e497
Filed pursuant to Rules 497(c) and (h)
under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, File
No. 333-140488
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated April 16, 2007)
3,600,000 Shares
Common Stock
We are offering 3,600,000 shares of our common stock. We
are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
that began investment activities on September 28, 2004. Our
investment objective is to obtain a high after-tax total return
by investing at least 85% of our net assets plus any borrowings
(our total assets) in energy-related master limited
partnerships and their affiliates (collectively,
MLPs), and in other companies that, as their
principal business, operate assets used in the gathering,
transporting, processing, storing, refining, distributing,
mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids
(including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products or
coal (collectively with MLPs, Midstream Energy
Companies). This prospectus supplement, together with the
accompanying prospectus dated April 16, 2007, sets forth
the information that you should know before investing.
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are, and the
common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and
accompanying prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will be,
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
KYN. The last reported sale price of our common
stock on April 17, 2007 was $37.07 per share. The net
asset value per share of our common stock at the close of
business on April 17, 2007 was $32.89.
Investing in our common stock involves certain risks. See
Risk Factors beginning on page 11 of the
accompanying prospectus.
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Per Share
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Total
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Public offering price
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$36.70
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$132,120,000
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Underwriting discount
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$1.2055
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$4,339,800
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Proceeds, before expenses, to us(1)
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$35.4945
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$127,780,200
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(1) |
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We estimate that we will incur approximately $325,000 in
expenses in connection with this offering. |
We have granted the underwriter the option to purchase up to an
additional 540,000 shares of common stock from us at the
public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover
over allotments, if any, within 45 days from the date of
this prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares will be ready for delivery on or about April 23,
2007.
Merrill Lynch &
Co.
The date of this prospectus supplement is April 17, 2007.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
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Page
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S-ii
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S-1
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S-3
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S-4
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S-5
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S-7
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S-7
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Prospectus
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Page
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Prospectus Summary
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1
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Kayne Anderson MLP Investment
Company
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4
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Fees and Expenses
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6
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Financial Highlights
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9
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Market and Net Asset Value
Information
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9
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Use of Proceeds
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10
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Risk Factors
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11
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Forward-Looking Statements
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27
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Dividends
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28
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
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29
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Investment Objective and Policies
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30
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Use of Leverage
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35
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Management
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38
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Net Asset Value
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43
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Description of Capital Stock
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45
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Description of Preferred Stock
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48
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Description of Debt Securities
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51
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Our Structure; Common Stock
Repurchases and Change in Our Structure
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54
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Tax Matters
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55
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Plan of Distribution
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61
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Rating Agency Guidelines
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65
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Transfer Agent and Dividend-Paying
Agent
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67
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Administrator, Custodian and
Fund Accountant
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67
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Legal Opinions
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67
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Table of Contents of Our Statement
of Additional Information
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68
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which we
refer to collectively as the Prospectus. This
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus set forth
concisely the information about us that a prospective investor
ought to know before investing. This prospectus supplement,
which describes the specific terms of this offering, also adds
to and updates information contained in the accompanying
prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in the
base prospectus. The base prospectus gives more general
information, some of which may not apply to this offering. If
the description of this offering varies
S-i
between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this
prospectus supplement; provided that if any statement in one of
these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another
document having a later date and incorporated by reference into
the base prospectus or prospectus supplement, the statement in
the incorporated document having the later date modifies or
supersedes the earlier statement. We have not authorized anyone
to provide you with different information. If anyone provides
you with different or inconsistent information, you should not
rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities
in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
The information contained in or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is
accurate only as of the respective dates on their front covers.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus before deciding whether to invest and retain it for
future reference. A statement of additional information, dated
April 16, 2007 (SAI), as supplemented from time
to time, containing additional information about us, has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) and is incorporated by reference in its
entirety into this prospectus supplement. You may request a free
copy of our SAI by calling
(877) 657-3863,
or by writing to us. Electronic copies of the base prospectus,
our stockholder reports and our SAI are also available on our
website (http://www.kaynemlp.com). You may also obtain
copies of these documents (and other information regarding us)
from the SECs web site
(http://www.sec.gov).
CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act). 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 ability of the MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies in which we invest to achieve their objectives,
our ability to source favorable private investments, the timing
and amount of distributions and dividends from the MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies in which we intend to invest,
the dependence of our future success on the general economy and
its impact on the industries in which we invest 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 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. We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the foregoing
statements, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not
apply to investment companies such as us.
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 that
section for a more complex discussion of the risks of an
investment in our common stock.
S-ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary contains basic information about us 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 11 of the accompanying prospectus.
The
Company
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, a Maryland corporation,
is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the 1940 Act). Our investment objective is to
obtain a high after-tax total return by investing at least 85%
of our total assets in MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies. We also must comply with the SECs rule
regarding investment company names, which requires us, under
normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of our total
assets in MLPs so long as MLP is in our name. Our currently
outstanding shares of common stock are, and the common stock
offered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will be, listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol
KYN.
We began investment activities in September 2004 following our
initial public offering. After the payment of offering expenses
and underwriting discounts, we received approximately
$711 million from the proceeds of the initial public
offering and after subsequent exercises by the underwriters of
their over allotment option, the aggregate net proceeds were
approximately $786 million. Since that time we have
completed the following capital raising transactions:
(a) four series of auction rate senior notes in an
aggregate principal amount of $320 million, (b) one
series of auction rate preferred stock in an aggregate amount of
$75 million and (c) one secondary public offering of
our common stock for proceeds after the payment of offering
expenses and underwriting discounts of approximately
$77 million. As of March 31, 2007, we had
38.3 million shares of common stock outstanding, net assets
applicable to our common stock of $1.2 billion and total
assets of $2.0 billion. As of April 17, 2007, our net
asset value per share of common stock was $32.89, an increase of
38.8% over our net asset value of $23.70 per share of
common stock upon completion of our initial public offering
(after payment of offering expenses and underwriting discounts).
We have paid dividends to common stockholders every fiscal
quarter since inception, significant portions of which have been
characterized as returns of capital for federal income tax
purposes. Cumulative dividends paid since inception total
$4.19 per share and our dividend rate has increased by 28%
from an indicative quarterly rate of 37.5 cents per share to our
most recent quarterly dividend payment of 48 cents per share. We
intend to continue to pay quarterly dividends to our common
stockholders. Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be
determined by our Board of Directors. We expect that a
significant portion of our future dividends will be treated as a
return of capital to stockholders for tax purposes.
Investment
Adviser
KA Fund Advisors, LLC (KAFA) is our investment
adviser, responsible for implementing and administering our
investment strategy. KAFA is a subsidiary of Kayne Anderson
Capital Advisors, L.P. (KACALP and together with
KAFA, Kayne Anderson), a SEC-registered investment
adviser. As of February 28, 2007, Kayne Anderson and its
affiliates managed approximately $7.6 billion, including
approximately $3.9 billion in MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies. Kayne Anderson has invested in MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies since 1998. We believe that Kayne
Anderson has developed an understanding of the MLP market that
enables it to identify and take advantage of public MLP
investment opportunities. In addition, Kayne Andersons
senior professionals have developed a strong reputation in the
energy sector and have many long-term relationships with
industry managers, which we believe gives Kayne Anderson an
important advantage in sourcing and structuring private
investments.
S-1
The
Offering
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Common stock offered |
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3,600,000 shares |
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Shares outstanding after the offering |
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42,034,057 shares |
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Use of proceeds |
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We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering after
expenses without exercise of the over allotment option will be
approximately $128 million. We intend to use the net
proceeds to retire a portion of our short-term debt of
approximately $157 million which we incurred in connection
with the acquisition of portfolio securities. We intend to
reborrow short-term debt to make investments in portfolio
companies in accordance with our investment objective. See
Use of Proceeds. |
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Risk factors |
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See 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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KYN |
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Stockholder Transaction Expense: |
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Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)
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3.285% |
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Net offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering
price)
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0.09% |
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Dividend reinvestment plan fees |
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None |
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(1) |
You will pay brokerage charges if you direct American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, as agent for our common
stockholders, to sell your common stock held in a dividend
reinvestment account.
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The number of shares outstanding after the offering assumes the
underwriters over allotment option is not exercised. If
the over allotment option is exercised in full, we will issue
and sell an additional 540,000 shares.
Recent
Developments
On March 19, 2007, we declared a quarterly dividend of
$0.48 per share to common stockholders of record on
April 4, 2007, which was paid on April 13, 2007.
S-2
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering
of approximately $128 million, after deducting the
underwriting discount and our net estimated offering expenses,
or $147 million if the underwriter exercises its
overallotment option in full.
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to repay
indebtedness owed under our existing secured credit facility. We
intend to reborrow under our existing secured credit facility to
make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our
investment objective. Outstanding balances under the credit
facility accrue interest at a variable annual rate equal to the
one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points on the
outstanding balance. As of April 17, 2007, the current rate
was 6.32%. As of April 17, 2007, we had approximately
$157 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on our
credit facility. Amounts repaid under our credit facility will
remain available for future borrowings.
S-3
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
November 30, 2006 and as adjusted to give effect to the
issuance of the common shares offered hereby. As indicated
below, common stockholders will bear the offering costs
associated with this offering.
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Actual
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As Adjusted
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($ in 000s, except per share data)
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(Unaudited)
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$949
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$111,604
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(1)
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Short-Term Debt:
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Secured credit facility
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$17,000
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$0
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(1)
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Long-Term Debt:
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Senior Notes Series A(2)
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$85,000
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$85,000
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Senior Notes Series B(2)
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85,000
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85,000
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Senior Notes Series C(2)
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90,000
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90,000
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Senior Notes Series E(2)
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60,000
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60,000
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Total Debt:
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$337,000
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$320,000
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Preferred Stock:
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Series D Auction Rate
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, liquidation
preference $25,000 per share (3,000 shares issued and
outstanding, 10,000 shares authorized)(2)
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$75,000
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$75,000
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Common Stockholders Equity:
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Common stock, $0.001 par
value per share, 199,990,000 shares authorized
(38,064,836 shares issued and outstanding;
41,664,836 shares issued and outstanding as adjusted)(2)(3)
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$38
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$42
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Paid-in capital
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910,614
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1,038,265
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(4)
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Net investment loss, net of income
taxes less dividends and distributions...
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(149,769
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(149,769
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Accumulated realized gains on
investments, securities sold short and interest rate swap
contracts, net of income taxes
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28,209
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28,209
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Net unrealized gains on
investments and interest rate swap contracts, net of income taxes
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314,300
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314,300
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Net assets applicable to common
stockholders
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$1,103,392
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$1,231,047
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(1) |
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As described under Use of Proceeds, we intend to use
the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the
borrowings outstanding under our credit facility. As of
April 17, 2007, we had approximately $157 million
outstanding on our credit facility. We intend to reborrow under
our credit facility to make investments in portfolio companies
in accordance with our investment objective. |
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We do not hold any of these outstanding securities for our
account. |
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(3) |
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This does not include shares that may be issued in connection
with the underwriters over allotment option. |
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(4) |
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As adjusted, additional paid-in capital reflects the proceeds of
the issuance of shares of common stock offered hereby
($132,120), less $0.001 par value per share of common stock
($4), less the underwriting discount ($4,340) and less the net
estimated offering costs borne by us ($125) related to the
issuance of the shares. |
S-4
UNDERWRITING
We intend to offer our shares of common stock through Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(Merrill Lynch). Subject to the terms and conditions
described in an underwriting agreement between us and Merrill
Lynch, we have agreed to sell to Merrill Lynch, and Merrill
Lynch has agreed to purchase from us, all of the shares being
offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement. Merrill Lynch is
committed to purchase all of such shares if any are purchased.
We have agreed to indemnify Merrill Lynch against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or
to contribute to payments Merrill Lynch may be required to make
in respect of those liabilities.
Merrill Lynch is offering the shares of common stock, subject to
prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by it,
subject to approval of legal matters by its counsel, including
the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in
the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by Merrill Lynch
of officers certificates and legal opinions. Merrill Lynch
reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the
public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions
and Discounts
Merrill Lynch has advised us that it proposes initially to offer
the shares to the public at the public offering price on the
cover page of this prospectus supplement. There is a sales
charge or underwriting discount of $1.2055 per share, which
is equal to 3.285% of the initial public offering price per
share. After the initial public offering, the public offering
price may be changed. Investors must pay for the shares of
common stock purchased in the offering on or before
April 23, 2007.
The following table shows the per share and total public
offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before
offering expenses to us. The information assumes either no
exercise or full exercise by Merrill Lynch of the overallotment
option.
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Per Share
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Without Option
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With Option
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Public offering price
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$36.70
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$132,120,000
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$151,938,000
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Underwriting discount
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$1.2055
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$4,339,800
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$4,990,770
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Proceeds, before offering
expenses, to us
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$35.4945
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$127,780,200
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$146,947,230
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The expenses of the offering are estimated to be $325,000, all
of which will be borne by us. Merrill Lynch has agreed to
reimburse us $200,000 for certain expenses in connection with
this offering.
Overallotment
Option
We have granted an option to Merrill Lynch to purchase up to
540,000 additional shares at the public offering price less the
underwriting discount. Merrill Lynch may exercise this option
for 45 days from the date of this prospectus supplement
solely to cover any overallotments.
Lock-Up
Agreement
We have agreed not to offer or sell any additional common stock
for a period of 45 days after the date of the underwriting
agreement without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill
Lynch, except for the sale of common stock to Merrill Lynch
pursuant to the underwriting agreement or common stock issued
pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan. In addition, we also
are currently having discussions to effect a direct sale of our
shares of common stock, and Merrill Lynch will allow us to
effect such a direct sale before the expiration of the
lock-up
period only if such direct sale does not exceed gross proceeds
of $30 million, is not effected until more than
15 days after the sale of shares offered by this prospectus
supplement and accompanying prospectus and the shares offered in
that direct sale are subject to a
90-day
lock-up agreement. Specifically, we have agreed, with certain
limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
S-5
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offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock;
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sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock;
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purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock;
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grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common
stock;
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lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock;
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file a registration statement related to the common stock, but
not including any post-effective amendment to the current
registration statement or a new registration statement in order
to maintain a universal shelf registration statement; or
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enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole
or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common
stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by
delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.
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New York
Stock Exchange Listing
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are, and the
shares of common stock sold pursuant to this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, subject to notice of
issuance, will be, listed on the NYSE under the symbol
KYN.
Price
Stabilization and Short Positions
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may
limit Merrill Lynch from bidding for and purchasing our common
stock. However, Merrill Lynch may engage in transactions that
stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or
purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
If Merrill Lynch creates a short position in the shares in
connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more
shares than are listed on the cover of this prospectus
supplement, Merrill Lynch may reduce that short position by
purchasing shares in the open market. Merrill Lynch also may
elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of
the overallotment option described above. Purchases of the
shares to stabilize its price or to reduce a short position may
cause the price of the shares to be higher than it might be in
the absence of such purchases.
Neither we nor Merrill Lynch makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that
the transactions described above may have on the price of the
common stock. In addition, neither we nor Merrill Lynch makes
any representation that Merrill Lynch will engage in these
transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will
not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic
Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares
In connection with the offering, Merrill Lynch may distribute
this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus by
electronic means, such as
e-mail. In
addition, Merrill Lynch will be facilitating Internet
distribution for this offering to certain of its Internet
subscription customers. Merrill Lynch intends to allocate a
limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage
customers. An electronic prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus is available on the Internet web site maintained by
Merrill Lynch. Other than the prospectus supplement and
accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on
the Merrill Lynch web site is not part of this prospectus
supplement and accompanying prospectus.
Other
Relationships
Merrill Lynch and its affiliates have engaged in, and may in the
future engage in, investment banking and other commercial
dealings in the ordinary course of business with us. They have
received customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
S-6
The address of Merrill Lynch is 4 World Financial Center,
250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10080.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with our common stock will
be passed upon for us by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky &
Walker llp, Los
Angeles, California, and for the underwriter by Sidley Austin
llp, New York,
New York. Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker
llp and Sidley
Austin llp may
rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on the opinion of
Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 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
shareholder report filed with the SEC is for the period ended
November 30, 2006. 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 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.
S-7
BASE PROSPECTUS
$500,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment
company that began investment activities on September 28,
2004. Our investment objective is to obtain a high after-tax
total return by investing at least 85% of our net assets plus
any borrowings (our total assets) in energy-related
master limited partnerships and their affiliates (collectively,
MLPs), and in other companies that, as their
principal business, operate assets used in the gathering,
transporting, processing, storing, refining, distributing,
mining or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids (including
propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal
(collectively with MLPs, Midstream Energy
Companies). We invest in equity securities of
(i) master limited partnerships, including preferred,
common and subordinated units and general partner interests,
(ii) owners of such interests in master limited
partnerships, and (iii) other Midstream Energy Companies.
Additionally, we may invest in debt securities of MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies. We intend to invest at least 50% of
our total assets in publicly traded securities of MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies, and we may invest up to 50% of our
total assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities
of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including
securities issued by private companies.
