risk is the
risk that we incur a current tax liability on that portion of an
MLPs income and gains that is not offset by tax deductions
and losses. Capital market risk is the risk that MLPs will be
unable to raise capital to meet their obligations as they come
due or execute their growth strategies, complete future
acquisitions, take advantage of other business opportunities or
respond to competitive pressures.
Equity Securities Risk. MLP common units and
other equity securities can be affected by macro-economic and
other factors affecting the stock market in general,
expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment toward MLPs
or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuers
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor
performance of a particular issuer (in the case of MLPs,
generally measured in terms of DCF). Prices of common units of
individual MLPs and other equity securities also can be affected
by fundamentals unique to the partnership or company, including
size, earnings power, coverage ratios and characteristics and
features of different classes of securities. See Risk
Factors Company Risks Equity Securities
Risk and Risk Factors Additional Risks
to Common Stockholders Leverage Risk.
Hedging Strategy Risk. We may use interest
rate transactions for hedging purposes only, in an attempt to
reduce the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital
structure. There is no assurance that the interest rate hedging
transactions into which we enter will be effective in reducing
our exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging transactions are
subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that payment on
our hedging transactions may not correlate exactly with our
payment obligations on senior securities. Interest rate
transactions that we may use for hedging purposes, such as
swaps, caps and floors, will expose us to certain risks that
differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings.
See Risk Factors Company Risks
Hedging Strategy Risk.
Competition Risk. At the time we completed our
initial public offering in February 2004, we were the only
publicly traded investment company offering access to a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs. Since that time a
number of alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of
energy infrastructure MLPs, including other publicly traded
investment companies and private funds, have emerged. In
addition, tax law changes have increased the ability of
regulated investment companies or other institutions to invest
in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact our
ability to meet our investment objective, which in turn could
adversely impact our ability to make interest or dividend
payments.
Restricted Security Risk. We may invest up to
30% of total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. Restricted securities are less liquid than
securities traded in the open market because of statutory and
contractual restrictions on resale. Such securities are,
therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the open market,
which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is
5
adequate. This lack of liquidity creates special risks for us.
See Risk Factors Company Risks
Restricted Security Risk.
Liquidity Risk. Certain MLP securities may
trade less frequently than those of other companies due to their
smaller capitalizations. Investments in securities that are less
actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume
may be difficult to dispose of when we believe it is desirable
to do so, may restrict our ability to take advantage of other
opportunities, and may be more difficult to value.
Valuation Risk. We may invest up to 30% of
total assets in restricted securities, which are subject to
restrictions on resale. The value of such investments ordinarily
will be based on fair valuations determined by the Adviser
pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary
market may affect adversely our ability to determine NAV. The
sale price of securities that are restricted or otherwise are
not readily marketable may be higher or lower than our most
recent valuations.
Nondiversification Risk. We are a
nondiversified investment company under the 1940 Act and we are
not a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue
Code. Accordingly, there are no limits under the 1940 Act or
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the number or size of
issuers held by us and we may invest more assets in fewer
issuers as compared to a diversified fund.
Tax Risk. Because we are treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, our financial
statements reflect deferred tax assets or liabilities according
to generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred tax assets
may constitute a relatively high percentage of NAV. Realization
of deferred tax assets including net operating loss and capital
loss carryforwards, are dependent, in part, on generating
sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character prior to
expiration of the loss carryforwards. Unexpected significant
decreases in MLP cash distributions or significant declines in
the fair value of our MLP investments, among other factors, may
change our assessment regarding the recoverability of deferred
tax assets and would likely result in a valuation allowance, or
recording of a larger allowance. If a valuation allowance is
required to reduce the deferred tax asset in the future, it
could have a material impact on our NAV and results of
operations in the period it is recorded. Conversely, in periods
of generally increasing MLP prices, we will accrue a deferred
tax liability to the extent the fair value of our assets exceeds
our tax basis. We may incur significant tax liability during
periods in which gains on MLP investments are realized.
Management Risk. The Adviser was formed in
October 2002 to provide portfolio management services to
institutional and high net worth investors seeking professional
management of their MLP investments. The Adviser has been
managing our portfolio since we began operations in February
2004. As of March 31, 2009, the Adviser had client assets
under management of approximately $1.7 billion. To the
extent that the Advisers assets under management continue
to grow, the Adviser may have to hire additional personnel and,
to the extent it is unable to hire qualified individuals, its
operations may be adversely affected.
See Risk Factors Company Risks for a
more detailed discussion of these and other risks of investing
in our securities.
Additional
Risks to Common Stockholders
Leverage Risk. We are currently leveraged and
intend to continue to use leverage primarily for investment
purposes. Leverage, which is a speculative technique, could
cause us to lose money and can magnify the effect of any losses.
If the dislocations in the credit markets continue, our leverage
costs may increase and there is a risk that we may not be able
to renew or replace existing leverage on favorable terms or at
all. Because senior debt is subject to stricter coverage
requirements than preferred stock, we may not be able to
maintain leverage at historical levels if a viable alternative
for auction rate preferred stock does not develop. If the cost
of leverage is no longer favorable, or if we are otherwise
required to reduce our leverage, we may not be able to maintain
common stock distributions at historical levels and common
stockholders will bear any costs associated with selling
portfolio securities. If our net asset value of our portfolio
declines or remains subject to heightened market volatility,
there is an increased risk that we will be unable to maintain
coverage ratios for senior debt securities and preferred stock
mandated by the 1940 Act, rating agency guidelines or
contractual terms of bank lending facilities or privately
6
placed notes. If we do not cure any deficiencies within
specified cure periods, we will be required to redeem such
senior securities in amounts that are sufficient to restore the
required coverage ratios or, in some cases, offer to redeem all
of such securities. As a result, we may be required to sell
portfolio securities at inopportune times, and we may incur
significant losses upon the sale of such securities. There is no
assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. See
Leverage Recent Developments for
additional information.
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
stock (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
stock by increasing the number of shares available, which may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common stock.
Our ability to sell shares of common stock below NAV may
increase this pressure. These sales also might make it more
difficult for us to sell additional equity securities in the
future at a time and price we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
stockholders will be diluted to the extent that such
stockholders do not purchase shares in any future common stock
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we sell shares of common
stock below NAV, our NAV will fall immediately after such
issuance. See Description of Securities Common
Stock Issuance of Additional Shares which
includes a table reflecting the dilutive effect of selling our
common stock below NAV.
If we are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as
intended, our per share distribution may decrease and we may not
participate in market advances to the same extent as if such
proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. Our common stock has
traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV.
We cannot predict whether our shares will trade in the future at
a premium or discount to NAV.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders for a more detailed discussion of these risks.
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Additional risks of investing in senior securities, include
the following:
Interest Rate Risk. Dividends and interest
payable on our senior securities are subject to interest rate
risk. To the extent that dividends or interest on such
securities are based on short-term rates, our leverage costs may
rise so that the amount of dividends or interest due to holders
of senior securities would exceed the cash flow generated by our
portfolio securities. To the extent that our leverage costs are
fixed, our leverage costs may increase when our special rate
periods terminate or our debt securities mature. This might
require that we sell portfolio securities at a time when we
would otherwise not do so, which may adversely affect our future
ability to generate cash flow. In addition, rising market
interest rates could negatively impact the value of our
investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets serving as
asset coverage for senior securities.
Senior Leverage Risk. Our preferred stock will
be junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution rights
to our debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior
securities representing indebtedness may constitute a
substantial lien and burden on preferred stock by reason of
their prior claim against our income and against our net assets
in liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends or
other distributions with respect to any series of our preferred
stock unless at such time we meet applicable asset coverage
requirements and the payment of principal or interest is not in
default with respect to senior debt securities or any other
borrowings.
Our debt securities, upon issuance, are expected to be unsecured
obligations and, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, will rank: (1) senior to all of our outstanding common
stock and any outstanding preferred stock; (2) on a parity
with any of our unsecured creditors and any unsecured senior
securities representing our indebtedness; and (3) junior to
any of our secured creditors. Secured creditors of ours may
include, without limitation, parties entering into interest rate
swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions
with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests,
security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with that senior
security. A rating agency
7
could downgrade the rating of our shares of preferred stock or
debt securities, which may make such securities less liquid in
the secondary market, though probably with higher resulting
interest rates. If a rating agency downgrades, or indicates a
potential downgrade to, the rating assigned to a senior
security, we may alter our portfolio or redeem a portion of our
senior securities. We may voluntarily redeem a senior security
under certain circumstances to the extent permitted by its
governing documents.
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred stock or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred stock or debt securities
and the dividend payable to holders of preferred stock or debt
securities declines.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our NAV may impair our ability to maintain required
levels of asset coverage for our preferred stock or debt
securities.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Senior
Security Holders for a more detailed discussion of these
risks.
8
SUMMARY
OF COMPANY EXPENSES
The following table and example contain information about the
costs and expenses that common stockholders will bear directly
or indirectly. In accordance with SEC requirements, the table
below shows our expenses, including leverage costs, as a
percentage of our net assets as of November 30, 2008, and
not as a percentage of gross assets or Managed Assets. By
showing expenses as a percentage of net assets, expenses are not
expressed as a percentage of all of the assets we invest. The
table and example are based on our capital structure as of
November 30, 2008. As of that date, we had
$280 million in senior securities outstanding, including
two series designated as Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares (the Tortoise Preferred Shares) with an
aggregate liquidation preference of $70 million and
$60 million of Auction Rate Senior Notes, and
$150 million of privately-placed Senior Notes (collectively
with the Auction Rate Senior Notes, the Tortoise
Notes). Such senior securities represented 40% of total
assets as of November 30, 2008.
Stockholder
Transaction Expense
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Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
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(1
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)
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Offering Expenses Borne by the Company (as a percentage of
offering price)
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(1
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)
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Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
Fees(2)
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None
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Percentage of Net Assets
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Attributable to Common
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Annual Expenses
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Stockholders
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Management Fee
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1.56
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%
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Leverage
Costs(3)
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4.40
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%
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Other
Expenses(4)
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0.31
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%
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Current Income Tax Expense
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0.06
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%
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Deferred Income
Tax(5)
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0.00
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%
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Total Annual
Expenses(6)
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6.33
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%
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Example:
The following example illustrates the expenses that common
stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock,
assuming (1) total annual expenses of 6.33% of net assets
attributable to common shares; (2) a 5% annual return; and
(iii) all distributions are reinvested at NAV:
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Total Expenses Paid by Common
Stockholders(7)
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$
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63
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$
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186
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$
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306
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$
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592
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The example should not be considered a representation of
future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than
those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be
greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example.
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(1)
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If the securities to which this
prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the
prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable sales load,
the estimated offering expenses borne by us and a revised
expense example.
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(2)
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Stockholders will pay a transaction
fee plus brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent to sell
common stock held in a Plan account. See Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan.
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(3)
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Leverage Costs in the table reflect
the weighted average cost of dividends payable on Tortoise
Preferred Shares and the interest payable on Tortoise Notes at
borrowing rates as of November 30, 2008, expressed as a
percentage of net assets as of November 30, 2008.
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(4)
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Other Expenses are based on amounts
incurred for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008.
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(5)
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|
For the year ended
November 30, 2008, we accrued deferred income tax benefits
primarily related to unrealized losses on investments.
Realization of a deferred tax benefit is dependent on whether
there will be sufficient taxable income of the appropriate
character within the carryforward periods to realize a portion
or all of the deferred tax benefit. Because it cannot be
predicted whether we will incur a benefit or liability in the
future, a deferred income tax expense of 0.00% has been assumed.
|
9
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
The table presented in this
footnote presents certain of our annual expenses as a percentage
of Managed Assets as of November 30, 2008, excluding
current and deferred income tax expense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
Managed
|
Annual Expenses
|
|
Assets
|
|
Management Fee
|
|
|
0.95
|
%
|
Leverage
Costs(a)
|
|
|
2.66
|
%
|
Other Expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expenses)(b)
|
|
|
0.19
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expenses)
|
|
|
3.80
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Leverage Costs are
calculated as described in Note 3 above.
(b) Other Expenses are based
on amounts incurred for the fiscal year ended November 30,
2008.
|
|
|
(7)
|
|
The example does not include sales
load or estimated offering costs.
|
The purpose of the table and the example above is to help
investors understand the fees and expenses that they, as common
stockholders, would bear directly or indirectly. For additional
information with respect to our expenses, see Management
of the Company.
10
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
Information contained in the table below under the heading
Per Common Share Data and Supplemental Data
and Ratios shows our per common share operating
performance. The information in this table is derived from our
financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report on such financial statements is contained in our
2008 Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into the
statement of additional information, both of which are available
from us upon request. See Available Information in
this prospectus. The unaudited Financial Highlights contained in
our 2009 1st Quarter Report for the period from December 1,
2008 through February 28, 2009 is herein incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Per Common Share
Data(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
32.96
|
|
|
$
|
31.82
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Public offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of common
and preferred
stock(3)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.23
|
)
|
Premiums less underwriting discounts and offering costs on
offerings(4)
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment
loss(5)(6)
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
(0.61
|
)
|
|
|
(0.32
|
)
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and
interest rate swap
contracts(5)(6)
|
|
|
(12.76
|
)
|
|
|
4.33
|
|
|
|
7.41
|
|
|
|
2.67
|
|
|
|
3.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase (decrease) from investment operations
|
|
|
(13.05
|
)
|
|
|
3.72
|
|
|
|
7.09
|
|
|
|
2.51
|
|
|
|
3.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Distributions to Preferred Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to preferred stockholders
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Distributions to Common Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(2.23
|
)
|
|
|
(2.19
|
)
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to common stockholders
|
|
|
(2.23
|
)
|
|
|
(2.19
|
)
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$
|
17.36
|
|
|
$
|
32.96
|
|
|
$
|
31.82
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end of period
|
|
$
|
17.11
|
|
|
$
|
32.46
|
|
|
$
|
36.13
|
|
|
$
|
28.72
|
|
|
$
|
27.06
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market
Value(7)
|
|
|
(42.47
|
)%
|
|
|
(4.43
|
)%
|
|
|
34.50
|
%
|
|
|
13.06
|
%
|
|
|
12.51
|
%
|
Supplemental Data and Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period
(000s)
|
|
$
|
407,031
|
|
|
$
|
618,412
|
|
|
$
|
532,433
|
|
|
$
|
404,274
|
|
|
$
|
336,553
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
(26.73
|
)%
|
|
|
11.19
|
%
|
|
|
20.03
|
%
|
|
|
9.10
|
%
|
|
|
15.20
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
(26.92
|
)%
|
|
|
11.00
|
%
|
|
|
19.81
|
%
|
|
|
8.73
|
%
|
|
|
14.92
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
5.51
|
%
|
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
|
|
3.97
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
2.01
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense) to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
5.32
|
%
|
|
|
4.56
|
%
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense), without regard to non-recurring
organizational expenses, to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
5.51
|
%
|
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
|
|
3.97
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
1.90
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
(benefit) expense), without regard to non-recurring
organizational expenses, to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
5.32
|
%
|
|
|
4.56
|
%
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets before
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
(3.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.24
|
)%
|
|
|
(2.24
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
waiver(8)(9)(11)
|
|
|
(2.86
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(2.02
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
after current and deferred income tax benefit (expense), before
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
29.19
|
%
|
|
|
(9.68
|
)%
|
|
|
(18.31
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.37
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.37
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
after current and deferred income tax benefit (expense), after
waiver(8)(9)(10)
|
|
|
29.38
|
%
|
|
|
(9.49
|
)%
|
|
|
(18.09
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.00
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.65
|
)%
|
Portfolio turnover
rate(8)
|
|
|
5.81
|
%
|
|
|
9.30
|
%
|
|
|
2.18
|
%
|
|
|
4.92
|
%
|
|
|
1.83
|
%
|
Short-term borrowings, end of period (000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
38,050
|
|
|
$
|
32,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt obligations, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
210,000
|
|
|
$
|
235,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
110,000
|
|
Preferred stock, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
185,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
35,000
|
|
Per common share amount of long-term debt obligations
outstanding, at end of period
|
|
$
|
8.96
|
|
|
$
|
12.53
|
|
|
$
|
9.86
|
|
|
$
|
11.07
|
|
|
$
|
8.67
|
|
Per common share amount of net assets, excluding long-term debt
obligations, at end of period
|
|
$
|
26.32
|
|
|
$
|
45.49
|
|
|
$
|
41.68
|
|
|
$
|
38.19
|
|
|
$
|
35.21
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of long-term debt
obligations and short-term
borrowings(12)(13)
|
|
$
|
3,509
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
$
|
4,051
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of long-term debt obligations and
short-term
borrowings(12)(13)
|
|
|
351
|
%
|
|
|
394
|
%
|
|
|
405
|
%
|
|
|
387
|
%
|
|
|
438
|
%
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred
stock(14)
|
|
$
|
170,225
|
|
|
$
|
108,569
|
|
|
$
|
215,155
|
|
|
$
|
169,383
|
|
|
$
|
265,395
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred
stock(13)(15)
|
|
$
|
64,099
|
|
|
$
|
58,752
|
|
|
$
|
74,769
|
|
|
$
|
68,008
|
|
|
$
|
83,026
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of preferred
stock(13)(15)
|
|
|
256
|
%
|
|
|
235
|
%
|
|
|
299
|
%
|
|
|
272
|
%
|
|
|
332
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Commencement of Operations.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Information presented relates to a
share of common stock outstanding for the entire period.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Represents the dilution per common
share from underwriting and other offering costs for the year
ended November 30, 2008. Represents the effect of the
issuance of preferred stock for the year ended November 30,
2007. Represents the dilution per common share from underwriting
and other offering costs for the year ended November 30,
2006. Represents the effect of the issuance of preferred stock
for the year ended November 30, 2005. Represents $(1.17)
and $(0.06) for the issuance of common and preferred stock,
respectively, for the period from February 27, 2004 through
November 30, 2004.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Represents the premium on the shelf
offerings of $0.34 per share, less the underwriting and offering
costs of $0.25 per share for the year ended November 30,
2008. Represents the premium on the shelf offerings of $0.21 per
share, less the underwriting and offering costs of $0.13 per
share for the year ended November 30, 2007. The amount is
less than $0.01 per share, and represents the premium on the
secondary offering of $0.14 per share, less the underwriting
discounts and offering costs of $0.14 per share for the year
ended November 30, 2005.
|
|
(5)
|
|
The per common share data for the
periods ended November 30, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004
do not reflect the change in estimate of investment income and
return of capital, for the respective period. See Note 2C
to the financial statements for further disclosure.
|
|
(6)
|
|
The per common share data for the
year ended November 30, 2008 reflects the cumulative effect
of adopting FIN 48, which was a $1,165,009 increase to the
beginning balance of accumulated net investment loss, or $(0.06)
per share. See Note 5 to the financial statements for
further disclosure.
|
|
(7)
|
|
Not annualized. Total investment
return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the
beginning of the period (or initial public offering price) and a
sale at the closing price on the last day of the period reported
(excluding brokerage commissions). The calculation also assumes
reinvestment of distributions at actual prices pursuant to the
Companys dividend reinvestment plan.
|
|
(8)
|
|
Annualized for periods less than
one full year.
|
|
(9)
|
|
The expense ratios and net
investment income (loss) ratios do not reflect the effect of
distributions to preferred stockholders.
|
|
(10)
|
|
For the year ended
November 30, 2008, the Company accrued $260,089 for current
tax expense and $185,024,497 for deferred income tax benefit.
The Company accrued $42,516,321, $71,661,802, $24,659,420 and
$30,330,018 for the years ended November 30, 2007, 2006 and
2005 and for the period from February 27, 2004 through
November 30, 2004, respectively, for current and deferred
income tax expense.
|
|
(11)
|
|
The ratio excludes the impact of
current and deferred income taxes.
|
|
(12)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred
stock at the end of the period divided by long-term debt
obligations and short-term borrowings outstanding at the end of
the period.
|
|
(13)
|
|
As of November 30, 2008, the
Company had restricted cash in the amount of $20,400,000 to be
used to redeem long-term debt obligations with a par value of
$20,000,000, which are excluded from these asset coverage
calculations. See Note 15 to the financial statements for
further disclosure.
|
|
(14)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
preferred stock at the end of the period divided by preferred
stock outstanding at the end of the period, assuming the
retirement of all long-term debt obligations and short-term
borrowings.
|
|
(15)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred
stock at the end of the period divided by long-term debt
obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred stock
outstanding at the end of the period.
|
13
SENIOR
SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information about our outstanding
senior securities as of each fiscal year ended November 30 since
our inception:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Coverage
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
per Share
|
|
|
Per $25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount/Liquidation
|
|
|
Asset Coverage
|
|
|
($25,000
|
|
|
Denomination
|
|
|
|
|
Title of
|
|
Preference
|
|
|
per $1,000 of
|
|
|
Liquidation
|
|
|
or per Share
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Security
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Principal Amount
|
|
|
Preference)
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A and B
|
|
$
|
110,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares
Series I(1)
(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
83,026
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
145,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A, B and C
|
|
$
|
165,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares
Series I(1)
and II(2)
(2,800 shares)
|
|
$
|
70,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
68,008
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
235,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes
Series A, B and C
|
|
$
|
165,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
4,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series I(1)
and II(2)
(2,800 shares)
|
|
$
|
70,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
74,769
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
Unsecured Revolving Credit
Facility(3)
|
|
$
|
32,450,000
|
|
|
$
|
4,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
267,450,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,781(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series B
|
|
$
|
50,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,185(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series C and D
|
|
$
|
125,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000(5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series I(1)(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
58,752
|
|
|
$
|
25,604(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series II(2)
(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
58,752
|
|
|
$
|
25,667(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series III and IV (4,600 shares)
|
|
$
|
115,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
58,752
|
|
|
$
|
25,000(5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
Unsecured Revolving Credit
Facility(3)
|
|
$
|
38,050,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,942
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
458,050,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,509
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
24,241(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series E
|
|
$
|
150,000,000(7
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,509
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,767(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series I(1)(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
64,099
|
|
|
$
|
24,041(8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Series II(2)(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
64,099
|
|
|
$
|
24,050(8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
Unsecured Revolving Credit
Facility(3)
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
280,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Formerly designated as
Series I MMP Shares.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Formerly designated as
Series II MMP Shares.
|
14
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
On March 22, 2007, the Company
entered into an agreement establishing a $150,000,000 unsecured
credit facility maturing on March 21, 2008. On
March 20, 2008, the Company entered into an extension of
the agreement establishing a $92,500,000 unsecured credit
facility maturing on March 20, 2009. On March 20,
2009, the Company entered into an extension of the agreement
establishing a $40,000,000 unsecured credit facility maturing on
June 20, 2009. We currently expect to seek to renew the
credit facility at an amount sufficient to meet our operating
needs.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Average estimated fair value of the
Series A and B Auction Rate Senior Notes and Series I
and II Tortoise Preferred Shares was calculated using the
spread between the interest/dividend rates at the time the
series respective special rate periods commenced to the
U.S. Treasury rates with equivalent maturity dates. At
November 30, 2007, the spread of each series was applied to
the equivalent U.S. Treasury Rate and the future cash flows were
discounted to determine the estimated fair value. There is no
active trading market for these securities. Average estimated
fair value does not take into account any liquidity discounts
that a shareholder may have incurred upon sale.
|
|
(5)
|
|
Average estimated fair value of the
Series C and D Auction Rate Senior Notes and
Series III and IV Tortoise Preferred Shares
approximates the principal amount and liquidation preference,
respectively, because the interest and dividend rates payable on
Auction Rate Senior Notes and Tortoise Preferred Shares were
generally determined at auctions and fluctuated with changes in
prevailing market interest rates.
|
|
(6)
|
|
Average estimated fair value of the
Series A and Series E Notes was calculated using the
spread between the AAA corporate finance debt rate and the U.S.
Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date plus the average
spread between the current rates and the AAA corporate finance
debt rate. At November 30, 2008, the total spread was
applied to the equivalent U.S. Treasury rate for each series and
future cash flows were discounted to determine estimated fair
value. There is no active trading market for these securities.
Average estimated fair value does not take into account any
liquidity discounts that a shareholder may have incurred upon
sale.
|
|
(7)
|
|
On December 3, 2008, the
Company partially redeemed a portion of the Series E Notes
in the amount of $40,000,000.
|
|
(8)
|
|
Average estimated fair value of
Auction Preferred I and Auction Preferred II Stock was
calculated using the spread between the AA corporate finance
debt rate and the U.S. Treasury rate with a maturity equivalent
to the remaining rate period plus the average spread between the
current rates and the AA corporate finance debt rate. At
November 30, 2008, the total spread was applied to the
equivalent U.S. Treasury rate for each series and future cash
flows were discounted to determine estimated fair value. There
is no active trading market for these securities. Average
estimated fair value does not take into account any liquidity
discounts that a shareholder may have incurred upon sale.
|
15
MARKET
AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol TYG. Shares of
our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE on
February 25, 2004.
Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount
in relation to NAV. We cannot predict whether our shares will
trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The
provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public
offering price of common stock (less any underwriting
commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per
share of a companys additional common stock (calculated
within 48 hours of pricing). However, at our Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held on April 21, 2008, our common
stockholders granted to us the authority to sell shares of our
common stock for less than NAV, subject to certain conditions.
Our issuance of additional common stock may have an adverse
effect on prices in the secondary market for our common stock by
increasing the number of shares of common stock available, which
may put downward pressure on the market price for our common
stock. The continued development of alternatives as vehicles for
investing in a portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs,
including other publicly traded investment companies and private
funds, may reduce or eliminate any tendency of our shares of
common stock to trade at a premium in the future. Shares of
common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade
at a discount from NAV. See Risk Factors
Additional Risks to Common Stockholders Market
Discount Risk.
16
The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated
the high and low closing market prices for our shares of common
stock on the NYSE, the NAV per share and the premium or discount
to NAV per share at which our shares of common stock were
trading. NAV is generally determined on the last business day of
each calendar month. See Determination of Net Asset
Value for information as to the determination of our NAV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Discount) To
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
|
Market
Price(1)
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
Value(3)
|
Month Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Value(2)
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
November 30, 2006
|
|
|
36.13
|
|
|
|
31.85
|
|
|
|
31.01
|
|
|
|
16.5
|
%
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
36.31
|
|
|
|
33.48
|
|
|
|
31.82
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
%
|
|
|
5.2
|
%
|
January 31, 2007
|
|
|
35.50
|
|
|
|
34.13
|
|
|
|
32.62
|
|
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
February 28, 2007
|
|
|
36.64
|
|
|
|
35.15
|
|
|
|
34.27
|
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
March 31, 2007
|
|
|
38.93
|
|
|
|
35.26
|
|
|
|
34.83
|
|
|
|
11.8
|
%
|
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
April 30, 2007
|
|
|
41.71
|
|
|
|
39.13
|
|
|
|
36.81
|
|
|
|
13.3
|
%
|
|
|
6.3
|
%
|
May 31, 2007
|
|
|
42.12
|
|
|
|
39.59
|
|
|
|
39.45
|
|
|
|
6.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.4
|
%
|
June 30, 2007
|
|
|
42.68
|
|
|
|
40.25
|
|
|
|
38.73
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
%
|
|
|
3.9
|
%
|
July 31, 2007
|
|
|
44.89
|
|
|
|
39.98
|
|
|
|
39.23
|
|
|
|
14.4
|
%
|
|
|
1.9
|
%
|
August 31, 2007
|
|
|
39.52
|
|
|
|
34.39
|
|
|
|
38.46
|
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
−10.6
|
%
|
September 30, 2007
|
|
|
39.75
|
|
|
|
33.63
|
|
|
|
34.63
|
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
−2.9
|
%
|
October 31, 2007
|
|
|
35.43
|
|
|
|
33.00
|
|
|
|
32.71
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
%
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
November 30, 2007
|
|
|
35.29
|
|
|
|
30.70
|
|
|
|
35.37
|
|
|
|
−0.2
|
%
|
|
|
−13.2
|
%
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
33.44
|
|
|
|
31.72
|
|
|
|
32.96
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
|
−3.8
|
%
|
January 31, 2008
|
|
|
34.25
|
|
|
|
30.86
|
|
|
|
32.80
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
%
|
|
|
−5.9
|
%
|
February 29, 2008
|
|
|
34.40
|
|
|
|
31.40
|
|
|
|
31.99
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
%
|
|
|
−1.8
|
%
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
32.03
|
|
|
|
28.46
|
|
|
|
30.98
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
−8.1
|
%
|
April 30, 2008
|
|
|
31.53
|
|
|
|
29.75
|
|
|
|
28.66
|
|
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
May 31, 2008
|
|
|
32.60
|
|
|
|
31.17
|
|
|
|
30.90
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
|
32.95
|
|
|
|
26.81
|
|
|
|
30.35
|
|
|
|
8.6
|
%
|
|
|
−11.7
|
%
|
July 31, 2008
|
|
|
28.17
|
|
|
|
24.70
|
|
|
|
28.27
|
|
|
|
−0.4
|
%
|
|
|
−12.6
|
%
|
August 31, 2008
|
|
|
30.76
|
|
|
|
28.38
|
|
|
|
27.65
|
|
|
|
11.2
|
%
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
September 30, 2008
|
|
|
30.07
|
|
|
|
22.66
|
|
|
|
27.55
|
|
|
|
9.1
|
%
|
|
|
−17.7
|
%
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
|
23.00
|
|
|
|
10.01
|
|
|
|
22.48
|
|
|
|
2.3
|
%
|
|
|
−55.5
|
%
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
|
20.99
|
|
|
|
11.75
|
|
|
|
21.84
|
|
|
|
−3.9
|
%
|
|
|
−46.2
|
%
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
17.99
|
|
|
|
15.55
|
|
|
|
17.36
|
|
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
|
−10.4
|
%
|
January 31, 2009
|
|
|
22.35
|
|
|
|
17.40
|
|
|
|
16.58
|
|
|
|
34.8
|
%
|
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
February 28, 2009
|
|
|
22.85
|
|
|
|
18.40
|
|
|
|
19.46
|
|
|
|
17.4
|
%
|
|
|
−5.4
|
%
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
21.64
|
|
|
|
16.84
|
|
|
|
18.50
|
|
|
|
17.0
|
%
|
|
|
−9.0
|
%
|
Source: Bloomberg Financial and Fund Accounting Records.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Based on high and low closing
market price for the respective month.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Based on the NAV calculated on the
close of business on the last business day of each prior
calendar month.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Calculated based on the information
presented. Percentages are rounded.
|
The last reported NAV per share, the market price and percentage
premium to NAV per share of our common stock on April 24,
2009 were $19.81, $22.90 and 15.6%, respectively. As of
April 24, 2009, we had 23,442,791 shares of our common
stock outstanding and net assets of approximately
$464.5 million.
17
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend
to use the net proceeds of any sale of our securities primarily
to invest in energy infrastructure companies in accordance with
our investment objective and policies as described under
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies within approximately three months of receipt of
such proceeds. We may also use proceeds from the sale of our
securities to retire all or a portion of any debt we incur, to
redeem preferred stock or for working capital purposes,
including the payment of distributions, interest and operating
expenses, although there is currently no intent to issue
securities primarily for this purpose. Our investments may be
delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time or
for other reasons. Pending such investment, we anticipate that
we will invest the proceeds in securities issued by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or in
high quality, short-term or long-term debt obligations. A delay
in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns, reduce
our distribution to common stockholders and reduce the amount of
cash available to make dividend and interest payments on
preferred stock and debt securities, respectively. We will not
receive any of the proceeds from a sale of our common stock by
any selling stockholder.