We may offer, from time to time, up to an aggregate of
$500,000,000 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. You should
read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement
carefully before you decide to invest in any of our securities.
We may offer and sell our securities to or through underwriters,
through dealers or agents that we designate from time to time,
directly to purchasers or through a combination of these
methods. If an offering of securities involves any underwriters,
dealers or agents, then the applicable prospectus supplement
will name the underwriters, dealers or agents and will provide
information regarding any applicable purchase price, fee,
commission or discount arrangements made with those
underwriters, dealers or agents or the basis upon which such
amount may be calculated. For more information about the manners
in which we may offer our securities, see Plan of
Distribution. We may not sell any of our securities
through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a
prospectus supplement.
(continued on following page)
Investing in our securities may be speculative and involve a
high degree of risk and should not constitute a complete
investment program. Before buying any securities, you should
read the discussion of the material risks of investing in our
securities in Risk Factors beginning on page 11
of this prospectus. 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.
April 16, 2007
(continued from previous page)
We are managed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC, a subsidiary of
Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. (together, Kayne
Anderson), a leading investor in MLPs. As of
November 30, 2006, Kayne Anderson and its affiliates
managed approximately $7.0 billion, including approximately
$3.3 billion in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol
KYN. The net asset value of our common stock at the
close of business on February 28, 2007 was $30.97 per
share, and the last sale price per share of our common stock on
the NYSE on such date was $32.91. See Market and Net Asset
Value Information.
Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies
frequently trade at discounts to their net asset values. If our
common stock trades at a discount to our net asset value, the
risk of loss may increase for purchasers in this offering,
especially for those investors who expect to sell their common
stock in a relatively short period after purchasing shares in
this offering. See Risk Factors Risks Related
to Our Common Stock Market Discount From Net Asset
Value Risk at page 14.
We issued three series of auction rate senior notes due in 2045,
in an aggregate principal amount of $260 million
(Series A, B and C Notes), on March 28,
2005, and one series of auction rate senior notes due in 2045,
in an aggregate principal amount of $60 million
(Series E Notes), on December 14, 2005.
Series A, B, C and E Notes are rated Aaa and
AAA by Moodys Investors Service Inc.
(Moodys) and Fitch Ratings
(Fitch), respectively. As of November 30, 2006,
the aggregate principal amount of Series A, B, C and E
Notes represented approximately 18.6% of our total assets.
Series A, B, C and E Notes are on a parity with each other,
and are referred to collectively herein as the Senior
Notes.
On April 12, 2005, we issued an aggregate amount of
$75 million of Series D Auction Rate Preferred Stock
(ARP Shares). The ARP Shares are rated
Aa and AA by Moodys and Fitch,
respectively. As of November 30, 2006, the aggregate amount
of ARP Shares represented approximately 4.4% of our total
assets. ARP Shares pay adjustable rate dividends, which are
redetermined periodically by an auction process. The adjustment
period for dividends on ARP Shares could be as short as one day
or as long as a year or more.
Our common stock is junior in liquidation and distribution
rights to our debt securities and preferred stock. The issuance
of our debt securities and preferred stock represents the
leveraging of our common stock. See Use of
Leverage Effects of Leverage at page 36,
Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders at
page 14, and Description of Capital Stock at
page 45. The issuance of any additional common stock
offered by this prospectus will enable us to increase the
aggregate amount of our leverage. Our preferred stock will be
senior in liquidation and distribution rights to our common
stock and will be junior in liquidation and distribution rights
to our debt securities. Investors in our preferred stock will be
entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate that may
vary for each dividend period. Our debt securities will be our
unsecured obligations and, upon our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, rank: (1) senior to all of our outstanding
common stock and any preferred stock (including the ARP Shares);
(2) on a parity with our obligations to any unsecured
creditors and any unsecured senior securities representing our
indebtedness, including the Senior Notes and any other series of
our auction rate senior notes; and (3) junior to our
obligations to any secured creditors. Holders of our debt
securities will be entitled to receive cash interest payments at
an annual rate that may vary for each rate period. We may redeem
our debt securities prior to their stated maturity in certain
circumstances described in this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person
to provide you with different information. If anyone provides
you with different or inconsistent information, you should not
rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities
in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should assume that the information appearing in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of
the respective dates on their front covers. Our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects may
have changed since that date.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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68
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i
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC,
using the shelf registration process. Under the
shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time,
separately or together in one or more offerings, up to
$500,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock or debt
securities on the terms to be determined at the time of the
offering. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms
described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus
to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement
that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or
change information contained in this prospectus. This
prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets forth
concisely the information about us that a prospective investor
ought to know before investing. You should read this prospectus
and the related prospectus supplement before deciding whether to
invest and retain them for future reference. A statement of
additional information, dated April 16, 2007
(SAI), containing additional information about us,
has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in
its entirety into this prospectus. You may request a free copy
of our stockholder reports and our SAI, the table of contents of
which is on page 68 of this prospectus, by calling
(877) 657-3863/MLP-FUND,
by accessing our web site (http://www.kaynemlp.com), or by
writing to us. You may also obtain copies of these documents
(and other information regarding us) from the SECs web
site
(http://www.sec.gov).
ii
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in
this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the
information that you should consider before investing in our
securities offered by this prospectus. You should carefully read
the entire prospectus, any related prospectus supplement and the
SAI, including the documents incorporated by reference into
them, particularly the section entitled Risk Factors
beginning on page 11. Except where the context suggests
otherwise, the terms we, us, and
our refer to Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company;
Kayne Anderson refers to KA Fund Advisors, LLC
and its managing member, Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.
and its predecessor; midstream energy assets refers
to assets used in the gathering, transporting, processing,
storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing natural
gas, natural gas liquids (including propane), crude oil, refined
petroleum products or coal; MLPs refers to
energy-related master limited partnerships, limited liability
companies treated as partnerships, and their affiliates; and
Midstream Energy Companies means (i) MLPs and
(ii) other companies that, as their principal business,
operate midstream energy assets.
About
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company
We are a non-diversified, closed-end investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the 1940 Act), which commenced investment
activities on September 28, 2004. Our common stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE)
under the symbol KYN. See Description of
Capital Stock on page 45. Our investment objective is
to obtain a high after-tax total return by investing at least
85% of our total assets in MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies. We also must comply with the SECs rule
regarding investment company names, which requires us, under
normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of our total
assets in MLPs so long as MLP is in our name.
We completed our initial public offering of common stock on
September 28, 2004. After the payment of offering expenses
and underwriting discounts, we received approximately
$711 million from the proceeds of the initial public
offering and after subsequent exercises by the underwriters of
their over allotment option, the aggregate net proceeds were
approximately $786 million. We completed a secondary public
offering of our common stock on October 17, 2005. After the
payment of offering expenses and underwriting discounts, we
received approximately $77 million from the proceeds of the
secondary public offering. As of November 30, 2006, we had
38,064,836 shares of common stock outstanding and net
assets applicable to our common stock of $1.1 billion.
We issued three series of auction rate senior notes due in 2045,
in an aggregate principal amount of $260 million
(Series A, B and C Notes), on March 28,
2005, and one series of auction rate senior notes due in 2045,
in an aggregate principal amount of $60 million
(Series E Notes), on December 14, 2005.
Series A, B, C and E Notes are rated Aaa and
AAA by Moodys Investors Service Inc.
(Moodys) and Fitch Ratings
(Fitch), respectively. As of November 30, 2006,
the aggregate principal amount of Series A, B, C and E
Notes represented approximately 18.6% of our total assets.
Series A, B, C and E Notes are on a parity with each other,
and are referred to collectively herein as the Senior
Notes.
On April 12, 2005, we issued an aggregate amount of
$75 million of Series D Auction Rate Preferred Stock
(ARP Shares). The ARP Shares are rated
Aa and AA by Moodys and Fitch,
respectively. As of November 30, 2006, the aggregate amount
of ARP Shares represented approximately 4.4% of our total assets.
After the payment of offering expenses and underwriting
discounts, we received a total of approximately
$390 million in net proceeds from the issuance of the
Senior Notes and the ARP Shares.
The
Offering
We may offer, from time to time, up to $500,000,000 of our
securities, on terms to be determined at the time of the
offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to
be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus.
Preferred stock and debt securities (collectively, senior
securities) may be auction rate securities, in which case
the senior securities will not be listed on any exchange or
automated quotation system. Rather, investors generally may only
buy and sell senior securities through an auction conducted by
an auction agent and participating broker-dealers.
1
While the aggregate number and amount of securities we may issue
pursuant to this registration statement is limited to
$500,000,000 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. The securities may be
sold from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed
prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, prices
related to prevailing market prices, at varying prices
determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.
We may offer and sell our securities to or through underwriters,
through dealers or agents that we designate from time to time,
directly to purchasers or through a combination of these
methods. If an offering of securities involves any underwriters,
dealers or agents, then the applicable prospectus supplement
will name the underwriters, dealers or agents and will provide
information regarding any applicable purchase price, fee,
commission or discount arrangements made with those
underwriters, dealers or agents or the basis upon which such
amount may be calculated. See Plan of Distribution.
We may not sell any of our securities through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus
supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of
our securities.
Our
Portfolio Investments
Our investments in the securities of MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies are principally in equity securities issued by
MLPs. Generally, we invest in equity securities of
(i) master limited partnerships, including preferred,
common and subordinated units and general partner interests,
(ii) owners of such interests in master limited
partnerships, and (iii) other Midstream Energy Companies.
Finally, we may also, from time to time, invest in debt
securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies with
varying maturities of up to 30 years.
We intend to invest at least 50% of our total assets in publicly
traded (i.e., freely tradable) securities of MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies and may invest up to 50% of our total
assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities of
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including securities
issued by private companies. We may invest up to 15% of our
total assets in any single issuer.
We may invest up to 20% of our total assets in debt securities
of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including below
investment grade debt securities rated, at the time of
investment, at least B3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.,
B− by Standard & Poors or Fitch Ratings,
or, if unrated, determined by Kayne Anderson to be of comparable
quality. In addition, up to one-quarter of our permitted
investments in debt securities (or up to 5% of our total assets)
may include unrated debt securities of private companies.
On a limited basis, we may also use derivative investments to
hedge against interest rate and market risks. We may also
utilize short sales to hedge such risks and as part of short
sale investment strategies.
About Our
Investment Adviser
KA Fund Advisors, LLC (KAFA) is our investment
adviser, responsible for implementing and administering our
investment strategy. KAFA is a subsidiary of Kayne Anderson
Capital Advisors, L.P. (KACALP and together with
KAFA, Kayne Anderson), a SEC-registered investment
adviser. As of November 30, 2006, Kayne Anderson and its
affiliates managed approximately $7.0 billion, including
approximately $3.3 billion in MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies. Kayne Anderson has invested in MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies since 1998. We believe that Kayne
Anderson has developed an understanding of the MLP market that
enables it to identify and take advantage of public MLP
investment opportunities. In addition, Kayne Andersons
senior professionals have developed a strong reputation in the
energy sector and have many long-term relationships with
industry managers, which we believe gives Kayne Anderson an
important advantage in sourcing and structuring private
investments.
Use of
Financial Leverage
The issuance of our debt securities and preferred stock
represents the leveraging of our common stock. The issuance of
additional common stock offered by this prospectus will enable
us to increase the aggregate amount of our leverage. The net
asset value of our common stock will be reduced by the fees and
issuance costs of any preferred stock we issue.
2
We may leverage through the issuance of debt and preferred
securities offered hereby, our revolving credit facility or
other borrowings. The timing and terms of any leverage
transactions will be determined by our Board of Directors. The
use of leverage involves significant risks and creates a greater
risk of loss, as well as potential for more gain, for holders of
our common stock than if leverage is not used. Throughout this
prospectus, our debt securities, including Senior Notes, our
revolving credit facility or other borrowings are collectively
referred to as Borrowings. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders at
page 14.
Our Borrowings and our preferred stock, including the ARP Shares
(each a Leverage Instrument and collectively, the
Leverage Instruments) may constitute, in the
aggregate, up to 30% of our total assets, which includes assets
obtained through such financial leverage. Leverage Instruments
have seniority in liquidation and distribution rights over our
common stock. Costs associated with any issuance of preferred
stock are borne immediately by common stockholders and result in
a reduction of the net asset value of our common stock. See
Use of Leverage at page 35.
Because Kayne Andersons fee is based upon a percentage of
our average total assets, Kayne Andersons fee is likely to
be higher since we employ leverage. Therefore, Kayne Anderson
has a financial incentive to use leverage, which may create a
conflict of interest between Kayne Anderson and our common
stockholders. There can be no assurance that our leveraging
strategy will be successful during any period in which it is
used. The use of leverage involves significant risks. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders at
page 14 and Risks Related to Our Senior
Securities Senior Leverage Risk to Preferred
Stockholders at page 18.
Dividends
and Interest
As of the date of this prospectus, we have paid dividends to
common stockholders every fiscal quarter since inception,
significant portions of which have been characterized as returns
of capital for federal income tax purposes. We expect that a
significant portion of our future dividends will be treated as a
return of capital to stockholders for tax purposes. We intend to
continue to pay quarterly dividends to our common stockholders.
Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board
of Directors. We will pay dividends and interest on our
preferred stock and debt securities, respectively, in accordance
with their terms. For more information, see
Dividends and Tax Matters at
pages 28 and 55.
Use of
Proceeds
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will
invest the net proceeds of any sales of securities in accordance
with our investment objective and policies within approximately
3 months of receipt of such proceeds. See Use of
Proceeds at page 10.
Taxation
We are treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes
and, as a result, unlike most investment companies, we are
subject to corporate income tax to the extent we recognize
taxable income. As a partner in MLPs, we have to report our
allocable share of each MLPs taxable income or loss in
computing our taxable income or loss, whether or not we actually
receive any cash from such MLP. See Tax Matters at
page 55.
Risk
Management Techniques
We may, but are not required to, use various hedging and other
transactions to seek to manage interest rate and market risks.
See Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders at
page 14, Risks Related to Our Senior
Securities Senior Leverage Risk to Preferred
Stockholders at page 18, Risks
Related to Our Investments and Investment Techniques
Derivatives Risk at page 25, and Investment
Objective and Policies Investment
Practices Hedging and Other Risk Management
Transactions at page 33 in this prospectus and
Our Investments Our Use of Derivatives,
Options and Hedging Transactions, in our SAI. There is no
guarantee we will use these risk management techniques.
3
KAYNE
ANDERSON MLP INVESTMENT COMPANY
We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act, and formed as a Maryland
corporation in June 2004. Our common stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol
KYN. On September 28, 2004, we issued
30,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, in an initial public offering. On
October 22, 2004 and November 16, 2004, we issued an
additional 1,500,000 and 1,661,900 shares of common stock,
respectively, in connection with partial exercises by the
underwriters of their over allotment option. The proceeds of the
initial public offering and subsequent exercises of the over
allotment option of common stock were approximately
$786 million after the payment of offering expenses and
underwriting discounts. We completed a secondary public offering
of our common stock on October 17, 2005. After the payment
of offering expenses and underwriting discounts, we received
approximately $77 million from the proceeds of the
secondary public offering. On April 12, 2005, we issued an
aggregate amount of $75 million of ARP Shares. The ARP
Shares are rated Aa and AA by
Moodys and Fitch, respectively. After the payment of
offering expenses and underwriting discounts, we received a
total of approximately $74 million in net proceeds from the
issuance of the ARP Shares. As of November 30, 2006, the
aggregate amount of ARP Shares represented approximately 4.4% of
our total assets. We issued Series A, B and C Notes, in an
aggregate principal amount of $260 million, on
March 28, 2005 and Series E Notes, in an aggregate
principal amount of $60 million, on December 14, 2005.
Our Senior Notes are rated Aaa and AAA
by Moodys and Fitch, respectively. After the payment of
offering expenses and underwriting discounts, we received a
total of approximately $316 million in net proceeds from
the issuance of Senior Notes. As of November 30, 2006, the
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes represented
approximately 18.6% of our total assets. Our Senior Notes are on
a parity with each other.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have paid dividends to
common stockholders every fiscal quarter since inception. The
following table sets forth information about dividends we paid
to our common stockholders, percentage participation by common
stockholders in our dividend reinvestment program and
reinvestments and related issuances of additional shares of
common stock as a result of such participation (the information
in the table is unaudited):
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Amount of
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Additional Shares
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Percentage of Common
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Corresponding
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of Common Stock
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Stockholders Electing
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Reinvestment
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Issued through
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Dividend Payment
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Amount of
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to Participate in
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through Dividend
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Dividend
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Date to Common
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Dividend
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Dividend Reinvestment
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Reinvestment
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Reinvestment
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Stockholders
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Per Share
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Program for Dividend
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Program
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Program
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January 14, 2005
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$
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0
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.25
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65
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%
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$
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5,400,602
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222,522
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April 15, 2005
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0
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.41
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51
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%
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7,042,073
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288,020
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July 15, 2005
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0
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.415
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47
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%
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6,570,925
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249,656
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October 14, 2005
|
|
|
0
|
.42
|
|
|
47
|
%
|
|
|
6,251,280
|
|
|
|
249,453
|
|
January 12, 2006
|
|
|
0
|
.425
|
|
|
42
|
%
|
|
|
6,627,404
|
|
|
|
263,620
|
|
April 13, 2006
|
|
|
0
|
.43
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
|
|
6,312,557
|
|
|
|
203,318
|
|
July 13, 2006
|
|
|
0
|
.44
|
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
|
6,183,973
|
|
|
|
204,423
|
|
October 13, 2006
|
|
|
0
|
.45
|
|
|
34
|
%
|
|
|
5,864,353
|
|
|
|
217,924
|
|
January 12, 2007
|
|
|
0
|
.47
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
|
5,717,595
|
|
|
|
200,336
|
|
4
The following table sets forth information about our outstanding
securities as of November 30, 2006 (the information in the
table is unaudited):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Shares/
|
|
|
Amount Held
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Principal
|
|
|
by Us or
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Amount Authorized
|
|
|
for Our Account
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
199,990,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
38,064,836
|
|
Series D Auction Rate
Preferred Stock(1)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
Auction Rate Senior Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
|
$85,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
85,000,000
|
|
Series B
|
|
|
85,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
85,000,000
|
|
Series C
|
|
|
90,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
90,000,000
|
|
Series E
|
|
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Each share has a liquidation preference of $25,000 ($75,000,000
aggregate liquidation preference for outstanding shares). |
We issued 4,000 shares of our common stock in a private
placement to provide us with seed capital prior to our initial
public offering of common stock. Those shares are held by an
affiliate of Kayne Anderson.
Our principal office is located at 1800 Avenue of the Stars,
Second Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067, and our telephone number is
(877) 657-3863/MLP-FUND.
5
FEES AND
EXPENSES
The following table contains information about the costs and
expenses that common stockholders will bear directly or
indirectly. The table assumes that we use leverage representing
30% of our total assets. The Annual Expense table below assumes
that leverage is increased from its level of 23.9% on
November 30, 2006 to an assumed level of 30% by increasing
its outstanding Senior Notes.
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholder Transaction
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Load Paid by You (as a
percentage of offering price)(1)
|
|
|
|
%
|
Offering Expenses Borne by Us (as
a percentage of offering price)(2)
|
|
|
|
%
|
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees(3)
|
|
|
None
|
|
Total stockholder transaction
expenses (as a percentage of offering price)(4)
|
|
|
|
%
|
Percentage
of Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock
(assumes leverage is increased to 30%)(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(6)
|
|
|
2.07
|
%
|
Interest Payments on Borrowed
Funds(7)(8)(12)
|
|
|
2.38
|
%
|
Dividend Payments on Preferred
Stock(8)(9)(12)
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
Other Expenses (exclusive of
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
0.22
|
%
|
Annual Expenses (exclusive of
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
5.05
|
%
|
Current Income Tax Expense
(Benefit)(10)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)%
|
Deferred Income Tax Expense(11)
|
|
|
12.30
|
%
|
Total Annual Expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
17.34
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The sales load will apply only if the securities to which this
prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters. In such
case, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the
applicable sales load. |
|
(2) |
|
The related prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated
amount of offering expenses, the offering price and the offering
expenses borne by us as a percentage of the offering price. |
|
(3) |
|
The expenses of administering our dividend reinvestment plan are
included in Other Expenses. You will pay brokerage charges if
you direct American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, as agent for our common stockholders (the
Plan Administrator), to sell your common stock held
in a dividend reinvestment account. See Dividend
Reinvestment Plan. |
|
(4) |
|
The related prospectus supplement will disclose the offering
price and the total stockholder transaction expenses as a
percentage of the offering price. |
|
(5) |
|
Leverage representing 23.9% of our total assets at
November 30, 2006 is assumed to increase to 30% for
purposes of calculating annual expenses in the table. The
increased leverage is assumed to be from the issuance of
additional Senior Notes. The annual expenses in the table assume
no additional issuances of ARP Shares or common stock and no
interest rate swap agreements. |
|
(6) |
|
Under the Investment Management Agreement, effective for periods
commencing on or after December 12, 2006, the management
fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.375% of our average
total assets. In the table above, management fees are calculated
based on average total assets for the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2006, as adjusted for assumed additional
leverage equal to 30%. Annual expenses of 2.07% are calculated
as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock as of
November 30, 2006, which results in a higher percentage
than the percentage attributable to average total assets. See
Management Investment Management
Agreement at page 42. |
|
(7) |
|
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds in the table reflect the
interest and offering expense borne by us in connection with the
issuance of Borrowings as a percentage of our net assets, based
on interest rates in effect as of November 30, 2006, which
rates were as follows: Senior Notes Series A, 5.05%;
Senior Notes Series B, 5.05%; Senior
Notes Series C, 5.24%; Senior
Notes Series E, 5.05%; and revolving credit line,
6.32%. |
6
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Interest payment obligations on our Borrowings and dividend
payment obligations on our ARP Shares have been hedged in part
by interest rate swap agreements. These estimated payments made
or received on our interest rate swap agreements are not
included in annual expenses. As of November 30, 2006, we
had interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of
$270 million. The average interest rate payable under these
agreements was 4.46% as compared to the variable benchmark
(1-month
London Interbank Offered Rate) rate of 5.35%. As of
November 30, 2006, our interest rate swap agreements would
decrease Annual Expenses by 0.22% of net assets attributable to
common stock. |
|
(9) |
|
Dividend Payments on Preferred Stock in the table reflect the
dividends paid by us in connection with our ARP Shares as a
percentage of our net assets, based on the dividend rate of
5.28% in effect as of November 30, 2006. |
|
(10) |
|
The current tax benefit related to our net investment loss was
$0.1 million for the fiscal year ended November 30,
2006. |
|
(11) |
|
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006, we accrued
$135.7 million in net deferred tax expense on our net
investment loss, realized gains and unrealized gains. |
|
(12) |
|
As of November 30, 2006, we had $412 million in
Leverage Instruments outstanding (Senior Notes in an aggregate
principal amount of $320 million; $17 million
aggregate principal amount borrowed under our revolving credit
line; and ARP Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of
$75 million). Such Leverage Instruments represent 23.9% of
total assets as of November 30, 2006. In accordance with
these leverage assumptions, our expenses would be estimated as
follows: |
Percentage
of Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock
(assumes actual leverage as of November 30, 2006)
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(a)
|
|
|
1.88
|
%
|
Interest Payments on Borrowed
Funds(b)(d)
|
|
|
1.66
|
%
|
Dividend Payments on Preferred
Stock(c)(d)
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
Other Expenses (exclusive of
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
0.22
|
%
|
Annual Expenses (exclusive of
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
4.14
|
%
|
Current Income Tax Expense
(Benefit)(e)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)%
|
Deferred Income Tax Expense(f)
|
|
|
12.30
|
%
|
Total Annual Expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expenses)
|
|
|
16.43
|
%
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
Under the Investment Management
Agreement, effective for periods commencing on or after
December 12, 2006, the management fee is calculated at an
annual rate of 1.375% of our average total assets. In the table
above, estimated management fees are calculated at the annual
rate of 1.375% multiplied by our average total assets for the
fiscal year ended November 30, 2006. Annual expenses of
1.88% are calculated as a percentage of net assets attributable
to common stock as of November 30, 2006, which results in a
higher percentage than the percentage attributable to average
total assets. See Management Investment
Management Agreement at page 42.
|
|
(b)
|
|
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds
in the table reflect the interest and offering expense borne by
us in connection with the issuance of Borrowings as a percentage
of our net assets, based on interest rates in effect as of
November 30, 2006, which rates were as follows: Senior
Notes Series A, 5.05%; Senior
Notes Series B, 5.05%; Senior
Notes Series C, 5.24%; Senior
Notes Series E, 5.05%; and revolving credit line,
6.32%.
|
|
(c)
|
|
Dividend Payments on Preferred
Stock in the table reflect the dividends paid by us in
connection with our ARP Shares as a percentage of our net
assets, based on the dividend rate of 5.28% in effect as of
November 30, 2006.
|
|
(d)
|
|
Interest payment obligations on our
Borrowings and dividend payment obligations on our ARP Shares
have been hedged in part by interest rate swap agreements. These
estimated payments made or received on our interest rate swap
agreements are not included in annual expenses. As of
November 30, 2006, we had interest rate swap agreements
with a notional amount of $270 million. The average
interest rate payable under these agreements was 4.46% as
compared to the variable benchmark
(1-month
London
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
Interbank Offered Rate) rate of
5.35%. As of November 30, 2006, our interest rate swap
agreements would decrease Annual Expenses by 0.22% of net assets
attributable to common stock.
|
|
(e)
|
|
The current tax benefit related to
our net investment loss was $0.1 million for the fiscal
year ended November 30, 2006.
|
|
(f)
|
|
For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2006, we accrued $135.7 million in net
deferred tax expense on our net investment loss, realized gains
and unrealized gains.
|
The purpose of the first table above and the example below is to
help you understand all fees and expenses that you would bear
directly or indirectly as a holder of our common stock. See
Management at page 38 and Dividend
Reinvestment Plan at page 29.
Example
The following example illustrates the expenses that common
stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in our common
stock, assuming a 6.20% interest and dividend yield on total
assets, a 5% annual appreciation in net assets (prior to
reinvestment of dividends and distributions) and expenses based
on a management fee of 1.375% of average total assets and a
37.0% tax rate. Based on these assumptions, annual expenses
before tax are 4.37% of net assets attributable to our common
stock in year 1 and total annual expenses after tax are 6.68% of
net assets attributable to our common stock in year 1. The
following example also assumes that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested at net asset value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
5 Years
|
|
10 Years
|
|
Before tax(1)
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
|
$
|
247
|
|
|
$
|
535
|
|
After tax(1)(2)
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
|
$
|
223
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
|
$
|
825
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Expenses include the 1.375% annual management fee payable to
KAFA as a percentage of average total assets. |
|
(2) |
|
Taxes calculated based on an assumed 5% annual appreciation in
net assets (prior to reinvestment of dividends and
distributions). |
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE
EXPENSES. The example assumes that the estimated Other
Expenses set forth in the Annual Expenses table are
accurate and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
at net asset value and that we are engaged in leverage of 30% of
total assets, assuming a 5.41% cost of leverage. The example
above assumes that leverage is increased from its level of 23.9%
on November 30, 2006 to an assumed level of 30% by
increasing its outstanding Senior Notes. The cost of leverage is
expressed as a blended interest/dividend rate and represents the
weighted average cost on our Leverage Instruments, excluding the
impacts of our interest rate swap agreements at
November 30, 2006, plus the weighted average cost of
additional Senior Notes. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE SHOWN. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be
greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example.
8
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the period September 28, 2004
through November 30, 2004 and for the fiscal years ended
November 30, 2005 and 2006, including accompanying notes
thereto and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon,
contained in the following document filed by us with the SEC are
hereby incorporated by reference into, and are made part of,
this prospectus: Our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year
ended November 30, 2006 contained in its
Form N-CSR
filed with the SEC on February 7, 2007). A copy of such
Annual Report to Stockholders must accompany the delivery of
this prospectus.
MARKET
AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are listed on
the NYSE under the symbol KYN. Our common stock
commenced trading on the NYSE on September 28, 2004.
Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount
in relation to its net asset value. Although our common stock
recently has been trading at a premium to net asset value, there
can be no assurance that this will continue after the offering
or that our common stock will not trade at a discount in the
future. Our issuance of 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 to us as a
vehicle for investment in a portfolio of MLPs, including other
publicly traded investment companies and private funds, may
reduce or eliminate any tendency of our common stock to trade at
a premium in the future. Shares of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Market Discount From Net Asset Value
Risk on page 14.
The following table sets forth for each of the dates indicated
the closing market prices for our shares on the NYSE, the net
asset value per share of common stock and the premium or
discount to net asset value per share at which our shares were
trading. Net asset value is generally determined on the last
business day of each calendar month. See Net Asset
Value on page 43 for information as to the
determination of our net asset value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share
|
|
|
Premium/(Discount) to
|
|
Month Ended
|
|
Market Price
|
|
|
of Common Stock(1)
|
|
|
Net Asset Value
|
|
|
September 28, 2004
|
|
$
|
25.00
|
|
|
$
|
23.70
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
October 31, 2004
|
|
|
25.08
|
|
|
|
23.73
|
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
November 30, 2004
|
|
|
24.90
|
|
|
|
23.91
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
|
|
24.25
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
January 31, 2005
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
|
|
25.03
|
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
February 28, 2005
|
|
|
26.05
|
|
|
|
25.27
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
26.22
|
|
|
|
24.90
|
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
April 30, 2005
|
|
|
26.00
|
|
|
|
24.92
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
May 31, 2005
|
|
|
26.00
|
|
|
|
25.19
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
June 30, 2005
|
|
|
26.75
|
|
|
|
26.01
|
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
July 31, 2005
|
|
|
27.97
|
|
|
|
26.86
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
August 31, 2005
|
|
|
27.60
|
|
|
|
26.63
|
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
September 30, 2005
|
|
|
28.06
|
|
|
|
26.74
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
October 31, 2005
|
|
|
25.91
|
|
|
|
25.98
|
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
November 30, 2005
|
|
|
24.33
|
|
|
|
25.07
|
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
December 30, 2005
|
|
|
24.34
|
|
|
|
24.87
|
|
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
January 31, 2006
|
|
|
25.40
|
|
|
|
25.67
|
|
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
February 28, 2006
|
|
|
25.43
|
|
|
|
25.48
|
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
March 31, 2006
|
|
|
25.98
|
|
|
|
25.93
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
April 30, 2006
|
|
|
25.68
|
|
|
|
25.85
|
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share
|
|
|
Premium/(Discount) to
|
|
Month Ended
|
|
Market Price
|
|
|
of Common Stock(1)
|
|
|
Net Asset Value
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
25.78
|
|
|
|
26.48
|
|
|
|
(2.6
|
)
|
June 30, 2006
|
|
|
25.65
|
|
|
|
26.29
|
|
|
|
(2.4
|
)
|
July 31, 2006
|
|
|
26.55
|
|
|
|
26.73
|
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
August 31, 2006
|
|
|
27.68
|
|
|
|
27.37
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
September 30, 2006
|
|
|
27.84
|
|
|
|
27.13
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
October 31, 2006
|
|
|
28.89
|
|
|
|
28.05
|
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
November 30, 2006
|
|
|
31.39
|
|
|
|
28.99
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
32.98
|
|
|
|
29.38
|
|
|
|
12.3
|
|
January 31, 2007
|
|
|
32.55
|
|
|
|
30.17
|
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
February 28, 2007
|
|
|
32.91
|
|
|
|
30.97
|
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
Source of market prices: Reuters Group PLC.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on our net asset value calculated on the close of business
on the last day of each calendar month. |
As of November 30, 2006, we had 38,064,836 shares of
common stock outstanding and our net assets applicable to common
stockholders were $1,103,392.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will
invest the net proceeds of any sales of securities in accordance
with our investment objective and policies within approximately
three months of receipt of such proceeds. Pending such
investment, we anticipate investing the proceeds in short-term
securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or long-term
debt obligations or money market instruments. 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.
10
RISK
FACTORS
Risk is inherent in all investing. The following discussion
summarizes some of the risks that a potential common stockholder
should consider before deciding whether to invest in our common
stock offered hereby. For additional information about the risks
associated with investing in our common stock, see Our
Investments in our SAI.
Risks
Related to Our Business and Structure
Competition
Risk
At the time we completed our initial public offering in
September 2004, we were one of the few publicly traded
investment companies offering access to a portfolio of MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies. There are now a limited number
of other companies, including other publicly traded investment
companies and private funds, which may serve as alternatives to
us for investment in a portfolio of MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies. In addition, tax law changes have increased,
and future tax law changes may again increase, the ability of
mutual funds and other regulated investment companies or other
institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may
positively impact MLPs in which we invest, but may also
adversely impact our ability to make desired investments in the
MLP market.
Management
Risk; Dependence on Key Personnel of Kayne
Anderson
Our portfolio is subject to management risk because it is
actively managed. Kayne Anderson applies investment techniques
and risk analyses in making investment decisions for us, but
there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired
results.
We depend upon Kayne Andersons key personnel for our
future success and upon their access to certain individuals and
investments in the midstream energy industry. In particular, we
depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts
of our portfolio managers, who evaluate, negotiate, structure,
close and monitor our investments. These individuals do not have
long-term employment contracts with Kayne Anderson, although
they do have equity interests and other financial incentives to
remain with Kayne Anderson. For a description of Kayne Anderson,
see Management Investment Adviser at
page 40. We also depend on the senior management of Kayne
Anderson. The departure of any of our portfolio managers or the
senior management of Kayne Anderson could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment
objective. In addition, we can offer no assurance that Kayne
Anderson will remain our investment adviser or that we will
continue to have access to Kayne Andersons industry
contacts and deal flow.