18
THE
COMPANY
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act. We were organized as a
corporation on October 30, 2003, pursuant to the Charter
governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. Our fiscal year
ends on November 30. We commenced operations in February
2004 following our initial public offering. Since that time, we
have completed eight additional offerings of common stock. As of
November 30, 2008, we had net assets of $407,031,320
attributable to our common stock. Our common stock is listed on
the NYSE under the symbol TYG. As of the date of
this prospectus, we have outstanding $70 million of
preferred stock and $170 million of senior debt securities.
The outstanding Auction Rate Senior Notes are rated
Aaa and AAA by Moodys Investors
Service Inc. (Moodys) and Fitch Ratings
(Fitch), respectively. The outstanding Tortoise
Preferred Shares are rated Aa2 by Moodys.
The following table provides information about our outstanding
securities as of November 30, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount Held
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the Company
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
or for its
|
|
Amount
|
Title of Class
|
|
Authorized
|
|
Account
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
100,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
23,442,791
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A Auction Rate Senior
Notes(4)
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
Series E Senior Notes
|
|
$
|
150,000,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
150,000,000
|
|
Tortoise Preferred
Shares(2)
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series I Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares(4)
|
|
|
1,400
|
(3)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
Series II Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares(4)
|
|
|
1,400
|
(3)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
On December 3, 2008, the
Company redeemed a portion of Series E Notes in the amount
of $40,000,000.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Includes 2,800 shares of
preferred stock designated as Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Each share has a liquidation
preference of $25,000 ($35,000,000 in the aggregate for each of
Series I and Series II Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares).
|
|
(4)
|
|
Special rate periods have been
declared for these outstanding securities.
|
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Investment
Objective
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return
with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders.
For purposes of our investment objective, total return includes
capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from,
securities in which we invest regardless of the tax character of
the distributions. We seek to provide our stockholders with an
efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio of publicly traded
MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. Similar to the federal
income tax characterization of cash distributions made by MLPs
to the MLPs unit holders, we believe that our common
stockholders will have relatively high levels of return of
capital associated with cash distributions we make to
stockholders.
Energy
Infrastructure Industry
We concentrate our investments in the energy infrastructure
sector. We pursue our objective by investing principally in a
portfolio of equity securities issued by MLPs. MLP common units
historically have generated higher average total returns than
domestic common stock (as measured by the S&P 500) and
fixed income securities. A more detailed description of
investment policies and restrictions and more detailed
information about portfolio investments are contained in the
statement of additional information.
Energy Infrastructure Companies. For purposes
of our policy of investing 90% of total assets in securities of
energy infrastructure companies, an energy infrastructure
company is one that derives each year at least 50% of its
revenues from Qualifying Income under
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code or one that
derives at least 50% of its revenues from providing services
directly related to the generation of Qualifying Income.
19
Qualifying Income is defined as including any income and gains
from the exploration, development, mining or production,
processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines
transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of
any mineral or natural resource (including fertilizer,
geothermal energy and timber).
Energy infrastructure companies (other than most pipeline MLPs)
do not operate as public utilities or local
distribution companies, and, therefore, are not subject to
rate regulation by state or federal utility commissions.
However, energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
greater competitive factors than utility companies, including
competitive pricing in the absence of regulated tariff rates,
which could reduce revenues and adversely affect profitability.
Most pipeline MLPs are subject to government regulation
concerning the construction, pricing and operation of pipelines.
Pipeline MLPs are able to set prices (rates or tariffs) to cover
operating costs, depreciation and taxes, and provide a return on
investment. These rates are monitored by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) which seeks to ensure that
consumers receive adequate and reliable supplies of energy at
the lowest possible price while providing energy suppliers and
transporters a just and reasonable return on capital investment
and the opportunity to adjust to changing market conditions.
Master Limited Partnerships. Under normal
circumstances, we invest at least 70% of our total assets in
equity securities of MLPs that each year derive at least 90% of
their gross income from Qualifying Income and are generally
taxed as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, thereby
eliminating federal income tax at the entity level. An MLP
generally has two classes of partners, the general partner and
the limited partners. The general partner is usually a major
energy company, investment fund or the direct management of the
MLP. The general partner normally controls the MLP through a 2%
equity interest plus units that are subordinated to the common
(publicly traded) units for at least the first five years of the
partnerships existence and then only convert to common
units if certain financial tests are met.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage
the MLP and increase cash flows, the terms of most MLP
partnership agreements typically provide that the general
partner receives a larger portion of the net income as
distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows,
the general partner receives a greater interest in the
incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners.
The general partners incentive compensation typically
increases to up to 50% of incremental income. Nevertheless, the
aggregate amount of distributions to limited partners will
increase as MLP distributions reach higher target levels. Given
this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive
to streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth
projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.
Energy infrastructure MLPs in which we invest generally can be
classified in the following categories:
|
|
|
|
|
Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are
common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids
(primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude
oil or refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet
fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate ancillary businesses such
as storage and marketing of such products. Revenue is derived
from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline
output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to
its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In
addition, pipeline MLPs do not have direct commodity price
exposure because they do not own the product being shipped.
|
|
|
|
Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are
gatherers and processors of natural gas, as well as providers of
transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids
(NGLs). Revenue is derived from providing services
to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing
before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities
and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee
based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in
the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion
of revenue.
|
|
|
|
Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are
distributors of propane to homeowners for space and water
heating. Revenue is derived from the resale of the commodity on
a margin over wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is
a key to profitability. Propane serves approximately 3% of the
household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes
beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution
pipelines. Approximately 70% of annual cash flow is earned
during the winter heating season (October through March).
Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility
type functions similar to electricity and natural gas.
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and
manage coal reserves. Revenue is derived from production and
sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal
producers. Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in
the United States. Demand for electricity and supply of
alternative fuels to generators are the primary drivers of coal
demand. Coal MLPs are subject to operating and production risks,
such as: the MLP or a lessee meeting necessary production
volumes; federal, state and local laws and regulations which may
limit the ability to produce coal; the MLPs ability to
manage production costs and pay mining reclamation costs; and
the effect on demand that the Clean Air Act standards have on
coal end-users.
|
|
|
|
Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine shipping
MLPs are primarily marine transporters of natural gas, crude oil
or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive
revenue from charging customers for the transportation of these
products utilizing the MLPs vessels. Transportation
services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or
contract, the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the
length of use of a particular vessel, the amount of cargo
transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a
vessel or other factors.
|
We also may invest in equity and debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies that are organized
and/or taxed
as corporations to the extent consistent with our investment
objective. We also may invest in securities of general partners
or other affiliates of MLPs and private companies operating
energy infrastructure assets.
Investment
Process
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of our total
assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies. The Adviser seeks
to invest in securities that offer a combination of quality,
growth and yield intended to result in superior total returns
over the long run. The Advisers securities selection
process includes a comparison of quantitative, qualitative, and
relative value factors. Although the Adviser intends to use
research provided by broker-dealers and investment firms,
primary emphasis will be placed on proprietary analysis and
valuation models conducted and maintained by the Advisers
in-house investment analysts. To determine whether a company
meets its criteria, the Adviser generally will look for a strong
record of distribution growth, a solid ratio of debt to equity
and coverage ratio with respect to distributions to unit
holders, and a proven track record, incentive structure and
management team. It is anticipated that all of the publicly
traded MLPs in which we invest will have a market capitalization
greater than $100 million at the time of investment.
Investment
Policies
We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing
primarily in securities of MLPs that the Adviser believes offer
attractive distribution rates and capital appreciation
potential. We also may invest in other securities set forth
below if the Adviser expects to achieve our objective with such
investments.
Our policy of investing at least 90% of our total assets
(including assets obtained through leverage) in securities of
energy infrastructure companies is nonfundamental and may be
changed by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval,
provided that stockholders receive at least 60 days
prior written notice of any change.
We have adopted the following additional nonfundamental policies:
|
|
|
|
|
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 70% and up to
100% of our total assets in equity securities issued by MLPs.
Equity securities currently consist of common units, convertible
subordinated units, and
pay-in-kind
units.
|
|
|
|
We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted
securities, primarily through direct placements. Subject to this
policy, we may invest without limitation in illiquid securities.
The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and
privately issued securities of publicly traded energy
infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether issued
by public companies or private companies, are generally
considered illiquid. Investments in private companies that do
not have any publicly traded shares or units are limited to 5%
of total assets.
|
|
|
|
We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities
of energy infrastructure companies, including certain securities
rated below investment grade (junk bonds). Below
investment grade debt
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
securities will be rated at least B3 by Moodys and at
least B− by S&P at the time of purchase, or
comparably rated by another statistical rating organization or
if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
Adviser.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any
single issuer.
|
|
|
|
We will not engage in short sales.
|
Unless otherwise stated, these investment restrictions apply at
the time of purchase and we will not be required to reduce a
position due solely to market value fluctuations.
As used in the bullets above, the term total assets
includes assets to be obtained through anticipated leverage for
the purpose of each nonfundamental investment policy. During the
period in which we are investing the net proceeds of an
offering, we may deviate from our investment policies with
respect to the net proceeds of the offering by investing the net
proceeds in cash, cash equivalents, securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities
or agencies, high quality, short-term money market instruments,
short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a rating agency or other
liquid fixed income securities.
Investment
Securities
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are
not limited to, the following:
Equity Securities of MLPs. Consistent with our
investment objective, we may invest up to 100% of total assets
in equity securities issued by energy infrastructure MLPs,
including common units, convertible subordinated units,
pay-in-kind
units (typically, I-Shares) and common units,
subordinated units and preferred units of limited liability
companies (LLCs) (that are treated as partnerships
for federal income tax purposes). The table below summarizes the
features of these securities, and a further discussion of these
securities follows.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible
|
|
|
|
|
Common Units
|
|
Subordinated Units
|
|
|
|
|
(for MLPs taxed as
|
|
(for MLPs taxed as
|
|
|
|
|
partnerships)1
|
|
partnerships)
|
|
I-Shares
|
|
Voting Rights
|
|
Limited to certain significant decisions; no annual election of
directors
|
|
Same as common units
|
|
No direct MLP voting rights
|
Dividend Priority
|
|
First right to minimum quarterly distribution (MQD)
specified in Partnership Agreement; arrearage rights
|
|
Second right to MQD; no arrearage rights; may be paid in
additional units
|
|
Equal in priority to common units but paid in additional
I-Shares at current market value of I-Shares
|
Dividend Rate
|
|
Minimum set in partnership agreement; participate pro rata with
subordinated units after both MQDs are met
|
|
Equal in amount to common units; participate pro rata with
common units above the MQD
|
|
Equal in amount to common units
|
Trading
|
|
Listed on NYSE, NYSE Alternext U.S. or NASDAQ National Market
|
|
Not publicly traded
|
|
Listed on NYSE
|
Federal Income Tax Treatment
|
|
Generally, ordinary income to the extent of taxable income
allocated to holder; distributions are tax-free return of
capital to extent of holders basis; remainder as capital
gain
|
|
Same as common units
|
|
Full distribution treated as return of capital; since
distribution is in shares, total basis is not reduced
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible
|
|
|
|
|
Common Units
|
|
Subordinated Units
|
|
|
|
|
(for MLPs taxed as
|
|
(for MLPs taxed as
|
|
|
|
|
partnerships)1
|
|
partnerships)
|
|
I-Shares
|
|
Type of Investor
|
|
Retail; creates unrelated business taxable income for tax-exempt
investor; investment by regulated investment companies limited
to 25% of total assets
|
|
Same as common units
|
|
Retail and Institutional; does not create unrelated business
taxable income; qualifying income for regulated investment
companies
|
Liquidity Priority
|
|
Intended to receive return of all capital first
|
|
Second right to return of capital; pro rata with common units
thereafter
|
|
Same as common units (indirect right through
I-Share
issuer)
|
Conversion Rights
|
|
None
|
|
Typically one-to-one ratio into common units
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Some energy infrastructure
companies in which we may invest have been organized as LLCs.
Such companies are generally treated in the same manner as MLPs
for federal income tax purposes. Common units of LLCs have
similar characteristics as those of MLP common units, except
that LLC common units typically have voting rights with respect
to the LLC and LLC common units held by management are not
entitled to increased percentages of cash distributions as
increased levels of cash distributions are received by the LLC.
The characteristics of LLCs and their common units are more
fully discussed below.
|
MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent
an equity ownership interest in a partnership, providing limited
voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the
companys success through distributions
and/or
capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation,
common unit holders do not elect directors annually and
generally have the right to vote only on certain significant
events, such as mergers, a sale of substantially all of the
assets, removal of the general partner or material amendments to
the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by their
partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their
current operating earnings. Common unit holders generally have
first right to a MQD prior to distributions to the convertible
subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including
incentive distributions). Common unit holders typically have
arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of
liquidation, MLP common unit holders have first rights to the
partnerships remaining assets after bondholders, other
debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid in full.
MLP common units trade on a national securities exchange or
over-the-counter.
Limited Liability Company Common Units. Some
energy infrastructure companies in which we may invest have been
organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are generally treated in the same
manner as MLPs for federal income tax purposes. Consistent with
our investment objective and policies, we may invest in common
units or other securities of such LLCs including preferred
units, subordinated units and debt securities. LLC common units
represent an equity ownership interest in an LLC, entitling the
holder to a share of the LLCs success through
distributions
and/or
capital appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs typically do not pay
federal income tax at the entity level and are required by their
operating agreements to distribute a large percentage of their
current operating earnings. LLC common unit holders generally
have first right to a MQD prior to distributions to subordinated
unit holders and typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is
not met. In the event of liquidation, LLC common unit holders
have a right to the LLCs remaining assets after bond
holders, other debt holders and preferred unit holders, if any,
have been paid in full. LLC common units may trade on a national
securities exchange or over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are
no incentives that entitle management or other unit holders to
increased percentages of cash distributions as distributions
reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders
typically have voting rights with respect to the LLC, whereas
MLP common units have limited voting rights.
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP
convertible subordinated units are typically issued by MLPs to
founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell
assets to MLPs, and institutional investors. The purpose of the
convertible subordinated units is to increase the likelihood
that during the subordination period there will be available
cash to be distributed to common unit holders. We expect to
purchase convertible subordinated units in direct placements
from such persons. Convertible subordinated units generally are
not entitled to distributions until holders of common units have
received specified MQD, plus any arrearages, and may receive
23
less than common unit holders in distributions upon liquidation.
Convertible subordinated unit holders generally are entitled to
MQD prior to the payment of incentive distributions to the
general partner, but are not entitled to arrearage rights.
Therefore, convertible subordinated units generally entail
greater risk than MLP common units. They are generally
convertible automatically into the senior common units of the
same issuer at a one-to-one ratio upon the passage of time or
the satisfaction of certain financial tests. These units
generally do not trade on a national exchange or
over-the-counter, and there is no active market for convertible
subordinated units. Although the means by which convertible
subordinated units convert into senior common units depend on a
securitys specific terms, MLP convertible subordinated
units typically are exchanged for common shares. The value of a
convertible security is a function of its worth if converted
into the underlying common units. Convertible subordinated units
generally have similar voting rights to MLP common units.
Distributions may be paid in cash or in-kind.
MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect
investment in MLP
I-units.
I-units are
equity securities issued to affiliates of MLPs, typically a
limited liability company, that owns an interest in and manages
the MLP. The I-Share issuer has management rights but is not
entitled to incentive distributions. The I-Share issuers
assets consist exclusively of MLP
I-units;
however, the MLP does not allocate income or loss to the I-Share
issuer. Distributions by MLPs to
I-unit
holders are made in the form of additional
I-units,
generally equal in amount to the cash received by common unit
holders of MLPs. Distributions to I-Share holders are made in
the form of additional I-Shares, generally equal in amount to
the I-units
received by the I-Share issuer. The issuer of the I-Share is
taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, investors receive a Form 1099, are not
allocated their proportionate share of income of the MLPs and
are not subject to state income tax filing obligations based
solely on the issuers operations within a state.
Equity Securities of MLP Affiliates. In
addition to equity securities of MLPs, we may also invest in
equity securities of MLP affiliates, by purchasing securities of
limited liability entities that own general partner interests of
MLPs. General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained
by an MLPs original sponsors, such as its founders,
corporate partners, entities that sell assets to the MLP and
investors such as the entities from which we may purchase
general partner interests. An entity holding general partner
interests, but not its investors, can be liable under certain
circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the
entitys investment in the general partner interest.
General partner interests often confer direct board
participation rights, and in many cases, operating control over
the MLP. These interests themselves are generally not publicly
traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded entities.
General partner interests receive cash distributions, typically
2% of the MLPs aggregate cash distributions, which are
contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In addition,
holders of general partner interests typically hold incentive
distribution rights (IDRs), which provide them with
a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the
distributions to limited partner unit holders are increased to
prescribed levels. General partner interests generally cannot be
converted into common units. The general partner interest can be
redeemed by the MLP if the MLP unitholders choose to remove the
general partner, typically with a supermajority vote by limited
partner unitholders.
Other Non-MLP Equity Securities. In addition
to equity securities of MLPs, we may also invest in common and
preferred stock, limited partner interests, convertible
securities, warrants and depository receipts of companies that
are organized as corporations, limited liability companies or
limited partnerships. Common stock generally represents an
equity ownership interest in an issuer. Although common stocks
have historically generated higher average total returns than
fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also
have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns
and may under-perform relative to fixed-income securities during
certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable
earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock we hold. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to
general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks to which we have
exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons
including changes in investors perceptions of the
financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the
relevant stock market, or when political or economic events
affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices
may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which
increases borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of
our total assets in debt securities of energy infrastructure
companies, including securities rated below investment grade.
These debt securities may have fixed or variable principal
payments and all types of interest rate and dividend payment and
reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon,
contingent, deferred and
payment-in-kind
features. To the extent that we invest in
24
below investment grade debt securities, such securities will be
rated, at the time of investment, at least B− by S&P
or B3 by Moodys or a comparable rating by at least one
other rating agency or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality. If a security satisfies our minimum
rating criteria at the time of purchase and subsequently is
downgraded below such rating, we will not be required to dispose
of such security. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser will
consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in
the best interest of us and our stockholders.
Because the risk of default is higher for below investment grade
securities than investment grade securities, the Advisers
research and credit analysis is an especially important part of
managing securities of this type. The Adviser attempts to
identify those issuers of below investment grade securities
whose financial condition the Adviser believes is adequate to
meet future obligations or has improved or is expected to
improve in the future. The Advisers analysis focuses on
relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend
coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects and the experience
and managerial strength of the issuer.
Restricted Securities. We may invest up to 30%
of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. An issuer may be willing to offer the
purchaser more attractive features with respect to securities
issued in direct placements because it has avoided the expense
and delay involved in a public offering of securities. Adverse
conditions in the public securities markets also may preclude a
public offering of securities. MLP convertible subordinated
units typically are purchased in private placements and do not
trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and there is
no active market for convertible subordinated units. MLP
convertible subordinated units typically are purchased from
affiliates of the issuer or other existing holders of
convertible units rather than directly from the issuer.
Restricted securities obtained by means of direct placements are
less liquid than securities traded in the open market because of
statutory and contractual restrictions on resale. Such
securities are, therefore, unlike securities that are traded in
the open market, which are likely to be sold immediately if the
market is adequate. This lack of liquidity creates special
risks. However, we could sell such securities in privately
negotiated transactions with a limited number of purchasers or
in public offerings under the 1933 Act. MLP convertible
subordinated units also convert to publicly traded common units
upon the passage of time
and/or
satisfaction of certain financial tests.
Temporary and Defensive Investments. Pending
investment of offering or leverage proceeds, we may invest such
proceeds in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies,
short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a rating agency or other
liquid fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be of
similar quality (collectively, short-term
securities), or in cash or cash equivalents, all of which
are expected to provide a lower yield than the securities of
energy infrastructure companies. We also may invest in
short-term securities or cash on a temporary basis to meet
working capital needs including, but not limited to, for
collateral in connection with certain investment techniques, to
hold a reserve pending payment of distributions, and to
facilitate the payment of expenses and settlement of trades.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to
100% of our total assets in short-term securities or cash. The
yield on short-term securities or cash may be lower than the
returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income
securities. To the extent we invest in short-term securities or
cash for defensive purposes, such investments are inconsistent
with, and may result in our not achieving, our investment
objective.
Portfolio
Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to
year. Although we cannot accurately predict our annual portfolio
turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under normal
circumstances. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2008
and 2007, our actual portfolio turnover rate was 5.81% and
9.30%, respectively. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a
limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for us.
A higher turnover rate results in correspondingly greater
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that the
Company bears. High portfolio turnover may result in our
recognition of gains (losses) that will increase (decrease) our
tax liability and thereby impact the amount of our after-tax
distributions. In addition, high portfolio turnover may increase
our current and accumulated earnings and profits, resulting in a
greater portion of our distributions being treated as taxable
dividends for federal income tax purposes. See Certain
Federal Income Tax Matters.
25
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that the Adviser
and its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities
for other clients, in which we have no interest, some of which
may have investment strategies similar to ours. The Adviser or
its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
such accounts over us. For example, our Adviser may have an
incentive to allocate potentially more favorable investment
opportunities to other funds and clients that pay our Adviser an
incentive or performance fee. Performance and incentive fees
also create the incentive to allocate potentially riskier, but
potentially better performing, investments to such funds and
other clients in an effort to increase the incentive fee. Our
Adviser also may have an incentive to make investments in one
fund, having the effect of increasing the value of a security in
the same issuer held by another fund, which, in turn, may result
in an incentive fee being paid to our Adviser by that other
fund. Any of the Advisers or its affiliates proprietary
accounts and other customer accounts may compete with us for
specific trades. The Adviser or its affiliates may give advice
and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities for, us,
which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or
securities recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and
customers, even though their investment objectives may be the
same as, or similar to, our objectives. Our Adviser has written
allocation policies and procedures designed to address potential
conflicts of interest. For instance, when two or more clients
advised by the Adviser or its affiliates seek to purchase or
sell the same publicly traded securities, the securities
actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the clients
on a good faith, fair and equitable basis by the Adviser in its
discretion and in accordance with the clients various
investment objectives and the Advisers procedures. In some
cases, this system may adversely affect the price or size of the
position we may obtain or sell. In other cases, our ability to
participate in volume transactions may produce better execution
for us. When possible, our Adviser combines all of the trade
orders into one or more block orders, and each account
participates at the average unit or share price obtained in a
block order. When block orders are only partially filled, our
Adviser considers a number of factors in determining how
allocations are made, with the overall goal to allocate in a
manner so that accounts are not preferred or disadvantaged over
time. Our Adviser also has allocation policies for transactions
involving private placement securities, which are designed to
result in a fair and equitable participation in offerings or
sales for each participating client.
The Adviser also serves as investment adviser for three other
publicly traded and two privately held closed-end management
investment companies, all of which invest in the energy sector.
See Management of the Company Investment
Adviser.
The Adviser will evaluate a variety of factors in determining
whether a particular investment opportunity or strategy is
appropriate and feasible for the relevant account at a
particular time, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) the nature of the investment opportunity taken in the
context of the other investments at the time; (2) the
liquidity of the investment relative to the needs of the
particular entity or account; (3) the availability of the
opportunity (i.e., size of obtainable position); (4) the
transaction costs involved; and (5) the investment or
regulatory limitations applicable to the particular entity or
account. Because these considerations may differ when applied to
us and relevant accounts under management in the context of any
particular investment opportunity, our investment activities, on
the one hand, and other managed accounts, on the other hand, may
differ considerably from time to time. In addition, our fees and
expenses will differ from those of the other managed accounts.
Accordingly, investors should be aware that our future
performance and future performance of other accounts of the
Adviser may vary.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by the Adviser and its
affiliates for its other funds or accounts. Such situations may
be based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal
or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that
may be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the
size of our position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on
co-investing in negotiated transactions under the 1940 Act, as
discussed further below.
Under the 1940 Act, we may be precluded from co-investing in
negotiated private placements of securities with our affiliates,
including other funds managed by the Adviser. We and the Adviser
have applied to the SEC for exemptive relief to permit us and
our affiliates to make such investments. There is no guarantee
that the requested relief will be granted by SEC. Unless and
until we obtain an exemptive order, we will not co-invest with
our affiliates in negotiated private placement transactions.
Unless we receive exemptive relief, the Adviser will observe
26
a policy for allocating negotiated private placement
opportunities among its clients that takes into account the
amount of each clients available cash and its investment
objectives.
To the extent that the Adviser sources and structures private
investments in MLPs, certain employees of the Adviser may become
aware of actions planned by MLPs, such as acquisitions, that may
not be announced to the public. It is possible that we could be
precluded from investing in or selling securities of an MLP
about which the Adviser has material, non-public information;
however, it is the Advisers intention to ensure that any
material, non-public information available to certain employees
of the Adviser is not shared with the employees responsible for
the purchase and sale of publicly traded MLP securities. Our
investment opportunities also may be limited by affiliations of
the Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure
companies.
The Adviser and its principals, officers, employees, and
affiliates may buy and sell securities or other investments for
their own accounts and may have actual or potential conflicts of
interest with respect to investments made on our behalf. As a
result of differing trading and investment strategies or
constraints, positions may be taken by principals, officers,
employees, and affiliates of the Adviser that are the same as,
different from, or made at a different time than positions taken
for us. Further, the Adviser may at some time in the future,
manage other investment funds with the same investment objective
as ours.
LEVERAGE
Use of
Leverage
We currently engage in leverage and may borrow money or issue
additional debt securities,
and/or issue
additional preferred stock, to provide us with additional funds
to invest. The borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred
stock and debt securities represents the leveraging of our
common stock. The issuance of additional common stock may enable
us to increase the aggregate amount of our leverage or to
maintain existing leverage. We reserve the right at any time to
use financial leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act
(50% of total assets for preferred stock and
331/3%
of total assets for senior debt securities) or we may elect to
reduce the use of leverage or use no leverage at all.
Historically, our leverage target has been up to 33% of our
total assets at the time of incurrence. Our Board of Directors
has approved a policy permitting temporary increases in the
amount of leverage we may use from 33% of our total assets to up
to 38% of our total assets at the time of incurrence, provided
that (i) such leverage is consistent with the limits set
forth in the 1940 Act, and (ii) such increased leverage is
reduced over time in an orderly fashion. We generally will not
use leverage unless we believe that leverage will serve the best
interests of our stockholders. The principal factor used in
making this determination is whether the potential return is
likely to exceed the cost of leverage. We will not issue
additional leverage where the estimated costs of issuing such
leverage and the on-going cost of servicing the payment
obligations on such leverage exceed the estimated return on the
proceeds of such leverage. We note, however, that in making the
determination of whether to issue leverage, we must rely on
estimates of leverage costs and expected returns. Actual costs
of leverage vary over time depending on interest rates and other
factors. Actual returns vary, of course, depending on many
factors. Additionally, the percentage of our assets attributable
to leverage may vary significantly during periods of extreme
market volatility and will increase during periods of declining
market prices of our portfolio holdings. Our Board also will
consider other factors, including whether the current investment
opportunities will help us achieve our investment objective and
strategies.
We have established an unsecured credit facility with
U.S. Bank N.A. serving as a lender and the lending
syndicate agent on behalf of other lenders participating in the
credit facility, which currently allows us to borrow up to
$40,000,000. During the extension of the credit facility,
outstanding balances under the credit facility accrue interest
at a variable annual rate equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus
2.00%. As of November 30, 2008, the current rate was 2.65%.
The credit facility remains in effect through June 20,
2009. We currently expect to seek to renew the credit facility
at an amount sufficient to meet our operating needs. We may draw
on the facility from time to time in accordance with our
investment policies. As of November 30, 2008, we did not
have an outstanding balance under our credit facility. As of the
date of this prospectus, we have outstanding approximately $22.3
million under the credit facility.
We also may borrow up to an additional 5% of our total assets
(not including the amount so borrowed) for temporary purposes,
including the settlement and clearance of securities
transactions, which otherwise might require untimely
dispositions of portfolio holdings.
27
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred
stock unless immediately after such issuance, the value of our
total assets (including the proceeds of such issuance) less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities is at least equal to 200% of the total of the
aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness
plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding
preferred stock. Stated another way, we may not issue preferred
stock that, together with outstanding preferred stock and debt
securities, has a total aggregate liquidation value and
outstanding principal amount of more than 50% of the value of
our total assets, including the proceeds of such issuance, less
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities. In addition, we are not permitted to declare any
cash dividend or other distribution on our common stock, or
purchase any of our shares of common stock (through tender
offers or otherwise) unless we would satisfy this 200% asset
coverage requirement test after deducting the amount of such
dividend, distribution or share price, as the case may be. We
may, as a result of market conditions or otherwise, be required
to purchase or redeem preferred stock, or sell a portion of our
investments when it may be disadvantageous to do so, in order to
maintain the required asset coverage. Common stockholders would
bear the costs of issuing additional preferred stock, which may
include offering expenses and the ongoing payment of dividends.
Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of preferred
stock. So long as Tortoise Preferred Shares are outstanding, any
preferred stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any
related prospectus supplement will rank on parity with any
outstanding Tortoise Preferred Shares.
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue debt
securities or incur other indebtedness constituting senior
securities unless immediately thereafter, the value of our total
assets (including the proceeds of the indebtedness) less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities is at least equal to 300% of the amount of the
outstanding indebtedness. Stated another way, we may not issue
debt securities or incur other indebtedness with an aggregate
principal amount of more than
331/3%
of the value of our total assets, including the amount borrowed,
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities. We also must maintain this 300% asset
coverage for as long as the indebtedness is outstanding.
The 1940 Act provides that we may not declare any cash dividend
or other distribution on common or preferred stock, or purchase
any of our shares of stock (through tender offers or otherwise),
unless we would satisfy this 300% asset coverage requirement
test after deducting the amount of the dividend, other
distribution or share purchase price, as the case may be. If the
asset coverage for indebtedness declines to less than 300% as a
result of market fluctuations or otherwise, we may be required
to redeem debt securities, or sell a portion of our investments
when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Under the 1940 Act, we
may only issue one class of senior securities representing
indebtedness. So long as Tortoise Notes are outstanding, any
debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any
related prospectus supplement will rank on parity with any
outstanding Tortoise Notes.
Hedging
Transactions
In an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure, we may use interest rate
transactions such as swaps, caps and floors. There is no
assurance that the interest rate hedging transactions into which
we enter will be effective in reducing our exposure to interest
rate risk. Hedging transactions are subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that payment on our hedging transactions may
not correlate exactly with our payment obligations on senior
securities. The use of interest rate transactions is a highly
specialized activity that involves investment techniques and
risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio
security transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree
to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is
known as the counterparty) a fixed rate payment in
exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to us a variable
rate payment intended to approximate our variable rate payment
obligations on outstanding leverage. The payment obligations
would be based on the notional amount of the swap. In an
interest rate cap, we would pay a premium to the counterparty up
to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified
variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate of
interest, would receive from the counterparty payments equal to
the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. In an
interest rate floor, we would be entitled to receive, to the
extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined
interest rate, payments of interest on a notional principal
amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. Depending
on the state of interest rates in general, our use of interest
rate transactions could affect our ability to make required
interest or dividend payments on our outstanding leverage. To
the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of
the interest rate transactions could decline. If the
counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, we would
not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the
interest rate transaction to offset our cost of financial
leverage.
28
We may, but are not obligated to, enter into interest rate swap
transactions intended to reduce our interest rate risk with
respect to our interest and dividend payment obligations under
our outstanding leverage. See Risk Factors
Company Risks Hedging Strategy Risk.
Effects
of Leverage
As of November 30, 2008, we were obligated to pay the
following rates on our outstanding Tortoise Notes and Tortoise
Preferred Shares.