Conflicts
of Interest of Kayne Anderson
Conflicts of interest may arise because Kayne Anderson and its
affiliates generally carry on substantial investment activities
for other clients, in which we will have no interest. Kayne
Anderson or its affiliates may have financial incentives to
favor certain of such accounts over us. Any of their proprietary
accounts and other customer accounts may compete with us for
specific trades. Kayne Anderson or its affiliates may buy or
sell securities for us which differ from securities bought or
sold for other accounts and customers, even though their
investment objectives and policies may be similar to ours.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by Kayne Anderson and its
affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be
based on, among other things, legal or internal restrictions on
the combined size of positions that may be taken for us and the
other accounts, thereby limiting the size of our position, or
the difficulty of liquidating an investment for us and the other
accounts where the market cannot absorb the sale of the combined
position.
Our investment opportunities may be limited by affiliations of
Kayne Anderson or its affiliates with MLPs or other Midstream
Energy Companies. Additionally, to the extent that Kayne
Anderson sources and structures private investments in MLPs,
certain employees of Kayne Anderson 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 an MLP about which Kayne Anderson has material
non-public information; however, it is Kayne Andersons
11
intention to ensure that any material non-public information
available to certain Kayne Anderson employees not be shared with
those employees responsible for the purchase and sale of
publicly traded MLP securities.
KAFA also manages Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc.,
a closed end investment company listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker KYE, and Kayne Anderson
Energy Development Company, a business development company
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker
KED, and KACALP manages several private investment
funds (collectively, Affiliated Funds). Some of the
Affiliated Funds have investment objectives that are similar to
or overlap with ours. In particular, certain Affiliated Funds
invest in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Further,
Kayne Anderson may at some time in the future, manage other
investment funds with the same investment objective as ours.
Investment decisions for us are made independently from those of
Kayne Andersons other clients; however, from time to time,
the same investment decision may be made for more than one fund
or account. When two or more clients advised by Kayne Anderson
or its affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same publicly
traded securities, the securities actually purchased or sold are
allocated among the clients on a good faith equitable basis by
Kayne Anderson in its discretion in accordance with the
clients various investment objectives and procedures
adopted by Kayne Anderson and approved by our Board of
Directors. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the
price or size of the position we may obtain. In other cases,
however, our ability to participate in volume transactions may
produce better execution for us.
From time to time, we may control or may be an
affiliate of one or more of our portfolio companies,
each as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act,
we would control a portfolio company if we owned 25%
or more of its outstanding voting securities and would be an
affiliate of a portfolio company if we owned 5% or
more of its outstanding voting securities. The 1940 Act contains
prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between
investment companies and their affiliates (including our
investment adviser), principal underwriters and affiliates of
those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, we
and any portfolio company that we control are generally
prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction,
including co-investments in a portfolio company, with an
affiliated person, including any of our directors or officers,
our investment adviser or any entity controlled or advised by
any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit our
affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those
affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or
selling to us or any portfolio company that we control certain
securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing
from us or any portfolio company that we control monies or other
properties.
We believe that there is significant ambiguity in the
application of existing SEC staff interpretations of the term
voting security to complex structures such as
privately negotiated limited partnership interests of the kind
in which we invest. As a result, it is possible that the SEC
staff may consider that the certain securities investments in
private limited partnerships are voting securities under the
staffs prevailing interpretations of this term. If such
determination is made, we may be regarded as a person affiliated
with and controlling the issuer(s) of those securities for
purposes of Section 17 of the 1940 Act.
In light of the ambiguity of the definition of voting
securities, we do not intend to treat any class of securities we
hold as voting securities unless the security
holders of such class have the ability, under the partnership
agreement, to remove the general partner (assuming a sufficient
vote of such securities, other than securities held by the
general partner, in favor of such removal) or we have an
economic interest of sufficient size that otherwise gives us the
de facto power to exercise a controlling influence over the
partnership. We believe this treatment is appropriate given that
the general partner controls the partnership, and without the
ability to remove the general partner or the power to otherwise
exercise a controlling influence over the partnership due to the
size of an economic interest, the security holders have no
control over the partnership.
There is no assurance that the SEC staff will not consider that
other limited partnership securities that we own and do not
treat as voting securities are, in fact, voting securities for
the purposes of Section 17 of the 1940 Act. If such
determination were made, we will be required to abide by the
restrictions on control or affiliate
transactions as proscribed in the 1940 Act. We or any portfolio
company that we control, and our affiliates, may from time to
time engage in certain of such joint transactions, purchases,
sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the
conditions of certain exemptive rules promulgated by the SEC. We
cannot assure you, however, that we would be able to satisfy the
conditions of these rules with respect to any particular
eligible transaction, or
12
even if we were allowed to engage in such a transaction that the
terms would be more or as favorable to us or any company that we
control as those that could be obtained in arms length
transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may
be imposed on the size of positions that may be taken for us or
on the type of investments that we could make.
As discussed above, under the 1940 Act, we and our affiliates,
including Affiliated Funds, may be precluded from co-investing
in private placements of securities, including in any portfolio
companies that we control. Except as permitted by law, Kayne
Anderson will not co-invest its other clients assets in
the private transactions in which we invest. Kayne Anderson will
allocate private investment opportunities among its clients,
including us, based on allocation policies that take into
account several suitability factors, including the size of the
investment opportunity, the amount each client has available for
investment and the clients investment objectives. These
allocation policies may result in the allocation of investment
opportunities to an Affiliated Fund rather than to us. The
policies contemplate that Kayne Anderson will exercise
discretion, based on several factors relevant to the
determination, in allocating the entirety, or a portion, of such
investment opportunities to an Affiliated Fund, in priority to
other prospectively interested advisory clients, including us.
In this regard, when applied to specified investment
opportunities that would normally be suitable for us, the
allocation policies may result in certain Affiliated Funds
having greater priority than us to participate in such
opportunities depending on the totality of the considerations,
including, among other things, our available capital for
investment, our existing holdings, applicable tax and
diversification standards to which we may then be subject and
the ability to efficiently liquidate a portion of our existing
portfolio in a timely and prudent fashion in the time period
required to fund the transaction.
The investment management fee paid to Kayne Anderson is based on
the value of our assets, as periodically determined. A
significant percentage of our assets may be illiquid securities
acquired in private transactions for which market quotations
will not be readily available. Although we will adopt valuation
procedures designed to determine valuations of illiquid
securities in a manner that reflects their fair value, there
typically is a range of prices that may be established for each
individual security. Senior management of Kayne Anderson, our
Board of Directors and its Valuation Committee, and a
third-party valuation firm will participate in the valuation of
our securities. See Net Asset Value at page 43.
Certain
Affiliations
We are affiliated with KA Associates, Inc., an NASD member
broker-dealer. Absent an exemption from the SEC or other
regulatory relief, we are generally precluded from effecting
certain principal transactions with affiliated brokers, and our
ability to utilize affiliated brokers for agency transactions is
subject to restrictions. This could limit our ability to engage
in securities transactions and take advantage of market
opportunities. In addition, until completion of this offering,
we will be precluded from effecting principal transactions with
brokers who are members of the syndicate. Unless stated
otherwise in the related prospectus supplement, KA Associates,
Inc. may be a member of a selling group for an offering of our
securities.
Valuation
Risk
Market prices may not be readily available for subordinated
units, direct ownership of general partner interests, restricted
or unregistered securities of certain MLPs or interests in
private companies, and the value of such investments will
ordinarily be determined based on fair valuations determined by
the Board of Directors or its designee pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board of Directors. Restrictions on resale or the
absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect our
ability to determine our net asset value. 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 Kayne Anderson 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. In addition,
we will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs,
which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable income
allocable to the MLP units held in our portfolio and to estimate
associated deferred tax liability for purposes of financial
statement reporting and determining our net asset value. From
time to time, we will modify our estimates or assumptions
13
regarding our deferred tax liability as new information becomes
available. To the extent we modify our estimates or assumptions,
our net asset value would likely fluctuate. See Net Asset
Value at page 43.
Inflation
Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income
from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation
decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real
value of our securities, dividends and interest that we pay can
decline.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions
Our Charter, Bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law
include provisions that could limit the ability of other
entities or persons to acquire control of us, to convert us to
open-end status, or to change the composition of our Board of
Directors. We have also adopted other measures that may make it
difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including
provisions of our Charter classifying our Board of Directors in
three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions
authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify
shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause
the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our
Charter, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease
the number of shares of stock that we have authority to issue.
These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and
Bylaws, could have the effect of discouraging, delaying,
deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control
that might otherwise be in the best interests of our
stockholders. As a result, these provisions may deprive our
common stockholders of opportunities to sell their common stock
at a premium over the then current market price of our common
stock. See Description of Capital Stock at
page 45.
Risks
Related to Our Common Stock
Market
Discount From Net Asset Value Risk
Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount
to our net asset value. The last reported sale price, net asset
value per share and percentage premium to net asset value per
share of our common stock on February 28, 2007 were $32.91,
$30.97 and 6.3%, respectively. There is no assurance that this
premium will continue after the date of this prospectus or that
our common stock will not again trade at a discount. Shares of
closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount
to their net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate
and distinct from the risk that our net asset value could
decrease as a result of our investment activities and may be
greater for investors expecting to sell their shares in a
relatively short period following completion of this offering.
Although the value of our net assets is generally considered by
market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell
shares, whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the
sale of our common stock will depend entirely upon whether the
market price of our common stock at the time of sale is above or
below the investors purchase price for our common stock.
Because the market price of our common stock is affected by
factors such as net asset value, dividend or distribution levels
(which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and
demand for our common stock, stability of dividends or
distributions, trading volume of our common stock, general
market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond our
control, we cannot predict whether our common stock will trade
at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above the
offering price.
Leverage
Risk to Common Stockholders
The issuance of Leverage Instruments, including those offered by
this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement, represent
the leveraging of our common stock. Leverage is a technique that
could adversely affect our common stockholders. Unless the
income and capital appreciation, if any, on securities acquired
with the proceeds from Leverage Instruments exceed the costs of
the leverage, the use of leverage could cause us to lose money.
When leverage is used, the net asset value and market value of
our common stock will be more volatile. There is no assurance
that our use of leverage will be successful.
Our common stockholders bear the costs of leverage through
higher operating expenses. Our common stockholders also bear
management fees, whereas, holders of Senior Notes or any
preferred stock that we may issue, do not bear management fees.
Because management fees are based on our total assets, our use
of leverage increases
14
the effective management fee borne by our common stockholders.
In addition, the issuance of additional senior debt securities
or preferred stock by us would result in offering expenses and
other costs, which would ultimately be borne by our common
stockholders. Fluctuations in interest rates could increase our
interest or dividend payments on Leverage Instruments and could
reduce cash available for distributions on common stock. Certain
Leverage Instruments are subject to covenants regarding asset
coverage, portfolio composition and other matters, which may
affect our ability to pay distributions to our common
stockholders in certain instances. We may also be required to
pledge our assets to the lenders in connection with certain
other types of borrowing.
Leverage involves other risks and special considerations for
common stockholders including: the likelihood of greater
volatility of net asset value and market price of our common
stock than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk of
fluctuations in dividend rates or interest rates on Leverage
Instruments; that the dividends or interest paid on Leverage
Instruments may reduce the returns to our common stockholders or
result in fluctuations in the dividends paid on our common
stock; the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is
likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of our
common stock than if we were not leveraged, which may result in
a greater decline in the market price of our common stock; and
when we use financial leverage, the investment management fee
payable to Kayne Anderson may be higher than if we did not use
leverage.
Leverage Instruments constitute a substantial lien and burden by
reason of their prior claim against our income and against our
net assets in liquidation. The rights of lenders to receive
payments of interest on and repayments of principal of any
Borrowings are senior to the rights of holders of common stock
and preferred stock, with respect to the payment of dividends or
upon liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends
or other distributions, including dividends and distributions
with respect to common stock or preferred stock or purchase
common stock or preferred stock unless at such time, we meet
certain asset coverage requirements and no event of default
exists under any Borrowing. In addition, we may not be permitted
to pay dividends on common stock unless all dividends on the
preferred stock
and/or
accrued interest on Borrowings have been paid, or set aside for
payment. In an event of default under any Borrowing, the lenders
have the right to cause a liquidation of collateral
(i.e., sell MLP units and other of our assets) and, if
any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to
control the liquidation as well. Certain types of leverage may
result in our being subject to covenants relating to asset
coverage and our portfolio composition and may impose special
restrictions on our use of various investment techniques or
strategies or in our ability to pay dividends and other
distributions on common stock in certain instances. We may be
subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by
guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue
ratings for Leverage Instruments issued by us. These guidelines
may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements
that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.
Kayne Anderson does not believe that these covenants or
guidelines will impede it from managing our portfolio in
accordance with our investment objective and policies.
While we may from time to time consider reducing leverage in
response to actual or anticipated changes in interest rates in
an effort to mitigate the increased volatility of current income
and net asset value associated with leverage, there can be no
assurance that we will actually reduce leverage in the future or
that any reduction, if undertaken, will benefit our common
stockholders. Changes in the future direction of interest rates
are very difficult to predict accurately. If we were to reduce
leverage based on a prediction about future changes to interest
rates, and that prediction turned out to be incorrect, the
reduction in leverage would likely operate to reduce the income
and/or total
returns to common stockholders relative to the circumstance if
we had not reduced leverage. We may decide that this risk
outweighs the likelihood of achieving the desired reduction to
volatility in income and the price of our common stock if the
prediction were to turn out to be correct, and determine not to
reduce leverage as described above.
Finally, the 1940 Act provides certain rights and protections
for preferred stockholders which may adversely affect the
interests of our common stockholders. See Description of
Preferred Stock at page 48.
15
Risks
Related to Our Senior Securities
An investment in our preferred stock or debt securities
(collectively, senior securities) is subject to the
following additional risks:
Interest
Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that equity and debt securities
will decline in value because of changes in market interest
rates. Our auction rate senior securities pay dividends or
interest based on short-term interest rates. If short-term
interest rates rise, dividend or interest rates on our auction
rate senior securities may rise so that the amount of dividends
or interest payable to holders of our auction rate senior
securities would exceed the amount of income from our portfolio
securities. This might require us to sell portfolio securities
at a time when we otherwise would not do so, which may affect
adversely our future earnings ability. While we intend to manage
this risk through interest rate transactions, there is no
guarantee that we will implement these strategies or that we
will be successful in reducing or eliminating interest rate
risk. In addition, rising market interest rates could impact
negatively the value of our investment portfolio, reducing the
amount of assets serving as asset coverage for our senior
securities.
MLP yields are susceptible in the short-term to fluctuations in
interest rates and, like treasury bonds, the prices of MLP
securities typically increase when interest rates fall and
decline when interest rates rise. Because we will principally
invest in MLP equity securities, the net asset value and market
price of our common stock may decline if interest rates rise.
See Risks Related to Our Investments and
Investment Techniques Energy Sector Risk. A
material decline in the net asset value of our common stock may
impair our ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage
for our senior securities.
Certain debt instruments, particularly below-investment-grade
securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which
would allow the issuer of the securities to prepay principal
prior to the debt instruments stated maturity. This is
known as prepayment risk. Prepayment risk is greater during a
falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their
cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding debt instruments
with lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer also may elect
to refinance its debt instruments with lower yielding debt
instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To
the extent debt securities in our portfolio are called or
redeemed, we may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding
securities.
Auction
Risk
To the extent that senior securities trade through an auction,
you may not be able to sell your senior securities at an auction
if the auction fails; that is, if there are more senior
securities offered for sale than there are buyers for those
securities. Also, if you place a bid order to retain senior
securities at an auction only at a specified rate, and that
specified bid rate exceeds the rate set at the auction, you will
not retain your senior securities. Finally, if you buy senior
securities or elect to retain senior securities without
specifying a rate below which you would not wish to continue to
hold those senior securities, and the auction sets a
below-market rate, you may receive a lower rate of return on
your senior securities than the market rate. See
Description of Preferred Stock and Description
of Debt Securities.
As noted above, if there are more senior securities offered for
sale than there are buyers for those senior securities in any
auction, the auction will fail and you may not be able to sell
some or all of your senior securities at that time. The relative
buying and selling interest of market participants in your
senior securities and in the auction rate securities market as a
whole will vary over time, and such variations may be affected
by, among other things, news relating to the issuer, the
attractiveness of alternative investments, the perceived risk of
owning the security (whether related to credit, liquidity or any
other risk), the tax treatment accorded the instruments, the
accounting treatment accorded auction rate securities, including
recent clarifications of U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles relating to the treatment of auction rate securities,
reactions to regulatory actions or press reports, financial
reporting cycles and market sentiment generally. Shifts of
demand in response to any one or simultaneous particular events
cannot be predicted and may be short-lived or exist for longer
periods.
A broker-dealer may submit orders in auctions for its own
account. Any broker-dealer submitting an order for its own
account in any auction will have an advantage over other bidders
in that it would have knowledge of other
16
orders placed through it in that auction (but it would not have
knowledge of orders submitted by other broker dealers, if any).