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Aggregate Principal
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Remaining
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Amount/Liquidation
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Term of Current
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Interest/Dividend
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Title of Security
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Preference
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Rate Period
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Rate per Annum
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Tortoise Notes:
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Series A Auction Rate Senior
Notes(1)
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$
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60,000,000
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|
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3.8 years
through 9/4/12
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6.75
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%
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Series E Senior
Notes(2)
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$
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150,000,000
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6.4 years
through 4/10/15
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|
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6.11
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%
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Tortoise Preferred Shares:
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Series I Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares(1)
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$
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35,000,000
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1.8 years
through 9/12/10
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6.25
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%
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Series II Tortoise Auction Preferred
Shares(1)
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$
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35,000,000
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1.8 years
through 9/8/10
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6.25
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%
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$
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280,000,000
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(1)
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Does not include commissions paid
by us in connection with the establishment of a special rate
period. See Notes 10 and 11 of the accompanying notes to
our audited 2008 financial statements.
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(2)
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Does not include commissions paid
by us in connection with the issuance of these Senior Notes.
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Assuming that the dividend rates payable on the Tortoise
Preferred Shares and the interest rates payable on the Tortoise
Notes remain as described above (an average annual cost of 6.40%
based on the amount of leverage outstanding at November 30,
2008), the annual return that our portfolio must experience net
of expenses, but excluding deferred and current taxes, in order
to cover leverage costs would be 3.82%.
The following table is designed to illustrate the effect of the
foregoing level of leverage on the return to a common
stockholder, assuming hypothetical annual returns (net of
expenses) of our portfolio of -10% to 10%. As the table shows,
the leverage generally increases the return to common
stockholders when portfolio return is positive or greater than
the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio
return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The
figures appearing in the table are hypothetical, and actual
returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
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Assumed Portfolio Return (net of expenses)
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−10
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%
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−5
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%
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|
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0
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%
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|
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5
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%
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|
|
10
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%
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Corresponding Common Share Return
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|
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−23.6
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%
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−15.0
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%
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−6.4
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%
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2.3
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%
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10.9
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%
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Because we use leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the
Adviser for investment advisory and management services are
higher than if we did not use leverage because the fees paid are
calculated based on our Managed Assets, which include assets
purchased with leverage. Therefore, the Adviser has a financial
incentive to use leverage, which creates a conflict of interest
between the Adviser and our common stockholders. Because
payments on any leverage would be paid by us at a specified
rate, only our common stockholders would bear management fees
and other expenses we incur.
We cannot fully achieve the benefits of leverage until we have
invested the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage in
accordance with our investment objective and policies. For
further information about leverage, see Risk
Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders Leverage Risk.
Recent
Developments
In early 2008, the markets for auction rate securities began to
fail and have continued to do so as of the date of this
prospectus. A failed auction results when there are not enough
bidders in the auction rates below the maximum rate as
prescribed by the terms of the security. When an auction fails,
the rate is automatically set at the
29
maximum rate. A failed auction does not cause an acceleration
of, or otherwise have any impact on, outstanding principal
amounts due, or in the case of preferred stock, the
securitys liquidation preference. In the case of our
outstanding auction rate securities, the maximum rate under the
terms of those securities has been two hundred percent of the
greater of: (i) the applicable AA Composite Commercial
Paper Rate or the applicable Treasury Index Rate or
(ii) the applicable LIBOR.
As a result of the developments in the auction markets, we have
taken steps to reduce our exposure to the uncertainty and
volatility of the auction markets. These steps include declaring
special rate periods for certain series of senior securities,
which fixes our costs for a longer-term period and refinancing
some or our auction rate securities with privately-placed Senior
Notes. As of the date of this prospectus, we had outstanding
$240,000,000 in long-term leverage, with $60 million
aggregate principal amount of Auction Rate Senior Notes and
$70 million aggregate liquidation value of Tortoise
Preferred Shares remaining in the auction market. Our remaining
outstanding long-term leverage consists of Senior Notes which
pay interest at a fixed rate. None of our outstanding auction
rate securities are presently subject to
7-day or
28-day
auctions, but are subject to extended interest/dividend rate
periods in order to reduce our exposure to LIBOR rates, with
such periods ending from September 2010 to September 2012 as
reflected in the table above. During these extended rate
periods, each series has a fixed interest or dividend rate, is
not available for purchase or sale in an auction and is not
subject to redemption at our option but remains subject to
mandatory redemption provisions under the indenture dated as of
July 14, 2004 (the Indenture) or corresponding
articles supplementary, as applicable. We may issue additional
senior securities, including senior notes, to refinance our
remaining auction rate securities. Common stockholders will bear
the costs of these refinancing efforts.
Additionally, our capital structure was adversely affected by
the deepening problems in the broad stock market and the
resulting dramatic decline in the value of MLP investments. As a
result, we were required to sell investments at inopportune
times to reduce our outstanding leverage to comply with the
coverage ratios as mandated by the 1940 Act and our loan
documents. See Risk Factors Additional Risks
to Common Stockholders Leverage Risk.
30
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in any of our securities involves risk, including
the risk that you may receive little or no return on your
investment or even that you may lose part or all of your
investment. Therefore, before investing in any of our securities
you should consider carefully the following risks, as well as
any risk factors included in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Company
Risks
We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment
company designed primarily as a long-term investment vehicle and
not as a trading tool. An investment in our securities should
not constitute a complete investment program for any investor
and involves a high degree of risk. Due to the uncertainty in
all investments, there can be no assurance that we will achieve
our investment objective.
The following are the general risks of investing in our
securities that affect our ability to achieve our investment
objective. The risks below could lower the returns and
distributions on common stock and reduce the amount of cash and
net assets available to make dividend payments on preferred
stock and interest payments on debt securities.
Recent Developments Risk. Our capital
structure and performance was adversely impacted by the weakness
in the credit markets and broad stock market, and the resulting
rapid and dramatic declines in the value of MLPs that occurred
in late 2008, and may continue to be adversely affected if the
weakness in the credit and stock markets continue. If our NAV
declines or remains volatile, there is an increased risk that we
may be required to reduce outstanding leverage, which could
adversely affect our stock price and ability to pay
distributions at historical levels. A sustained economic
slowdown may adversely affect the ability of MLPs to sustain
their historical distribution levels, which in turn, may
adversely affect our ability to sustain distributions at
historical levels. MLPs that have historically relied heavily on
outside capital to fund their growth have been impacted by the
slowdown in capital markets. The recovery of the MLP sector is
dependent on several factors including the recovery of the
financial sector, the general economy and the commodity markets.
Measures taken by the U.S. Government to stimulate the
U.S. economy may not be successful or may not have the
intended effect.
Concentration Risk. Under normal
circumstances, we concentrate our investments in the energy
infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on securities issued by
MLPs. Risks inherent in the energy infrastructure business of
these types of MLPs include the following:
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Processing and coal MLPs may be directly affected by energy
commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices can
indirectly affect certain other MLPs due to the impact of prices
on volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or
distributed. Pipeline MLPs are not subject to direct commodity
price exposure because they do not own the underlying energy
commodity. While propane MLPs do own the underlying energy
commodity, the Adviser seeks high quality MLPs that are able to
mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price
levels. The MLP sector can be hurt by market perception that
MLPs performance and distributions are directly tied to
commodity prices.
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The profitability of MLPs, particularly processing and pipeline
MLPs, may be materially impacted by the volume of natural gas or
other energy commodities available for transporting, processing,
storing or distributing. A significant decrease in the
production of natural gas, oil, coal or other energy
commodities, due to a decline in production from existing
facilities, import supply disruption, depressed commodity prices
or otherwise, would reduce revenue and operating income of MLPs
and, therefore, the ability of MLPs to make distributions to
partners.
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A sustained decline in demand for crude oil, natural gas and
refined petroleum products could adversely affect MLP revenues
and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market
demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions,
an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity,
higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or
a shift in consumer demand for such products. Demand may also be
adversely impacted by consumer sentiment with respect to global
warming
and/or by
any state or federal legislation intended to promote the use of
alternative energy sources, such as bio-fuels.
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A portion of any one MLPs assets may be dedicated to
natural gas reserves and other commodities that naturally
deplete over time, which could have a materially adverse impact
on an MLPs ability to make distributions. Often the MLPs
depend upon exploration and development activities by third
parties.
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MLPs employ a variety of means of increasing cash flow,
including increasing utilization of existing facilities,
expanding operations through new construction, expanding
operations through acquisitions, or securing additional
long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs may be subject to
construction risk, acquisition risk or other risk factors
arising from their specific business strategies. A significant
slowdown in large energy companies disposition of energy
infrastructure assets and other merger and acquisition activity
in the energy MLP industry could reduce the growth rate of cash
flows we receive from MLPs that grow through acquisitions.
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The profitability of MLPs could be adversely affected by changes
in the regulatory environment. Most MLPs assets are
heavily regulated by federal and state governments in diverse
matters, such as the way in which certain MLP assets are
constructed, maintained and operated and the prices MLPs may
charge for their services. Such regulation can change over time
in scope and intensity. For example, a particular byproduct of
an MLP process may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency
and unexpectedly increase production costs. Moreover, many state
and federal environmental laws provide for civil as well as
regulatory remediation, thus adding to the potential exposure an
MLP may face.
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Extreme weather patterns, such as hurricane Ivan in 2004 and
hurricane Katrina in 2005, could result in significant
volatility in the supply of energy and power and could adversely
impact the value of the securities in which we invest. This
volatility may create fluctuations in commodity prices and
earnings of companies in the energy infrastructure industry.
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A rising interest rate environment could adversely impact the
performance of MLPs. Rising interest rates could limit the
capital appreciation of equity units of MLPs as a result of the
increased availability of alternative investments at competitive
yields with MLPs. Rising interest rates also may increase an
MLPs cost of capital. A higher cost of capital could limit
growth from acquisition/expansion projects and limit MLP
distribution growth rates.
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Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the
U.S. Government has issued public warnings indicating that
energy assets, specifically those related to pipeline
infrastructure, production facilities and transmission and
distribution facilities, might be specific targets of terrorist
activity. The continued threat of terrorism and related military
activity likely will increase volatility for prices in natural
gas and oil and could affect the market for products of MLPs.
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Holders of MLP units are subject to certain risks inherent in
the partnership structure of MLPs including (1) tax risks
(described below), (2) limited ability to elect or remove
management, (3) limited voting rights, except with respect
to extraordinary transactions, and (4) conflicts of
interest of the general partner, including those arising from
incentive distribution payments.
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Industry Specific Risk. Energy infrastructure
companies also are subject to risks specific to the industry
they serve.
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Pipeline MLPs are subject to demand for crude oil or refined
products in the markets served by the pipeline, sharp decreases
in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to
curtail production or reduce capital spending for exploration
activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline,
which accounts for a substantial portion of refined product
transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions
in the markets served, and demographic and seasonal factors.
Pipeline MLP unit prices are primarily driven by distribution
growth rates and prospects for distribution growth. Pipeline
MLPs are subject to regulation by FERC with respect to tariff
rates these companies may charge for pipeline transportation
services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the
tariff rates of a pipeline MLP could have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of that pipeline MLP and its ability
to make cash distributions to its equity owners.
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Processing MLPs are subject to declines in production of natural
gas fields, which utilize the processing facilities as a way to
market the gas, prolonged depression in the price of natural gas
or crude oil refining,
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which curtails production due to lack of drilling activity and
declines in the prices of natural gas liquids products and
natural gas prices, resulting in lower processing margins.
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Propane MLPs are subject to earnings variability based upon
weather patterns in the locations where the company operates and
the wholesale cost of propane sold to end customers. Propane MLP
unit prices are based on safety in distribution coverage ratios,
interest rate environment and, to a lesser extent, distribution
growth.
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Coal MLPs are subject to demand variability based on favorable
weather conditions, strong or weak domestic economy, the level
of coal stockpiles in the customer base, and the general level
of prices of competing sources of fuel for electric generation.
They also are subject to supply variability based on the
geological conditions that reduce productivity of mining
operations, regulatory permits for mining activities and the
availability of coal that meets Clean Air Act standards. Demand
and prices for coal may also be impacted by current and proposed
laws, regulations
and/or
trends, at the federal, state or local levels, to impose
limitations on chemical emissions from coal-fired power plants
and other coal end-users. Any such limitations may reduce the
demand for coal produced, transported or delivered by coal MLPs.
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Marine shipping MLPs are subject to the demand for, and the
level of consumption of, refined petroleum products, crude oil
or natural gas in the markets served by the marine shipping
MLPs, which in turn could affect the demand for tank vessel
capacity and charter rates. These MLPs vessels and their
cargoes are also subject to the risks of being damaged or lost
due to marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures,
grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, piracy,
and war and terrorism.
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MLP Risk. We invest primarily in equity
securities of MLPs. As a result, we are subject to the risks
associated with an investment in MLPs, including cash flow risk,
tax risk, deferred tax risk and capital market risk, as
described in more detail below.
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Cash Flow Risk. We derive
substantially all of our cash flow from investments in equity
securities of MLPs. The amount of cash that we have available to
pay or distribute to holders of our securities depends entirely
on the ability of MLPs whose securities we hold to make
distributions to their partners and the tax character of those
distributions. We have no control over the actions of underlying
MLPs. The amount of cash that each individual MLP can distribute
to its partners will depend on the amount of cash it generates
from operations, which will vary from quarter to quarter
depending on factors affecting the energy infrastructure market
generally and on factors affecting the particular business lines
of the MLP. Available cash will also depend on the MLPs
level of operating costs (including incentive distributions to
the general partner), level of capital expenditures, debt
service requirements, acquisition costs (if any), fluctuations
in working capital needs and other factors.
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Tax Risk of MLPs. Our ability to meet
our investment objective will depend on the level of taxable
income, dividends and distributions we receive from the MLPs and
other securities of energy infrastructure companies in which we
invest, a factor over which we have no control. The benefit we
derive from our investment in MLPs depends largely on the MLPs
being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
As a partnership, an MLP has no federal income tax liability at
the entity level. If, as a result of a change in current law or
a change in an MLPs business, an MLP were treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, the MLP would be
obligated to pay federal income tax on its income at the
corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as a corporation
for federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available
for distribution would be reduced and the distributions we
receive might be taxed entirely as dividend income. Therefore,
treatment of one or more MLPs as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes could affect our ability to meet our
investment objective and would reduce the amount of cash
available to pay or distribute to holders of our securities.
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Deferred Tax Risks of MLPs. As a
limited partner in the MLPs in which we invest, we will receive
a pro rata share of income, gains, losses and deductions from
those MLPs. Historically, a significant portion of income from
such MLPs has been offset by tax deductions. We will incur a
current tax liability on that portion of an MLPs income
and gains that is not offset by tax deductions and losses. The
percentage of an MLPs income and gains which is offset by
tax deductions and losses will fluctuate over
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time for various reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition
activity by MLPs held in our portfolio could result in a
reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new
acquisitions, which may result in increased current income tax
liability to us.
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We will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax
liability associated with that portion of MLP distributions
considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well as
capital appreciation of our investments. Upon the sale of an MLP
security, we may be liable for previously deferred taxes. We
will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs,
which is not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax
liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and
determining our NAV. From time to time we will modify our
estimates or assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability as
new information becomes available.
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Capital Market Risk. Global financial
markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be,
volatile due to a variety of factors, including significant
write-offs in the financial services sector. As a result, the
cost of raising capital in the debt and equity capital markets
has increased substantially while the ability to raise capital
from those markets has diminished significantly. In particular,
as a result of concerns about the general stability of financial
markets and specifically the solvency of lending counterparties,
the cost of raising capital from the credit markets generally
has increased as many lenders and institutional investors have
increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards,
refused to refinance debt on existing terms or at all and
reduced, or in some cases ceased to provide, funding to
borrowers. In addition, lending counterparties under existing
revolving credit facilities and other debt instruments may be
unwilling or unable to meet their funding obligations. Due to
these factors, MLPs may be unable to obtain new debt or equity
financing on acceptable terms. If funding is not available when
needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, MLPs may not
be able to meet their obligations as they come due. Moreover,
without adequate funding, MLPs may be unable to execute their
growth strategies, complete future acquisitions, take advantage
of other business opportunities or respond to competitive
pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on
their revenues and results of operations.
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Equity Securities Risk. MLP common units and
other equity securities can be affected by macro-economic and
other factors affecting the stock market in general,
expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards MLPs
or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuers
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor
performance of a particular issuer (in the case of MLPs,
generally measured in terms of DCF). Prices of common units of
individual MLPs and other equity securities also can be affected
by fundamentals unique to the partnership or company, including
size, earnings power, coverage ratios and characteristics and
features of different classes of securities.
Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater
risk than is associated with investing in more established
companies. Companies with smaller capitalization may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack
management depth or experience; and may be more vulnerable to
adverse general market or economic developments than larger more
established companies.
Because MLP convertible subordinated units generally convert to
common units on a one-to-one ratio, the price that we can be
expected to pay upon purchase or to realize upon resale is
generally tied to the common unit price less a discount. The
size of the discount varies depending on a variety of factors
including the likelihood of conversion, and the length of time
remaining to conversion, and the size of the block purchased.
The price of I-Shares and their volatility tend to be correlated
to the price of common units, although the price correlation is
not precise.
Hedging Strategy Risk. We may use interest
rate transactions for hedging purposes only, in an attempt to
reduce the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital
structure. There is no assurance that the interest rate hedging
transactions into which we enter will be effective in reducing
our exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging transactions are
subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that payment on
our hedging transactions may not correlate exactly with our
payment obligations on senior securities.
Interest rate transactions that we may use for hedging purposes
will expose us to certain risks that differ from the risks
associated with our portfolio holdings. There are economic costs
of hedging reflected in the price of
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interest rate swaps, floors, caps and similar techniques, the
costs of which can be significant, particularly when long-term
interest rates are substantially above short-term rates. In
addition, our success in using hedging instruments is subject to
the Advisers ability to predict correctly changes in the
relationships of such hedging instruments to our leverage risk,
and there can be no assurance that the Advisers judgment
in this respect will be accurate. Consequently, the use of
hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall
performance, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if we had
not engaged in such transactions.
Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of
interest rate transactions could enhance or decrease the cash
available to us for payment of distributions, dividends or
interest, as the case may be. To the extent there is a decline
in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps or caps
could decline, and result in a decline in our net assets. In
addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate transaction
defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated net
receipts under the interest rate swap or cap to offset our cost
of financial leverage.
Competition Risk. At the time we completed our
initial public offering in February 2004, we were the only
publicly traded investment company offering access to a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs. Since that time a
number of alternatives to us as vehicles for investment in a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs, including other
publicly traded investment companies and private funds, have
emerged. In addition, federal income tax law changes have
increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other
institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may
adversely impact our ability to meet our investment objective,
which in turn could adversely impact our ability to make
interest or dividend payments.
Restricted Security Risk. We may invest up to
30% of total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. Restricted securities are less liquid than
securities traded in the open market because of statutory and
contractual restrictions on resale. Such securities are,
therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the open market,
which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is
adequate. As discussed further below, this lack of liquidity
creates special risks for us. However, we could sell such
securities in privately negotiated transactions with a limited
number of purchasers or in public offerings under the
1933 Act. MLP convertible subordinated units convert to
publicly-traded common units upon the passage of time
and/or
satisfaction of certain financial tests. Although the means by
which convertible subordinated units convert into senior common
units depend on a securitys specific terms, MLP
convertible subordinated units typically are exchanged for
common shares.
Restricted securities are subject to statutory and contractual
restrictions on their public resale, which may make it more
difficult to value them, may limit our ability to dispose of
them and may lower the amount we could realize upon their sale.
To enable us to sell our holdings of a restricted security not
registered under the 1933 Act, we may have to cause those
securities to be registered. The expenses of registering
restricted securities may be negotiated by us with the issuer at
the time we buy the securities. When we must arrange
registration because we wish to sell the security, a
considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is
made to sell the security and the time the security is
registered so that we could sell it. We would bear the risks of
any downward price fluctuation during that period.
Liquidity Risk. Although common units of MLPs
trade on the NYSE, NYSE Alternext U.S. (formerly known as
AMEX), and the NASDAQ National Market, certain MLP securities
may trade less frequently than those of larger companies due to
their smaller capitalizations. In the event certain MLP
securities experience limited trading volumes, the prices of
such MLPs may display abrupt or erratic movements at times.
Additionally, it may be more difficult for us to buy and sell
significant amounts of such securities without an unfavorable
impact on prevailing market prices. As a result, these
securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the
times when we believe it is desirable to do so. Investment of
our capital in securities that are less actively traded or over
time experience decreased trading volume may restrict our
ability to take advantage of other market opportunities or to
dispose of securities. This also may affect adversely our
ability to make required interest payments on the debt
securities and dividend distributions on the preferred stock, to
redeem such securities, or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Valuation Risk. Market prices generally will
not be available for MLP convertible subordinated units, or
securities of private companies, and the value of such
investments ordinarily will be determined based on fair
valuations determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board of Directors. Similarly, common units
acquired through direct placements will be valued based on fair
value determinations because of
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their restricted nature; however, the Adviser expects that such
values will be based on a discount from publicly available
market prices. Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid
secondary market may adversely affect our ability to determine
our NAV. The sale price of securities that are not readily
marketable may be lower or higher than our most recent
determination of their fair value. Additionally, the value of
these securities typically requires more reliance on the
judgment of the Adviser than that required for securities for
which there is an active trading market. Due to the difficulty
in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading
market for these investments, we may not be able to realize
these securities true value, or may have to delay their
sale in order to do so. This may affect adversely our ability to
make required interest payments on the debt securities and
dividend distributions on the preferred stock, to redeem such
securities, or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Nondiversification Risk. We are a
nondiversified, closed-end management investment company under
the 1940 Act and are not treated as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, there are
no regulatory limits under the 1940 Act or the Internal Revenue
Code on the number or size of securities that we hold and we may
invest more assets in fewer issuers as compared to a diversified
fund. There currently are approximately 70 companies
presently organized as MLPs and only a limited number of those
companies operate energy infrastructure assets. We select MLP
investments from this small pool of issuers. We may invest in
non-MLP securities issued by energy infrastructure companies to
a lesser degree, consistent with our investment objective and
policies.
Tax Risk. Because we are treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, our financial
statements reflect deferred tax assets or liabilities according
to generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred tax assets
may constitute a relatively high percentage of NAV. Realization
of deferred tax assets including net operating loss and capital
loss carryforwards, are dependent, in part, on generating
sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character prior to
expiration of the loss carryforwards. Unexpected significant
decreases in MLP cash distributions or significant declines in
the fair value of our MLP investments, among other factors, may
change our assessment regarding the recoverability of deferred
tax assets and would likely result in a valuation allowance, or
recording of a larger allowance. If a valuation allowance is
required to reduce the deferred tax asset in the future, it
could have a material impact on our NAV and results of
operations in the period it is recorded. Conversely, in periods
of generally increasing MLP prices, we will accrue a deferred
tax liability to the extent the fair value of our assets exceeds
our tax basis. We may incur significant tax liability during
periods in which gains on MLP investments are realized.
Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when market
interest rates rise, the values of debt securities decline, and
vice versa. Our investment in such securities means that the NAV
and market price of our common stock will tend to decline if
market interest rates rise. During periods of declining interest
rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to
prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing us to reinvest
in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or
prepayment risk. Lower grade securities frequently have call
features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior
to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem a lower grade
obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost
due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit
standing of the issuer.
Below Investment Grade Securities
Risk. Investing in lower grade debt instruments
involves additional risks than investment grade securities.
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity of a below investment grade issuer to
make principal payments and interest payments than an investment
grade issuer. An economic downturn could adversely affect the
ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their obligations
or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Similarly,
downturns in profitability in the energy infrastructure industry
could adversely affect the ability of below investment grade
issuers in that industry to meet their obligations. The market
values of lower quality securities tend to reflect individual
developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher
quality securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the
general level of interest rates.
The secondary market for below investment grade securities may
not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated
securities. There are fewer dealers in the market for below
investment grade securities than investment grade obligations.
The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly,
and the spread between the bid and asked price is generally much
larger than for higher quality instruments. Under adverse market
or economic conditions, the secondary market for below
investment grade securities could
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contract further, independent of any specific adverse change in
the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may
become illiquid. As a result, it may be more difficult to sell
these securities or we may be able to sell the securities only
at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. This
may affect adversely our ability to make required dividend or
interest payments on our outstanding senior securities. Prices
realized upon the sale of such lower-rated or unrated
securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the
prices used in calculating our NAV.
Because investors generally perceive that there are greater
risks associated with lower quality securities of the type in
which we may invest a portion of our assets, the yields and
prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those
for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of
the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of
issuers creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and
in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality
segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater
yield and price volatility.
Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of below
investment grade securities may have an adverse effect on our
NAV and the market value of our common stock. In addition, we
may incur additional expenses to the extent we are required to
seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest
on our portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, we may be
required to foreclose on an issuers assets and take
possession of its property or operations. In such circumstances,
we would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and
potential liabilities from operating any business acquired.
Counterparty Risk. We may be subject to credit
risk with respect to the counterparties to certain derivative
agreements entered into by us. If a counterparty becomes
bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a
derivative contract due to financial difficulties, we may
experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under
the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization
proceeding. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain
no recovery in such circumstances.
Effects of Terrorism. The U.S. securities
markets are subject to disruption as a result of terrorist
activities, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center on September 11, 2001; the war in Iraq and its
aftermath; other hostilities; and other geopolitical events.
Such events have led, and in the future may lead, to short-term
market volatility and may have long-term effects on the
U.S. economy and markets.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Our Charter and
Bylaws include provisions that could delay, defer or prevent
other entities or persons from acquiring control of us, causing
us to engage in certain transactions or modifying our structure.
These provisions may be regarded as anti-takeover
provisions. Such provisions could limit the ability of common
stockholders to sell their shares at a premium over the
then-current market prices by discouraging a third party from
seeking to obtain control of us. See Certain Provisions in
the Companys Charter and Bylaws.
Management Risk. The Adviser was formed in
October 2002 to provide portfolio management to institutional
and high-net
worth investors seeking professional management of their MLP
investments. The Adviser has been managing investments in
portfolios of MLP investments since that time, including since
February 2004, management of our investments, and management of
three other publicly-traded and two privately held closed-end
management investment companies. As of March 31, 2009, the
Adviser had client assets under management of approximately
$1.7 billion. To the extent that the Advisers assets
under management continue to grow, the Adviser may have to hire
additional personnel and, to the extent it is unable to hire
qualified individuals, its operations may be adversely affected.
Additional
Risks to Common Stockholders
Leverage Risk. Our use of leverage through the
issuance of Tortoise Preferred Shares and Tortoise Notes along
with the issuance of any additional preferred stock or debt
securities, and any additional borrowings or other transactions
involving indebtedness (other than for temporary or emergency
purposes) are or would be considered senior
securities for purposes of the 1940 Act and create risks.
Leverage is a speculative technique that may adversely affect
common stockholders. If the return on securities acquired with
borrowed funds or other leverage proceeds does not exceed the
cost of the leverage, the use of leverage could cause us to lose
money. Successful use of leverage depends on the Advisers
ability to predict or hedge correctly interest rates and market
movements, and there is no assurance that the use of a
leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in
which it is used.
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Because the fee paid to the Adviser will be calculated on the
basis of Managed Assets, the fees will increase when leverage is
utilized, giving the Adviser an incentive to utilize leverage.
Our issuance of senior securities involves offering expenses and
other costs, including interest payments, which are borne
indirectly by our common stockholders. Fluctuations in interest
rates could increase interest or dividend payments on our senior
securities, and could reduce cash available for dividends on
common stock. Increased operating costs, including the financing
cost associated with any leverage, may reduce our total return
to common stockholders.
The 1940 Act
and/or the
rating agency guidelines applicable to senior securities impose
asset coverage requirements, dividend limitations, voting right
requirements (in the case of the senior equity securities), and
restrictions on our portfolio composition and our use of certain
investment techniques and strategies. The terms of any senior
securities or other borrowings may impose additional
requirements, restrictions and limitations that are more
stringent than those currently required by the 1940 Act, and the
guidelines of the rating agencies that rate outstanding senior
securities. These requirements may have an adverse effect on us
and may affect our ability to pay distributions on common stock
and preferred stock. To the extent necessary, we intend to
redeem our senior securities to maintain the required asset
coverage. Doing so may require that we liquidate portfolio
securities at a time when it would not otherwise be desirable to
do so. Nevertheless, it is not anticipated that the 1940 Act
requirements, the terms of any senior securities or the rating
agency guidelines will impede the Adviser in managing our
portfolio in accordance with our investment objective and
policies. See Leverage Use of Leverage
and Recent Developments.
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
stock (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
stock. An increase in the number of common shares available may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common stock.
Our ability to sell shares of common stock below NAV may
increase this pressure. These sales also might make it more
difficult for us to sell additional equity securities in the
future at a time and price we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
stockholders will be diluted to the extent that current
stockholders do not purchase shares in any future common stock
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we sell shares of common
stock below NAV, our NAV will fall immediately after such
issuance. See Description of Securities Common
Stock Issuance of Additional Shares which
includes a table reflecting the dilutive effect of selling our
common stock below NAV.
If we are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as
intended, our per share distribution may decrease and we may not
participate in market advances to the same extent as if such
proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. Our common stock has
traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV.
We cannot predict whether our shares will trade in the future at
a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, but in some
cases have traded above NAV. Continued development of
alternatives as a vehicle for investment in MLP securities may
contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or may result
in our shares trading at a discount. The risk of the shares of
common stock trading at a discount is a risk separate from the
risk of a decline in our NAV as a result of investment
activities. Our NAV will be reduced immediately following an
offering of our common or preferred stock, due to the offering
costs for such stock, which are borne entirely by us. Although
we also bear the offering costs of debt securities, such costs
are amortized over time and therefore do not impact our NAV
immediately following an offering.
Whether stockholders will realize a gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes upon the sale of our common stock depends
upon whether the market value of the common shares at the time
of sale is above or below the stockholders basis in such
shares, taking into account transaction costs, and is not
directly dependent upon our NAV. Because the market value of our
common stock will be determined by factors such as the relative
demand for and supply of the shares in the market, general
market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we
cannot predict whether our common stock will trade at, below or
above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for
common stock.
38
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Generally, an investment in preferred stock or debt securities
(collectively, senior securities) is subject to the
following risks:
Interest Rate Risk. Dividends and interest
payable on our senior securities are subject to interest rate
risk. To the extent that dividends or interest on such
securities are based on short-term rates, our leverage costs may
rise so that the amount of dividends or interest due to holders
of senior securities would exceed the cash flow generated by our
portfolio securities. To the extent that our leverage costs are
fixed, our leverage costs may increase when our special rate
periods terminate or our debt securities mature. This might
require that we sell portfolio securities at a time when we
would otherwise not do so, which may adversely affect our future
ability to generate cash flow. In addition, rising market
interest rates could negatively impact the value of our
investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets serving as
asset coverage for senior securities. See
Recent Developments.
Senior Leverage Risk. Preferred stock will be
junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution rights to
debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior securities
representing indebtedness may constitute a substantial lien and
burden on preferred stock by reason of their prior claim against
our income and against our net assets in liquidation. We may not
be permitted to declare dividends or other distributions with
respect to any series of preferred stock unless at such time we
meet applicable asset coverage requirements and the payment of
principal or interest is not in default with respect to the
Tortoise Notes or any other borrowings.