As a result of the broker-dealer bidding, the auction clearing
rate may be higher or lower than the rate that would have
prevailed if the broker-dealer had not bid. A broker dealer may
also bid in order to prevent what would otherwise be a failed
auction, an all-hold auction or an auction clearing
at a rate that the broker-dealer believes does not reflect the
market for such securities at the time of the auction.
Broker-dealers may, but are not obligated to, advise holders of
our senior securities that the rate that will apply in an
all hold auction is often a lower rate than would
apply if holders submit bids, and such advice, if given, may
facilitate the submission of bids by existing holders that would
avoid the occurrence of an all hold auction. A
broker dealer may, but is not obligated to, encourage additional
or revised investor bidding in order to prevent an
all-hold auction.
Underwriters and various other broker-dealers and other firms
that participate in the auction rate securities market received
letters from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the SEC) in the spring of 2004. The letters
requested that each of these firms voluntarily conduct an
investigation regarding its respective practices and procedures
in that market. Pursuant to these requests, certain of these
firms conducted voluntary reviews and reported findings to the
SEC staff. At the SEC staffs request, certain of these
firms are engaging in discussions with the SEC staff concerning
its inquiry. We can not predict the ultimate outcome of the
inquiry or how that outcome will affect the market for our
senior securities or the auctions.
Ratings
and Asset Coverage Risk
Moodys and Fitch have assigned ratings of Aa
and AA respectively, to outstanding ARP Shares and
ratings of Aaa and AAA, respectively, to
outstanding Senior Notes. To the extent that senior securities
offered hereby are rated of similar or the same ratings as those
respectively assigned to outstanding ARP Shares and Senior Notes
or at all, the ratings do not eliminate or necessarily mitigate
the risks of investing in our senior securities. A rating may
not fully or accurately reflect all of the credit and market
risks associated with a senior security. A rating agency could
downgrade our senior securities, which may make your securities
less liquid at an auction or in the secondary market, though
probably with higher resulting dividend or interest rates. If a
rating agency downgrades the ratings assigned to our senior
securities, we may be required to alter our portfolio or redeem
our senior securities. We may voluntarily redeem our senior
securities under certain circumstances to the extent permitted
under the terms of such securities, which may require that we
meet specified asset maintenance tests and other requirements.
We have issued Senior Notes and may offer and issue additional
debt securities hereby, which constitute or will constitute
senior securities representing indebtedness, as defined in the
1940 Act. Accordingly, the value of our total assets, less all
our liabilities and indebtedness not represented by such Senior
Notes and debt securities, must be at least equal to 300% of the
aggregate principal value of such Senior Notes and debt
securities. Upon the issuance of our preferred stock, the value
of our total assets, less all our liabilities and indebtedness
not represented by senior securities must be at least equal,
immediately after the issuance of preferred stock, to 200% of
the aggregate principal value of any Senior Notes and debt
securities and our preferred stock and the ARP Shares.
To the extent that senior securities offered hereby are rated of
investment grade quality, asset coverage or
portfolio composition provisions in addition to, and more
stringent than, those required by the 1940 Act may be imposed in
connection with the issuance of such ratings. In addition,
restrictions have been and may be imposed by the rating agencies
on certain investment practices in which we may otherwise
engage. Any lender with respect to any additional Borrowings by
us may require additional asset coverage and portfolio
composition provisions as well as restrictions on our investment
practices.
Inflation
Risk
Inflation is the reduction in the purchasing power of money
resulting from the increase in the price of goods and services.
Inflation risk is the risk that the inflation adjusted or
real value of your investment in our senior
securities or the income from that investment will be worthless
in the future than the amount you originally paid. As inflation
occurs, the real value of our senior securities and dividends
payable to holders of our preferred stock or interest payable to
holders of our debt securities declines.
17
Trading
Market Risk
Our senior securities will not be listed on an exchange or
quoted on any automated quotation system. Instead, to the extent
that senior securities trade through an auction, you may buy or
sell senior securities at an auction by submitting orders to a
broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with an auction
agent, or to a broker-dealer that has entered into a separate
agreement with a broker-dealer. Auctions will be held
periodically in accordance with the terms of our senior
securities. Broker-dealers may maintain a secondary trading
market in our senior securities outside of auctions, if any, but
may discontinue this activity at any time. There is no assurance
that any secondary market that may develop will provide holders
of our senior securities with liquidity. We are not required to
redeem our senior securities either if an auction or an
attempted secondary market sale fails. You may transfer our
senior securities outside of auctions only to or through a
broker-dealer or to us or any of our affiliates, in certain
cases. If you try to sell your senior securities between
auctions, if any, you may not be able to sell any or all of your
senior securities, or you may not be able to sell preferred
stock for the liquidation preference plus accumulated dividends
or you may not be able to sell debt securities in the $25,000
increments for which they were purchased plus accrued and unpaid
interest. You may receive less than the price you paid for them,
especially when market interest rates have risen since the last
auction, if any.
Decline
in Net Asset Value Risk
A material decline in the net asset value of our common stock
may impair our ability to maintain required levels of asset
coverage for our senior securities.
Senior
Leverage Risk to Preferred Stockholders
Because we have outstanding Borrowings and may issue additional
debt securities hereby, which are senior to our preferred stock,
we are prohibited from declaring, paying or making any dividends
or distributions on our preferred stock unless we satisfy
certain conditions. We are also prohibited from declaring,
paying or making any dividends or distributions on common stock
unless we satisfy certain conditions. See Description of
Preferred Stock Limitations on Dividends,
Distributions and Redemptions.
Our Borrowings may constitute a substantial burden on our
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, including
with respect to our preferred stock, or purchase or redeem
shares, including preferred stock, unless (1) at the time
thereof we meet certain asset coverage requirements and
(2) there is no event of default under our Borrowings that
is continuing. See Description of Preferred
Stock Limitations on Dividends, Distributions and
Redemptions. In the event of a default under our
Borrowings, the holders of our debt securities have the right to
accelerate the maturity of debt securities and the trustee may
institute judicial proceedings against us to enforce the rights
of holders of debt securities.
Unsecured
Investment Risk to Holders of Our Debt Securities
Our debt securities represent our unsecured obligation to pay
interest and principal, when due. We cannot assure you that we
will have sufficient funds or that we will be able to arrange
for additional financing to pay interest on our debt securities
when due or to repay our debt securities at their stated
maturity. Our failure to pay interest on our debt securities
when due or to repay our debt securities upon their stated
maturity would, subject to the cure provisions under the
indenture pursuant to which they are issued, constitute an event
of default under the indenture and could cause a default under
other agreements that we may enter into from time to time. There
is no sinking fund with respect to our debt securities, and at
their stated maturity, the entire outstanding principal amount
of our debt securities will become due and payable. See
Description of Debt Securities Events of
Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Debt Securities;
Remedies at page 52.
Holders
of Our Debt Securities May Be Subordinated to Other
Debt
The indenture for our debt securities permits us, in certain
circumstances, to incur additional indebtedness, including
secured indebtedness. Our debt securities are effectively
subordinated in right of payment to any of our secured
indebtedness or other secured obligations to the extent of the
value of the assets that secure the indebtedness
18
or obligation. The full amount of any borrowings incurred under
our revolving credit line with Custodial Trust Company (our
custodian and an affiliate of our administrator) would be
effectively senior to our debt securities because we are
required to pledge as collateral, and the lender would have a
higher priority perfected lien upon, certain portfolio
securities having an aggregate value of not less than our total
obligations owed on these borrowings. In the event of our
bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or upon acceleration
of our debt securities, payment on our debt securities could be
later or less, ratably, than on any of our secured indebtedness.
In these circumstances, holders of obligations secured by liens
on collateral will be entitled to receive proceeds from any
realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full
before holders of our debt securities, who will only have an
unsecured claim against our remaining assets, if any. As of
November 30, 2006, we had $17 million aggregate
principal amount borrowed under our revolving credit line (all
of which was secured and is effectively senior to our debt
securities), and we anticipate that from time to time we will
incur additional secured indebtedness in the future. Our secured
indebtedness is combined with our other indebtedness for
purposes of determining our compliance with regulatory limits on
total leverage.
Risks
Related to Our Investments and Investment Techniques
Investment
and Market Risk
An investment in our securities is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire amount that you
invest. Your investment in our securities represents an indirect
investment in the securities owned by us, some of which will be
traded on a national securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter
markets. An investment in our securities is not intended to
constitute a complete investment program and should not be
viewed as such. The value of these publicly traded securities,
like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities in which
we invest may affect the value of our securities. Your
securities at any point in time may be worth less than your
original investment, even after taking into account the
reinvestment of our dividends. We are primarily a long-term
investment vehicle and should not be used for short-term trading.
Energy
Sector Risk
Certain risks inherent in investing in MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies include the following:
Supply and Demand Risk. A decrease in the
production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal
or other energy commodities or a decrease in the volume of such
commodities available for transportation, mining, processing,
storage or distribution may adversely impact the financial
performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.
Production declines and volume decreases could be caused by
various factors, including catastrophic events affecting
production, depletion of resources, labor difficulties,
environmental proceedings, increased regulations, equipment
failures and unexpected maintenance problems, import supply
disruption, increased competition from alternative energy
sources or commodity prices. Alternatively, a sustained decline
in demand for such commodities could also adversely affect the
financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies. Factors which could lead to a decline in demand
include economic recession or other adverse economic conditions,
higher fuel taxes or governmental regulations, increases in fuel
economy, consumer shifts to the use of alternative fuel sources,
changes in commodity prices, or weather.
Depletion and Exploration Risk. Many MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies are either engaged in the
production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil,
refined petroleum products or coal, or are engaged in
transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items
on behalf of shippers. To maintain or grow their revenues, these
companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their
reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through
the development of existing sources, through acquisitions, or
through long-term contracts to acquire reserves. The financial
performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be
adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they
provide the service, are unable to cost-effectively acquire
additional reserves sufficient to replace the natural decline.
Regulatory Risk. MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies are subject to significant federal, state and
local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their
operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained
and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices
they may charge for the products and
19
services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the
power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the
permits issued under them, and violators are subject to
administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil
fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or
enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would
likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the
financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies.
Commodity Pricing Risk. The operations and
financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices,
especially those MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies which
own the underlying energy commodity. Commodity prices fluctuate
for several reasons, including changes in market and economic
conditions, the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic
production and imported commodities, energy conservation,
domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and
the availability of local, intrastate and interstate
transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices, which
may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also
negatively impact the performance of MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Companies which are solely involved in the
transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing
of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it
more difficult for MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies to
raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their
performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity
prices.
Acquisition Risk. The abilities of MLPs to
grow and to increase distributions to unitholders can be highly
dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in
an increase in adjusted operating surplus per unit. In the event
that MLPs are unable to make such accretive acquisitions because
they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates,
negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, because they are unable
to raise financing for such acquisitions on economically
acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors,
their future growth and ability to raise distributions will be
limited. Furthermore, even if MLPs do consummate acquisitions
that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may
instead result in a decrease in adjusted operating surplus per
unit. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other
things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including
synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on
rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of
managements attention from other business concerns;
unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic
areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired
businesses.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising interest rates
could adversely impact the financial performance of MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies by increasing their costs of
capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions
or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner.
MLP valuations are based on numerous factors, including sector
and business fundamentals, management expertise, and
expectations of future operating results. However, MLP yields
are also susceptible in the short-term to fluctuations in
interest rates and like Treasury bonds, the prices of MLP
securities typically decline when interest rates rise. Because
we will principally invest in MLP equity securities, our
investment in such securities means that the net asset value and
market price of our common stock may decline if interest rates
rise.
Affiliated Party Risk. Certain MLPs are
dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their
revenues. Any failure by an MLPs parents or sponsors to
satisfy their payments or obligations would impact the
MLPs revenues and cash flows and ability to make
distributions.
Catastrophe Risk. The operations of MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies are subject to many hazards
inherent in the transporting, processing, storing, distributing,
mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude
oil, coal, refined petroleum products or other hydrocarbons, or
in the exploring, managing or producing of such commodities,
including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks or related
equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes,
tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts
of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction and farm
equipment; leaks of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil,
refined petroleum products or other hydrocarbons; fires and
explosions. These risks could result in substantial losses due
to personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and
destruction of property and equipment and pollution or other
environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or
suspension of their related operations. Not all MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies are fully insured against all risks
inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event
occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect
their operations and financial condition.
20
Terrorism/Market Disruption Risk. The
terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11,
2001 had a disruptive effect on the economy and the securities
markets. United States military and related action in Iraq is
ongoing and events in the Middle East could have significant
adverse effects on the U.S. economy and the stock market.
Uncertainty surrounding retaliatory military strikes or a
sustained military campaign may affect MLP and other Midstream
Energy Company operations in unpredictable ways, including
disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, and transmission and
distribution facilities could be direct targets, or indirect
casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has
issued warnings that energy assets, specifically the United
States pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target
of terrorist organizations. In addition, changes in the
insurance markets have made certain types of insurance more
difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and have generally
resulted in increased premium costs.
MLP Risks. An investment in MLP units involves
some risks which differ from an investment in the common stock
of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control and
voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. In addition,
there are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP
units and conflicts of interest exist between common unit
holders and the general partner, including those arising from
incentive distribution payments.
MLPs
and Other Midstream Energy Company Risk
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies are also subject to
risks that are specific to the industry they serve.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies that provide crude
oil, refined product and natural gas services are subject to
supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which
will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including
fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or
use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or
environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates,
declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or
catastrophic events, and economic conditions, among others.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies with propane assets
are subject to earnings variability based upon weather
conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity
prices, increased use of alternative fuels, increased
governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or
catastrophic events, among others.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies with coal assets are
subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they
serve, which will be impacted by a wide range of factors
including, fluctuating commodity prices, the level of their
customers coal stockpiles, weather, increased conservation
or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or
environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates,
declines in domestic or foreign production, mining accidents or
catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions,
among others.
MLPs and other Energy Companies engaged in the exploration and
production business are subject to overstatement of the
quantities of their reserves based upon any reserve estimates
that prove to be inaccurate, that no commercially productive
oil, natural gas or other energy reservoirs will be discovered
as a result of drilling or other exploration activities, the
curtailment, delay or cancellation of exploration activities are
as a result of a unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title
problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment
failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance
with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost
of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs
and other exploration equipment, and operational risks and
hazards associated with the development of the underlying
properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions,
fires, leakage of crude oil, natural gas or other resources,
mechanical failures, cratering, and pollution.
Cash
Flow Risk
A substantial portion of the cash flow received by us is derived
from our investment in equity securities of MLPs. The amount of
cash that an MLP has available for distributions and the tax
character of such distributions are dependent upon the amount of
cash generated by the MLPs operations. Cash available for
distribution will vary from quarter to quarter and is largely
dependent on factors affecting the MLPs operations and
factors affecting the
21
energy industry in general. In addition to the risk factors
described above, other factors which may reduce the amount of
cash an MLP has available for distribution include increased
operating costs, maintenance capital expenditures, acquisition
costs, expansion, construction or exploration costs and
borrowing costs.
Tax
Risks
Tax Risk of MLPs. Our ability to meet our
investment objective will depend on the level of taxable income
and distributions and dividends we receive from the MLP and
other Midstream Energy Company securities in which we invest, a
factor over which we have no control. The benefit we derive from
our investment in MLPs is largely dependent on the MLPs being
treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a
partnership, an MLP has no 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, such 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 distributions received by us would be taxed under
federal income tax laws applicable to corporate distributions
(as dividend income, return of capital, or capital gain).
Therefore, treatment of an MLP as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes would result in a reduction in the after-tax
return to us, likely causing a reduction in the value of our
common stock.
Tax Law Change Risk. Changes in tax laws or
regulations, or interpretations thereof in the future, could
adversely affect us or the MLPs in which we invest. Any such
changes could negatively impact our common stockholders.
Legislation could also negatively impact the amount and tax
characterization of dividends received by our common
stockholders. Legislation reduces the tax rate on qualified
dividend income to the rate applicable to long-term capital
gains, which is generally 15% for individuals, provided a
holding period requirement and certain other requirements are
met. This reduced rate of tax on dividends is currently
scheduled to revert to ordinary income rates for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2010 and the 15% federal
income tax rate for long-term capital gain is scheduled to
revert to 20% for such taxable years.
Deferred Tax Risks of MLPs. As a limited
partner in the MLPs in which we invest, we will receive our
distributive share of income, gains, losses, deductions, and
credits 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 our distributive share of an
MLPs income and gains that is not offset by tax
deductions, losses, and credits, or our net operating loss
carryforwards, if any. The percentage of an MLPs income
and gains which is offset by tax deductions, losses, and credits
will fluctuate over time for various reasons. A significant
slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs
held in our portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated
depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in
increased current tax liability to us.
We will accrue deferred income taxes for our 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 our sale of an MLP
security, we may be liable for previously deferred taxes. We
will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs, which
is not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax liability
for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining
our net asset value. From time to time we will modify our
estimates or assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability as
new information becomes available.