Our debt securities, upon issuance, are expected to be unsecured
obligations and, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, will rank: (1) senior to all of our outstanding common
stock and any outstanding preferred stock; (2) on a parity
with any of our unsecured creditors and any unsecured senior
securities representing our indebtedness; and (3) junior to
any of our secured creditors. Secured creditors of ours may
include, without limitation, parties entering into interest rate
swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions
with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests,
security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with a security. A
rating agency could downgrade the rating of our shares of
preferred stock or debt securities, which may make such
securities less liquid in the secondary market, though probably
with higher resulting interest rates. If a rating agency
downgrades, or indicates a potential downgrade to, the rating
assigned to a senior security, we may alter our portfolio or
redeem some senior securities. We may voluntarily redeem a
senior security under certain circumstances to the extent
permitted by its governing documents.
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred stock or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred stock or debt securities
and the dividend payable to holders of preferred stock or
interest payable to holders of debt securities declines.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our NAV may impair our ability to maintain required
levels of asset coverage for our preferred stock or debt
securities.
39
MANAGEMENT
OF THE COMPANY
Directors
and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our
Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors provides
broad supervision over our affairs, including supervision of the
duties performed by the Adviser. Our officers are responsible
for our day-to-day operations. The names and business addresses
of our directors and officers, together with their principal
occupations and other affiliations during the past five years,
are set forth in the statement of additional information. The
Board of Directors consists of a majority of directors who are
not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Adviser or its affiliates.
Investment
Adviser
Pursuant to an advisory agreement, the Adviser provides us with
investment research and advice and furnishes us with an
investment program consistent with our investment objective and
policies, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser
determines which portfolio securities will be purchased or sold,
arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those
orders, maintains books and records with respect to our
securities transactions and reports to the Board on our
investments and performance.
The Adviser is located at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300,
Leawood, Kansas 66211. The Adviser specializes in managing
portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy companies.
The Adviser was formed in October 2002 to provide portfolio
management services to institutional and
high-net
worth investors seeking professional management of their MLP
investments. As of March 31, 2009, the Adviser had
approximately $1.7 billion of client assets under
management. The Advisers investment committee is comprised
of five seasoned portfolio managers.
The Adviser also serves as investment adviser to Tortoise Energy
Capital Corporation (TYY) and Tortoise North
American Energy Corporation (TYN), which are
nondiversified, closed-end investment management companies, and
managed accounts that invest in MLPs. TYY, which commenced
operations on May 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity
securities of MLPs and their affiliates in the energy
infrastructure sector. TYN, which commenced operations on
October 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity securities of
companies in the energy sector whose primary operations are in
North America. The Adviser also serves as the investment adviser
to Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation (TTO), a
non-diversified closed-end management investment company that
has elected to be regulated as a business development company
under the 1940 Act. TTO, which commenced operations on
December 8, 2005, invests primarily in privately held and
micro-cap public energy companies operating in the midstream and
downstream segments, and to a lesser extent the upstream
segment. In addition, the Adviser serves as the investment
adviser to two privately held, closed-end management investment
companies. To the extent certain MLP securities or other energy
infrastructure company securities meet our investment objective
and the objectives of other investment companies or accounts
managed by the Adviser, we may compete with such companies or
accounts for the same investment opportunities.
FCM Tortoise, L.L.C. (FCM) and Kansas City Equity
Partners LC (KCEP) control our Adviser through their
equity ownership and management rights in our Adviser. FCM has
no operations and serves as a holding company. FCMs
ownership interest was held by Fountain Capital Management,
L.L.C. (Fountain Capital). Fountain Capitals
ownership in our Adviser was transferred to FCM, a recently
formed entity with the same principals as Fountain Capital,
effective as of August 2, 2007. The transfer did not result
in a change in control of our Adviser. KCEP was formed in 1993
and previously managed two private equity funds that have both
wound up operations. KCEP has no operations and serves as a
holding company.
The Adviser has 33 full-time employees, including the five
members of the investment committee of the Adviser.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility
of the Advisers investment committee. The investment
committees members are H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel,
Kenneth P. Malvey, Terry C. Matlack and David J. Schulte, all of
whom share responsibility for such investment management. It is
the policy of the investment committee that any one member can
require the Adviser to sell a security and any one member can
40
veto the committees decision to invest in a security. Each
committee member has been a portfolio manager since we commenced
operations in February 2004.
H. Kevin Birzer. Mr. Birzer has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Member of Fountain Capital. Mr. Birzer has also served as a
Director of ours since inception and of each of TYY, TYN, TTO,
and two privately-held funds each managed by our Adviser since
inception. Mr. Birzer, who joined Fountain Capital in 1990,
has 22 years of investment experience including 19 in
high-yield securities. Mr. Birzer began his career with
Peat Marwick. His subsequent experience includes three years
working as a Vice President for F. Martin Koenig &
Co., focusing on equity and option investments, and three years
at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he was a Vice President in the
Corporate Finance Department. Mr. Birzer graduated with a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University
of Notre Dame and holds a Master of Business Administration
degree from New York University. He earned his CFA designation
in 1988.
Zachary A. Hamel. Mr. Hamel has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Partner with Fountain Capital. Mr. Hamel has served as our
Senior Vice President since April 2007 and as Senior Vice
President of TYY and TTO since 2005 and of TYN and two
privately-held funds each managed by our Adviser since 2007.
Mr. Hamel also served as our Secretary from inception to
April 2007 and as Secretary of TYY, TYN, and TTO from their
inception to April 2007. Mr. Hamel joined Fountain Capital
in 1997. He covered the energy, chemicals and utilities sectors.
Prior to joining Fountain Capital, Mr. Hamel worked for the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for
eight years as a Bank Examiner and a Regional Capital Markets
Specialist. Mr. Hamel graduated from Kansas State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration. He also attained a Master in Business
Administration from the University of Kansas School of Business.
He earned his CFA designation in 1998.
Kenneth P. Malvey. Mr. Malvey has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Partner with Fountain Capital. Mr. Malvey has served as our
Treasurer and as Treasurer of TYY and TYN since November 2005,
of TTO since September 2005, and of the two private investment
companies since 2007; as Senior Vice President of TYY and TTO
since 2005, and of TYN and the two private investment companies
since 2007; as Assistant Treasurer of TYY and TYN from their
inception to November 2005; and as Chief Executive Officer of
one of the private investment companies since December 2008.
Prior to joining Fountain Capital in 2002, Mr. Malvey was
one of three members of the Global Office of Investments for GE
Capitals Employers Reinsurance Corporation. Most recently
he was the Global Investment Risk Manager for a portfolio of
approximately $24 billion of fixed-income, public equity
and alternative investment assets. Prior to joining GE Capital
in 1996, Mr. Malvey was a Bank Examiner and Regional
Capital Markets Specialist with the FDIC for nine years.
Mr. Malvey graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Finance from Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota. He
earned his CFA designation in 1996.
Terry C. Matlack. Mr. Matlack has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and has also
served as our Chief Financial Officer and Director since
inception and as Chief Financial Officer and Director since
inception of TYY, TYN, TTO, and two privately-held funds each
managed by our Adviser. From 2001 to 2002, Mr. Matlack was
a full-time Managing Director of KCEP. Prior to joining KCEP,
from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Matlack was President of GreenStreet
Capital and its affiliates in the telecommunications service
industry. Mr. Matlack served as our Chief Compliance
Officer from 2004 through May 2006 and as Chief Compliance
Officer of TYY and TYN from inception through May 2006; as our
Treasurer and Treasurer of TYY and TYN from inception to
November 2005; as our Assistant Treasurer and as Assistant
Treasurer of TYY and TYN from November 2005 to April 2008, of
TTO and one of two private investment companies from their
inception to April 2008, and of the other private investment
company since its inception. Prior to 1995, he was Executive
Vice President and a member of the board of directors of W.K.
Communications, Inc., a cable television acquisition company,
and Chief Operating Officer of W.K. Cellular, a cellular rural
service area operator. He also has served as a specialist in
corporate finance with George K. Baum & Company, and
as Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance at B.C.
Christopher Securities Company. Mr. Matlack graduated with
a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas
State University and holds a Masters of Business Administration
and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas. He earned
his CFA designation in 1985.
41
David J. Schulte. Mr. Schulte has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002; has served
as our and TYYs Chief Executive Officer and President
since 2005; as Chief Executive Officer of TYN since 2005 and
President of TYN from 2005 to September 2008; as Chief Executive
Officer of TTO since 2005 and President of TTO from 2005 to
April 2007; as President of one of the two private investment
companies since 2007 and of the other private investment company
from 2007 to June 2008; as Chief Executive Officer of one of the
two private investment companies since 2007 and of the other
private investment company from 2007 to December 2008. From 1993
to 2002, Mr. Schulte was a full-time Managing Director of
KCEP. While a Managing Director of KCEP, he led private
financing for two growth MLPs in the energy infrastructure
sector. Since February 2004, Mr. Schulte has been an
employee of the Adviser. Prior to joining KCEP in 1993,
Mr. Schulte had over five years of experience completing
acquisition and public equity financings as an investment banker
at the predecessor of Oppenheimer & Co, Inc. From 1986
to 1989, he was a securities law attorney. Mr. Schulte
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
from Drake University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the
University of Iowa. He passed the CPA examination in 1983 and
earned his CFA designation in 1992.
The statement of additional information provides additional
information about the compensation structure of, the other
accounts managed by, and the ownership of our securities by the
portfolio managers listed above.
Compensation
and Expenses
Under the advisory agreement, we pay the Adviser quarterly, as
compensation for the services rendered by it, a fee equal on an
annual basis to 0.95% of our average monthly Managed Assets.
Managed Assets means our total assets (including any assets
attributable to leverage that may be outstanding) minus accrued
liabilities other than (1) deferred tax liability,
(2) debt entered into for the purpose of leverage and
(3) the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding
preferred stock. Our Adviser does not charge an advisory fee
based on net deferred tax assets. Because the fee paid to the
Adviser is determined on the basis of our Managed Assets, the
Advisers interest in determining whether we should incur
additional leverage will conflict with our interests. Because
deferred taxes are not taken into account in calculating Managed
Assets, the Adviser may have an incentive to defer taxes rather
than incur taxes in the current period. When we have a high
level of deferred tax liability at the time the Advisers
fee is calculated, the Advisers fee is higher than it
would be if we had a lower level of deferred tax liability. Our
average monthly Managed Assets are determined for the purpose of
calculating the management fee by taking the average of the
monthly determinations of Managed Assets during a given calendar
quarter. The fees are payable for each calendar quarter within
five days after the end of that quarter.
The advisory agreement has a term ending on
December 31st of each year. The advisory agreement was
most recently approved by the Board of Directors in November
2008. A discussion regarding the basis of the Board of
Directors decision to approve the renewal of the advisory
agreement is available in our Annual Report to stockholders for
the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008.
We bear all expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser
incurred in our operations and will bear the expenses of all
future offerings. Expenses we bear include, but are not limited
to, the following: (1) expenses of maintaining and
continuing our existence and related overhead, including, to the
extent services are provided by personnel of the Adviser or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel
compensation, training and benefits; (2) registration under
the 1940 Act; (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other
expenses connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition
of securities and other investments, including placement and
similar fees in connection with direct placements in which we
participate; (4) auditing, accounting and legal expenses;
(5) taxes and interest; (6) governmental fees;
(7) expenses of listing our shares with a stock exchange,
and expenses of the issue, sale, repurchase and redemption (if
any) of our interests, including expenses of conducting tender
offers for the purpose of repurchasing our interests;
(8) expenses of registering and qualifying us and our
shares under federal and state securities laws and of preparing
and filing registration statements and amendments for such
purposes; (9) expenses of communicating with stockholders,
including website expenses and the expenses of preparing,
printing and mailing press releases, reports and other notices
to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy
solicitations therefor; (10) expenses of reports to
governmental officers and commissions; (11) insurance
expenses; (12) association membership dues; (13) fees,
expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for
all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of
funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books,
accounts and records, and determination of NAV); (14) fees,
expenses and disbursements of
42
transfer agents, dividend paying agents, stockholder servicing
agents and registrars for all services to us;
(15) compensation and expenses of our directors who are not
members of the Advisers organization; (16) pricing
and valuation services employed by us; (17) all expenses
incurred in connection with leveraging of our assets through a
line of credit, or issuing and maintaining notes or preferred
stock; (18) all expenses incurred in connection with the
offerings of our common and preferred stock and debt securities;
and (19) such non-recurring items as may arise, including
expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and
claims and our obligation to indemnify our directors, officers
and stockholders with respect thereto.
CLOSED-END
COMPANY STRUCTURE
We are a nondiversified closed-end management investment company
and as such our stockholders will not have the right to cause us
to redeem their shares. Instead, our common stock will trade in
the open market at a price that will be a function of several
factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected
by expenses), NAV, call protection, dividend stability,
portfolio credit quality, relative demand for and supply of such
shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and
other factors.
Shares of common stock of closed-end companies frequently trade
at a discount to their NAV. This characteristic of shares of
closed-end management investment companies is a risk separate
and distinct from the risk that our NAV may decrease as a result
of investment activities. To the extent that our common stock
does trade at a discount, the Board of Directors may from time
to time engage in open-market repurchases or tender offers for
shares after balancing the benefit to stockholders of the
increase in the NAV per share resulting from such purchases
against the decrease in our assets and potential increase in the
expense ratio of our expenses to assets and the decrease in
asset coverage with respect to any outstanding senior
securities. The Board of Directors believes that in addition to
the beneficial effects described above, any such purchases or
tender offers may result in the temporary narrowing of any
discount but will not have any long-term effect on the level of
any discount. There is no guarantee or assurance that the Board
of Directors will decide to engage in any of these actions.
There is also no guarantee or assurance that such actions, if
undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a price equal
or close to NAV per share. Any stock repurchases or tender
offers will be made in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act), the 1940 Act and the principal stock exchange on
which the common stock is traded.
Conversion to an open-end mutual fund is extremely unlikely in
light of our investment objective and policies and would require
stockholder approval of an amendment to our Charter. If we
converted to an open-end mutual fund, we would be required to
redeem all Tortoise Notes and Tortoise Preferred Shares then
outstanding (requiring us, in turn, to liquidate a significant
portion of our investment portfolio), and our common stock would
no longer be listed on the NYSE or any other exchange. In
contrast to a closed-end management investment company,
shareholders of an open-end mutual fund may require a fund to
redeem its shares of common stock at any time (except in certain
circumstances as authorized by the 1940 Act or the rules
thereunder) at their NAV. In addition, certain of our investment
policies and restrictions are incompatible with the requirements
applicable to an open-end investment company. Accordingly,
conversion to an open-end investment company would require
material changes to our investment policies.
CERTAIN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a general summary of certain federal income tax
considerations affecting us and our security holders. This
discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all
aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to
security holders in light of their particular circumstances or
who are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift
institutions and certain other financial institutions, real
estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
insurance companies, brokers and dealers in securities or
currencies, certain securities traders, tax-exempt investors,
individual retirement accounts, certain tax-deferred accounts,
and foreign investors. Tax matters are very complicated, and the
tax consequences of an investment in and holding of our
securities will depend on the particular facts of each
investors situation. Investors are advised to consult
their own tax advisors with respect to the application to their
own circumstances of the general federal income taxation rules
described below and with respect to other federal, state, local
or foreign tax consequences to them before making an investment
in our securities. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion
assumes that investors are U.S. persons and
43
hold our securities as capital assets. More detailed information
regarding the federal income tax consequences of investing in
our securities is in the statement of additional information.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are
informing you that (1) this discussion is not intended to
be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the
U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion was written
by us in connection with the registration of our securities and
our promotion or marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should
seek advice based on his, her or its particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
Company
Federal Income Taxation
We are treated as a corporation for federal and state income tax
purposes. Thus, we are obligated to pay federal and state income
tax on our taxable income. We invest our assets primarily in
MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal
income tax purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we must report
our allocable share of the MLPs taxable income in
computing our taxable income regardless of whether the MLPs make
any distributions. Based upon our review of the historic results
of the type of MLPs in which we invest, we expect that the cash
flow received by us with respect to our MLP investments will
exceed the taxable income allocated to us. There is no assurance
that our expectation regarding the tax character of MLP
distributions will be realized. If this expectation is not
realized, there may be greater tax expense borne by us and less
cash available to distribute to stockholders or to pay to
creditors. In addition, we will take into account in determining
our taxable income the amounts of gain or loss recognized on the
sale of MLP interests. Currently, the maximum regular federal
income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent. We may be
subject to a 20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on
our alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that the
alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal
Revenue Code). The Internal Revenue Code generally
provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an
entity level income tax, provided that it distributes all or
substantially all of its income. Our assets do not, and are not
expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes. The
regulated investment company taxation rules therefore have no
application to us or to our stockholders. Although changes to
the federal income tax laws permit regulated investment
companies to invest up to 25% of their total assets in
securities of certain MLPs, such changes still would not allow
us to pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not intend to
change our federal income tax status as a result of such
legislation.
Because we are treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, our financial statements reflect deferred tax assets
or liabilities according to generally accepted accounting
principles. This differs from many closed-end funds that are
taxed as regulated investment companies under the Internal
Revenue Code. Deferred income taxes reflect (i) taxes on
unrealized gains/(losses), which are attributable to the
temporary difference between fair market value and tax basis,
(ii) the net tax effects of temporary differences between
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes
and (iii) the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating
losses and capital losses. To the extent we have a deferred tax
asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation
allowance is required. We periodically assess the need to
establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on
the criterion established by the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards, Accounting for Income Taxes
(SFAS No. 109) that it is more likely than
not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not
be realized. Our assessment considers, among other matters, the
nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses,
forecasts of future profitability (which are highly dependent on
future MLP cash distributions), the duration of statutory
carryforward periods and the associated risk that operating loss
and capital loss carryforwards may expire unused. We
periodically review the recoverability of deferred tax assets
based on the weight of available evidence. Accordingly,
realization of a deferred tax asset is dependent on whether
there will be sufficient taxable income of the appropriate
character within the carryforward periods to realize a portion
or all of the deferred tax benefit. We will accrue deferred
federal income liability associated with that portion of MLP
distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital,
as well as capital appreciation of our investments. Upon the
sale of an MLP security, we may be liable for previously
deferred taxes, if any. We will rely to some extent on
information provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily
timely, to estimate deferred tax liability for purposes of
financial statement reporting and determining our NAV. From time
to time we will modify our estimates or assumptions regarding
our deferred tax liability as new information becomes available.
44
Federal
Income Taxation of Common and Preferred Stock
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Common
Stock. Unlike a holder of a direct interest in
MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our
income, gains, losses or deductions in computing its own taxable
income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that, under present
law, the common stock will constitute equity, distributions with
respect to such shares (other than distributions in redemption
of shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our
allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as
calculated for federal income tax purposes. Generally, a
corporations earnings and profits are computed based upon
taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. As explained
above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we
anticipate that the distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed
our share of the MLPs income and our gain on the sale of
MLP interests. In addition, earnings and profits are treated
generally, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used
to pay distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent
remaining, if any, to pay distributions on the common stock.
Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of the distributions of
DCF will be treated as dividend income to common stockholders.
To the extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, the
stockholders basis in shares of stock with respect to
which the distribution is made will be reduced, which may
increase the amount of gain realized upon the sale of such
shares. If a stockholder has no further basis in its shares, the
stockholder will report any excess distributions as capital gain
if the stockholder holds such shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits
generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but are
expected to be treated as qualified dividend income
that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income
taxation for noncorporate investors and are also expected to be
eligible for the dividends received deduction available to
corporate stockholders under Section 243 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate
stockholders is taxed at long-term capital gain rates, which
currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income
generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and
dividends from
non-U.S. corporations
that meet certain criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend
income, the stockholder must hold the shares paying otherwise
qualifying dividend income more than 60 days during the
121-day
period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or
more than 90 days during the
181-day
period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date in the
case of certain preferred stock dividends). A stockholders
holding period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the
stockholder engages in certain risk reduction transactions with
respect to the common or preferred stock. The provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income
are effective through 2010. Thereafter, higher federal income
tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply
to the availability of the dividends received deduction,
including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction
that may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period
of the shares of common or preferred stock on which the dividend
is paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder
engages in risk reduction transactions with respect to its
shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the application of these limitations to their
particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan, such stockholder will be treated as receiving
the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of the cash
distribution the stockholder would have received if the
stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by
the Company, the fair market value of the shares issued to the
stockholder.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Preferred
Stock. Under present law, we are of the opinion
that preferred stock will constitute equity, and thus
distributions with respect to preferred stock (other than
distributions in redemption of preferred stock subject to
Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally
constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax
purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as qualified
dividend income that is generally subject to reduced rates of
federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also
expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction
available to corporate stockholders under Section 243 of
the Internal Revenue Code. Please see the discussion above on
qualified dividend income and the dividends received deductions.
45
Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income
tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on the
preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to
pay distributions on the common stock. Distributions in excess
of the Companys earnings and profits, if any, will first
reduce a stockholders adjusted tax basis in his or her
preferred stock and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to
zero, will constitute capital gains to a stockholder who holds
such shares as a capital asset.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common
or preferred stock by holders will generally be a taxable
transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares
of stock who sell such shares will generally recognize gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net
proceeds of the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares
sold. If the shares are held as a capital asset at the time of
the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or
loss. Similarly, a redemption by us (including a redemption
resulting from our liquidation), if any, of all the shares
actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will
give rise to capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the redemption proceeds
do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other
redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, but
certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code must be satisfied to achieve such
treatment.
Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares were held for more than one year and will be
short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a
noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to
federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of
15%) than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income
(currently a maximum rate of 35%). Under current law, the
maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate
holders is scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years after
2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is generally taxed at
the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a
maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital
losses may be limited.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment
Companies. Employee benefit plans, other
tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may
want to invest in our securities. Employee benefit plans and
most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement
plans, are subject to federal income tax on unrelated business
taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation
for federal income tax purposes, an owner of shares of common
stock will not report on its federal income tax return any of
our items of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a
tax-exempt investor generally will not have UBTI attributable to
its ownership or sale of our common or preferred stock unless
its ownership of the stock is debt-financed. In general, stock
would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of stock incurs
debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt
that would not have been incurred or maintained if the stock had
not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company
or mutual fund, may not have more than 25% of the
value of its total assets, at the close of any quarter, invested
in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded
partnerships, which will include most MLPs. Shares of our common
stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded
partnership and will not be treated as such for purposes of
calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
Backup Withholding. We may be required to
withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion
of all distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to
stockholders who fail to provide us with their correct taxpayer
identification number, who fail to make required certifications
or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) that they are subject to backup withholding
(or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the
regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld may be credited against the stockholders
U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders,
including stockholders who are nonresident alien individuals,
may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain
distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rates as may be
prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may
be subject to state and local taxes.
46
Federal
Income Taxation of Debt Securities
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Debt
Securities. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that the debt securities will constitute indebtedness of
the Company for federal income tax purposes, which the
discussion below assumes. We intend to treat all payments made
with respect to the debt securities consistent with this
characterization.
Taxation of Interest. Payments or accruals of
interest on debt securities generally will be taxable to you as
ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received
(actually or constructively) or accrued, in accordance with your
regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Debt
Securities. Initially, your tax basis in debt
securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to
acquire such debt securities. This basis will increase by the
amounts, if any, that you include in income under the rules
governing market discount, and will decrease by the amount of
any amortized premium on such debt securities, as discussed
below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt securities, or
if any of your debt securities are redeemed, you generally will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued and
unpaid interest, which will be subject to federal income tax as
interest in the manner described above) and your tax basis in
the debt securities relinquished.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the
gain or loss that you recognize on the sale, exchange or
redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be
capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss will generally be
long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt securities
were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital
gain or loss if the disposed debt securities were held for one
year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a
noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to
federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of
15%, although this rate will increase to 20% after
2010) than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income
(currently a maximum rate of 35%). For corporate holders,
capital gain is generally taxed for federal income tax purposes
at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a
maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital
losses may be limited.
Amortizable Premium. If you purchase debt
securities at a cost greater than their stated principal amount,
plus accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased
the debt securities at a premium, and you generally may elect to
amortize this premium as an offset to interest income, using a
constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt
securities. If you make the election to amortize the premium, it
generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at
the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election
applies, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently
acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without
the consent of the IRS. If you elect to amortize the premium,
you will be required to reduce your tax basis in the debt
securities by the amount of the premium amortized during your
holding period. If you do not elect to amortize premium, the
amount of premium will be included in your tax basis in the debt
securities. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize the
premium and you hold the debt securities to maturity, you
generally will be required to treat the premium as a capital
loss when the debt securities are redeemed.
Market Discount. If you purchase debt
securities at a price that reflects a market
discount, any principal payments on or any gain that you
realize on the disposition of the debt securities generally will
be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the
market discount that accrued on the debt securities during the
time you held such debt securities. Market discount
is defined under the Internal Revenue Code as, in general, the
excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the
purchase price of the debt security, except that if the market
discount is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at
maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity,
the market discount is considered to be zero. In addition, you
may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of
any interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or
continued to purchase or carry the debt securities that were
acquired at a market discount. In general, market discount will
be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the debt
securities, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income
currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield
basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a
sale of the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to
include market discount on a current basis, the interest
deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you
will increase your basis in the debt security by the amount of
market discount you include in gross income. If you do make such
an election, it will apply to all market discount debt
instruments that
47
you acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year
to which the election applies. This election may not be revoked
without the consent of the IRS.
Information Reporting and Backup
Withholding. In general, information reporting
requirements will apply to payments of principal, interest, and
premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to the proceeds of
the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than
certain exempt recipients (such as certain corporations).
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of
interest on the debt securities to
non-U.S. Holders
(as defined below) and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with
respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns
reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be
made available to the tax authorities in the country in which
the
non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In addition, for
non-U.S. Holders,
information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the sale of
debt securities within the United States or conducted through
United States-related financial intermediaries unless the
certification requirements described below have been complied
with and the statement described below in Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders
has been received (and the payor does not have actual knowledge
or reason to know that the holder is a United States person) or
the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a portion of all payments (including redemption
proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who fail to
provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number,
who fail to make required certifications or who have been
notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding
(or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
shareholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the
regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld may be credited against the holders
U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS. If you are a
non-U.S. Holder,
you may have to comply with certification procedures to
establish your
non-U.S. status
in order to avoid backup withholding tax requirements. The
certification procedures required to claim the exemption from
withholding tax on interest income described below will satisfy
these requirements.
Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders. If
you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign corporation
(a
non-U.S. Holder),
the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally
will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. This exemption
will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid on the
debt securities is not effectively connected with your conduct
of a trade or business in the United States, (2) you are
not a bank whose receipt of interest on the debt securities is
described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code, (3) you do not actually or constructively own
10 percent or more of the combined voting power of all
classes of the Companys stock entitled to vote,
(4) you are not a controlled foreign corporation that is
related, directly or indirectly, to the Company through stock
ownership, and (5) you satisfy the certification
requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the
holder of any debt securities must certify, under penalties of
perjury, that such holder is a
non-U.S. person
and must provide such owners name, address and taxpayer
identification number, if any, on IRS
Form W-8BEN,
or (2) a securities clearing organization, bank or other
financial institution that holds customer securities in the
ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt
securities on behalf of the holder thereof must certify, under
penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and properly
executed IRS
Form W-8BEN
from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt
securities held by a foreign partnership and other
intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a
non-U.S. Holder
that is not excluded from U.S. federal withholding tax
under the portfolio interest exemption as described above
generally will be subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except
where (1) the interest is effectively connected with the
conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in which case the interest
will generally be subject to U.S. income tax on a net basis as
applicable to U.S. holders generally or (2) a
non-U.S. Holder
can claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty to
reduce or eliminate such withholding tax. To claim the benefit
of an income tax treaty or to claim an exemption from
withholding because the interest is effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business, a non-U.S. Holder must timely provide
the appropriate, properly executed IRS forms. These forms may be
required to be periodically updated. Also, a non-U.S. Holder who
is claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty may be required
to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and to provide
certain documentary evidence issued by foreign governmental
authorities to prove residence in the foreign country.
48
Any capital gain that a
non-U.S. Holder
realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of debt
securities generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income
tax, including withholding tax. This exemption will not apply to
you if your gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a
trade or business in the U.S. or you are an individual
holder and are present in the U.S. for a period or periods
aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year of the
disposition and either your gain is attributable to an office or
other fixed place of business that you maintain in the
U.S. or you have a tax home in the United States.
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
We compute the NAV of our common stock as of the close of
trading of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time)
no less frequently than the last business day of each calendar
month and at such other times as the Board may determine. When
considering an offering of common stock, we calculate our NAV on
a more frequent basis, generally daily, to the extent necessary
to comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act. Due to recent
market volatility, we currently make our NAV available for
publication weekly. The NAV per share of common stock equals our
NAV divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.
Our NAV equals the value of our total assets (the value of the
securities held plus cash or other assets, including interest
accrued but not yet received and net deferred tax assets) less
(i) all of our liabilities (including accrued expenses and
both current and net deferred tax liabilities),
(ii) accumulated and unpaid dividends on any outstanding
preferred stock, (iii) the aggregate liquidation preference
of any outstanding preferred stock, (iv) accrued and unpaid
interest payments on any outstanding indebtedness, (v) the
aggregate principal amount of any outstanding indebtedness, and
(vi) any distributions payable on our common stock.
Pursuant to an agreement with U.S. Bancorp
Fund Services, LLC (the Accounting Services
Provider), the Accounting Services Provider values our
assets in accordance with valuation procedures adopted by the
Board of Directors. The Accounting Services Provider obtains
securities market quotations from independent pricing services
approved by the Adviser and ratified by the Board of Directors.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available
shall be valued at market value. Any other
securities shall be valued pursuant to fair value methodologies
approved by the Board.
Valuation of certain assets at market value will be as follows:
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for equity securities, the Accounting Services Provider will
first use readily available market quotations and will obtain
direct written broker-dealer quotations if a security is not
traded on an exchange or over-the-counter or quotations are not
available from an approved pricing service;
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for fixed income securities, the Accounting Services Provider
will use readily available market quotations based upon the last
sale price of a security on the day we value our assets or a
market value from a pricing service or by obtaining a direct
written broker-dealer quotation from a dealer who has made a
market in the security; and
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other assets will be valued at market value pursuant to the
valuation procedures.
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If the Accounting Services Provider cannot obtain a market value
or the Adviser determines that the value of a security as so
obtained does not represent a fair value as of the valuation
time (due to a significant development subsequent to the time
its price is determined or otherwise), fair value for the
security shall be determined pursuant to the valuation
procedures. A report of any prices determined pursuant to fair
value methodologies will be presented to the Board of Directors
or a designated committee thereof for approval at the next
regularly scheduled board meeting.
AUTOMATIC
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN
Our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the
Plan) allows participating common stockholders to
reinvest distributions in additional shares of our common stock
and allows participants to purchase additional shares of our
common stock through additional optional cash investments in
amounts from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $5,000 per month.
Shares of common stock will be issued by us under the Plan when
our common stock is trading at a premium to NAV. If our common
stock is trading at a discount to NAV, shares distributed under
the Plan will be purchased on the open market at market price.
Shares of common stock issued directly from us under the Plan
will be acquired at the greater of (1) NAV at the close of
business on the payment date of the distribution or on the day
preceding the relevant cash purchase investment date or
(2) 95% of the market price
49
per common share on the distribution payment date or on the day
preceding the relevant cash purchase investment date. See below
for more details about the Plan.
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment
If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us
or with a brokerage firm that participates in our Plan, all
distributions are automatically reinvested for stockholders by
the Plan Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the
Plan Agent), in additional shares of our common
stock (unless a stockholder is ineligible or elects otherwise).
Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will
receive all distributions payable in cash paid by check mailed
directly to the stockholder of record (or, if the shares are
held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by
the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. Such stockholders may
elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all
distributions in cash by sending written, telephone or Internet
instructions to the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent, at the
address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely
voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without
penalty by giving notice in writing to the Plan Agent; such
termination will be effective with respect to a particular
distribution if notice is received prior to the record date for
such distribution.
Whenever we declare a distribution payable either in shares or
in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash, and
participants in the Plan will receive the amount set forth below
in shares of common stock. The shares are acquired by the Plan
Agent for the participants account, depending upon the
circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt
of additional common stock directly from us (Additional
Common Stock) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding
common stock on the open market (open-market
purchases) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment
date, the NAV per share of our common stock is equal to or less
than the market price per share of common stock plus estimated
brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein
as market premium), the Plan Agent will receive
Additional Common Stock from us for each participants
account. The number of shares of Additional Common Stock to be
credited to the participants account will be determined by
dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the greater of
(i) the NAV per share of common stock on the payment date,
or (ii) 95% of the market price per share of common stock
on the payment date.
If, on the payment date, the NAV per share of common stock
exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions
(such condition being referred to herein as market
discount), the Plan Agent will invest the distribution
amount in shares acquired in open-market purchases as soon as
practicable but not later than thirty (30) days following
the payment date. We expect to declare and pay quarterly
distributions. The weighted average price (including brokerage
commissions) of all common stock purchased by the Plan Agent as
Plan Agent will be the price per share of common stock allocable
to each participant.
The Plan Agent maintains all stockholders accounts in the
Plan and furnishes written confirmation of each acquisition made
for the participants account as soon as practicable, but
in no event later than 60 days after the date thereof.
Shares in the account of each Plan participant may be held by
the Plan Agent in non-certificated form in the Plan Agents
name or that of its nominee, and each stockholders proxy
will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the
Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation
materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held
pursuant to the Plan first in accordance with the instructions
of the participants, and then with respect to any proxies not
returned by such participant, in the same proportion as the Plan
Agent votes the proxies returned by the participants.
There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued
directly by us as a result of distributions payable either in
shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata
share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan
Agents open-market purchases in connection with the
reinvestment of distributions. If a participant elects to have
the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her common stock and
remit the proceeds, such participant will be charged a
transaction fee plus his or her pro rata share of brokerage
commissions on the shares sold.
The automatic reinvestment of distributions will not relieve
participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may
be payable (or required to be withheld) on such distributions.
See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Stockholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not
available to stockholders not participating in the Plan. If the
market price plus commissions of our shares of common stock is
higher than the NAV, participants
50
in the Plan will receive shares of our common stock at less than
they could otherwise purchase such shares and will have shares
with a cash value greater than the value of any cash
distribution they would have received on their shares. If the
market price plus commissions is below the NAV, participants
will receive distributions of shares of common stock with a NAV
greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have
received on their shares. However, there may be insufficient
shares available in the market to make distributions in shares
at prices below the NAV. Also, because we do not redeem our
common stock, the price on resale may be more or less than the
NAV. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters for a
discussion of the federal income tax consequences of the Plan.
Cash
Purchase Option
Participants in the Plan may elect to purchase additional shares
of common stock through optional cash investments in amounts
ranging from $100 to $5,000 per month unless a request for
waiver has been granted. Optional cash investments may be
delivered to the Plan Agent by personal check, by automatic or
electronic bank account transfer or by online access at
www.computershare.com. We reserve the right to reject any
purchase order. We do not accept cash, travelers checks, third
party checks, money orders and checks drawn on non-US banks.
In order for participants to participate in the cash investment
option in any given month, the Plan Agent must receive from the
participant any optional cash investment no later than two
business days prior to the monthly investment date (the
payment date) for purchase of common shares on the
next succeeding purchase date. All optional cash investments
received on or prior to the payment date will be applied by the
Plan Agent to purchase shares on the next succeeding purchase
date. Participants may obtain a schedule of relevant dates on
our website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com or by calling
1-866-362-9331.
Common stock purchased pursuant to this option will be issued by
us when our shares are trading at a premium to NAV. If our
common stock is trading at a discount to NAV, shares of common
stock will be purchased in the open market by the Plan Agent as
described above with respect to reinvestments of distributions.
General
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are
desirable. Accordingly, we reserve the right to amend or
terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Directors
such a change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated by the
Plan Agent or us upon notice in writing mailed to each
participant at least 60 days prior to the effective date of
the termination. Upon any termination, the Plan Agent will cause
a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full shares
held by each participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for
any fraction of a share of common stock at the then current
market value of common stock to be delivered to him or her. If
preferred, a participant may request the sale of all of the
common stock held by the Plan Agent in his or her Plan account
in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such
participant elects in advance of such termination to have the
Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her shares, the Plan Agent
is authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 transaction
fee plus a $0.05 fee per share for the transaction. If a
participant has terminated his or her participation in the Plan
but continues to have common stock registered in his or her
name, he or she may re-enroll in the Plan at any time by
notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. The
terms and conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan
Agent or by us at any time. Any such amendments to the Plan may
be made by mailing to each participant appropriate written
notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the
amendment, except, when necessary or appropriate to comply with
applicable law or the rules or policies of the SEC or any other
regulatory authority, such prior notice does not apply. The
amendment shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant
unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Agent
receives notice of the termination of the participants
account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an
appointment by the Plan Agent of a successor Plan Agent, subject
to our prior written approval of the successor Plan Agent.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.,
P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940.
51
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
The information contained under this heading is only a summary
and is subject to the provisions contained in our Charter and
Bylaws and the laws of the State of Maryland.
Common
Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes us to issue up
to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par
value per share. The Board of Directors may, without any action
by the stockholders, amend our 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 under our Charter and the 1940 Act.
Additionally, the Charter authorizes our Board of Directors,
without any action by our stockholders, to classify and
reclassify any unissued common stock and preferred stock into
other classes or series of stock from time to time by setting or
changing the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights,
voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or
other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of
redemption for each class or series. Although there is no
present intention of doing so, we could issue a class or series
of stock that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a
change in control of us that might otherwise be in the
stockholders best interests. Under Maryland law,
stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or
obligations.
All common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any
related prospectus supplement will be, upon issuance, duly
authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. All outstanding common
stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement will be of the same class and will have
identical rights, as described below. Holders of shares of
common stock are entitled to receive distributions when
authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us out of
assets legally available for the payment of distributions.
Holders of common stock have no preference, conversion,
exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have
no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All
shares of common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and
other rights.
Distributions. We intend to pay out
substantially all of our DCF to holders of common stock through
quarterly distributions. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or affiliates of MLPs in which we
invest, and interest payments received on debt securities we
own, less current or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on
our taxable income, and leverage costs we pay (including costs
related to Tortoise Notes, Tortoise Preferred Shares and
borrowings under our credit facility). Our Board of Directors
has adopted a policy to target distributions to common
stockholders in an amount equal to at least 95% of DCF on an
annual basis. It is expected that we will declare and pay a
distribution to holders of common stock at the end of each
fiscal quarter. There is no assurance that we will continue to
make regular distributions.
If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us
or with a brokerage firm that participates in the Plan,
distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional
common stock under the Plan unless a stockholder elects to
receive distributions in cash. If a stockholder elects to
receive distributions in cash, payment will be made by check.
The federal income tax treatment of distributions is the same
whether they are reinvested in our shares or received in cash.
See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase
Plan.
The yield on our common stock will likely vary from period to
period depending on factors including the following:
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market conditions;
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the timing of our investments in portfolio securities;
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the securities comprising our portfolio;
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changes in interest rates (including changes in the relationship
between short-term rates and long-term rates);
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the amount and timing of the use of borrowings and other
leverage by us;
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the effects of leverage on our common stock (discussed above
under Leverage);
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the timing of the investment of offering proceeds and leverage
proceeds in portfolio securities; and
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our net assets and operating expenses.
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Consequently, we cannot guarantee any particular yield on our
common stock, and the yield for any given period is not an
indication or representation of future yields on the common
stock.
Limitations on Distributions. So long as
shares of preferred stock are outstanding, holders of shares of
common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions
from us unless we have paid all accumulated dividends on
preferred stock, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the
1940 Act) with respect to preferred stock would be at least 200%
after giving effect to such distributions. See
Leverage.
So long as senior securities representing indebtedness are
outstanding, holders of shares of common stock will not be
entitled to receive any distributions from us unless we have
paid all accrued interest on such senior indebtedness, and
unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect
to any outstanding senior indebtedness would be at least 300%
after giving effect to such distributions. See
Leverage.
Liquidation Rights. Common stockholders are
entitled to share ratably in the assets legally available for
distribution to stockholders in the event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate
provision for all known debts and liabilities, including any
outstanding debt securities or other borrowings and any interest
accrued thereon. These rights are subject to the preferential
rights of any other class or series of our stock, including the
preferred stock. The rights of common stockholders upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up are subordinated to the
rights of holders of Tortoise Notes and Tortoise Preferred
Shares.
Voting Rights. Each outstanding share of
common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of
directors. The presence of the holders of shares of common stock
entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. The
Charter provides that, except as otherwise provided in the
Bylaws, directors shall be elected by the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares of stock outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon. The Bylaws provide that directors are
elected by a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of
stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. There
is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock
entitled to vote will be able to elect all of the successors of
the class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting
provided that holders of preferred stock have the right to elect
two directors at all times. Pursuant to the Charter and Bylaws,
the Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws to alter the vote
required to elect directors.
Under the rules of the NYSE applicable to listed companies, we
normally will be required to hold an annual meeting of
stockholders in each fiscal year. If we are converted to an
open-end company or if for any other reason the shares are no
longer listed on the NYSE (or any other national securities
exchange the rules of which require annual meetings of
stockholders), we may amend our Bylaws so that we are not
otherwise required to hold annual meetings of stockholders.
Issuance of Additional Shares. The provisions
of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price
of common stock of a closed-end investment company (less
underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the
NAV of such companys common stock (calculated within
48 hours of pricing), unless such sale is made with the
consent of a majority of the companys outstanding common
stockholders. We are seeking approval at our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 22, 2009, for the authority
to sell shares of our common stock for less than NAV, subject to
the conditions listed below. The number of shares that we may
sell below NAV in one or more public or private offerings may
not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of our then outstanding
common stock. We believe that having the ability to issue and
sell shares of common stock below NAV benefits all stockholders
in that it allows us to quickly raise cash and capitalize on
attractive investment opportunities while remaining fully
invested at all times. When considering an offering of common
stock, we calculate our NAV on a more frequent basis, generally
daily, to the extent necessary to comply with the provisions of
the 1940 Act. We expect to sell shares of common stock below NAV
only when we have identified attractive near-term investment
opportunities. If stockholders approve the proposal at our
Annual Meeting, the Company will only issue shares of its common
stock, including common stock issued in a rights offering, at a
price below NAV pursuant to this stockholder proposal if the
following conditions are met:
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a majority of the Companys directors who have no financial
interest in the transaction and a majority of the Companys
independent directors have determined that any such sale would
be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders;
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a majority of the Companys directors who have no financial
interest in the transaction and a majority of the Companys
independent directors, in consultation with the underwriter or
underwriters of the
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offering if it is to be underwritten, have determined in good
faith, and as of a time immediately prior to the first
solicitation by or on behalf of the Company of firm commitments
to purchase such common stock or immediately prior to the
issuance of such common stock, that the price at which such
shares of common stock are to be sold is not less than a price
which closely approximates the market value of those shares of
common stock, less any distributing commission or discount;
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if the net proceeds of any such sale are to be used to make
investments, a majority of the Companys directors who have
no financial interest in the transaction and a majority of the
Companys independent directors, have made a determination,
based on information and a recommendation from the Adviser, that
they reasonably expect that the investment(s) to be made will
lead to a long-term increase in distribution growth; and
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the price per common share in any such sale, after deducting
offering expenses and commissions, reflects a discount to NAV,
as determined at any time within two business days prior to the
pricing of the common stock to be sold, of no more than 10%.
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The table below sets forth the pro forma maximum dilutive effect
on our NAV if we were to have issued shares below our NAV as of
November 30, 2008. The table assumes that we issue
5,860,697 shares, which represents twenty-five percent
(25%) of our common stock as of November 30, 2008, at a net
sale price to us after deducting all expenses of issuance,
including underwriting discounts and commissions, equal to
$15.63, which is 90% of the NAV of our common shares as of
November 30, 2008.
Pro Forma
Maximum Impact of Below NAV Issuances of Common Shares
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Common shares currently outstanding
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23,442,791
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Common shares that currently may be issued below NAV
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5,860,697
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Total common shares outstanding if all permissible shares are
issued below NAV
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29,303,488
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Net asset value per share as of November 30, 2008
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$
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17.36
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Aggregate net asset value of all currently outstanding common
shares based on NAV as of November 30, 2008
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$
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407,031,320
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Aggregate net proceeds to the Company (assuming the Company sold
all permissible shares and received net proceeds equal to $15.63
per share (90% of the NAV as of November 30, 2008))
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$
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91,602,694
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Expected aggregate net asset value of the Company after issuance
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$
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498,634,014
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NAV per share after issuance
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$
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17.02
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Percentage dilution to pre-issuance NAV
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−1.96
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In addition to the conditions in our proxy statement, although
we believe it is unlikely to occur under the current proxy
conditions, we are required pursuant to interpretations of the
staff of the Commission to amend our shelf registration
statement before commencing a below NAV offering if the
cumulative dilution from the current offering as calculated in
the table above, together with previous below NAV offerings
under this amendment, exceeds 15%. We also must amend our
registration statement before commencing an offering of shares
pursuant to the issuance of rights to subscribe for shares below
net asset value to existing shareholders.
Because the Advisers management fee is based upon our
average monthly Managed Assets (excluding any net deferred tax
assets), the Advisers interest in recommending the
issuance and sale of common stock including common stock issued
below NAV, will conflict with our interests and those of our
stockholders.
Market. Our common stock trades on the NYSE
under the ticker symbol TYG. Common stock issued
pursuant to this prospectus and related prospectus supplement
will trade on the NYSE.
Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
Agent. Computershare Trust Company, N.A.,
P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island
02940-3078,
serves as the transfer agent, the Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan agent and the dividend
paying agent for our common stock.
Preferred
Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes the issuance
of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions or
redemption as determined by the Board of Directors.
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The Board of Directors may, without any action by the
stockholders, amend our 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. Additionally, the Charter authorizes the Board of
Directors, without any action by the stockholders, to classify
and reclassify any unissued preferred stock into other classes
or series of stock from time to time by setting or changing the
terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of
redemption for each class or series.
Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt securities, and senior
to all common stock. Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one
class of senior equity securities, which in the aggregate may
represent no more than 50% of our total assets. So long as
Tortoise Preferred Shares are outstanding, additional issuances
of preferred stock must be considered to be of the same class as
Tortoise Preferred Shares under the 1940 Act and interpretations
thereunder and must rank on a parity with the Tortoise Preferred
Shares with respect to the payment of distributions and upon the
distribution of our assets. The details on how to buy and sell
preferred stock will be described in a related prospectus
supplement, including the following:
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the form and title of the security;
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the aggregate liquidation preference of preferred stock;
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the dividend rate of the preferred stock;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in paying agents or security registrar; and
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any other terms of the preferred stock.
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Distributions. Holders of preferred stock will
be entitled to receive cash distributions, when, as and if
authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of
funds legally available therefor. The prospectus supplement for
preferred stock will describe the distribution payment
provisions for those shares. Distributions so declared and
payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Maryland law
and to the extent available and in preference to and priority
over any distribution declared and payable on the common stock.
Because of our emphasis on investments in MLPs, which are
expected to generate cash in excess of the taxable income
allocated to holders, it is possible that distributions payable
on preferred stock could exceed current and accumulated our
earnings and profits, which would be treated for federal income
tax purposes as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of
the basis of the shares on which the dividend is paid and
thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the preferred
stock.
Limitations on Distributions. So long as we
have senior securities representing indebtedness outstanding,
holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to receive any
distributions from us unless asset coverage (as defined in the
1940 Act) with respect to outstanding debt securities and
preferred stock would be at least 200% after giving effect to
such distributions. See Leverage.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any
voluntary or our involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to receive
a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to
equal the original purchase price per share plus accumulated and
unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any
distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock. After
payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to
which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will not
be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of
our assets. Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt securities
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise indicated
in the Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise required by applicable
law, holders of preferred stock have one vote per share and vote
together with holders of common stock as a single class.
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred stock,
voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at
least two directors at all times. The remaining directors will
be elected by holders of common stock and preferred stock,
voting together as a single class. In addition, subject to the
prior rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of
senior securities outstanding (including Tortoise Notes), the
holders of any shares of preferred stock have the right to elect
a majority of the directors at any time two years
accumulated dividends on any preferred stock are unpaid. The
1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by
stockholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of
the holders of a majority of shares of any outstanding preferred
stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to
(i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely
affect the preferred stock, and (ii) take any action
requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of
the 1940 Act,
55
including, among other things, changes in our subclassification
as a closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. See Certain Provisions in the
Companys Charter and Bylaws. As a result of these
voting rights, our ability to take any such actions may be
impeded to the extent that any shares of its preferred stock are
outstanding.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will be
required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences,
rights or powers of holders of preferred stock so as to affect
materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers. The
class vote of holders of preferred stock described above will in
each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize
the action in question.
We will have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable
law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any preferred stock, so
long as we are current in the payment of dividends on the
preferred stock and on any other of our shares ranking on a
parity with the preferred stock with respect to the payment of
dividends or upon liquidation.
Market. The details on how to buy and sell
preferred stock, along with other terms of preferred stock, will
be described in a related prospectus supplement. We cannot
assure you that any secondary market will exist or, that if a
secondary market does exist, whether it will provide holders
with liquidity.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless
otherwise indicated in the related prospectus supplement,
preferred stock will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by one or more share certificates in registered
global form. The global certificates will be held by The
Depository Trust Company (DTC) and registered in the
name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will
maintain the certificates in specified denominations per share
through its book-entry facilities.
We may treat the persons in whose names any global certificates
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of
receiving payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global certificates, DTC or such nominee
will be considered the sole holder of outstanding preferred
stock.
A global certificate may not be transferred except as a whole by
DTC, its successors or their respective nominees, subject to the
provisions restricting transfers of shares contained in the
related articles supplementary.
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Dividend Paying Agent and
Redemption Agent. Unless otherwise stated in
a prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay
Street, New York, New York, serves as the transfer agent,
registrar, dividend paying agent and redemption agent with
respect to our preferred stock.
Debt
Securities
General. Under Maryland law and our Charter,
we may borrow money, without prior approval of holders of common
and preferred stock. We may issue debt securities, including
additional Tortoise Notes, or other evidence of indebtedness
(including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure
any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any
borrowings, including without limitation the Tortoise Notes,
will rank senior to the preferred stock and the common stock.
Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior
securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate,
may represent no more than
331/3%
of our total assets. So long as Tortoise Notes are outstanding,
additional debt securities must rank on a parity with Tortoise
Notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the
distribution of our assets. A prospectus supplement will include
specific terms relating to the offering. Subject to the
limitations of the 1940 Act, we may issue debt securities, in
which case the details on how to buy and sell such debt
securities, along with other terms of such debt securities, will
be described in a related prospectus supplement. The terms to be
stated in a prospectus supplement will include the following:
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the form and title of the security;
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the aggregate principal amount of the securities;
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the interest rate of the securities;
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the maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will
be payable;
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any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in trustees, paying agents or security
registrar; and
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any other terms of the securities.
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Interest. For debt securities, the prospectus
supplement will describe the interest payment provisions
relating to those debt securities. Interest on debt securities
shall be payable when due as described in the related prospectus
supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger
an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring
dividends and making other distributions with respect to our
common stock and preferred stock.
Limitations. Under the requirements of the
1940 Act, immediately after issuing any senior securities
representing indebtedness, we must have an asset coverage of at
least 300%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of
our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount
of senior securities representing indebtedness. We currently are
subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or
more rating agencies that have issued ratings for outstanding
Auction Rate Senior Notes, including restrictions related to
asset coverage and portfolio composition. Such restrictions may
be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Other
types of borrowings also may result in our being subject to
similar covenants in credit agreements.
Events of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Debt
Securities; Remedies. Unless stated otherwise in
the related prospectus supplement, any one of the following
events will constitute an event of default for that
series under the Indenture:
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default in the payment of any interest upon a series of debt
securities when it becomes due and payable and the continuance
of such default for 30 days;
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default in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a
series of debt securities at its stated maturity;
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default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty of ours in the Indenture, and continuance of such
default or breach for a period of 90 days after written
notice has been given to us by the trustee;
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certain voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws;
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if, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months, the debt securities have a 1940 Act asset
coverage of less than 100%; or
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any other event of default provided with respect to
a series, including a default in the payment of any redemption
price payable on the redemption date.
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Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of
outstanding debt securities or the trustee may declare the
principal amount of that series of debt securities immediately
due and payable upon written notice to us. A default that
relates only to one series of debt securities does not affect
any other series and the holders of such other series of debt
securities are not entitled to receive notice of such a default
under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of
maturity occurs automatically with respect to all series. At any
time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a
series of debt securities has been made, and before a judgment
or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series, by written notice to us and the
trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration
and its consequences if all events of default with respect to
that series of debt securities, other than the non-payment of
the principal of that series of debt securities which has become
due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured
or waived and other conditions have been met.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of
(a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case
or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our
creditors, as such, or to our assets, or (b) any
liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the
57
Company, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not
involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment
for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets
and liabilities of ours, then (after any payments with respect
to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in
any such event the holders of debt securities shall be entitled
to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due
on or in respect of all debt securities (including any interest
accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or
proceeding), or provision shall be made for such payment in cash
or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the
holders of the debt securities, before the holders of any common
or preferred stock of the Company are entitled to receive any
payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation
preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of debt
securities shall be entitled to receive, for application to the
payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, including
any such payment or distribution which may be payable or
deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness
of ours being subordinated to the payment of the debt
securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of
the debt securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution,
liquidation or other winding up event.
Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation,
service providers including the Adviser, custodian,
administrator, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the
terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours
may include without limitation parties entering into any
interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar
transactions with us that create liens, pledges, charges,
security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on
our assets.
A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Company with or
into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of our assets in consideration for the
issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be
deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company.
Voting Rights. Debt securities have no voting
rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise
provided in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of
maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of
default. In connection with any other borrowings (if any), the
1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the lenders
certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of
interest on or repayment of principal.
Market. The details on how to buy and sell our
debt securities, along with other terms of such debt securities,
will be described in a related prospectus supplement. We cannot
assure you that any secondary market will exist or if a
secondary market does exist, whether it will provide holders
with liquidity.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless
otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, debt
securities will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The
global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for
DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated
denominations through its book-entry facilities.
Under the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat
the persons in whose names any notes, including the global
notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of
receiving payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will
be considered the sole holder of outstanding notes under the
Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written
certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or
its nominee.
A global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC,
its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of
beneficial owners in the global note may be transferred or
exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules
and procedures of DTC. In addition, a global note may be
exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a
depository and we do not appoint a successor within 60 days;
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we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect
to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the
Indenture; or
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an event of default has occurred and is continuing.
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In each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the
global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each
person that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the
beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant
proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its
participants and persons who may hold interests through DTC
participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to
take under the Indenture.
Trustee, Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent and
Redemption Agent. Unless otherwise stated in
a prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A., 2 N. LaSalle Street,
Chicago, IL 60602, serves as the trustee under the Indenture and
acts as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption
agent with respect to our debt securities.
RATING
AGENCY GUIDELINES
The Rating Agencies, which assign ratings to our senior
securities, impose asset coverage requirements, which may limit
our ability to engage in certain types of transactions and may
limit our ability to take certain actions without confirming
that such action will not impair the ratings. The Auction Rate
Senior Notes are currently rated Aaa and
AAA by Moodys Investors Service Inc.
(Moodys) and Fitch Ratings
(Fitch), respectively. The Tortoise Preferred Shares
are currently rated Aa2 by Moodys.
Moodys and Fitch, and any other agency that may rate our
debt securities or preferred stock in the future, are
collectively referred to as the Rating Agencies.
We may, but are not required to, adopt any modification to the
guidelines that may hereafter be established by any Rating
Agency. Failure to adopt any modifications, however, may result
in a change in the ratings described above or a withdrawal of
ratings altogether. In addition, any Rating Agency may, at any
time, change or withdraw any rating. The Board may, without
stockholder approval, modify, alter or repeal certain of the
definitions and related provisions which have been adopted
pursuant to each Rating Agencys guidelines (Rating
Agency Guidelines) only in the event we receive written
confirmation from the Rating Agency or Agencies that any
amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the ratings
then assigned to the senior securities.
We are required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance
requirements with respect to outstanding debt securities and
with respect to outstanding preferred stock: (1) we must
maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted
in accordance with guidelines set forth by each Rating Agency,
at least equal to the aggregate principal amount/aggregate
liquidation preference of the debt securities/preferred stock,
respectively, plus specified liabilities, payment obligations
and other amounts (the Basic Maintenance Amount);
and (2) we must satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage
requirements.
Basic Maintenance Amounts. We must maintain,
as of each valuation date on which senior securities are
outstanding, eligible assets having an aggregate discounted
value at least equal to the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount,
which is calculated separately for debt securities and preferred
stock for each Rating Agency that is then rating the senior
securities and so requires. If we fail to maintain eligible
assets having an aggregated discounted value at least equal to
the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount as of any valuation date
and such failure is not cured, we will be required in certain
circumstances to redeem certain of the senior securities.
The applicable Basic Maintenance Amount is defined in the Rating
Agencys Guidelines. Each Rating Agency may amend the
definition of the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount from time
to time.
The market value of our portfolio securities (used in
calculating the discounted value of eligible assets) is
calculated using readily available market quotations when
appropriate, and in any event, consistent with our valuation
procedures. For the purpose of calculating the applicable Basic
Maintenance Amount, portfolio securities are valued in the same
manner as we calculate our NAV. See Determination of Net
Asset Value.
Each Rating Agencys discount factors, the criteria used to
determine whether the assets held in our portfolio are eligible
assets, and the guidelines for determining the discounted value
of our portfolio holdings for purposes of determining compliance
with the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount are based on Rating
Agency Guidelines established in connection with rating the
senior securities. The discount factor relating to any asset,
the applicable basic maintenance amount requirement, the assets
eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the discounted
value of our portfolio and certain definitions and methods of
calculation relating thereto may be changed
59
from time to time by the applicable Rating Agency, without our
approval, or the approval of our Board of Directors or
stockholders.
A Rating Agencys Guidelines will apply to the senior
securities only so long as that Rating Agency is rating such
securities. We will pay certain fees to Moodys, Fitch and
any other Rating Agency that may provide a rating for the senior
securities. The ratings assigned to the senior securities are
not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the senior securities.
Such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the
assigning Rating Agency at any time.
1940 Act Asset Coverage. We are also required
to maintain, with respect to senior securities, as of the last
business day on any month in which any senior securities are
outstanding, asset coverage of at least 300% for debt securities
and 200% for preferred stock (or such other percentage as may in
the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum
asset coverage for senior securities representing shares of a
closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring
dividends on its common stock). If we fail to maintain the
applicable 1940 Act asset coverage as of the last business day
of any month and such failure is not cured as of the last
business day of the following month (the Asset Coverage
Cure Date), we will be required to redeem certain senior
securities.
Notices. Under the current Rating Agency
Guidelines, in certain circumstances, we are required to deliver
to any Rating Agency which is then rating the senior securities
(1) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the
applicable Basic Maintenance Amount; (2) a certificate with
respect to the calculation of the applicable 1940 Act asset
coverage and the value of our portfolio holdings; and (3) a
letter prepared by our independent accountants regarding the
accuracy of such calculations.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Rating
Agency Guidelines, as they may be amended from time to time by
each Rating Agency will be reflected in a written document and
may be amended by each Rating Agency without the vote, consent
or approval of the Company, the Board of Directors or any
stockholder of the Company.
A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided
to any holder of senior securities promptly upon request made by
such holder to the Company by writing the Company at 11550 Ash
Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS IN THE COMPANYS CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following description of certain provisions of the Charter
and Bylaws is only a summary. For a complete description, please
refer to the Charter and Bylaws, which have been filed as
exhibits to our registration statement on
Form N-2,
of which this prospectus forms a part.
Our Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could delay,
defer or prevent other entities or persons from acquiring
control of us, causing us to engage in certain transactions or
modifying our structure. These provisions may be regarded as
anti-takeover provisions. Such provisions could
limit the ability of stockholders to sell their shares at a
premium over the then-current market prices by discouraging a
third party from seeking to obtain control of us.
Classification
of the Board of Directors; Election of Directors
Our Charter provides that the number of directors may be
established only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the
Bylaws, but may not be less than one. The Bylaws provide that,
unless the Bylaws are amended, the number of directors may not
be greater than nine. Subject to any applicable limitations of
the 1940 Act, any vacancy may be filled, at any regular meeting
or at any special meeting called for that purpose, only by a
majority of the remaining directors, even if those remaining
directors do not constitute a quorum. Pursuant to the Charter,
the Board of Directors is divided into three classes:
Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors of
each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and
until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Each year
only one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders.
The classification of the Board of Directors should help to
assure the continuity and stability of our strategies and
policies as determined by the Board of Directors.
60
The classified Board provision could have the effect of making
the replacement of incumbent directors more time-consuming and
difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead
of one, generally will be required to effect a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors. Thus, the classified Board
provision could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors
will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors
may delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Board,
even though a change in control might be in the best interests
of the stockholders.
Removal
of Directors
The Charter provides that a director may be removed only for
cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. This
provision, when coupled with the provision in the Bylaws
authorizing only the Board of Directors to fill vacant
directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent
directors, except for cause and by a substantial affirmative
vote, and filling the vacancies created by the removal with
nominees of stockholders.
Approval
of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and
Bylaws
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot
dissolve, amend its charter, merge, 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 declared advisable by the 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
stockholder 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 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 or any proposal for our
liquidation or dissolution requires the approval of 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 the approval by our Board of Directors
otherwise required), such amendment or proposal may be approved
by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast on such a matter. The continuing
directors are defined in our Charter as the directors
named in our Charter 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.
Advance
Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
The 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 notice of the
meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors or (3) by a stockholder 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 the Companys
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) pursuant to notice
of the meeting by the Company, (2) by or at the direction
of the Board of Directors, or (3) provided that the Board
of Directors has determined that Directors will be elected at
the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the
meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions
of the Bylaws.
SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS
An unspecified number of shares of our common stock may be
offered and sold for resale from time to time under this
prospectus by certain of our stockholders; provided, however,
that no stockholder will be authorized to use this prospectus
for an offering of our common stock without first obtaining our
consent. We may consent to the
61
use of this prospectus by certain of our stockholders for a
limited period of time and subject to certain limitations and
conditions depending on the terms of any agreements between us
and such stockholders. The identity of any selling stockholder,
including any material relationship between us and our
affiliates and such selling stockholder, the percentage of our
common stock owned by such selling stockholder prior to the
offering, the number of shares of our common stock to be offered
by such selling stockholder, the percentage of our common stock
to be owned (if greater than one percent) by such selling
stockholder following the offering, and the price and terms upon
which our shares of common stock are to be sold by such selling
stockholder will be set forth in a prospectus supplement to this
prospectus.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may sell our common stock, preferred stock or debt
securities, and certain of our stockholders may sell our common
stock, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, in one or
more offerings under this prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement. The aggregate amount of securities that may be
offered by us and any selling stockholders is limited to
$375,000,000. We may offer our common stock, preferred stock and
debt securities: (1) directly to one or more purchasers,
including existing common stockholders in a rights offering;
(2) through agents; (3) through underwriters;
(4) through dealers; or (5) pursuant to our Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan. Any selling
stockholders may offer our common stock: (1) directly to
one or more purchasers; (2) through agents;
(3) through underwriters; or (4) through dealers. In
the case of a rights offering, the applicable prospectus
supplement will set forth the number of shares of our common
stock issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other
terms of such rights offering. Each prospectus supplement
relating to an offering of securities will state the terms of
the offering, including as applicable:
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the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;
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any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters
compensation;
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any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers
or agents;
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the public offering or purchase price of the offered securities
and the net proceeds we will receive from the sale; provided,
however, that we will not receive any of the proceeds from a
sale of our common stock by any selling stockholder; and
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any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be
listed.
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Direct
Sales
We may sell our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities, or certain of our stockholders may sell our common
stock, directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional
investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as
defined in the 1933 Act for any resales of the securities.
In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We,
or any selling stockholder, may use electronic media, including
the Internet, to sell offered securities directly. The terms of
any of those sales will be described in a prospectus supplement.
By
Agents
We may offer our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities, or certain of our stockholders may sell our common
stock, through agents that we or they designate. Any agent
involved in the offer and sale will be named and any commissions
payable by us, or any selling stockholder, will be described in
the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the
prospectus supplement, the agents will be acting on a best
efforts basis for the period of their appointment.
By
Underwriters
We may offer and sell securities, or certain of our stockholders
may offer our common stock, from time to time to one or more
underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal for
resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best
efforts basis. If we sell securities, or a selling stockholder
offers our common stock, to underwriters, we and such selling
stockholder will execute an underwriting agreement with them at
the time of the
62
sale and will name them in the prospectus supplement. In
connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to
have received compensation from us or such selling stockholder
in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The
underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of
securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise
stated in the prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not
be obligated to purchase the securities unless the conditions
set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if
the underwriters purchase any of the securities, they will be
required to purchase all of the offered securities. The
underwriters may sell the offered securities to or through
dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers
for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and
any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time.
If a prospectus supplement so indicates, we may grant the
underwriters an option to purchase additional shares of common
stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting
discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of
the prospectus supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By
Dealers
We may offer and sell securities, or certain of our stockholders
may offer our common stock, from time to time to one or more
dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The
dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at
fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the
time of resale. The names of the dealers and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.
General
Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of
securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts
and commission received by them and any profit realized by them
on resale of the offered securities for whom they act as agent,
may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the 1933 Act.
We may offer to sell securities, or certain of our stockholders
may offer our common stock, either at a fixed price or at prices
that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated
prices.
Ordinarily, each series of offered securities will be a new
issue of securities and will have no established trading market.
To facilitate an offering of common stock in an underwritten
transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the
underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the common
stock or any other security. Those transactions may include
overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate
covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions
allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
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An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short
position in the common stock for the underwriters own
account.
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An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the
common stock for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining
the price of the common stock.
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Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to
cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the common
stock by bidding for, and purchasing, the common stock or any
other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short
position created in connection with the offering.
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The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate
member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an
offering when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate
member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or
otherwise.
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Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market
price of the securities above independent market levels. The
underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and
may end any of these activities at any time.
63
Any underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for
offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities,
but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The
offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities
exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid
trading market for the offered securities.
Under agreements entered into with us, underwriters and agents
and related persons (or and their affiliates) may be entitled to
indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or to
contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be
required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in
financial or other business transactions with us and our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member
of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA) or independent broker-dealer will not be
greater than eight percent of the initial gross proceeds from
the sale of any security being sold. In connection with any
rights offering to our common stockholders, we may also enter
into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more
underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter(s) will purchase
our common stock remaining unsubscribed for after the rights
offering.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this
prospectus relates to the offering of the securities not yet
issued as of the date of this prospectus.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from
time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in
connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions
after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and,
subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while
it is an underwriter.
A prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement in
electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained
by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number
of securities for sale to their online brokerage account
holders. Such allocations of securities for internet
distributions will be made on the same basis as other
allocations. In addition, securities may be sold by the
underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to
online brokerage account holders.
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
We may issue and sell shares of common stock pursuant to our
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan.
64
ADMINISTRATOR
AND CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan
Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves as our administrator. We
pay the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate
of 0.04% of the first $1 billion of our Managed Assets,
0.03% on the next $1 billion of our Managed Assets and
0.02% on the balance of our Managed Assets, subject to a minimum
annual fee of $45,000.
U.S. Bank N.A., 1555 North Rivercenter Drive,
Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves as our custodian.
We pay the custodian a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of
0.015% on the first $100 million of our portfolio assets
and 0.01% on the balance of our portfolio assets, subject to a
minimum annual fee of $4,800.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (HBS), Kansas City,
Missouri, serves as our counsel. HBS or Vedder Price P.C.
(Vedder Price), Chicago, Illinois, may serve as our
special counsel in connection with the offerings under this
prospectus and related prospectus supplements. Certain legal
matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be
passed upon for us by HBS or Vedder Price. HBS or Vedder Price
may rely on the opinion of Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, on
certain matters of Maryland law. If certain legal matters in
connection with an offering of securities are passed upon by
counsel for the underwriters of such offering, such counsel to
the underwriters as named in a prospectus supplement.
AVAILABLE
INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports, including
annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. We voluntarily file quarterly
shareholder reports. Our most recent annual shareholder report
filed with the SEC is for our fiscal year ended
November 30, 2008 and our most recent quarterly shareholder
report filed with the SEC is for the period from
December 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009. These
documents are available on the SECs EDGAR system and can
be inspected and copied for a fee at the SECs public
reference room, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional information about the
operation of the public reference room facilities may be
obtained by calling the SEC at
(202) 551-5850.
This prospectus does not contain all of the information in our
registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and
schedules. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of
any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects
by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found in our Registration
Statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov)
that contains our Registration Statement, other documents
incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed
electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and
reports filed under the Exchange Act.
65
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
OF THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Investment Limitations
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S-1
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Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
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S-3
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Management of the Company
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S-16
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Net Asset Value
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S-26
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Portfolio Transactions
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S-28
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Certain Federal Income Tax Matters
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S-29
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Proxy Voting Policies
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S-37
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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S-37
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Internal Accountant
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S-38
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Additional Information
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S-38
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Financial Statements
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S-38
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Appendix A Rating of Investments
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A-1
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66
$40,000,000
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure
Corporation
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
BofA Merrill Lynch
Stifel Nicolaus
December 22, 2009
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
May
8, 2009
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the Company, we or
our), is a nondiversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations in
February 2004.
This Statement of Additional Information relates to the offering, on an immediate, continuous
or delayed basis, of up to $375,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common stock,
preferred stock and debt securities in one or more offerings. This Statement of Additional
Information does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with our prospectus
dated May
8, 2009 and any related prospectus supplement. This Statement of Additional
Information does not include all information that you should consider before purchasing any of our
securities. You should obtain and read our prospectus and any related prospectus supplements prior
to purchasing any of our securities. A copy of our prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement may be obtained without charge by calling (866) 362-9331. You also may obtain a copy of
our prospectus and any related prospectus supplement on the SECs web site (http://www.sec.gov).
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Statement of Additional Information have the
meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus and any related prospectus supplement. This Statement
of Additional Information is dated May
8, 2009.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Investment Limitations |
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Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies |
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Management of the Company |
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S-16 |
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Net Asset Value |
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S-26 |
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Portfolio Transactions |
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S-28 |
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Certain Federal Income Tax Matters |
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S-29 |
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Proxy Voting Policies |
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S-37 |
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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S-37 |
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Internal Accountant |
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S-38 |
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Additional Information |
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S-38 |
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Financial Statements |
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S-38 |
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Appendix A Rating of Investments |
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A-1 |
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i
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
This section supplements the disclosure in the prospectus and provides additional information
on our investment limitations. Investment limitations identified as fundamental may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities (which for
this purpose and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), means the
lesser of (1) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding
shares are represented or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares).
Investment limitations stated as a maximum percentage of our assets are only applied
immediately after, and because of, an investment or a transaction by us to which the limitation is
applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease
resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in
determining whether the investment complies with our investment limitations. All limitations that
are based on a percentage of total assets include assets obtained through leverage.
Fundamental Investment Limitations
The following are our fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety. We may
not:
(1) issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder;
(2) borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and interpretive
positions of the SEC thereunder;
(3) make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by entering into repurchase
agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities and as otherwise permitted by the
1940 Act and the rules and interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder;
(4) concentrate (invest 25% or more of total assets) our investments in any particular
industry, except that we will concentrate our assets in the group of industries constituting
the energy infrastructure sector;
(5) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that we may be
considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act), in the disposition of restricted securities held in our portfolio;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities
or other instruments, except that we may invest in securities or other instruments backed by
real estate or securities of companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; and
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of
securities or other instruments, except that we may purchase or sell options and futures
contracts or invest in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities.
All other investment policies are considered nonfundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the Board) without prior approval of our outstanding voting securities.
S-1
Nonfundamental Investment Policies
We have adopted the following nonfundamental policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 90% of our total assets in
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 70% of our total assets in
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We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily
through direct placements. Subject to this policy, we may invest without limitation in
illiquid securities. The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and privately issued securities
of publicly traded energy infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether
issued by public companies or private companies, are generally considered illiquid.
Investments in private companies that do not have any publicly traded shares or units
are limited to 5% of total assets. |
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We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies, including securities rated below investment grade (commonly
referred to as junk bonds). Below investment grade debt securities will be rated at
least B3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) and at least B- by Standard &
Poors Ratings Group (S&P) at the time of purchase, or comparably rated by another
statistical rating organization or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality
by the Adviser. |
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We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any single issuer. |
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We will not engage in short sales. |
For purposes of nonfundamental restrictions (3)-(5), during the periods in which we anticipate receiving
proceeds from an offering of securities pursuant to this registration statement, we include the
amount of the anticipated proceeds in our calculation of total assets. Accordingly, holdings in
the specified securities may temporarily exceed the amounts shown.
Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately
after such borrowing we have asset coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of indebtedness (i.e., such indebtedness may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of our total
assets including the amount borrowed, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
senior securities). Additionally, currently under the 1940 Act, we may not declare any dividend or
other distribution upon our common or preferred stock, or purchase any such stock, unless our
aggregate indebtedness has, at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution or
at the time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after deducting the amount of
such dividend, distribution, or purchase price, as the case may be. Currently under the 1940 Act,
we are not permitted to issue preferred stock unless immediately after such issuance we have asset
coverage of at least 200% of the total of the aggregate amount of senior securities representing
indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred stock (i.e., the
aggregate principal amount of such indebtedness and liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the
value of our total assets, including the proceeds of such issuance, less liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by senior securities). In addition, currently under the 1940 Act, we
are not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on our common stock or
purchase any such common stock unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, we would
satisfy
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this 200% asset coverage requirement test after deducting the amount of such dividend,
distribution or share price.
Under the 1940 Act, a senior security does not include any promissory note or evidence of
indebtedness where such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of
the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan is presumed to be
for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. Both
transactions involving indebtedness and any preferred stock issued by us would be considered senior
securities under the 1940 Act, and as such, are subject to the asset coverage requirements
discussed above.
Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to lend money or property to any person,
directly or indirectly, if such person controls or is under common control with us, except for a
loan from us to a company which owns all of our outstanding securities. Currently, under
interpretive positions of the staff of the SEC, we may not have on loan at any given time
securities representing more than one-third of our total assets.
We interpret our policies with respect to borrowing and lending to permit such activities as
may be lawful, to the full extent permitted by the 1940 Act or by exemption from the provisions
therefrom pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC.
We interpret our policy with respect to concentration to include energy infrastructure
companies, as defined in the prospectus and below. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies.
Under the 1940 Act, we may, but do not intend to, invest up to 10% of our total assets in the
aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of our total assets in any one
investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of
the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a shareholder in any
investment company, we will bear our ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would
remain subject to payment of our advisory fees and other expenses with respect to assets so
invested. Holders of common stock would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent
we invest in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies
also may be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein and
in the prospectus. The net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile
and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged
shares. A material decline in net asset value may impair our ability to maintain asset coverage on
preferred stock and debt securities, including any interest and principal for debt securities.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The prospectus presents our investment objective and the principal investment strategies and
risks. This section supplements the disclosure in the prospectus and provides additional
information on our investment policies, strategies and risks. Restrictions or policies stated as a
maximum percentage of our assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which
the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly,
any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances
will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with our restrictions and
policies.
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total return
includes capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we
invest regardless of the tax character of the distribution. There is no assurance that we will
achieve our objective. Our investment
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objective and the investment policies discussed below are nonfundamental. Our Board may
change the investment objective, or any policy or limitation that is not fundamental, without a
stockholder vote. Stockholders will receive at least 60 days prior written notice of any change to
the nonfundamental investment policy of investing at least 90% of total assets in energy
infrastructure companies. Unlike most other investment companies, we are not treated as a
regulated investment company under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Internal Revenue Code). Therefore, we are taxed as a C corporation and will be subject to
federal and applicable state corporate income taxes.
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of total assets (including assets obtained
through leverage) in securities of energy infrastructure companies. Energy infrastructure
companies engage in the business of transporting, processing, storing, distributing or marketing
natural gas, natural gas liquids (primarily propane), coal, crude oil or refined petroleum
products, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such commodities. Companies that provide
energy-related services to the foregoing businesses also are considered energy infrastructure
companies, if they derive at least 50% of revenues from the provision of energy-related services to
such companies. We invest at least 70% of our total assets in a portfolio of equity securities of
energy infrastructure companies that are MLPs that the Adviser believes offer attractive
distribution rates and capital appreciation potential. MLP equity securities (known as
units) currently consist of common units, convertible subordinated units, pay-in-kind units or
I-Shares (I-Shares) and limited liability company common units. We also may invest in other
securities, consistent with our investment objective and fundamental and nonfundamental policies.
The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of issuers and
instruments in which we may invest, strategies the Adviser may employ in pursuit of our investment
objective and a discussion of related risks. The Adviser may not buy these instruments or use
these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help us achieve our objective.
Energy Infrastructure Companies
For purposes of our policy of investing 90% of our total assets in securities of energy
infrastructure companies, an energy infrastructure company is one that derives each year at least
50% of its revenues from Qualifying Income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code or
one that derives at least 50% of its revenues from providing services directly related to the
generation of Qualifying Income. Qualifying Income is defined as including any income and gains
from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation
(including pipelines transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or
natural resource (including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber).
MLPs are limited partnerships that derive each year at least 90% of their gross income from
Qualifying Income and are generally taxed as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, thereby
eliminating federal income tax at the entity level. The business of energy infrastructure MLPs is
affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because most MLPs derive revenue and income
based upon the volume of the underlying commodity transported, processed, distributed, and/or
marketed. Specifically, processing and coal MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity
prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to
energy commodity prices, although the Adviser seeks high quality MLPs that are able to mitigate or
manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure
to oil and gas price volatility because although they do not own the underlying energy commodity,
the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity the MLP delivers to
its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids. The MLP
sector in general could be hurt by market perception that MLPs performance and valuation are
directly tied to commodity prices.
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Energy infrastructure companies (other than most pipeline MLPs) do not operate as public
utilities or local distribution companies, and, therefore, are not subject to rate regulation by
state or federal utility commissions. However, energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
greater competitive factors than utility companies, including competitive pricing in the absence of
regulated tariff rates, which could reduce revenues and adversely affect profitability. Most
pipeline MLPs are subject to government regulation concerning the construction, pricing and
operation of pipelines. Pipeline MLPs are able to set prices (rates or tariffs) to cover operating
costs, depreciation and taxes, and provide a return on investment. These rates are monitored by
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which seeks to ensure that consumers receive
adequate and reliable supplies of energy at the lowest possible price while providing energy
suppliers and transporters a just and reasonable return on capital investment and the opportunity
to adjust to changing market conditions.
Energy infrastructure MLPs in which we will invest generally can be classified in the
following categories:
Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural
gas liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil or refined
petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate
ancillary businesses such as storage and marketing of such products. Revenue is derived
from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed
to cyclical economic forces due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature.
In addition, most pipeline MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do
not own the product being shipped.
Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well
as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids (NGLs).
Revenue is derived from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment
or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end
user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have
some participation in the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion of
revenue.
Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are distributors of propane to homeowners for space and
water heating. Revenue is derived from the resale of the commodity on a margin over
wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is a key to profitability. Propane serves
approximately 3% of the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes
beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution pipelines. Approximately 70% of
annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating season (October through March).
Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility type functions similar to
electricity and natural gas.
Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and manage coal reserves. Revenue is derived from
production and sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal producers.
Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in the United States. Demand for
electricity and supply of alternative fuels to generators are the primary drivers of coal
demand. Coal MLPs are subject to operating and production risks, such as: the MLP or a
lessee meeting necessary production volumes; federal, state and local laws and regulations
which may limit the ability to produce coal; the MLPs ability to manage production costs
and pay mining reclamation costs; and the effect on demand that the Clean Air Act standards
or other laws, regulations or trends have on coal end-users.
Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine shipping MLPs are primarily marine transporters of
natural gas, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive revenue
from
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charging customers for the transportation of these products utilizing the MLPs
vessels. Transportation services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or contract,
the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the length of use of a particular vessel,
the amount of cargo transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a vessel
or other factors.
MLPs typically achieve distribution growth by internal and external means. MLPs achieve
growth internally by experiencing higher commodity volume driven by the economy and population, and
through the expansion of existing operations including increasing the use of underutilized
capacity, pursuing projects that can leverage and gain synergies with existing infrastructure and
pursuing so called greenfield projects. External growth is achieved by making accretive
acquisitions.
MLPs are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and health and safety
laws as well as laws and regulations specific to their particular activities. Such laws and
regulations address: health and safety standards for the operation of facilities, transportation
systems and the handling of materials; air and water pollution requirements and standards; solid
waste disposal requirements; land reclamation requirements; and requirements relating to the
handling and disposition of hazardous materials. Energy infrastructure MLPs are subject to the
costs of compliance with such laws applicable to them, and changes in such laws and regulations may
affect adversely their results of operations.
MLPs operating interstate pipelines and storage facilities are subject to substantial
regulation by FERC, which regulates interstate transportation rates, services and other matters
regarding natural gas pipelines including: the establishment of rates for service; regulation of
pipeline storage and liquified natural gas facility construction; issuing certificates of need for
companies intending to provide energy services or constructing and operating interstate pipeline
and storage facilities; and certain other matters. FERC also regulates the interstate
transportation of crude oil, including: regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline
companies; establishing equal service conditions to provide shippers with equal access to pipeline
transportation; and establishment of reasonable rates for transporting petroleum and petroleum
products by pipeline.
Energy infrastructure MLPs may be subject to liability relating to the release of substances
into the environment, including liability under federal SuperFund and similar state laws for
investigation and remediation of releases and threatened releases of hazardous materials, as well
as liability for injury and property damage for accidental events, such as explosions or discharges
of materials causing personal injury and damage to property. Such potential liabilities could have
a material adverse effect upon the financial condition and results of operations of energy
infrastructure MLPs.
Energy infrastructure MLPs are subject to numerous business related risks, including:
deterioration of business fundamentals reducing profitability due to development of alternative
energy sources, consumer sentiment with respect to global warming, changing demographics in the
markets served, unexpectedly prolonged and precipitous changes in commodity prices and increased
competition which takes market share; the lack of growth of markets requiring growth through
acquisitions; disruptions in transportation systems; the dependence of certain MLPs upon the energy
exploration and development activities of unrelated third parties; availability of capital for
expansion and construction of needed facilities; a significant decrease in natural gas production
due to depressed commodity prices or otherwise; the inability of MLPs to successfully integrate
recent or future acquisitions; and the general level of the economy.
Non-MLPs. Although we emphasize investments in MLPs, we also may invest in energy
infrastructure companies that are not organized as MLPs. Non-MLP companies may include companies
that operate energy assets but which are organized as corporations or limited liability companies
rather
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than in partnership form. Generally, the partnership form is more suitable for companies that
operate assets which generate more stable cash flows. Companies that operate midstream assets
(e.g., transporting, processing, storing, distributing and marketing) tend to generate more stable
cash flows than those that engage in exploration and development or delivery of products to the end
consumer. Non-MLP companies also may include companies that provide services directly related to
the generation of income from energy-related assets, such as oil drilling services, pipeline
construction and maintenance, and compression services.
The energy industry and particular energy infrastructure companies may be adversely affected
by possible terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is
possible that facilities of energy infrastructure companies, due to the critical nature of their
energy businesses to the United States, could be direct targets of terrorist attacks or be
indirectly affected by attacks on others. They may incur significant additional costs in the
future to safeguard their assets. In addition, changes in the insurance markets after
September 11, 2001 may make certain types of insurance more difficult to obtain or obtainable only
at significant additional cost. To the extent terrorism results in a lower level economic
activity, energy consumption could be adversely affected, which would reduce revenues and impede
growth. Terrorist or war related disruption of the capital markets could also affect the ability
of energy infrastructure companies to raise needed capital.
Master Limited Partnerships
Under normal circumstances we invest at least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of
MLPs. An MLP is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90%
of its gross income from Qualifying Income. An MLP is typically a limited partnership, the
interests in which (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter.
Organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying
Income rules generally eliminates federal
income tax at the entity level.
An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other
partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the
partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company
management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an
MLP, he or she becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several
nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets
or part of its business into an MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets full
value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to
address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of
the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to an MLP, although the tax consequences make this an
unappealing option for most corporations. Unlike the ways described above, it is also possible for
a newly formed entity to commence operations as an MLP from its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell
assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP
structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP
limited partner unit holders.
In the case of an MLP buying assets from its sponsor or general partner, the transaction is
intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help
insure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an
independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often
obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since
both parties normally have a
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significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see that the transaction is
accretive and fair to the MLP.
MLPs tend to pay relatively higher distributions than other types of companies, and we intend
to use these MLP distributions in an effort to meet our investment objective.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash
flows, the terms of MLP partnership agreements typically provide that the general partner receives
a larger portion of the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow
grows, the general partner receives a greater interest in the incremental income compared to the
interest of limited partners. Although the percentages vary among MLPs, the general partners
marginal interest in distributions generally increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated
distribution target level moving to up to 25% and ultimately to 50% as pre-established distribution
per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless, the aggregate amount of distributions to limited
partners will increase as MLP distributions reach higher target levels. Given this incentive
structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline operations and undertake acquisitions
and growth projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.
Because
the MLP itself generally does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its
investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other distributions
from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble
corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for federal income tax purposes.
The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investors basis in his
MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investors basis in the MLP interest,
generally as capital gain. The investors original basis is the price paid for the units. The basis
is adjusted downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as
depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of income and gain.
The partner generally will not incur federal income tax on distributions until (1) he sells
his MLP units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease resulting
from prior distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference
between the sales price and the investors adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes.
For
a further discussion and a general description of MLP federal income tax matters, see the section
entitled Certain Federal Income Tax MattersFederal Income Taxation of MLPs.
The Companys Investments
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Equity Securities. Consistent with our investment objective, we may invest up to 100% of our
total assets in equity securities issued by energy infrastructure MLPs, including common units,
convertible subordinated units, I-Shares and common units, subordinated units and preferred
units of limited liability companies (that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes)
(LLCs) (each discussed below). We also may invest up to 30% of total assets in equity securities
of non-MLPs.
The value of equity securities will be affected by changes in the stock markets, which may be
the result of domestic or international political or economic news, changes in interest rates or
changing investor sentiment. At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change
substantially. Equity securities risk will affect our net asset value per share, which will
fluctuate as the value of the securities held by us change. Not all stock prices change uniformly
or at the same time, and not all stock markets move in the same direction at the same time. Other
factors affect a particular stocks prices, such as poor earnings reports by an issuer, loss of
major customers, major litigation against an issuer, or
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changes in governmental regulations affecting an industry. Adverse news affecting one company
can sometimes depress the stock prices of all companies in the same industry. Not all factors can
be predicted.
Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater risk than is associated with
investing in more established companies. Smaller capitalization companies may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be more
vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments than larger, more established
companies.
MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent an equity ownership interest in a partnership,
providing limited voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the companys success
through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation, common
unit holders do not elect directors annually and generally have the right to vote only on certain
significant events, such as mergers, a sale of substantially all of the assets, removal of the
general partner or material amendments to the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by their
partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings.
Common unit holders generally have first right to a minimum quarterly distribution (MQD) prior to
distributions to the convertible subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including
incentive distributions). Common unit holders typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not
met. In the event of liquidation, MLP common unit holders have first rights to the partnerships
remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid
in full. MLP common units trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
Limited Liability Company Common Units. Some energy infrastructure companies in which we may
invest have been organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are generally treated in the same manner as MLPs for
federal income tax purposes and, unless otherwise noted, the term MLP includes all entities that
are treated in the same manner as MLPs for federal income tax purposes, regardless of their form of
organization. Consistent with our investment objective and policies, we may invest in common units
or other securities of such LLCs including preferred and subordinated units and debt securities.
LLC common units represent an equity ownership interest in an LLC, entitling the holders to a share
of the LLCs success through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs
typically do not pay federal income tax at the entity level and are required by their operating
agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings. LLC common unit
holders generally have first right to a MQD prior to distributions to subordinated unit holders and
typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of liquidation, LLC common
unit holders have a right to the LLCs remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders and
preferred unit holders, if any, have been paid in full. LLC common units typically trade on a
national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are no incentives that entitle
management or other unit holders to increased percentages of cash distributions as distributions
reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders typically have voting rights with
respect to the LLC, whereas MLP common units have limited voting rights.
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP convertible subordinated units typically are issued
by MLPs to founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell assets to MLPs, and
institutional investors. The purpose of the convertible subordinated units is to increase the
likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed to
common unit holders. We expect to purchase convertible subordinated units in direct placements
from such persons. Convertible subordinated units generally are not entitled to distributions
until holders of common units have received specified MQD, plus any arrearages, and may receive
less than common unit holders in distributions upon liquidation. Convertible subordinated unit
holders generally are entitled to MQD prior to the payment of
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incentive distributions to the general partner, but are not entitled to arrearage rights.
Therefore, convertible subordinated units generally entail greater risk than MLP common units.
They are generally convertible automatically into the senior common units of the same issuer at a
one-to-one ratio upon the passage of time or the satisfaction of certain financial tests. Although
the means by which convertible subordinated units convert into senior common units depend on a
securitys specific terms, MLP convertible subordinated units typically are exchanged for common
shares. These units generally do not trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and there
is no active market for convertible subordinated units. The value of a convertible security is a
function of its worth if it were converted into the underlying common units. Convertible
subordinated units generally have similar voting rights to MLP common units. Distributions may be
paid in cash or in-kind.
MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP I-units. I-units are equity
securities issued to affiliates of MLPs, typically a limited liability company, that owns an
interest in and manages the MLP. The issuer has management rights but is not entitled to incentive
distributions. The I-Share issuers assets consist exclusively of MLP I-units. Distributions by
MLPs to I-unit holders are made in the form of additional I-units, generally equal in amount to the
cash received by common unit holders of the MLP. Distributions to I-Share holders are made in the
form of additional I-Shares, generally equal in amount to the I-units received by the I-Share
issuer. The issuer of the I-Share is taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, investors receive a Form 1099, are not allocated their proportionate share of income
of the MLPs and are not subject to state income tax filing obligations solely as a result of
holding such I-Shares.
Equity Securities of MLP Affiliates. In addition to equity securities of MLPs, we may also
invest in equity securities of MLP affiliates, by purchasing securities of limited liability
entities that own general partner interests of MLPs. General partner interests of MLPs are
typically retained by an MLPs original sponsors, such as its founders, corporate partners,
entities that sell assets to the MLP and investors such as the entities from which we may purchase
general partner interests. An entity holding general partner interests, but not its investors, can
be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the entitys
investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests often confer direct board
participation rights and, in many cases, operating control over the MLP. These interests
themselves are generally not publicly traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded
entities. General partner interests receive cash distributions, typically 2% of the MLPs
aggregate cash distributions, which are contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In
addition, holders of general partner interests typically hold incentive distribution rights
(IDRs), which provide them with a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the
distributions to limited partner unit holders are increased to prescribed levels. General partner
interests generally cannot be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be
redeemed by the MLP if the MLP unitholders choose to remove the general partner, typically with a
supermajority vote by limited partner unitholders.
Other Non-MLP Equity Securities. In addition to equity securities of MLPs, we may also invest
in common and preferred stock, limited partner interests, convertible securities, warrants and
depository receipts of companies that are organized as corporations, limited liability companies or
limited partnerships. Common stock generally represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income
securities over the long-term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns and may under-perform relative to fixed-income securities during certain periods. An
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock we hold. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock
market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which we have
exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors
perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock
market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers
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occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest
rates, which increases borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies, including certain securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds).
The debt securities we invest in may have fixed or variable principal payments and all types of
interest rate and dividend payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero
coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. If a security satisfies
our minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below such
rating, we will not be required to dispose of such security. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser
will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in our best interest and our
stockholders best interests.
Below Investment Grade Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of our assets in below
investment grade securities. The below investment grade debt securities in which we invest are
rated from B3 to Ba1 by Moodys, from B- to BB+ by S&Ps, are comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency or are unrated but determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality.
Investment in below investment grade securities involves substantial risk of loss. Below
investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as junk
bonds and are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers ability to pay
interest and principal and are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse
economic and business developments. The market values for high yield securities tend to be very
volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment grade debt securities. For these
reasons, investment in below investment grade securities is subject to the following specific
risks:
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increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating
economic environment; |
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality; |
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adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer unable to make
interest and/or principal payments; and |
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if a negative perception of the below investment grade debt market develops, the
price and liquidity of below investment grade debt securities may be depressed. This
negative perception could last for a significant period of time. |
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of a
below investment grade debt issuer to make principal payments and interest payments than an
investment grade issuer. The principal amount of below investment grade securities outstanding has
proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of issuers have used below investment grade
securities for corporate financing. An economic downturn could affect severely the ability of
highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon
maturity. Similarly, down-turns in profitability in specific industries, such as the energy
infrastructure industry, could adversely affect the ability of below investment grade debt issuers
in that industry to meet their obligations. The market values of lower quality debt securities
tend to reflect individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Factors
having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities we own may have an adverse
effect on our net asset value and the market value of our common stock. In addition, we may incur
additional expenses to the extent we are required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of
principal or interest on our portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, we may be required
S-11
to foreclose on an issuers assets and take possession of its property or operations. In such
circumstances, we would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential
liabilities from operating any business acquired.
The secondary market for below investment grade securities may not be as liquid as the
secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on our
ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet our liquidity needs. There are
fewer dealers in the market for below investment grade securities than investment grade
obligations. The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between
the bid and asked price is generally much larger than higher quality instruments. Under adverse
market or economic conditions, the secondary market for below investment grade securities could
contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular
issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, we could find it more difficult to
sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such
securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated
securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating our net
asset value.
Because investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower
quality debt securities of the type in which we may invest a portion of our assets, the yields and
prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In
the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers
creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in
higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price
volatility.