Deferred Tax Risks of Investing in our Common
Stock. A reduction in the percentage of a
distribution offset by tax deductions, losses, or credits or an
increase in our portfolio turnover will reduce that portion of
our common stock dividend treated as a tax-deferred return of
capital and increase that portion treated as dividend income,
resulting in lower after-tax dividends to our common
stockholders. See the Tax Matters section at
page 55 in this prospectus and also in our SAI.
Delay
in Use of Proceeds
Although we intend to invest the proceeds of this offering in
accordance with our investment objective as soon as practicable,
such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are
unavailable at the time or if we are unable to secure firm
commitments for direct placements. Prior to the time we are
fully invested, the proceeds of the offering may temporarily be
invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities. Income
we received from these
22
securities would likely be less than returns sought pursuant to
our investment objective and policies. See Use of
Proceeds at page 10.
Equity
Securities Risk
MLP common units and other equity securities may be subject to
general movements in the stock market, and a significant drop in
the stock market may depress the price of securities to which we
have exposure. MLP units and other equity securities prices
fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in the
financial condition of a particular issuer (generally measured
in terms of distributable cash flow in the case of MLPs),
investors perceptions of MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies, the general condition of the relevant stock market,
or when political or economic events affecting the issuers
occur. In addition, the prices of MLP units and other Midstream
Energy Company equity securities may be sensitive to rising
interest rates given their yield-based nature. Also, while not
precise, the price of I-Shares and their volatility tend to
correlate to the price of common units.
Certain of the MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in
which we invest have comparatively smaller capitalizations than
other companies. Investing in the securities of smaller MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies presents some unique investment
risks. These MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may have
limited product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating
histories, less experienced management and more limited
financial resources than larger MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market
or economic developments. Stocks of smaller MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies may be less liquid than those of
larger MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies and may
experience greater price fluctuations than larger MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies. In addition, small-cap securities
may not be widely followed by the investment community, which
may result in reduced demand.
Liquidity
Risk
Although common units of MLPs and common stocks of other
Midstream Energy Companies trade on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE), American Stock Exchange (AMEX),
and the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ), certain
securities may trade less frequently, particularly those with
smaller capitalizations. Securities with limited trading volumes
may display volatile or erratic price movements. Also, Kayne
Anderson is one of the largest investors in our investment
sector. Thus, it may be more difficult for us to buy and sell
significant amounts of such securities without an unfavorable
impact on prevailing market prices. Larger purchases or sales of
these securities by us in a short period of time may cause
abnormal movements in the market price of these securities. 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. These securities are also more difficult to value, and Kayne
Andersons judgment as to value will often be given greater
weight than market quotations, if any exist. 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.
We also invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted
securities. The term restricted securities refers to
securities that are unregistered or are held by control persons
of the issuer and securities that are subject to contractual
restrictions on their resale. Unregistered securities are
securities that cannot be sold publicly in the United States
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act), unless an exemption
from such registration is available. Restricted securities may
be more difficult to value and we may have difficulty disposing
of such assets either in a timely manner or for a reasonable
price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, we,
where we have contractual rights to do so, may have to cause
such security to be registered. 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.
Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in
length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation
between the issuer and acquiror of the securities. We would, in
either case, bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation
during that period. The difficulties and delays associated with
selling restricted securities could result in our inability to
realize a favorable price upon disposition of such securities,
and at times might make disposition of such securities
impossible.
Our investments in restricted securities may include investments
in private companies. Such securities are not registered under
the Securities Act until the company becomes a public company.
Accordingly, in addition to the
23
risks described above, our ability to dispose of such securities
on favorable terms would be limited until the portfolio company
becomes a public company.
Non-Diversification
Risk
We are a non-diversified, closed-end investment company under
the 1940 Act and will not be treated as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code). Accordingly, there are no regulatory
requirements under the 1940 Act or the Code on the minimum
number or size of securities we hold. As of November 30,
2006, we held investments in 47 issuers.
Under normal market conditions, we intend to invest at least 50%
of our total assets in publicly traded securities of MLPs and
other Midstream Energy Companies. As of November 30, 2006,
there were 51 publicly traded MLPs (partnerships) which manage
and operate energy assets. We primarily select our investments
in publicly traded securities from securities issued by MLPs in
this small pool, together with securities issued by newly public
MLPs, if any. We also invest in publicly traded securities
issued by other Midstream Energy Companies.
As a result of selecting our investments from this small pool of
publicly traded securities, a change in the value of the
securities of any one of these publicly traded MLPs could have a
significant impact on our portfolio. In addition, as there can
be a correlation in the valuation of the securities of publicly
traded MLPs, a change in value of the securities of one such MLP
could negatively influence the valuations of the securities of
other publicly traded MLPs that we may hold in our portfolio.
As we may invest up to 15% of our total assets in any single
issuer, a decline in value of the securities of such an issuer
could significantly impact the value of our portfolio.
Interest
Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in
value because of changes in market interest rates. The yields of
equity and debt securities of MLPs are susceptible in the
short-term to fluctuations in interest rates and, like Treasury
bonds, the prices of these securities typically decline when
interest rates rise. Accordingly, our net asset value and the
market price of our common stock may decline when interest rates
rise. Further, rising interest rates could adversely impact the
financial performance of Energy Companies by increasing their
costs of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute
acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner.
Certain debt instruments, particularly below investment grade
securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which
would allow the issuer thereof to prepay principal prior to the
debt instruments stated maturity. This is known as
prepayment risk. Prepayment risk is greater during a falling
interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of
capital by refinancing higher yielding debt instruments with
lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to
refinance their debt instruments with lower yielding debt
instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To
the extent debt securities in our portfolio are called or
redeemed, we may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding
securities.
Portfolio
Turnover Risk
We anticipate that our annual portfolio turnover rate will range
between 10%-25%, but the rate may vary greatly from year to
year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in Kayne Andersons execution of investment
decisions. The types of MLPs in which we intend to invest have
historically made cash distributions to limited partners, the
substantial portion of which would not be taxed as income to us
in that tax year but rather would be treated as a non-taxable
return of capital to the extent of our basis. As a result, most
of the tax related to such distribution would be deferred until
subsequent sale of our MLP units, at which time we would pay any
required tax on gains. Therefore, the sooner we sell such MLP
units, the sooner we would be required to pay tax on resulting
gains, and the cash available to us to pay dividends to our
common stockholders in the year of such tax payment would be
less than if such taxes were deferred until a later year. These
taxable gains may increase our current and accumulated earnings
and profits, resulting in a greater portion of our common stock
dividends being treated as income to our common stockholders. In
addition, a higher portfolio turnover rate results in
correspondingly greater
24
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are
borne by us. See Investment Objective and
Policies Investment Practices Portfolio
Turnover at page 34 and Tax Matters at
page 55.
Derivatives
Risk
We may purchase and sell derivative investments such as
exchange-listed and
over-the-counter
put and call options on securities, equity, fixed income and
interest rate indices, and other financial instruments, enter
into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps,
floors or collars or credit transactions and credit default
swaps. We also may purchase derivative investments that combine
features of these instruments. The use of derivatives has risks,
including the imperfect correlation between the value of such
instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of
the other party to the transaction or illiquidity of the
derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully
use these techniques depends on our ability to predict pertinent
market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, their use may
result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may
require us to sell or purchase portfolio securities at
inopportune times or for prices other than current market
values, may limit the amount of appreciation we can realize on
an investment or may cause us to hold a security that we might
otherwise sell. Additionally, amounts paid by us as premiums and
cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to
derivative transactions are not otherwise available to us for
investment purposes.
Depending on whether we would be entitled to receive net
payments from the counterparty on a swap or cap, which in turn
would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates
at that point in time, a default by a counterparty could
negatively impact the performance of our common stock. In
addition, at the time an interest rate or commodity swap or cap
transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a
risk that we would not be able to obtain a replacement
transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as
favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it
could have a negative impact on the performance of our common
stock. If we fail to maintain any required asset coverage ratios
in connection with any use by us of Leverage Instruments, we may
be required to redeem or prepay some or all of the Leverage
Instruments. Such redemption or prepayment would likely result
in our seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap
or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result in
a termination payment by or to us. Early termination of a cap
could result in a termination payment to us.
We segregate liquid assets against or otherwise cover our future
obligations under such swap or cap transactions, in order to
provide that our future commitments for which we have not
segregated liquid assets against or otherwise covered, together
with any outstanding Leverage Instruments, do not exceed 30% of
our total assets. In addition, such transactions and other use
of Leverage Instruments by us are subject to the asset coverage
requirements of the 1940 Act, which generally restrict us from
engaging in such transactions unless the value of our total
assets less liabilities (other than the amount of such Leverage
Instruments) is at least 300% of the principal amount of such
Leverage Instruments. In other words, the principal amount of
such Leverage Instruments may not exceed
331/3%
of our total assets.
The use of interest rate and commodity swaps and caps is a
highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques
and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio security transactions. Depending on market conditions
in general, our use of swaps or caps could enhance or harm the
overall performance of our common stock. For example, we may use
interest rate swaps and caps in connection with any use by us of
Leverage Instruments. Under the terms of the outstanding
interest rate swap agreements as of November 30, 2006, we
are obligated to pay a weighted average rate of 4.46% on a
notional amount of $270 million. To the extent there is a
decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap
or cap could decline, and could result in a decline in the net
asset value of our common stock. In addition, if short-term
interest rates are lower than our fixed rate of payment on the
interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common stock net
earnings. Buying interest rate caps could decrease the net
earnings of our common stock in the event that the premium paid
by us to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount we would
have been required to pay had we not entered into the cap
agreement.
Interest rate and commodity swaps and caps do not involve the
delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal.
Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate and
commodity swaps is limited to the net amount of interest
payments that we are contractually obligated to make. If the
counterparty defaults, we would not be able to use the
anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset any
declines in the value of our portfolio
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assets being hedged or the increase in our cost of financial
leverage. Depending on whether we would be entitled to receive
net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in
turn would depend on the general state of the market rates at
that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the
performance of our common stock.
Short
Sales Risk
Short selling involves selling securities which may or may not
be owned and borrowing the same securities for delivery to the
purchaser, with an obligation to replace the borrowed securities
at a later date. Short selling allows the short seller to profit
from declines in market prices to the extent such declines
exceed the transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the
securities. A short sale creates the risk of an unlimited loss,
in that the price of the underlying security could theoretically
increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying those
securities to cover the short position. There can be no
assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short
position will be available for purchase. Purchasing securities
to close out the short position can itself cause the price of
the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss.
Our obligation to replace a borrowed security is secured by
collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash,
U.S. government securities or other liquid securities
similar to those borrowed. We also are required to segregate
similar collateral to the extent, if any, necessary so that the
value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all
times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the
security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with the
broker-dealer from which we borrowed the security regarding
payment over of any payments received by us on such security, we
may not receive any payments (including interest) on the
collateral deposited with such broker-dealer.
Debt
Securities Risks
Debt securities in which we invest are subject to many of the
risks described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are
subject to credit risk, prepayment risk and, depending on their
quality, other special risks.
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt
security may be unable to make interest payments and repay
principal. We could lose money if the issuer of a debt
obligation is, or is perceived to be, unable or unwilling to
make timely principal
and/or
interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The
downgrade of a security may further decrease its value.
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt
instruments, particularly below investment grade securities, may
contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the
issuer thereof to prepay principal prior to the debt
instruments stated maturity. This is known as prepayment
risk. Prepayment risk is greater during a falling interest rate
environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by
refinancing higher yielding debt instruments with lower yielding
debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to refinance their
debt instruments with lower yielding debt instruments if the
credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt
securities in our portfolio are called or redeemed, we may be
forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
Below Investment Grade and Unrated Debt Securities
Risk. Below investment grade debt securities in
which we may invest are rated from B3 to Ba1 by Moodys,
from B− to BB+ by Fitch or Standard &
Poors, or comparably rated by another rating agency. Below
investment grade and unrated debt securities generally pay a
premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or
debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are
subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks,
which reflect their speculative character, include the
following: greater yield and price volatility; greater credit
risk and risk of default; potentially greater sensitivity to
general economic or industry conditions; potential lack of
attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional
expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default.
In addition, the prices of these below investment grade and
unrated debt securities are more sensitive to negative
developments, such as a decline in the issuers revenues,
downturns in profitability in the energy industry or a general
economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade
securities. Below investment grade and unrated debt securities
tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the
market for below investment grade and unrated debt securities
could contract further under adverse market or economic
conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for us
to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a
price as could be realized if such securities were more widely
traded. The market value of below investment grade and unrated
debt securities
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may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade
securities and generally tends to reflect the markets
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term
market developments to a greater extent than investment grade
securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general
levels of interest rates. In the event of a default by a below
investment grade or unrated debt security held in our portfolio
in the payment of principal or interest, we may incur additional
expense to the extent we are required to seek recovery of such
principal or interest. For a further description of below
investment grade and unrated debt securities and the risks
associated therewith, see Investment Policies in our
SAI.
For a description of the ratings categories of certain rating
agencies, see Appendix C to our SAI.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking
statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements to be materially different
from any future results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, among others, those listed
under Risk Factors in this prospectus and our SAI.
In this prospectus, we use words such as
anticipates, believes,
expects, intends and similar expressions
to identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus
include statements as to:
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our operating results;
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our business prospects;
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the impact of investments that we expect to make;
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our contractual arrangements and relationships with third
parties;
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the dependence of our future success on the general economy and
its impact on the industries in which we invest;
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our ability to source favorable private investments;
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the ability of the MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in
which we invest to achieve their objectives;
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our expected financings and investments;
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our use of financial leverage;
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our tax status;
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the tax status of the MLPs in which we intend to invest;
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the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
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the timing and amount of distributions and dividends from the
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in which we intend to
invest.
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We have based the forward-looking statements included in this
prospectus on information available to us on the date of this
prospectus, and we assume no obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. Although we undertake no obligation
to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are
advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make
directly to you or through reports that we in the future may
file with the SEC, including our annual reports. We acknowledge
that, notwithstanding the foregoing statement, the safe harbor
for forward-looking statements under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to investment
companies such as us.
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DIVIDENDS
As of the date of this prospectus, we have paid dividends to
common stockholders every full fiscal quarter since inception,
on the dates and in the respective amounts set forth below:
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Dividend Payment Date to Common Stockholders
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Amount
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January 14, 2005
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$
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0.25
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April 15, 2005
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0.41
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July 15, 2005
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0.415
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October 14, 2005
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0.42
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January 12, 2006
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0.425
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April 13, 2006
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0.43
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July 13, 2006
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0.44
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October 13, 2006
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0.45
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January 12, 2007
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0.47
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We intend to continue to pay quarterly dividends to our common
stockholders, funded in part by our distributable cash flow. Our
distributable cash flow is the amount received by us as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or other Midstream Energy Companies,
interest payments received on debt securities owned by us, other
payments on securities owned by us and income tax benefits, if
any, less current or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on
our taxable income, if any, and our leverage costs. We expect
that a significant portion of our future dividends will be
treated as a return of capital to stockholders for tax purposes.
Our quarterly dividends to common stockholder are authorized by
our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor.
There is no assurance we will continue to pay regular dividends
or that we will do so at a particular rate.
We pay dividends on ARP Shares in accordance with the terms
thereof. ARP Shares pay adjustable rate dividends, which are
redetermined periodically by an auction process. The adjustment
period for dividends on ARP Shares could be as short as one day
or as long as a year or more. As of November 30, 2006, the
dividend rate on the ARP Shares was 5.28%. These dividend rate
does not include commissions paid to the auction agent in the
amount of 0.25% or the effect of our outstanding interest rate
swap agreement as of November 30, 2006 (weighted average
fixed rate of 4.46% on a notional amount of $270 million).
All of our realized capital gains, if any, net of applicable
taxes, and any cash and other income from investments not
distributed as a dividend will be retained by us. Unless you
elect to receive your common stock dividends in cash, they will
automatically be reinvested into additional common stock
pursuant to our Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The 1940 Act generally limits our long-term capital gain
distributions to one per year. This limitation does not apply to
that portion of our distributions that is not characterized as
long-term capital gain (e.g., return of capital or
distribution of interest income). Although we have no current
plans to do so, we may in the future apply to the SEC for an
exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and
Rule 19b-1
thereunder permitting us to make periodic distributions of
long-term capital gains provided that our distribution policy
with respect to our common stock calls for periodic
(e.g., quarterly) distributions in an amount equal to a
fixed percentage of our average net asset value over a specified
period of time or market price per common share at or about the
time of distribution or pay-out of a level dollar amount. The
exemption also would permit us to make distributions with
respect to the ARP Shares and any shares of preferred stock that
we may offer hereby in accordance with such shares terms.
We cannot assure you that if we apply for this exemption, the
requested relief will be granted by the SEC in a timely manner,
if at all.