We will not invest in distressed, below investment grade securities (those that are in default
or the issuers of which are in bankruptcy). If a debt security becomes distressed while held by
us, we may be required to bear extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover our
investment if it is recoverable at all.
See Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information for a description of ratings of
Moodys, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and S&P.
Restricted, Illiquid and Thinly-Traded Securities. We may invest up to 30% of our total
assets in restricted securities, primarily through direct placements of MLP securities. Restricted
securities obtained by means of direct placement are less liquid than securities traded in the open
market; therefore, we may not be able to readily sell such securities. Investments currently
considered by the Adviser to be illiquid because of such restrictions include convertible
subordinated units and certain direct placements of common units. Such securities are unlike
securities that are traded in the open market and which can be expected to be sold immediately if
the market is adequate. The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower
or higher than our most recent determination of their fair value. Additionally, the value of these
securities typically requires more reliance on the judgment of the Adviser than that required for
securities for which there is an active trading market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these
securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, we may not be able to
realize these securities true value, or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to
an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, or in a registered public offering. The Adviser
has the ability to deem restricted securities as liquid. To enable us to sell our holdings of a
restricted security not registered under the 1933 Act, we may have to cause those securities to be
registered. When we must arrange registration because we wish to sell the security, a considerable
period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the
security is registered so that we could sell it. We would bear the risks of any downward price
fluctuation during that period.
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In recent years, a large institutional market has developed for certain securities that are
not registered under the 1933 Act, including private placements, repurchase agreements, commercial
paper, foreign securities and corporate bonds and notes. These instruments are often restricted
securities because the securities are either themselves exempt from registration or sold in
transactions not requiring registration, such as Rule 144A transactions. Institutional investors
generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the general public, but instead will often
depend on an efficient institutional market in which such unregistered securities can be readily
resold or on an issuers ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact that there
are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or certain institutions is
not dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act establishes a safe harbor from the registration requirements of
the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Institutional
markets for restricted securities that exist or may develop as a result of Rule 144A may provide
both readily ascertainable values for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an
investment. An insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing Rule
144A-eligible securities held by us, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such
portfolio securities and we might not be able to dispose of such securities promptly or at
reasonable prices.
We also may invest in securities that may not be restricted, but are thinly-traded. Although
securities of certain MLPs trade on the NYSE, NYSE Alternext U.S. (formerly known as AMEX), the
NASDAQ National Market or other securities exchanges or markets, such securities may trade less
than those of larger companies due to their relatively smaller capitalizations. Such securities
may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price during times when we believe it is desirable to do
so. Thinly-traded securities are also more difficult to value, and the Advisers judgment as to
value will often be given greater weight than market quotations, if any exist. If market
quotations are not available, thinly-traded securities will be valued in accordance with procedures
established by the Board. Investment of our capital in thinly-traded securities may restrict our
ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with thinly-traded
securities may be particularly acute in situations in which our operations require cash and could
result in us borrowing to meet our short term needs or incurring losses on the sale of
thinly-traded securities.
Commercial Paper. We may invest in commercial paper. Commercial paper is a debt obligation
usually issued by corporations and may be unsecured or secured by letters of credit or a surety
bond. Commercial paper usually is repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the
issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the
risk that the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial
paper, also known as rollover risk.
Asset-backed commercial paper is a debt obligation generally issued by a corporate-sponsored
special purpose entity to which the corporation has contributed cash-flowing receivables like
credit card receivables, auto and equipment leases, and other receivables. Investment in
asset-backed commercial paper is subject to the risk that insufficient proceeds from the projected
cash flows of the contributed receivables are available to repay the commercial paper.
U.S. Government Securities. We may invest in U.S. Government securities. There are two broad
categories of U.S. Government-related debt instruments: (a) direct obligations of the U.S.
Treasury, and (b) securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies.
Examples of direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury are Treasury bills, notes, bonds and other
debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These instruments are backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. They differ primarily in interest rates, the length of maturities
and the dates of issuance. Treasury bills have original maturities of one year or less. Treasury
notes have original
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maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have original maturities of
greater than ten years.
Some agency securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and
others are backed only by the rights of the issuer to borrow from the
U.S. Treasury, while still others,
such as the securities of the Federal Farm Credit Bank, are supported only by the credit of the
issuer. With respect to securities supported only by the credit of the issuing agency or by an
additional line of credit with the U.S. Treasury, there is no guarantee that the U.S. Government
will provide support to such agencies, and such securities may involve risk of loss of principal
and interest.
Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into repurchase agreements backed by U.S. Government
securities. A repurchase agreement arises when we purchase a security and simultaneously agree to
resell it to the vendor at an agreed upon future date. The resale price is greater than the
purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon market rate of return that is effective for the period of
time we hold the security and that is not related to the coupon rate on the purchased security.
Such agreements generally have maturities of no more than seven days and could be used to permit us
to earn interest on assets awaiting long-term investment. We require continuous maintenance by our
custodian for our account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book-Entry System of collateral in an
amount equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the securities that are the subject of a
repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are considered
illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase
agreement, we could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses,
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while we
seek to enforce our rights thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to
income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing our rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary
purposes with banks and securities dealers if the creditworthiness of the bank or securities dealer
has been determined by the Adviser to be satisfactory. A reverse repurchase agreement is a
repurchase agreement in which we are the seller of, rather than the investor in, securities and
agree to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price. Use of a reverse repurchase agreement
may be preferable to a regular sale and later repurchase of securities because it avoids certain
market risks and transaction costs.
At
the time when we enter into a reverse repurchase agreement, liquid
assets (such as cash, U.S.
Government securities or other high-grade debt obligations) having a value at least as great as
the purchase price of the securities to be purchased will be segregated on our books and held by
our custodian throughout the period of the obligation. The use of reverse repurchase agreements
creates leverage which increases our investment risk. If the income and gains on securities
purchased with the proceeds of these transactions exceed the cost, our earnings or net asset value
will increase faster than otherwise would be the case; conversely, if the income and gains fail to
exceed the cost, earnings or net asset value would decline faster than otherwise would be the case.
We intend to enter into reverse repurchase agreements only if the income from the investment of
the proceeds is greater than the expense of the transaction, because the proceeds are invested for
a period no longer than the term of the reverse repurchase agreement.
Margin Borrowing. Although we do not currently intend to, we may in the future use margin
borrowing of up to 33 1/3% of total assets for investment purposes when the Adviser believes it
will enhance returns. Margin borrowing creates certain additional risks. For example, should the
securities that are pledged to brokers to secure margin accounts decline in value, or should
brokers from which we have borrowed increase their maintenance margin requirements (i.e., reduce
the percentage of a position
S-14
that can be financed), then we could be subject to a margin call, pursuant to which we must
either deposit additional funds with the broker or suffer mandatory liquidation of the pledged
securities to compensate for the decline in value. In the event of a precipitous drop in the value
of our assets, we might not be able to liquidate assets quickly enough to pay off the margin debt
and might suffer mandatory liquidation of positions in a declining market at relatively low prices,
thereby incurring substantial losses. For these reasons, the use of borrowings for investment
purposes is considered a speculative investment practice. Any use of margin borrowing by us would
be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, including the prohibition from us issuing more than
one class of senior securities, and the asset coverage requirements discussed earlier in this
Statement of Additional Information. See Investment Limitations.
Interest Rate Transactions. We may, but are not required to, use interest rate transactions
such as swaps, caps and floors in an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure. There is no assurance that the interest rate hedging transactions
into which we enter will be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging
transactions are subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that payment on our hedging
transactions may not correlate exactly with our payment obligations on senior securities.
The use of interest rate transactions is a highly specialized activity that involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security
transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree to pay to the other party to the interest
rate swap (which is known as the counterparty) a fixed rate payment in exchange for the
counterparty agreeing to pay to us a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate our
variable rate payment obligation on any variable rate borrowings. The payment obligations would be
based on the notional amount of the swap. In an interest rate cap, we would pay a premium to the
counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index
exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive from the counterparty payments of the difference
based on the notional amount of such cap. In an interest rate floor, we would be entitled to
receive, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, payments
of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.
Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of interest rate transactions could
enhance or decrease distributable cash flow (generally, cash from operations less certain operating
expenses and reserves) available to the shares of our common stock. To the extent there is a
decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate transactions could decline, and could
result in a decline in the net asset value of the shares of our common stock. In addition, if the
counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated
net receipts under the interest rate transaction to offset our cost of financial leverage. When
interest rate swap transactions are outstanding, we will segregate liquid assets with our custodian
in an amount equal to our net payment obligation under the swap.
Delayed-Delivery Transactions. Securities may be bought and sold on a delayed-delivery or
when-issued basis. These transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities
at a predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after the customary
settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until
the security is delivered. We may receive fees or price concessions for entering into
delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the purchaser assumes the rights and
risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the
security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required
until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with our investments.
If we remain substantially fully invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are
outstanding, the delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When
delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, we will segregate appropriate liquid assets with our
custodian to cover the purchase obligations. When we have sold a security on a delayed-
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delivery basis, we do not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security.
If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities,
we could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
Securities Lending. We may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or institutional
investors. Securities lending allows us to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the
same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be delays in the recovery of loaned
securities, or even a loss of rights in collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially,
loans will be made only to parties deemed by the Adviser to be of good credit and legal standing.
Furthermore, loans of securities will only be made if, in the Advisers judgment, the consideration
to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
The Adviser understands that it is the current view of the SEC staff that we may engage in
loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1) we must receive 100% collateral in the
form of cash or cash equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the securities loaned
(determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of the collateral; (3) after giving notice, we
must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) we must receive reasonable interest on the loan
or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest, or other
distributions on the securities loaned and to any increase in market value; (5) we may pay only
reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board must be able to vote
proxies on the securities loaned, either by terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative
arrangement with the borrower.
Temporary and Defensive Investments. Pending investment of offering or leverage proceeds, we
may invest such proceeds in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
instrumentalities or agencies, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the highest category by a rating
agency or other liquid fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be of similar quality
(collectively, short-term securities), or we may invest in cash or cash equivalents, all of which
are expected to provide a lower yield than the securities of energy infrastructure companies. We
also may invest in short-term securities or cash on a temporary basis to meet working capital needs
including, but not limited to, for collateral in connection with certain investment techniques, to
hold a reserve pending payment of distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and
settlement of trades.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to 100% of our total assets in
short-term securities or cash. The yield on short-term securities or cash may be lower than the
returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income securities. To the extent we invest in
short-term securities or cash for defensive purposes, such investments are inconsistent with, and
may result in our not achieving, our investment objective.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors provides broad supervision over our affairs, including
supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser. Our officers are responsible for our
day-to-day operations. Our directors and officers and their principal occupations and other
affiliations during the past five years are set forth below. Each director and officer will hold
office until his successor is duly elected and qualifies, or until he resigns or is removed in the
manner provided by law. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors of each
class are elected to serve three year terms and until their successors are duly
S-16
elected and qualify. Each year only one class of directors is elected by the stockholders.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each director and officer is 11550 Ash Street, Suite
300, Leawood , Kansas 66211. The Board of Directors consists of a majority of directors who are
not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser or its affiliates.
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Number of |
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Portfolios in |
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Other Public |
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Position(s) Held |
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Fund |
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Company |
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With Company |
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Complex |
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Directorships |
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and Length of |
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Principal Occupation During |
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Overseen by |
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Held by |
Name and Age* |
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Time Served |
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Past Five Years |
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Director(1) |
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Director |
Independent Directors |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello
(Born 1960)
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Director since 2003
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Tenured Associate
Professor of Risk
Management and Insurance,
Robinson College of
Business, Georgia State
University (faculty member
since 1999); Director of
Graduate Personal
Financial Planning
Programs; formerly,
Editor, Financial
Services Review
(2001-2007) (an academic
journal dedicated to the
study of individual
financial management);
formerly, faculty member,
Pennsylvania State
University (1997-1999).
Published several academic
and professional journal
articles about energy
infrastructure and oil and
gas MLPs.
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6 |
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None |
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John R. Graham
(Born 1945)
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Director since 2003
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Executive-in-Residence and
Professor of Finance
(Part-time), College of
Business Administration,
Kansas State University
(has served as a professor
or adjunct professor since
1970); Chairman of the
Board, President and CEO,
Graham Capital Management,
Inc. (primarily a real
estate development,
investment and venture
capital company) and Owner
of Graham Ventures (a
business services and
venture capital firm);
Part-time Vice President
Investments, FB Capital
Management, Inc. (a
registered investment
adviser), since 2007.
Formerly, CEO, Kansas Farm
Bureau Financial Services,
including seven affiliated
insurance or financial
service companies
(1979-2000).
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Kansas State Bank |
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Number of |
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Portfolios in |
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Other Public |
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Position(s) Held |
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Fund |
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Company |
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With Company |
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Complex |
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Directorships |
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and Length of |
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Principal Occupation During |
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Overseen by |
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Held by |
Name and Age* |
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Time Served |
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Past Five Years |
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Director(1) |
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Director |
Charles E. Heath
(Born 1942)
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Director since 2003
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Retired in 1999.
Formerly, Chief Investment
Officer, GE Capitals
Employers Reinsurance
Corporation (1989-1999);
Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA)
designation since 1974.
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6 |
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None |
Interested Directors and
Officers(2) |
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H. Kevin Birzer
(Born 1959)
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Director and
Chairman of the
Board since 2003
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Managing Director of our
Adviser since 2002;
Member, Fountain Capital
Management (1990-present);
Director and Chairman of the Board of each of TYY, TYN, TTO and the
two private investment companies managed by the Adviser since its
inception; Vice President, Corporate
Finance Department, Drexel
Burnham Lambert
(1986-1989); formerly,
Vice President, F. Martin
Koenig & Co., an
investment management firm
(1983-1986); CFA
designation since 1988.
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6 |
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None |
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Terry C. Matlack
(Born 1956)
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Director and Chief
Financial Officer
since 2003
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Managing Director of our
Adviser since 2002;
Full-time Managing
Director, Kansas City
Equity Partners, L.C.
(KCEP) (2001-2002);
formerly, President,
GreenStreet Capital, a
private investment firm
(1998-2001); Director and Chief Financial Officer of each of TYY,
TYN, TTO and two privately held investment companies managed by the
Adviser since its inception; Chief
Compliance Officer of the
Company from 2004 through
May 2006 and of each of
TYY and TYN from their
inception through May
2006; Treasurer of each of
the Company, TYY and TYN
from their inception to
November 2005; Assistant
Treasurer of the Company,
TYY and TYN from November
2005 to April 2008, of TTO
and one of the two private
investment companies from
their inception to April
2008, and of the other
private investment company
since its inception; CFA
designation since 1985.
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6 |
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None |
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Number of |
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Portfolios in |
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Other Public |
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Position(s) Held |
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Fund |
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Company |
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With Company |
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Complex |
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Directorships |
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and Length of |
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Principal Occupation During |
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Overseen by |
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Held by |
Name and Age* |
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Time Served |
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Past Five Years |
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Director(1) |
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Director |
David J. Schulte
(Born 1961)
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
since 2003
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Managing Director of our
Adviser since 2002;
Full-time Managing
Director, KCEP
(1993-2002); President and
Chief Executive Officer of
TYY since 2005; Chief
Executive Officer of TYN
since 2005 and President
of TYN from 2005 to
September 2008; Chief
Executive Officer of TTO
since 2005 and President
of TTO from 2005 to April
2007; President of one of the two
private investment
companies since 2007 and of the other private investment company from 2007 to June 2008;
Chief Executive Officer of
one of the two private
investment companies since
2007 and of the other
private investment company
from 2007 to December
2008; CFA designation
since 1992.
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N/A |
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None |
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Zachary A. Hamel
(Born 1965)
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Senior Vice
President since
April 2007
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Managing Director of our
Adviser since 2002;
Partner, Fountain Capital
Management (1997-present);
Senior Vice President of
TYY and TTO since 2005 and
of TYN and the two private
investment companies since
2007; Secretary of each of
the Company, TYY, TYN and
TTO from their inception
to April 2007; CFA
designation since 1998.
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N/A |
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None |
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Portfolios in |
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Other Public |
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Position(s) Held |
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Fund |
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Company |
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With Company |
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Complex |
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Directorships |
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and Length of |
|
Principal Occupation During |
|
Overseen by |
|
Held by |
Name and Age* |
|
Time Served |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Director(1) |
|
Director |
Kenneth P. Malvey
(Born 1965)
|
|
Senior Vice
President since
April 2007;
Treasurer since
November 2005
|
|
Managing Director of our
Adviser since 2002;
Partner, Fountain Capital
Management (2002-present);
formerly Investment Risk
Manager and member of
Global Office of
Investments, GE Capitals
Employers Reinsurance
Corporation (1996-2002);
Treasurer of TYY and TYN
since November 2005, of
TTO since September 2005,
and of the two private
investment companies since
2007; Senior Vice
President of TYY and TTO
since 2005, and of TYN and
the two private investment
companies since 2007;
Assistant Treasurer of the
Company, TYY and TYN from
their inception to
November 2005; Chief
Executive Officer of one
of the private investment
companies since December
2008; CFA designation
since 1996.
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This number includes TYY, TYN, TTO, two private investment companies and the Company. Our
Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to TYY, TYN, TTO and two private investment
companies. |
|
(2) |
|
As a result of their respective positions held with our Adviser or its affiliates, these
individuals are considered interested persons within the meaning of the 1940 Act. |
|
* |
|
The address of each director and officer is 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas
66211. |
We have an audit committee that consists of three directors (the Audit Committee) who are
not interested persons within the meaning of the 1940 Act (Independent Directors). The Audit
Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello (Chairman), Charles E. Heath and John R. Graham. The
Audit Committees function is to oversee our accounting policies, financial reporting and internal
control system. The Audit Committee makes recommendations regarding the selection of our
independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the independence of such firm, reviews the
scope of the audit and internal controls, considers and reports to the Board on matters relating to
our accounting and financial reporting practices, and performs such other tasks as the full Board
deems necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee held two meetings in the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2008.
We also have a Nominating and Governance Committee (formerly the Nominating Committee) that
consists exclusively of three Independent Directors. The Nominating and Governance Committees
function is to (i) identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend to the
Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders and to fill any vacancies;
(ii) monitor the structure and membership of Board committees; recommend to the Board director
nominees for each committee; (iii) review issues and developments related to corporate governance
issues and develop and recommend to the Board corporate governance guidelines and procedures, to
the extent necessary or desirable; and (iv) actively seek individuals who meet the standards for directors set forth
in our Bylaws, who meet the requirements of any applicable laws or exchange requirements and who
are otherwise
S-20
qualified to become board members for recommendation to the Board. The Nominating
and Governance Committee will consider shareholder recommendations for nominees for membership to
the Board so long as such recommendations are made in accordance with our Bylaws. The Nominating
and Governance Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello, John R. Graham (Chairman), and
Charles E. Heath. The Nominating Committee (which became the Nominating and Governance Committee
in December 2005) held two meetings in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008.
We also have a Compliance Committee formed in December 2005 that consists exclusively of three
Independent Directors. The Compliance Committees function is to review and assess managements
compliance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, monitor compliance with our Code
of Ethics, and handle other matters as the Board or committee chair deems appropriate. The
Compliance Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello, John R. Graham and Charles E. Heath
(Chairman). The Compliance Committee held one meeting in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008.
Directors and officers who are interested persons of the Company or the Administrator will
receive no salary or fees from us. For the current fiscal year, each Independent Director receives
from us an annual retainer of $27,000 (plus an additional $4,000 for the Chairman of the Audit
Committee and an additional $1,000 for each other committee Chairman) and a fee of $2,000 (and
reimbursement for related expenses) for each meeting of the Board or Audit Committee attended in
person (or $1,000 for each Board or Audit Committee meeting attended telephonically, or for each
Audit Committee meeting attended in person that is held on the same day as a Board meeting), and an
additional $1,000 for each other committee meeting attended in person or telephonically. No
director or officer is entitled to receive pension or retirement benefits from us.
The table below sets forth the compensation paid to the directors by us for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate Compensation From |
Name and Position With |
|
Compensation From |
|
the Company and Fund Complex |
the Company |
|
the Company |
|
Paid to Directors* |
Independent Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conrad S. Ciccotello |
|
$ |
50,667 |
|
|
$ |
182,000 |
|
John R. Graham |
|
$ |
47,667 |
|
|
$ |
171,000 |
|
Charles E. Heath |
|
$ |
47,667 |
|
|
$ |
171,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Terry C. Matlack |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
S-21
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by
each director of the Company as of December 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of |
|
|
|
|
Equity Securities in all |
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of |
|
Registered Investment |
|
|
Company Securities |
|
Companies Overseen by |
|
|
Beneficially Owned By |
|
Director in Family of |
Name of Director |
|
Director** |
|
Investment Companies* |
Independent Directors |
|
|
|
|
Conrad S. Ciccotello
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
Over $100,000 |
John R. Graham
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000 |
Charles E. Heath
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000 |
Interested Directors |
|
|
|
|
H. Kevin Birzer
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000 |
Terry C. Matlack
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes TYG, TYY, TYN and TTO and the two privately held closed-end management investment
companies. |
|
** |
|
As of December 31, 2008, the officers and directors of the Company, as a group, own less than
1% of any class of the Companys outstanding shares of stock. |
Control Persons
As of December 31, 2008, the following persons owned of record or beneficially more than 5% of
our common shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Shares at |
|
|
|
|
Shares Held |
|
% |
Merrill
Lynch Safekeeping |
|
3,985,890 |
|
17.00% |
4
Corporate Place |
|
|
|
|
Piscataway,
NJ 08854 |
|
|
|
|
Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. |
|
3,102,879 |
|
13.24% |
101
Montgomery Street |
|
|
|
|
San
Francisco, CA 94104 |
|
|
|
|
National
Financial Services LLC |
|
1,633,770 |
|
6.97% |
200
Liberty Street |
|
|
|
|
New
York, NY 10281 |
|
|
|
|
Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company Inc. |
|
1,398,797 |
|
5.97% |
501
North Broadway |
|
|
|
|
St.
Louis, MO 63102 |
|
|
|
|
RBC
Dain Rauscher Inc. |
|
1,244,326 |
|
5.31% |
1221
Avenue of the Americas |
|
|
|
|
New
York, NY 10036 |
|
|
|
|
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
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 which is established by a final
judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Charter contains such a provision which
eliminates directors and officers liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and
the 1940 Act.
The Charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act,
to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of ours 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 status as a present or
former director or officer of ours and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in
advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent
permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer
or any individual who, while a director of ours 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 and who is made a party to the
proceeding by reason of his or her service in that 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
status as a present or former director or officer of ours and to pay or reimburse his or her
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 ours in any of the
capacities described above and any employee or agent of ours or a predecessor of ours. The 1940
Act prohibits us from
S-22
indemnifying any director, officer or other individual from any liability
resulting directly from the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of
duties or reckless disregard of applicable obligations and duties of the directors, officers or
other individuals.
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 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 (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) 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
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 corporations 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.
Investment Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser) serves as our investment adviser. The
Adviser specializes in managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy infrastructure
companies. The Adviser was formed by Fountain Capital Management, L.L.C. (Fountain Capital) and
Kansas City Equity Partners, L.C. (KCEP) in October 2002 to provide portfolio management services
exclusively with respect to energy infrastructure investments. Fountain Capitals ownership in the
Adviser was transferred to FCM Tortoise, L.L.C. (FCM), a recently formed entity with the same
principals as Fountain Capital. FCM has no operations and serves as a holding company. The
transfer was effective as of August 2, 2007, and did not result in a change of control of the
Adviser. The Adviser is controlled equally by FCM and KCEP, each of which own approximately half
of all of the voting shares of the Adviser.
The Adviser is located at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. As of March 31, 2009, the Adviser had approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management in the energy
sector.
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement), the Adviser, subject
to overall supervision by the Board, manages our investments. The Adviser regularly provides us
with investment research advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment program
for us, consistent with our investment objective and policies.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility of a team of portfolio
managers consisting of David J. Schulte, H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel, Kenneth P. Malvey, and
Terry C. Matlack, all of whom are Managers of the Adviser and members of its investment committee
and share responsibility for such investment management. It is the policy of the investment
committee, that any one member can require the Adviser to sell a security and any one member can veto the committees
decision to invest in a security. All members of our Advisers investment committee are full-time
employees of the Adviser.
S-23
The following table provides information about the number of and total assets in other
accounts managed on a day-to-day basis by each of the portfolio managers as of November 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paying a |
|
Paying a |
|
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets of |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
Name of Manager |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts |
|
Fee |
|
Fee |
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
507,027,589 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
158,054,961 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
210 |
|
|
$ |
1,388,290,551 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Zachary A. Hamel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
507,027,589 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
158,054,961 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
210 |
|
|
$ |
1,388,290,551 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth P. Malvey |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
507,027,589 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
158,054,961 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
210 |
|
|
$ |
1,388,290,551 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Terry C. Matlack |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
507,027,589 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
197 |
|
|
$ |
228,230,735 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
David J. Schulte |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
507,027,589 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
106,802,516 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
197 |
|
|
$ |
228,230,735 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
None of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel or Malvey receive any direct compensation from
the Company or any other of the managed accounts reflected in the table above. All such accounts
are managed by the Adviser or Fountain Capital. Messrs. Birzer, Hamel, Malvey, Matlack and Schulte
are full-time employees of the Adviser and receive a fixed salary for the services they provide.
Each of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel and Malvey own an equity interest in either KCEP or
FCM, the two entities that control the Adviser, and each thus benefits from increases in the net
income of the Adviser.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by
each of the portfolio managers as of November 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Company |
|
|
Securities Beneficially Owned by |
Name of Manager |
|
Manager |
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
Over $100,000 |
Zachary A. Hamel |
|
$ |
50,001- $100,000 |
|
Kenneth P. Malvey |
|
Over $100,000 |
Terry C. Matlack |
|
Over $100,000 |
David J. Schulte |
|
$ |
50,001- $100,000 |
|
In addition to portfolio management services, the Adviser is obligated to supply our Board and
officers with certain statistical information and reports, to oversee the maintenance of various
books and records and to arrange for the preservation of records in accordance with applicable
federal law and regulations. Under the Advisory Agreement, we pay to the Adviser quarterly, as
compensation for the
S-24
services rendered and expenses paid by it, a fee equal on an annual basis to
0.95% of our average monthly Managed Assets. Managed Assets means the total assets of the Company (including any assets
attributable to leverage that may be outstanding and excluding any
net deferred tax asset) minus accrued liabilities other than
(1) net deferred
tax liability, (2) debt entered into for the purpose of leverage and (3) the aggregate liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred stock.
Because the management fees paid to the Adviser are based upon a percentage of our Managed
Assets, fees paid to the Adviser will be higher if we are leveraged; thus, the Adviser will have an
incentive to use leverage. Because the fee reimbursement agreement is based on Managed Assets, to
the extent we are engaged in leverage, the gross dollar amount of the Advisers fee reimbursement
obligations to us will increase. The Adviser intends to use leverage only when it believes it will
serve the best interests of our stockholders. Our average monthly Managed Assets are determined
for the purpose of calculating the management fee by taking the average of the monthly
determinations of Managed Assets during a given calendar quarter. The fees are payable for each
calendar quarter within five days of the end of that quarter.
Net deferred tax assets are not included in the calculation of our
management fee.
For our fiscal year ending November 30, 2006, the Adviser received $6,253,972 as compensation
for advisory services, net of $987,587 in reimbursed fees and expenses. For our fiscal year ending
November 30, 2007, the Adviser received $10,571,172 as compensation for advisory services, net of
$1,243,667 in reimbursed fees and expenses. For our fiscal year ending November 30, 2008, the
Adviser received $9,351,912 as compensation for advisory services, net of $1,100,225 in reimbursed
fees and expenses.
The Advisory Agreement provides that we will pay all expenses other than those expressly
stated to be payable by the Adviser, which expenses payable by us shall include, without implied
limitation: (1) expenses of maintaining the Company and continuing our existence and related
overhead, including, to the extent services are provided by personnel of the Adviser or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (2)
registration under the 1940 Act; (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with
the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments including placement
and similar fees in connection with direct placements in which we participate; (4) auditing,
accounting and legal expenses; (5) taxes and interest; (6) governmental fees; (7) expenses of
listing our shares with a stock exchange, and expenses of issuance, sale, repurchase and redemption
(if any) of our interests, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of
repurchasing our interests; (8) expenses of registering and qualifying us and our shares under
federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements and
amendments for such purposes; (9) expenses of communicating with stockholders; including website
expenses and the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing press releases, reports and other
notices to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy solicitations therefor; (10)
expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (11) insurance expenses; (12)
association membership dues; (13) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians
for all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other
investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of net asset values); (14)
fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend paying agents, stockholder servicing
agents and registrars for all services to us; (15) compensation and expenses of our directors who
are not members of the Advisers organization; (16) pricing and valuation services employed by us;
(17) all expenses incurred in connection with leveraging of our assets through a line of credit, or
issuing and maintaining preferred stock or instruments evidencing indebtedness of the Company; (18)
all expenses incurred in connection with the offering of our common and preferred stock and debt
securities; and (19) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in
connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and our obligation to indemnify our directors,
officers and stockholders with respect thereto.
S-25
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will not be liable in any way for any
default, failure or defect in any of the securities comprising our portfolio if it has satisfied
the duties and the standard of care, diligence and skill set forth in the Advisory Agreement.
However, the Adviser shall be liable to us for any loss, damage, claim, cost, charge, expense or
liability resulting from the Advisers willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence or
disregard by the Adviser of the Advisers duties or standard of care, diligence and skill set forth
in the Advisory Agreement or a material breach or default of the Advisers obligations under the
Advisory Agreement.
The Advisory Agreement has a term ending on December 31st of each year and is submitted to the
Board of Directors for renewal each year. A discussion regarding the basis of the Board of
Directors decision to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement is available in our Annual
Report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008. The Advisory Agreement will
continue from year to year, provided such continuance is approved by a majority of the Board or by
vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities. Additionally, the Advisory
Agreement must be approved annually by vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The
Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or us, without penalty, on sixty (60) days
written notice to the other. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Code of Ethics
We and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which
is applicable to officers, directors and designated employees of ours and the Adviser
(collectively, the Codes). Subject to certain limitations, the Codes permit covered persons to
invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by us. The Codes contain
provisions and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between
personal investment activities of covered persons and the interests of investment advisory clients
such as us. Among other things, the Codes prohibit certain types of transactions absent prior
approval, impose time periods during which personal transactions may not be made in certain
securities, and require submission of duplicate broker confirmations and statements and quarterly
reporting of securities transactions. Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Codes may be
granted in particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
Our Code of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commissions
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at (202) 551-5850. Our Code
of Ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commissions
Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request
at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Securities and Exchange
Commissions Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Our Code of Ethics is also
available on our Advisers website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
NET ASSET VALUE
We will compute our net asset value for our shares of common stock as of the close of trading
on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) no less frequently than the last business day of each
calendar month and at such other times as the Board may determine.
Due to recent market volatility, we currently make our net asset
value available for publication weekly. Our investment transactions are generally recorded on a
trade date plus one day basis, other than for quarterly and annual reporting purposes. For
purposes of determining the net asset value of a share of common stock, our net asset value will
equal the value of our total assets (the value of the securities we hold, plus cash or other
assets, including interest accrued but not yet received and net deferred tax assets) less (1) all
of its liabilities (including without limitation accrued expenses and
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both current and net deferred tax liabilities), (2) accumulated and unpaid interest payments
and dividends on any outstanding debt or preferred stock, respectively, (3) the aggregate
liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock, (4) the aggregate principal amount of any
outstanding senior notes, including any series of Tortoise Notes, and (5) any distributions payable
on the common stock. The net asset value per share of our common stock will equal our net asset
value divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.