Because the cash distributions received from the MLPs in our
portfolio are expected to exceed the earnings and profits
associated with owning such MLPs, we expect that a significant
portion of our dividends will be paid from sources other than
our current or accumulated earnings, income or profits. The
portion of the dividend which exceeds our current or accumulated
earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to
the extent of a stockholders basis in our common stock,
then as capital gain. See Tax Matters at
page 55.
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DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN
We have adopted a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the
Plan) that provides that unless you elect to receive
your dividends or other distributions in cash, they will be
automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator, American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in additional shares of
our common stock. If you elect to receive your dividends or
other distributions in cash, you will receive them in cash paid
by check mailed directly to you by the Plan Administrator.
No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to
have their cash dividend reinvested share of our common stock.
Unless you or your brokerage firm decides to opt out of the
Plan, the number of shares of common stock you will receive will
be determined as follows:
(1) If our common stock is trading at or above net asset
value at the time of valuation, we will issue new shares at a
price equal to the greater of (i) our common stocks
net asset value on that date or (ii) 95% of the market
price of our common stock on that date.
(2) If our common stock is trading below net asset value at
the time of valuation, the Plan Administrator will receive the
dividend or distribution in cash and will purchase common stock
in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the
participants accounts, except that the Plan Administrator
will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and
cause us to issue the remaining shares if, following the
commencement of the purchases, the market value of the shares,
including brokerage commissions, exceeds the net asset value at
the time of valuation. Provided the Plan Administrator can
terminate purchases on the open market, the remaining shares
will be issued by us at a price equal to the greater of
(i) the net asset value at the time of valuation or
(ii) 95% of the then current market price. It is possible
that the average purchase price per share paid by the Plan
Administrator may exceed the market price at the time of
valuation, resulting in the purchase of fewer shares than if the
dividend or distribution had been paid entirely in common stock
issued by us.
You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving written
notice to the Plan Administrator, or by telephone in accordance
with such reasonable requirements as we and the Plan
Administrator may agree upon. If you withdraw or the Plan is
terminated, you will receive a certificate for each whole share
in your account under the Plan and you will receive a cash
payment for any fraction of a share in your account. If you
wish, the Plan Administrator will sell your shares and send you
the proceeds, minus brokerage commissions. The Plan
Administrator is authorized to deduct a $15 transaction fee plus
a $0.10 per share brokerage commission from the proceeds.
The Plan Administrator maintains all common stockholders
accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all
transactions in the accounts, including information you may need
for tax records. Common stock in your account will be held by
the Plan Administrator in non-certificated form. The Plan
Administrator will forward to each participant any proxy
solicitation material and will vote any shares so held only in
accordance with proxies returned to us. Any proxy you receive
will include all common stock you have received under the Plan.
There is no brokerage charge for reinvestment of your dividends
or distributions in common stock. However, all participants will
pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the
Plan Administrator when it makes open market purchases.
Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not
mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving
dividends and distributions. See Tax Matters at
page 55.
If you hold your common stock with a brokerage firm that does
not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate
in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on
different terms than those described above. Consult your
financial advisor for more information.
The Plan Administrators fees under the Plan will be borne
by us. There is no direct service charge to participants in the
Plan; however, we reserve the right to amend or terminate the
Plan, including amending the Plan to include a service charge
payable by the participants, if in the judgment of the Board of
Directors the change is warranted. Any amendment to the Plan,
except amendments necessary or appropriate to comply with
applicable law or the rules and policies of the SEC or any other
regulatory authority, require us to provide at least
30 days written
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notice to each participant. Additional information about the
Plan may be obtained from American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company at 59 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Our investment objective is to obtain high after-tax total
return by investing at least 85% of our total assets in public
and private investments in MLPs and other Midstream Energy
Companies. Our investment objective is considered a fundamental
policy and therefore may not be changed without the approval of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities. When used with respect to our voting securities, a
majority of the outstanding voting securities means
(i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or
represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares,
whichever is less. There can be no assurance that we will
achieve our investment objective.
The following investment policies are considered non-fundamental
and may be changed by the Board of Directors without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities, provided that the holders
of such voting securities receive at least 60 days
prior written notice of any change:
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For as long as the word MLP is in our name, it shall
be our policy, under normal market conditions, to invest at
least 80% of our total assets in MLPs.
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We intend to invest at least 50% of our total assets in publicly
traded securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.
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Under normal market conditions, we may invest up to 50% of our
total assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities
of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. The types of
unregistered or otherwise restricted securities that we may
purchase include common units, subordinated units, preferred
units, and convertible units of, and general partner interests
in, MLPs, and securities of other public and private Midstream
Energy Companies.
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We may invest up to 15% of our total assets in any single issuer.
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We may invest up to 20% of our total assets in debt securities
of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including below
investment grade debt securities rated, at the time of
investment, at least B3 by Moodys, B− by
Standard & Poors or Fitch, comparably rated by
another rating agency or, if unrated, determined by Kayne
Anderson to be of comparable quality. In addition, up to
one-quarter of our permitted investments in debt securities (or
up to 5% of our total assets) may include unrated debt
securities of private companies.
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We may issue or use Leverage Instruments in an aggregate amount
up to 30% of our total assets inclusive of such Leverage
Instruments.
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We may, but are not required to, use derivative investments and
engage in short sales to hedge against interest rate and market
risks.
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Unless otherwise stated, all investment restrictions apply at
the time of purchase and we will not be required to reduce a
position due solely to market value fluctuations.
Description
of MLPs
Master Limited Partnerships. MLPs are limited
partnerships, the partnership units of which are listed and
traded on a U.S. securities exchange. To qualify as an MLP,
a partnership must receive at least 90% of its income from
qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the
Code. These qualifying sources include natural resource-based
activities such as the exploration, development, mining,
production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and
marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have
two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners.
The general partner is typically owned by a major energy
company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or
is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general
partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded
corporation or other entity. The general partner typically
controls the operations and management of the MLP through an up
to 2% equity interest in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership
of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the
remainder of the
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partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a
limited role in the partnerships operations and management.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general
partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash
distributions up to an established minimum amount (minimum
quarterly distributions or MQD). Common and
general partner interests also accrue arrearages in
distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and
general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units
receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated
units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of
the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is
distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a
pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive
incentive distributions if the general partner operates the
business in a manner which results in distributions paid per
common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general
partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners,
the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage
of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement
provides that the general partner can reach a tier where it
receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and
subordinated unit holders. These incentive distributions
encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase
capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the
partnerships cash flow and raise the quarterly cash
distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results
benefit all security holders of the MLP.
MLPs in which we invest are currently classified by us as
pipeline MLPs, propane MLPs, coal MLPs and upstream MLPs.
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Pipeline MLPs are engaged in (a) the treating, gathering,
compression, processing, transmission and storage of natural gas
and the transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas
liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural
gasoline); (b) the gathering, transportation, storage and
terminalling of crude oil; and (c) the transportation
(usually via pipelines, barges, rail cars and trucks), storage
and terminalling of refined petroleum products (primarily
gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel) and other hydrocarbon
by-products. MLPs may also operate ancillary businesses
including the marketing of the products and logistical services.
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Propane MLPs are engaged in the distribution of propane to
homeowners for space and water heating and to commercial,
industrial and agricultural customers. 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. Volumes are weather dependent and a
majority of annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating
season (October through March).
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Coal MLPs are engaged in the owning, leasing, managing,
production and sale of coal and coal reserves. 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.
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Upstream MLPs are businesses engaged in the exploration,
extraction, production and acquisition of natural gas and crude
oil, from geological reservoirs. An Upstream MLPs cash
flow and distributions are driven by the amount of oil and
natural gas produced and the demand for and price of crude oil
and natural gas.
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For purposes of our investment objective, the term
MLPs includes affiliates of MLPs that own general
partner interests or, in some cases, subordinated units,
registered or unregistered common units, or other limited
partner units in an MLP.
Our
Portfolio
At any given time, we expect that our portfolio will have some
or all of the types of investments described below. A
description of our investment policies and restrictions and more
information about our portfolio investments are contained in
this prospectus and our SAI.
Equity Securities of MLPs. Equity securities
of MLPs include common units, subordinated units, I-Shares and
general partner interests of such companies.
MLP common units represent a limited partnership interest in the
MLP. Common units are listed and traded on U.S. securities
exchanges or
over-the-counter,
with their value fluctuating predominantly based on prevailing
market conditions and the success of the MLP. We intend to
purchase common units in market transactions as well
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as directly from the MLP or other parties in private placements.
Unlike owners of common stock of a corporation, owners of common
units have limited voting rights and have no ability to annually
elect directors. MLPs generally distribute all available cash
flow (cash flow from operations less maintenance capital
expenditures) in the form of quarterly distributions. Common
units along with general partner units, have first priority to
receive quarterly cash distributions up to the MQD and have
arrearage rights. In the event of liquidation, common units have
preference over subordinated units, but not debt or preferred
units, to the remaining assets of the MLP.
MLP subordinated units are typically issued by MLPs to their
original sponsors, such as their founders, corporate general
partners of MLPs, entities that sell assets to the MLP, and
investors such as us. We expect to purchase subordinated units
directly from these persons as well as newly-issued subordinated
units from MLPs themselves. Subordinated units have similar
voting rights as common units and are generally not publicly
traded. Once the MQD on the common units, including any
arrearages, has been paid, subordinated units receive cash
distributions up to the MQD prior to any incentive payments to
the MLPs general partner. Unlike common units,
subordinated units do not have arrearage rights. In the event of
liquidation, common units and general partner interests have
priority over subordinated units. Subordinated units are
typically converted into common units on a
one-to-one
basis after certain time periods
and/or
performance targets have been satisfied. Subordinated units are
generally valued based on the price of the common units,
discounted to reflect the timing or likelihood of their
conversion to common units.
MLP subordinated units in which we may invest generally convert
to common units at a
one-to-one
ratio. The purchase or sale price of subordinated units is
generally tied to the common unit price less a discount. The
size of the discount varies depending on the likelihood of
conversion, the length of time remaining to conversion, the size
of the block purchased relative to trading volumes, and other
factors, including smaller capitalization partnerships or
companies potentially having limited product lines, markets or
financial resources, lacking management depth or experience, and
being more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic
development than larger more established companies.
I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated
party of an MLP. The MLP affiliate uses the proceeds from the
sale of I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in
the MLP in the form of
i-units.
I-units have
similar features as MLP common units in terms of voting rights,
liquidation preference and distributions. However, rather than
receiving cash, the MLP affiliate receives additional
i-units in
an amount equal to the cash distributions received by MLP common
units. Similarly, holders of I-Shares will receive additional
I-Shares, in the same proportion as the MLP affiliates receipt
of i-units,
rather than cash distributions. I-Shares themselves have limited
voting rights which are similar to those applicable to MLP
common units. The MLP affiliate issuing the
I-Shares is
structured as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. The
two existing I-Shares are traded on the NYSE.
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 us. A holder of general partner interests can be liable
under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount
of the holders 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 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.
Equity Securities of Publicly Traded Midstream Energy
Companies. Equity securities of publicly traded
Midstream Energy Companies consist of common equity, preferred
equity and other securities convertible into equity securities
of such companies. Holders of common stock are typically
entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by
stockholders. Holders of preferred equity can be entitled to a
wide range of voting and other rights, depending on the
structure of each separate security. Securities convertible into
equity securities of
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Midstream Energy Companies generally convert according to set
ratios into common stock and are, like preferred equity,
entitled to a wide range of voting and other rights. We intend
to invest in equity securities of publicly traded Midstream
Energy Companies primarily through market transactions. We
intend to invest in securities of MLP affiliates as part of our
investment in Midstream Energy Companies. MLP affiliates include
entities that own general partner interests or, in some cases,
subordinated units, registered or unregistered common units or
other limited partner interests in an MLP.
Securities of Private Companies. Our
investments in the debt or equity securities of private
companies operating midstream energy assets will typically be
made with the expectation that such assets will be contributed
to a newly-formed MLP or sold to or merged with, an existing MLP
within approximately one to two years.
Debt Securities. The debt securities in which
we invest provide for fixed or variable principal payments and
various types of interest rate and reset terms, including fixed
rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred,
payment-in-kind
and auction rate features. Certain debt securities are
perpetual in that they have no maturity date.
Certain debt securities are zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon
bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire
life of the obligations or for an initial period after the
issuance of the obligation. To the extent that we invest in
below investment grade or unrated debt securities, such
securities will be rated, at the time of investment, at least
B− by Standard & Poors or Fitch Ratings, B3
by Moodys Investors Service, Inc., a comparable rating by
at least one other rating agency or, if unrated, determined by
Kayne Anderson to be of comparable quality. 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.
Because the risk of default is higher for below investment grade
and unrated debt securities than for investment grade
securities, Kayne Andersons research and credit analysis
is a particularly important part of managing securities of this
type. Kayne Anderson will attempt to identify those issuers of
below investment grade and unrated debt securities whose
financial condition Kayne Anderson believes is sufficient to
meet future obligations or has improved or is expected to
improve in the future. Kayne Andersons analysis focuses on
relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend
coverage, asset coverage, operating history, financial
resources, earnings prospects and the experience and managerial
strength of the issuer.
Temporary Defensive Position. During periods
in which Kayne Anderson determines that it is temporarily unable
to follow our investment strategy or that it is impractical to
do so, we may deviate from our investment strategy and invest
all or any portion of our net assets in cash or cash
equivalents. Kayne Andersons determination that it is
temporarily unable to follow our investment strategy or that it
is impractical to do so will generally occur only in situations
in which a market disruption event has occurred and where
trading in the securities selected through application of our
investment strategy is extremely limited or absent. In such a
case, our shares may be adversely affected and we may not pursue
or achieve our investment objective.
Investment
Practices
Hedging and Other Risk Management
Transactions. We may, but are not required to,
use various hedging and other risk management transactions to
seek to manage interest rate and market risks.
We may purchase and sell derivative investments such as
exchange-listed and
over-the-counter
put and call options on securities, equity, fixed income and
interest rate indices, and other financial instruments, and
enter into various interest rate transactions, such as swaps,
caps, floors or collars, or credit transactions and credit
default swaps. We also may purchase derivative investments that
combine features of these instruments. We generally seek to use
these instruments as hedging strategies to seek to manage our
effective interest rate exposure, including the dividends and
interest paid on any Leverage Instruments issued or used by us,
protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of
securities held in or to be purchased for our portfolio, or
otherwise protect the value of our portfolio. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Investments and
Investment Techniques Derivatives Risk at
page 24 in the prospectus and Investment
Policies in our SAI for a more complete discussion of
these transactions and their risks.
We may also short sell Treasury securities to hedge our interest
rate exposure. When shorting Treasury securities, the loss is
limited to the principal amount that is contractually required
to be repaid at maturity and the
33
interest expense that must be paid at the specified times. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments
and Investment Techniques Short Sales Risk at
page 26.
Use of Arbitrage and Other Strategies. We may
use various arbitrage and other strategies to try to generate
additional return. As part of such strategies, we may engage in
paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in
securities issued by MLPs or between MLPs and their affiliates;
write (or sell) covered call options on the securities of MLPs
or other securities held in our portfolio; or, purchase call
options or enter into swap contracts to increase our exposure to
MLPs; or sell securities short. Paired trading consists of
taking a long position in one security and concurrently taking a
short position in another security within the same company. With
a long position, we purchase a stock outright; whereas with a
short position, we would sell a security that we do not own and
must borrow to meet our settlement obligations. We will realize
a profit or incur a loss from a short position depending on
whether the value of the underlying stock decreases or
increases, respectively, between the time the stock is sold and
when we replace the borrowed security. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Investments and
Investment Techniques Short Sales Risk at
page 26.
We may write (or sell) covered call options on the securities of
MLPs or other securities held in our portfolio. We will not
write uncovered calls. To increase our exposure to certain
issuers, we may purchase call options or use swap agreements. We
do not anticipate that these strategies will comprise a
substantial portion of our investments. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Investments and
Investment Techniques Derivatives Risk at
page 25.
We may engage in short sales. Our use of naked short
sales of equity securities (i.e., where we have no
opposing long position in the securities of the same issuer)
will be limited, so that, (i) measured on a daily basis,
the market value of all such short sale positions does not
exceed 10% of our total assets, and (ii) at the time of
entering into any such short sales, the market value of all such
short sale positions immediately following such transaction
shall not exceed 5% of our total assets. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Investments and
Investment Techniques Short Sales Risk at
page 26.
Portfolio Turnover. We anticipate that our
annual portfolio turnover rate will range between 10%-25%, but
the rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover
rate is not considered a limiting factor in Kayne
Andersons execution of investment decisions. The types of
MLPs in which we intend to invest historically have made cash
distributions to limited partners that would not be taxed as
income to us in that tax year but rather would be treated as a
non-taxable return of capital to the extent of our basis. As a
result, the tax related to such distribution would be deferred
until subsequent sale of our MLP units, at which time we would
pay any required tax on capital gain. Therefore, the sooner we
sell such MLP units, the sooner we would be required to pay tax
on resulting capital gains, and the cash available to us to pay
dividends to our common stockholders in the year of such tax
payment would be less than if such taxes were deferred until a
later year. In addition, the greater the number of such MLP
units that we sell in any year, i.e., the higher our
turnover rate, the greater our potential tax liability for that
year. These taxable gains may increase our current and
accumulated earnings and profits, resulting in a greater portion
of our common stock dividends being treated as income to our
common stockholders. In addition, a higher portfolio turnover
rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions
and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. See
Tax Matters at page 55.