Pursuant to an agreement with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the Accounting Services
Provider), the Accounting Services Provider will value our assets in accordance with Valuation
Procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The Accounting Services Provider will obtain
securities market quotations from independent pricing services approved by the Adviser and ratified
by the Board. Securities for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued at
market value. Any other securities shall be valued
pursuant to fair value methodologies approved by the Board.
Valuation of certain assets at market value will be as follows. For equity securities, the
Accounting Services Provider will first use readily available market quotations and will obtain
direct written broker-dealer quotations if a security is not traded on an exchange or over-the-counter or quotations
are not available from an approved pricing service. For fixed income securities, the Accounting
Services Provider will use readily available market quotations based upon the last sale price of a
security on the day we value our assets or a market value from a pricing service or by obtaining a
direct written broker-dealer quotation from a dealer who has made a market in the security. For
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, the Accounting Services Provider will
use readily available market quotations. If no sales are reported on any exchange or
over-the-counter (OTC) market for an option, futures contract or option on futures contracts, the
Accounting Services Provider will use for exchange traded options, the mean between the highest bid and
lowest asked prices obtained as of the closing of the exchanges on which the option is
traded, and for non-exchange traded options and futures, the calculated mean based on bid and asked prices obtained
from the OTC market.
If the Accounting Services Provider cannot obtain a market value or the Adviser determines
that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair value as of the valuation
time (due to a significant development subsequent to the time its price is determined or
otherwise), fair value for the security shall be determined pursuant to the Valuation Procedures
adopted by the Board. The Valuation Procedures provide that the Adviser will consider a variety of
factors with respect to the individual issuer and security in determining and monitoring the
continued appropriateness of fair value, including, without limitation, financial statements and
fundamental data with respect to the issuer, cost, the amount of any discount, restrictions on
transfer and registration rights and other information deemed relevant. A report of any prices
determined pursuant to certain preapproved methodologies will be presented to the Board or a
designated committee thereof for approval no less frequently than quarterly. The Valuation
Procedures currently provide for methodologies to be used to fair value equity securities and debt
securities. With respect to equity securities, among the factors used to fair value a security
subject to restrictions on resale is whether the security has a common share counterpart trading in
a public market. If a security does not have a common share counterpart, the security shall be
valued initially and thereafter by the Investment Committee of the Adviser (the Pricing
Committee) based on all relevant factors and such valuation will be presented to the Board for
review and ratification no less frequently than quarterly. If a security has a common share
counterpart trading in a public market or is convertible into publicly-traded common shares, the
Pricing Committee shall determine an appropriate percentage discount for the security in light of
its resale restrictions and/or, as applicable, conversion restrictions and other factors.
With respect to debt securities, among the various factors that can affect the value of such
securities are (i) whether the issuing company has freely trading debt securities of the same
maturity and interest rate; (ii) whether the issuing company has an effective registration
statement in place for the securities; and whether a market is made in the securities. Subject to
the particular considerations of an issue, debt securities generally will be valued at amortized
cost.
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The foregoing methods for fair valuing securities may be used only as long as the Adviser
believes they continue to represent fair value and the discussion above is qualified in its
entirety by our Valuation Procedures.
In computing net asset value, we will review the valuation of the obligation for income taxes
separately for current taxes and deferred taxes due to the differing impact of each on (i) the
anticipated timing of required tax payments and (ii) on the treatment of distributions by us to our
stockholders.
The allocation between current and deferred income taxes is determined based upon the value of
assets reported for book purposes compared to the respective net tax bases of assets for federal
income tax purposes. It is anticipated that cash distributions from MLPs in which we invest will
not equal the amount of taxable income allocable to us primarily as a result of depreciation and
amortization deductions recorded by the MLPs. This may result, in effect, in a portion of the cash
distribution received by us not being treated as income for federal income tax purposes. The
relative portion of such distributions not treated as income for tax purposes will vary among the
MLPs, and also will vary year by year for each MLP, but in each case will reduce our remaining tax
basis, if any, in the particular MLP. The Adviser will be able to directly confirm the portion of
each distribution recognized as taxable income when it receives annual tax reporting information
from each MLP.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Execution of Portfolio Transactions
The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Company,
broker-dealer selection, and negotiation of brokerage commission rates. The Advisers primary
consideration in effecting a security transaction will be to obtain the best execution. In
selecting a broker-dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the
following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability, integrity and
financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and the difficulty in executing the order;
and the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer to our investment performance on a
continuing basis. Accordingly, our price in any transaction may be less favorable than that
available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of
the execution services offered.
The ability to invest in direct placements of MLP securities is critical to our ability to
meet our investment objective because of the limited number of MLP issuers available for investment
and, in some cases, the relative small trading volumes of certain securities. Accordingly, we may
from time to time enter into arrangements with placement agents in connection with direct placement
transactions.
In evaluating placement agent proposals, we consider each brokers access to issuers of MLP
securities and experience in the MLP market, particularly the direct placement market. In addition
to these factors, we consider whether the proposed services are customary, whether the proposed fee
schedules are within the range of customary rates, whether any proposal would obligate us to enter
into transactions involving a minimum fee, dollar amount or volume of securities, or into any
transaction whatsoever, and other terms such as indemnification provisions.
Subject to such policies as the Board may from time to time determine, the Adviser shall not
be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty solely by reason of its having
caused us to pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research services to the Adviser an
amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Adviser
determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of
the brokerage and research services
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provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or
the Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to us and to other clients of the Adviser as to
which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser is further authorized to allocate
the orders placed by it on our behalf to such brokers and dealers who also provide research or
statistical material or other services to us or the Adviser. Such allocation shall be in such
amounts and proportions as the Adviser shall determine and the Adviser will report on said
allocations regularly to the Board indicating the brokers to whom such allocations have been made
and the basis therefor. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2006, November 30, 2007 and
November 30, 2008, we paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $20,190, $811,320 and $111,134,
respectively, and direct placement fees of $0, $0 and $0, respectively.
Portfolio Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Although we cannot
accurately predict our annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under
normal circumstances. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2008 and 2007 the portfolio turnover
rate was 5.81% and 9.30%, respectively. However, portfolio turnover rate is not considered a
limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for us. A higher turnover rate results in
correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by
us. High portfolio turnover also may result in recognition of gains that will increase our taxable
income, possibly resulting in an increased tax liability, as well as increasing our current and
accumulated earnings and profits resulting in a greater portion of the distributions on our stock
being treated as taxable dividends for federal income tax purposes. See Certain Federal Income
Tax Matters.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating
to us and our investments in MLPs and to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities.
The discussion generally applies only to holders of securities that are U.S. holders. You will be
a U.S. holder if you are an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S.
domestic corporation, or any other person that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net
income basis in respect of an investment in our securities. This summary deals only with U.S.
holders that hold our securities as capital assets and who purchase the securities in connection
with the offering(s) herein. It does not address considerations that may be relevant to you if you
are an investor that is subject to special tax rules, such as a financial institution, insurance
company, regulated investment company, real estate investment trust, investor in pass-through
entities, U.S. holder of securities whose functional currency is not the United States dollar,
tax-exempt organization, dealer in securities or currencies, trader in securities or commodities
that elects mark to market treatment, a person who holds the securities in a qualified tax deferred
account such as an IRA, or a person who will hold the securities as a position in a straddle,
hedge or as part of a constructive sale for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this
discussion does not address the possible application of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.
This
summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code), the applicable Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings, as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information, all of which may change. Any
change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.
As stated above, this discussion does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation
that may be relevant to a particular holder of our securities in light of such holders particular
circumstances and income tax situation. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors
as to the specific tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
securities, including the
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application and the effect of state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the possible
effects of changes in U.S. or other tax laws.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are informing you that (1) this discussion is not intended to be used, was not written to be used,
and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion was written by us in connection
with the registration of our securities and our promotion or marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should seek advice based on his, her or its particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
Taxation of the Company
We are treated as a C corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. We compute and
pay federal and state income tax on our taxable income. Thus, we are subject to federal income tax
on our taxable income at tax rates up to 35%. Additionally, in certain instances we could be
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax of 20% on our alternative minimum taxable income to
the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
As indicated above, we generally invest our assets primarily in MLPs. MLPs generally are
treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Since partnerships are generally not
subject to federal income tax, the partnerships partners must report as their income their
proportionate share of the partnerships income. Thus, as a partner in MLPs, we will report our
proportionate share of the MLPs income in computing our federal taxable income, irrespective of
whether any cash or other distributions are made by the MLPs to us. We will also take into account
in computing our taxable income any other items of our income, gain, deduction or loss. We
anticipate that these may include interest and dividend income earned on our investment in securities,
deductions for our operating expenses and gain or loss recognized by us on the sale of MLP
interests or any other security.
As explained below, based upon the historic performance of MLPs, we anticipate initially that
our proportionate share of the MLPs taxable income will be significantly less than the amount of
cash distributions we receive from the MLPs. In such case, we anticipate that we will not incur
federal income tax on a significant portion of our cash flow, particularly after taking into
account our current operational expenses. If the MLPs taxable income is a significantly greater
portion of the MLPs cash distributions, we will incur additional current federal income tax
liability, possibly in excess of the cash distributions we receive.
We anticipate that each year we will turn over a certain portion of our investment assets. We
will recognize gain or loss on the disposition of all or a portion of our interests in MLPs in an
amount equal to the difference between the sales price and our basis in the MLP interests sold. To
the extent we receive MLP cash distributions in excess of the taxable income reportable by us with
respect to such MLP interest, our basis in the MLP interest will be reduced and our gain on the
sale of the MLP interest likewise will be increased.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the federal income tax laws. The
Internal Revenue Code generally provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an entity
level income tax, provided that it distributes all or substantially
all of its net income. Our assets
do not, and are not expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated investment
company for federal income tax purposes. The regulated investment company taxation rules have no
application to us or our stockholders. Although changes to the federal tax laws permit regulated
investment companies to invest up to 25% of the value of their total
assets in securities of certain MLPs,
such changes still would not allow us to pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not intend to
change our tax status as a result of such legislation.
Federal Income Taxation of MLPs
MLPs are similar to corporations in many respects, but differ in others, especially in the way
they are taxed for federal income tax purposes. A corporation is a distinct legal entity, separate
from its stockholders and employees and is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax
purposes as well. Like individual taxpayers, a corporation must pay a federal income tax on its
income. To the extent the
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corporation distributes its income to its stockholders in the form of dividends, the
stockholders must pay federal income tax on the dividends they receive. For this reason, it is
said that corporate income is double-taxed, or taxed at two levels.
An MLP that satisfies the Qualifying Income rules described below, and does not elect
otherwise, is treated for federal income tax purposes as a pass-through entity. No federal income
tax is paid at the partnership level. A partnerships income is considered earned by all the
partners; it is allocated among all the partners in proportion to their interests in the
partnership (generally as provided in the partnership agreement), and each partner pays tax on his,
her or its share of the partnerships income. All the other items that go into determining taxable
income and tax owed are passed through to the partners as well capital gains and losses,
deductions, credits, etc. Partnership income is thus said to be single-taxed or taxed only at one
level that of the partner.
The
Internal Revenue Code generally requires publicly traded partnerships to be treated as
corporations for federal income tax purposes. However, if the
publicly traded partnership
satisfies certain requirements and does not elect otherwise, the
publicly traded partnership will
be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, referred to herein as an MLP. Under
these requirements, an MLP must derive each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from Qualifying
Income.
Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale
or disposition of real property, certain income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and
income and gain from certain mineral or natural resources activities. Mineral or natural resources
activities that generate Qualifying Income include income and gains from the exploration,
development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines
transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or natural resource
(including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber). This means that most MLPs today are in
energy, timber, or real estate related businesses.
Because the MLP itself does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its
investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash or other payment from the MLP.
It is important to note that an MLP investor is taxed on his share of partnership income whether or
not he actually receives any cash or other property from the partnership. The tax is based not on
money or other property he actually receives, but his proportionate share of what the partnership
earns. However, most MLPs make it a policy to make quarterly distributions to their partners that
will comfortably exceed any income tax owed. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP
distributions are treated differently for federal income tax purposes. The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to
the extent of the investors basis in his MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds
the investors basis in the MLP interest, as capital gain. The investors original basis is generally
the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downward with each distribution and allocation
of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of income and
gain.
The partner generally will not be taxed on MLP distributions until (1) he sells his MLP units
and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease resulting from prior
distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the
sales price and the investors adjusted basis is the gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
At tax filing season an MLP investor will receive a Schedule K-1 form showing the investors
share of each item of the partnerships income, gain, loss, deductions and credits. The investor
will use that information to figure the investors taxable income (MLPs generally provide their
investors with material that walks them through all the steps). If there is net income derived
from the MLP, the investor pays federal income tax at his, her or its tax rate. If there is a net
loss derived from the MLP, it is
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generally considered a passive loss under the Internal Revenue Code and generally may not be
used to offset income from other sources, but must be carried forward.
Because we are a corporation, we, and not our stockholders, will report the income or loss of
the MLPs. Thus, our stockholders will not have to deal with any Schedules K-1 reporting income and
loss items of the MLPs. Stockholders, instead, will receive a Form 1099 from us. In addition, due
to our broad public ownership, we do not expect to be subject to the passive loss limitation rules
mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Common and Preferred Stock
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Common Stock Distributions. Unlike a holder of a direct
interest in MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our income, gains, losses
or deductions in computing its own taxable income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that,
under present law, our shares of common stock will constitute equity, distributions with respect to
such shares (other than distributions in redemption of shares subject to Section 302(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current
or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Generally, a
corporations earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified
adjustments. As explained above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate
that the distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the MLPs income. In addition,
earnings and profits are treated generally, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to
pay distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay
distributions on the common stock. Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of the distributions of
distributable cash flow (DCF) will be treated as dividend income to common stockholders. To the
extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits,
such distributions will be treated as a return of capital and the
stockholders basis in the shares of
stock with respect to which the distributions are made will be reduced and, if a stockholder has no
further basis in the shares, the stockholder will report any excess as capital gain if the
stockholder holds such shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income that is generally
subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also
expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders
under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate stockholders is taxed at long-term capital
gain rates, which currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income generally includes
dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain
criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend income, the stockholder must hold the shares paying
otherwise qualifying dividend income more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days
before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days
before the ex-dividend date in the case of certain preferred stock dividends). A stockholders
holding period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the stockholder engages in certain risk
reduction transactions with respect to the common or preferred stock. The provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through 2010.
Thereafter, higher tax rates will apply unless further legislative
action is taken. Because we are not treated as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code, we are not entitled to
designate any dividends made with respect to our stock as capital
gain distributions.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply to the availability of the
dividends received deduction, including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction that
may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period of the shares on which the dividend is
paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder engages in risk reduction transactions with
respect to its
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shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of
these limitations to their particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, such
stockholder will be treated as receiving the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of cash distribution the stockholder would have
received if the stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by the Company, the
fair market value of the shares issued to the stockholder.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Preferred Stock Distributions. Under present law, we believe
that our preferred stock will constitute equity for federal income tax purposes, and thus
distributions with respect to the preferred stock (other than distributions in redemption of
preferred stock subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally constitute
dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such
shares, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Earnings and profits are generally treated,
for federal income tax purposes, as first being allocable to distributions on the preferred stock
and then to the extent remaining, if any, to distributions on our common stock. Dividends
generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders, but are expected to be treated as
qualified dividend income that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation
for noncorporate investors, as described above. In the case of corporate holders of preferred
stock, subject to applicable requirements and limitations, dividends may be eligible for the
dividends received deduction available to corporations under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue
Code (see discussion above). Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits allocable to
preferred stock, if any, will first reduce a shareholders adjusted tax basis in his or her shares
and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to a holder who
holds such shares as a capital asset. Because we are not treated as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code, we are not entitled to designate any dividends
made with respect to our stock as capital gain distributions.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common or preferred stock by holders will generally be
a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares who sell such shares will
generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of
the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold. If the shares are held as a capital
asset at the time of the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss.
Similarly, a redemption by us (including a redemption resulting from our liquidation), if any, of
all the shares actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to
capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the
redemption proceeds do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also
give rise to capital gain or loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code must be satisfied to achieve such treatment.
The
capital gain or loss recognized on a sale of shares will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held
for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder
generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of 15%)
than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). Under
current law, the maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate holders is
scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years after 2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is
generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%.
A holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Losses on sales or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under wash sale rules in
the event of other investments in the Company (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of
dividends) or other substantially identical stock or securities within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a sale or other disposition of shares. In such a
case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal income tax
basis of the shares acquired. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the Companys shares is
properly treated as a sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the tax treatment of any gains
or losses recognized in such transactions.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment Companies. Employee benefit
plans, other tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may want to invest in our
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securities. Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal
income tax on unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation for federal
income tax purposes, an owner of shares will not report on its federal income tax return any of our
items of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a tax-exempt investor generally will not
have UBTI attributable to its ownership or sale of our stock unless its ownership of the stock is
debt-financed. In general, stock would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of stock incurs
debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt that would not have been incurred
or maintained if the stock had not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company, or mutual fund, may not
have more than 25% of the value of its total assets, at the close of any fiscal quarter, invested
in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships, which will include most
MLPs. Shares of our stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and will
not be treated as such for purposes of calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
Backup Withholding. We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a
portion of all distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to stockholders who
fail to provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required
certifications or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they are
subject to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from
backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against the stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders, including stockholders who are nonresident alien
individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or
such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may be
subject to state and local taxes.
Debt Securities
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Debt Securities. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that our debt securities will constitute indebtedness for federal income tax purposes,
which the discussion below assumes. We intend to treat all payments made with respect to the debt
securities consistent with this characterization.
Taxation of Interest. Payments or accruals of interest on debt securities generally will be
taxable to you as ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received (actually or
constructively) or accrued, in accordance with your regular method of accounting for federal income
tax purposes.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Debt Securities. Initially, your tax basis in debt
securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to acquire such debt securities. This
basis will increase by the amounts, if any, that you include in income under the rules governing
market discount, and will decrease by the amount of any amortized premium on such debt securities,
as discussed below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt securities, or if any of your debt
securities are redeemed, you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
the amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued and unpaid interest, which will be
subject to federal income tax as interest in the manner described above) and your tax basis in the debt securities
relinquished.
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Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the gain or loss that you recognize
on the sale, exchange or redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be capital gain
or loss if you hold the debt securities as a capital asset. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt
securities were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the
disposed debt securities were held for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by
a noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate
(currently a maximum rate of 15%, although this rate will increase to 20% after 2010) than net
short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). For corporate
holders, capital gain is generally taxed for federal income tax
purposes at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at
a maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Amortizable Premium. If you purchase debt securities at a cost greater than their stated
principal amount, plus accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased the debt
securities at a premium, and you generally may elect to amortize this premium as an offset to
interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt securities. If
you make the election to amortize the premium, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that
you hold at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the
election applies, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently
acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. If you
elect to amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax basis in the debt securities
by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding period. If you do not elect to amortize
premium, the amount of premium will be included in your tax basis in the debt securities.
Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize the premium and you hold the debt securities to
maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as a capital loss when the debt
securities are redeemed.
Market Discount. If you purchase debt securities at a price that reflects a market
discount, any principal payments on, or any gain that you realize on the disposition of, the debt
securities generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market
discount that accrued on the debt securities during the time you held such debt securities.
Market discount is defined under the Internal Revenue Code as, in general, the excess of the
stated redemption price at maturity over the purchase price of the debt security, except that if
the market discount is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the
number of complete years to maturity, the market discount is considered to be zero. In addition,
you may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of any interest paid on any
indebtedness that you incurred or continued to purchase or carry the debt securities that were
acquired at a market discount. In general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably
over the term of the debt securities, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a
ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of
the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current
basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you will increase
your basis in the debt security by the amount of market discount you include in gross income. If
you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you
acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. This
election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. In general, information reporting requirements
will apply to payments of principal, interest, and premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to
the proceeds of the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than certain exempt
recipients (such as certain corporations). Information reporting generally will apply to payments
of interest on the debt securities to non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) and the amount of tax, if
any, withheld with respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such
interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the
country in which the non-U.S. Holder resides
S-35
under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, for non-U.S. Holders, information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the
sale of debt securities within the United States or conducted through United States-related financial intermediaries unless the certification requirements
described below have been complied with and the statement described below in Taxation of Non-U.S.
Holders has been received (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the
holder is a United States person) or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, a portion of all payments (including redemption proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who fail to provide
us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required certifications or
who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if we have been
so notified). Certain corporate and other shareholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and
the regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the holders U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS. If you are a non-U.S.
Holder, you may have to comply with certification procedures to establish your non-U.S. status in
order to avoid backup withholding tax requirements. The certification procedures required to claim
the exemption from withholding tax on interest income described below will satisfy these
requirements.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign
corporation (a non-U.S. Holder), the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally will be
exempt from U.S. federal
withholding tax. This exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid on the debt
securities is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United
States, (2) you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on the debt securities is described in
Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, (3) you do not actually or constructively own 10
percent or more of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, (4) you
are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related, directly or
indirectly, to us through
stock ownership, and (5) you satisfy the certification requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the holder of any debt securities must
certify, under penalties of perjury, that such holder is a non-U.S. person and must provide such
owners name, address and taxpayer identification number, if any, on IRS Form W-8BEN, or (2) a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customer
securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt securities on behalf
of the holder thereof must certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and
properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt securities held by a foreign partnership
and other intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a non-U.S. Holder
that is not excluded from U.S.
federal withholding tax under the portfolio interest exemption as described above generally will be
subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except where (1) the interest is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in which
case the interest will be subject to U.S. income tax on a net basis as applicable to U.S. holders
generally or (2) a non-U.S. Holder can claim the benefits of an
applicable income tax treaty to reduce or eliminate such withholding
tax. To claim the benefit of an income tax treaty or to claim an exemption from withholding because the
interest is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, a non-U.S. Holder must timely
provide the appropriate, properly executed IRS forms. These forms may be required to be
periodically updated. Also, a non-U.S. Holder who is claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty
may be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and to provide certain documentary
evidence issued by foreign governmental authorities to prove residence in the foreign country.
Any capital gain that a non-U.S. Holder realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of
debt securities generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including
withholding tax. This exemption will not apply to you if your gain is effectively connected with
your conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. or you are an individual holder and are present in
the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and either your gain is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the U.S. or you
have a tax home in the United States.
S-36
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
We and the Adviser have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (Proxy Policy), which
we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in our best interests and our
stockholders best interests. Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Board has delegated
responsibility for implementing the Proxy Policy to the Adviser. Because of the unique nature of
MLPs in which we primarily invest, the Adviser shall evaluate each proxy on a case-by-case basis.
Because proxies of MLPs are expected to relate only to extraordinary measures, we do not believe it
is prudent to adopt pre-established voting guidelines.
In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to the voting of equity securities
other than MLP equity units, on routine matters, such as election of directors or approval of
auditors, the proxies usually will be voted with management unless the Adviser determines it has a
conflict or the Adviser determines there are other reasons not to vote with management. On
non-routine matters, such as amendments to governing instruments, proposals relating to
compensation and stock option and equity compensation plans, corporate governance proposals and
stockholder proposals, the Adviser will vote, or abstain from voting if deemed appropriate, on a
case-by-case basis in a manner it believes to be in the best economic interest of our stockholders.
In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to debt securities, the Adviser will
vote on a case-by-case basis in a manner it believes to be in the best economic interest of our
stockholders.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for monitoring corporate actions and ensuring that
(1) proxies are received and forwarded to the appropriate decision makers; and (2) proxies are
voted in a timely manner upon receipt of voting instructions. We are not responsible for voting
proxies we do not receive, but will make reasonable efforts to obtain missing proxies. The Chief
Executive Officer shall implement procedures to identify and monitor potential conflicts of
interest that could affect the proxy voting process, including (1) significant client
relationships; (2) other potential material business relationships; and (3) material personal and
family relationships. All decisions regarding proxy voting shall be determined by the Investment
Committee of the Adviser, or a Manager of the Adviser designated by the Investment Committee, and
shall be executed by the Chief Executive Officer or, if the proxy may be voted electronically,
electronically voted by the Chief Executive Officer or his designee. Every effort shall be made to
consult with the portfolio manager and/or analyst covering the security. We may determine not to
vote a particular proxy, if the costs and burdens exceed the benefits of voting (e.g., when
securities are subject to loan or to share blocking restrictions).
If a request for proxy presents a conflict of interest between our stockholders on the one
hand, and the Adviser, the principal underwriters, or any affiliated persons of us, on the other
hand, management may (i) disclose the potential conflict to the Board of Directors and obtain
consent; or (ii) establish an ethical wall or other informational barrier between the persons
involved in the conflict and the persons making the voting decisions.
Information regarding how we voted proxies for the period from our commencement of operations
through June 30, 2008, is available without charge by calling us at 1-866-362-9331. You also may
access this information on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The Advisers website at
www.tortoiseadvisors.com provides a link to all of our reports filed with the SEC.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP, 1200 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, serves as our independent
registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP provides audit and audit-related services,
tax return preparation and assistance and consultation in connection with review of our filings
with the SEC.
S-37
INTERNAL ACCOUNTANT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (U.S. Bancorp) serves as our internal accountant. For its
services, we pay U.S. Bancorp a fee computed at $24,000 for the first $50 million of our net
assets, 0.0125% on the next $200 million of net assets and 0.0075% on the balance of our net
assets. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we paid U.S. Bancorp $80,121,
$88,428 and $67,856, respectively, for internal accounting services.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the common
stock, preferred stock and debt securities offered hereby, has been filed by us with the SEC. The
prospectus, prospectus supplement, and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all
of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules
thereto. Please refer to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to us and
the offering of our securities. Statements contained in the prospectus, prospectus supplement, and
this Statement of Additional Information as to the contents of any contract or other document
referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to a Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration Statement may be
inspected without charge at the SECs principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or
any part thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the
SEC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our 2008 Annual Report, which contains our audited financial statements as of November 30,
2008 and for the year then ended, notes thereto, and other information about us is incorporated by
reference into, and shall accompany, this Statement of Additional Information.
Our
2009 1st Quarter Report, which contains our unaudited financial
statements as of February 28, 2009 and for the period from December
1, 2008 through February 28, 2009, notes thereto, and other
information about us is incorporated by reference into, and shall
accompany, this Statement of Additional Information.
Our
2008 Annual Report and 2009 1st Quarter Report include supplemental financial information which presents selected
ratios as a percentage of our total investment portfolio and a calculation of our distributable
cash flow (DCF) and related information. You may request a free copy of the Statement of
Additional Information, our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, or make other requests for
information about us, by calling toll-free 1-866-362-9331, or by writing to us at 11550 Ash Street,
Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
S-38
APPENDIX A RATING OF INVESTMENTS
MOODYS INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moodys long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income
obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a
financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of
default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit
risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit
risk.
A Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered
medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to
substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high
credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default,
with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default,
with little prospect for recovery of principal and interest.
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range; and the modifier 3 indicates a
ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
US Municipal and Tax-Exempt Ratings
Municipal ratings are based upon the analysis of four primary factors relating to municipal
finance: economy, debt, finances, and administration/management strategies. Each of the factors
is evaluated individually and for its effect on the other factors in the context of the
municipalitys ability to repay its debt.
Aaa Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Aa Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
A Issuers or issues rated A present above average creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
A-1
Baa Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Ba Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
B Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal
or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Caa Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Ca Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
C Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating category from Aa
through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issuer or obligation ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates
a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Description of Moodys Highest Ratings of State and Municipal Notes and Other Short-Term
Loans
Moodys ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term loans are designated
Moodys Investment Grade (MIG or, for variable or floating rate obligations, VMIG). Such
ratings recognize the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term risk. Factors
affecting the liquidity of the borrower and short-term cyclical elements are critical in short-term
ratings. Symbols used will be as follows:
MIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to
the market for refinancing.
MIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample,
although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack sufficient margins of protection. Demand features rated in this category may be
supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may
lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase
price upon demand.
VMIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
A-2
VMIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the
strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections
that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded
by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Description of Moodys Short Term Ratings
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term
financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual
short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding
thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay
short-term obligations.
NP Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime
rating categories.
A-3
FITCH RATINGS
A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (Fitch) ratings symbols and meanings (as
published by Fitch) follows:
Long-Term Credit Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk.
They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be affected adversely by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk.
They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is
not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may,
nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the
case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered
adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair
this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or
financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated
in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but
a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however,
capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic
developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings
signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, And D Default The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their
prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor.
While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision,
the following serve as general guidelines. DDD obligations have the highest potential for
recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. DD indicates potential
recoveries in the range of 50%-90%, and D the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.
Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated
DDD have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or
without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated DD and D are generally undergoing a
formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated DD are likely to satisfy a higher
portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated D have a poor prospect for
repaying all obligations.
A-4
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to
three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity
necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus
vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
Notes to Long-term and Short-term ratings:
"+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-term rating category, to categories
below CCC, or to Short-term ratings other than F1.
NR indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
Withdrawn A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information
available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or
refinanced.
Rating Watch Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a
reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are
designated as Positive, indicating a potential upgrade, Negative, for a potential downgrade, or
Evolving, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch typically is resolved
over a relatively short period.
A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two year
period. Outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does
not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are `stable could
be downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an
action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these
cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
A-5
STANDARD & POORS CORPORATION
A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poors Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies (Standard & Poors or S&P), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P)
follows:
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations,
or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial
paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or
other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation. The issue credit rating is not a
recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment
as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by
Standard & Poors from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poors does not perform an
audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial
information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally
assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for
example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days including
commercial paper.
Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect
to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term
ratings address the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are
assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws
affecting creditors rights. The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk.
As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated
lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above.
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in small
degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
A-6
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, AND C Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as
having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and
C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues.
However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions, which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but
the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of
a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
+/- Plus (+) or minus (-). The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
c The c subscript is used to provide additional information to investors that the bank
may terminate its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the
issuer is below an investment-grade level and/or the issuers bonds are deemed taxable.
P The letter p indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes
the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that
payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely
completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon
failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such
likelihood and risk.
* Continuance of the ratings is contingent upon Standard & Poors receipt of an executed
copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows.
A-7
r The r highlights derivative, hybrid, and certain other obligations that Standard &
Poors believes may experience high volatility or high variability in expected returns as a result
of noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are securities with principal or interest return
indexed to equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and interest-only and
principal-only mortgage securities. The absence of an r symbol should not be taken as an
indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.
N.R. Not rated.
Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the
same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of
the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards
Under present commercial bank regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds
rated in the top four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as investment-grade
ratings) generally are regarded as eligible for bank investment. Also, the laws of various states
governing legal investments impose certain rating or other standards for obligations eligible for
investment by savings banks, trust companies, insurance companies, and fiduciaries in general.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Notes
Standard & Poors note ratings reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique
to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing
beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will
be used in making that assessment:
Amortization schedule the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more
likely it will be treated as a note; and
Source of payment the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the
more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a
very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to
adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
A note rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as it
does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are
based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources
it considers reliable.
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S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result
of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.
Commercial Paper
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of
debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several
categories, ranging from A-1 for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. These
categories are as follows:
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard &
Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong.
Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating
categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during
such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or
the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
A commercial rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as
it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are
based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources
it considers reliable.
S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result
of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.
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Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May
8, 2009