34
USE OF
LEVERAGE
We generally will seek to enhance our total returns through the
use of financial leverage, which may include the issuance of
Leverage Instruments, in an aggregate amount that is not
expected to exceed 30% of our total assets, inclusive of such
financial leverage. Depending on the type of Leverage
Instruments involved, our use of financial leverage may require
the approval of our Board of Directors. Leverage creates a
greater risk of loss, as well as potential for more gain, for
our common stock than if leverage is not used. Our common stock
is junior in liquidation and distribution rights to our Leverage
Instruments. We expect to invest the net proceeds derived from
any use or issuance of Leverage Instruments according to the
investment objective and policies described in this prospectus.
Leverage creates risk for our common stockholders, including the
likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market
price of the shares, and the risk of fluctuations in dividend
rates or interest rates on Leverage Instruments which may affect
the return to the holders of our common stock or will result in
fluctuations in the dividends paid by us on our common stock. To
the extent the return on securities purchased with funds
received from Leverage Instruments exceeds their cost (including
increased expenses to us), our total return will be greater than
if Leverage Instruments had not been used. Conversely, if the
return derived from such securities is less than the cost of
Leverage Instruments (including increased expenses to us), our
total return will be less than if Leverage Instruments had not
been used, and therefore, the amount available for distribution
to our common stockholders will be reduced. In the latter case,
Kayne Anderson in its best judgment nevertheless may determine
to maintain our leveraged position if it expects that the
benefits to our common stockholders of so doing will outweigh
the current reduced return.
The fees paid to Kayne Anderson will be calculated on the basis
of our total assets including proceeds from Leverage
Instruments. During periods in which we use financial leverage,
the investment management fee payable to Kayne Anderson may be
higher than if we did not use a leveraged capital structure.
Consequently, we and Kayne Anderson may have differing interests
in determining whether to leverage our assets. Our Board of
Directors monitors our use of Leverage Instruments and this
potential conflict. The use of leverage creates risks and
involves special considerations. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to Our Common
Stock Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders at
page 14 and Risks Related to Our Senior
Securities Senior Leverage Risk to Preferred
Stockholders at page 18.
The Maryland General Corporation Law authorizes us, without
prior approval of our common stockholders, to borrow money. In
this regard, we may obtain proceeds through Borrowings and may
secure any such Borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise
subjecting as security our assets. In connection with such
Borrowings, we may be required to maintain minimum average
balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to
maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase
the cost of Borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, we, immediately after
issuing any senior securities representing indebtedness, must
have an asset coverage of at least 300%
(331/3%
of our total assets after such issuance). With respect to such
issuance, asset coverage means the ratio which the value of our
total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act),
bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing
indebtedness issued by us.
The rights of our lenders to receive interest on and repayment
of principal of any Borrowings will be senior to those of our
common stockholders, and the terms of any such Borrowings may
contain provisions which limit certain of our activities,
including the payment of dividends to our common stockholders in
certain circumstances. Under the 1940 Act, we may not declare
any dividend or other distribution on any class of our capital
stock, or purchase any such capital 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 declaring the amount of
such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may
be. Further, the 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant
our lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the
payment of interest on or repayment of principal. In the event
that we elect to be treated as a regulated investment company,
such provisions would impair our status as a regulated
investment company under the Code. Subject to our ability to
liquidate our relatively illiquid portfolio, we intend to repay
the Borrowings.
35
Certain types of Borrowings may result in our being subject to
covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and
portfolio composition requirements. We may be subject to certain
restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more
rating agencies, which may issue ratings for the Leverage
Instruments issued by us. These guidelines may impose asset
coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more
stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not
anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede Kayne
Anderson from managing our portfolio in accordance with our
investment objective and policies.
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred
stock unless immediately after such issuance the value of our
total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities is at least 200% of the sum of
the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred stock plus
the aggregate amount of senior securities representing
indebtedness. In addition, we are not permitted to declare any
cash dividend or other distribution on our common stock unless,
at the time of such declaration, our preferred stock has an
asset coverage of at least 200%. If we issue preferred stock, we
intend, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem it from
time to time to the extent necessary in order to maintain asset
coverage on such preferred stock of at least 200%. In addition,
as a condition to obtaining ratings on the preferred stock, the
terms of any preferred stock issued are expected to include
asset coverage maintenance provisions which will require the
redemption of the preferred stock in the event of non-compliance
by us and may also prohibit dividends and other distributions on
our common stock in such circumstances. In order to meet
redemption requirements, we may have to liquidate portfolio
securities. Such liquidations and redemptions would cause us to
incur related transaction costs and could result in capital
losses to us. If we have preferred stock outstanding, two of our
Directors will be elected by the holders of preferred stock as a
class. Our remaining Directors will be elected by holders of our
common stock and preferred stock voting together as a single
class. In the event we fail to pay dividends on our preferred
stock for two years, holders of preferred stock would be
entitled to elect a majority of our Directors.
We may also borrow money as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of
dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which
otherwise might require untimely dispositions of our securities.
See Investment Objective and Policies Our
Portfolio Temporary Defensive Position at
page 33.
Effects
of Leverage
The interest rates payable by us on Senior Notes vary based on
auctions normally held every seven (7) days for Senior
Notes Series A, Series B and Series E and
every twenty-eight (28) days for Senior
Notes Series C. As of November 30, 2006, the
interest rates payable on Senior Notes were as follows: Senior
Notes Series A, 5.05%; Senior
Notes Series B, 5.05%; Senior
Notes Series C, 5.24%; and Senior
Notes Series E, 5.05%. The interest rates payable by
us on our borrowings made under our revolving credit line with
Custodial Trust Company (an affiliate of our administrator) are
variable based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a
spread. As of November 30, 2006, the interest rate payable
on our borrowings under our revolving credit line was 6.32%. As
of November 30, 2006, the dividend rate for the ARP Shares
was 5.28%. These interest rates payable on Senior Notes and
dividend rate for the ARP Shares do not include commissions paid
to the auction agent in the amount of 0.25%. Assuming that our
leverage costs remain as described above excluding the effect of
the outstanding interest rate swaps (an average annual cost of
5.43%), the income generated by our portfolio as of
November 30, 2006 (net of our estimated related expenses)
must exceed 2.97% in order to cover such payments. These
numbers, which do not include the impacts of our interest rate
swap agreements as of November 30, 2006, are merely
estimates used for illustration; actual dividend or interest
rates on the Leverage Instruments will vary frequently and may
be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.
The following table is furnished in response to requirements of
the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on
common stock total return, assuming investment portfolio total
returns (comprised of income and changes in the value of
securities held in our portfolio) of minus 10% to plus 10%.
These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical
figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment
portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by
us. See Risk Factors at page 11. The table
further reflects the issuance of Leverage Instruments
representing 30% of our total assets, net of expenses, and our
estimated leverage costs of 5.41%. For the purposes of this
table it is assumed that leverage is increased from its level of
23.9% on November 30, 2006 to an assumed level of 30% by
increasing its outstanding Senior Notes. The cost of leverage is
36
expressed as a blended interest/dividend rate and represents
the weighted average cost on our Leverage Instruments, excluding
the impacts of our interest rate swap agreements at
November 30, 2006, plus the weighted average cost of
additional Senior Notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Portfolio Total Return
(Net of Expenses)
|
|
|
(10
|
)%
|
|
|
(5
|
)%
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
Common Stock Total Return
|
|
|
(20.6
|
)%
|
|
|
(12.1
|
)%
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)%
|
|
|
4.8
|
%
|
|
|
13.3
|
%
|
Common stock total return is composed of two elements: common
stock dividends paid by us (the amount of which is largely
determined by our net investment income after paying dividends
or interest on our Leverage Instruments) and gains or losses on
the value of the securities we own. As required by SEC rules,
the table above assumes that we are more likely to suffer
capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example,
to assume a total return of 0% we must assume that the
distributions we receive on our investments is entirely offset
by losses in the value of those securities.
37
MANAGEMENT
Directors
and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our
Board of Directors, including supervision of the duties
performed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC. Our Board currently
consists of five Directors. As indicated, a majority of our
Board consists of Directors that are not interested
persons as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act. We refer to these individuals as our Independent
Directors. The Board of Directors elects our officers, who
serve at the Boards discretion. The following table
includes information regarding our Directors and officers, and
their principal occupations and other affiliations during the
past five years. The addresses for all Directors are 1800 Avenue
of the Stars, Second Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 and 1100
Louisiana Street, Suite 4550, Houston, Texas 77002. All of
our Directors currently serve on the Board of Directors of Kayne
Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment
company registered under the 1940 Act, that is advised by Kayne
Anderson.
Independent
Directors
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Name
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office/
|
|
|
|
Held by
|
(Year Born)
|
|
with Registrant
|
|
Time of Service
|
|
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years
|
|
Director/Officer
|
|
Anne K. Costin
(born 1950)
|
|
Director
|
|
3-year
term (until the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders)/served
since July 2004
|
|
Ms. Costin is currently an Adjunct
Professor in the Finance and Economics Department of Columbia
University Graduate School of Business in New York. As of
March 1, 2005, Ms. Costin retired after a
28-year
career at Citigroup. During the last five years she was Managing
Director and Global Deputy Head of the Project &
Structured Trade Finance product group within Citigroups
Investment Banking Division.
|
|
Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return
Fund, Inc.
|
Steven C. Good
(born 1942)
|
|
Director
|
|
3-year
term (until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders)/served
since July 2004
|
|
Mr. Good is a senior partner at
Good Swartz Brown & Berns LLP, which offers accounting,
tax and business advisory services to middle market private and
publicly-traded companies, their owners and their management.
Mr. Good founded Block, Good and Gagerman in 1976, which
later evolved in stages into Good Swartz Brown & Berns
LLP.
|
|
Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return
Fund, Inc.; OSI Systems, Inc.; Big Dog Holdings, Inc.; and
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
|
Gerald I. Isenberg
(born 1940)
|
|
Director
|
|
3-year
term (until the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders)/served
since June 2005
|
|
Since 1995, Mr. Isenberg has
served as a Professor at the University of Southern California
School of Cinema-Television. Since 2004 he has been a member of
the board of trustees of Partners for Development, a
non-governmental organization dedicated to developmental work in
third-world countries. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Isenberg was
a board member of Kayne Anderson Rudnick Mutual Funds. From 1989
to 1995, he was President of Hearst Entertainment Productions, a
producer of television movies and programming for major
broadcast and cable networks.
|
|
Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return
Fund, Inc.; Partners for Development
|
Terrence J. Quinn
(born 1951)
|
|
Director
|
|
3-year
term (until the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders)/served
since July 2004
|
|
Mr. Quinn has served as President
of Private Equity Capital Corp., a private equity investment
firm, since 2005. He has also served as Chairman of the
Healthcare Group of Triton Pacific Capital Partners, LLC, a
private equity investment firm, since 2005. Mr. Quinn has
also served as President of The Eden Club, a private membership
golf club, since 2005. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Quinn was a
co-founder and managing partner of MTS Health Partners, a
private merchant bank providing services to publicly traded and
privately held small to mid-sized companies in the healthcare
industry.
|
|
Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return
Fund, Inc.; Midland Container Corp.; Home Physicians, Inc.; and
Safe Sedation, Inc.
|
38
Interested
Director
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|
|
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Name
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office/
|
|
|
|
Held by
|
(Year Born)
|
|
with Registrant
|
|
Time of Service
|
|
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years
|
|
Director/Officer
|
|
Kevin S. McCarthy*
(born 1959)
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors;
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
3-year
term as a director (until the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders), elected annually as an officer/served since July
2004
|
|
Mr. McCarthy has served as a Senior
Managing Director of Kayne Anderson since June 2004. From
November 2000 to May 2004, Mr. McCarthy was at UBS
Securities LLC where he was Global Head of Energy. In this role,
he had senior responsibility for all of UBS energy
investment banking activities, including direct responsibility
for securities underwriting and mergers and acquisitions in the
MLP industry. From July 1997 to November 2000, Mr. McCarthy
led the energy investment banking activities of PaineWebber
Incorporated. From July 1995 to March 1997, he was head of the
Energy Group at Dean Witter Reynolds.
|
|
Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return
Fund, Inc.; Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company; Range
Resources Corporation; Clearwater Natural Resources, LLC.
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr. McCarthy is an interested person of Kayne
Anderson MLP Investment Company by virtue of his employment
relationship with KAFA, our investment adviser. |
Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Name
|
|
Position(s) Held
|
|
Term of Office/
|
|
|
|
Held by
|
(Year Born)
|
|
with Registrant
|
|
Time of Service
|
|
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years
|
|
Director/Officer
|
|
Terry A. Hart
(born 1969)
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
|
|
Elected annually/served since
December 2005
|
|
Mr. Hart has served as our Chief
Financial Officer since December 2005. Prior to that,
Mr. Hart was with Dynegy, Inc. since its merger with
Illinova Corp. in early 2000, where he served as the Director of
Structured Finance, Assistant Treasurer and most recently as
Senior Vice President and Controller.
|
|
None.
|
David J. Shladovsky
(born 1960)
|
|
Secretary and Chief Compliance
Officer
|
|
Elected annually/served since
inception
|
|
Mr. Shladovsky has served as a
Managing Director and General Counsel of Kayne Anderson since
1997.
|
|
None.
|
J.C. Frey
(born 1968)
|
|
Vice President, Assistant
Treasurer, Assistant Secretary
|
|
Elected annually/served since June
2005
|
|
Mr. Frey has served as a Senior
Managing Director of Kayne Anderson since 2004 and as a Managing
Director since 2001. Mr. Frey has served as a Portfolio
Manager of Kayne Anderson since 2000 and of Kayne Anderson MLP
Investment Company since 2004. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Frey
was a Research Analyst at Kayne Anderson.
|
|
None.
|
James C. Baker
(born 1972)
|
|
Vice President
|
|
Elected annually/served since June
2005
|
|
Mr. Baker has been a Managing
Director of Kayne Anderson since December 2004. From April 2004
to December 2004, he was a Director in Planning and Analysis at
El Paso Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Baker worked in the
energy investment banking group at UBS Securities LLC as a
Director from 2002 to 2004 and as an Associate Director from
2000 to 2002. Prior to joining UBS in 2000, Mr. Baker was
an Associate in the energy investment banking group at
PaineWebber Incorporated.
|
|
None.
|
Under our Charter, our Directors are divided into three classes.
Each class of Directors hold office for a three year term. At
each annual meeting of our stockholders, the successors to the
class of Directors whose terms expire at such meeting will be
elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting
of stockholders held in the third year following the year of
their election. Each Director will hold office for the term to
which he or she is elected and until his or her successor is
duly elected and qualifies. Additional information regarding our
Board and its committees, is set forth under
Management in our SAI.
39
Investment
Adviser
KAFA is our investment adviser and is registered with the SEC
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
(Advisers Act). KAFA also is responsible for
managing our business affairs and providing certain clerical,
bookkeeping and other administrative services. KAFA is a
Delaware limited liability company. The managing member of KAFA
is Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., which is a California
limited partnership and an investment adviser registered with
the SEC under the Advisers Act. Kayne Anderson has one general
partner, Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc., and a
number of individual limited partners. Kayne Anderson Investment
Management, Inc. is a Nevada corporation controlled by Richard
A. Kayne and John E. Anderson. Kayne Andersons predecessor
was established as an independent investment advisory firm in
1984.
Kayne Andersons management of our portfolio is led by two
of its Senior Managing Directors, Kevin S. McCarthy and J.C.
Frey. Our portfolio managers draw on the research and analytical
support of David L. LaBonte, a Senior Managing Director of Kayne
Anderson, as well as the experience and expertise of other
professionals at Kayne Anderson, including its Chief Executive
Officer, Richard Kayne, and its President and Chief Investment
Officer, Robert V. Sinnott, as well as Richard J. Farber, James
C. Baker, Jody C. Meraz, Marc A. Minikes and Ian S. Sinnott.
Kevin S. McCarthy is our Chief Executive Officer and he
has served as the Chief Executive Officer and co-portfolio
manager of Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund since May
2005 and of Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company since
September 2006. Mr. McCarthy has served as a Senior
Managing Director at KACALP since June 2004 and of KAFA since
2006. Prior to that, he was Global Head of Energy at UBS
Securities LLC. In this role, he had senior responsibility for
all of UBS energy investment banking activities.
Mr. McCarthy was with UBS Securities from 2000 to 2004.
From 1995 to 2000, Mr. McCarthy led the energy investment
banking activities of Dean Witter Reynolds and then PaineWebber
Incorporated. He began his investment banking career in 1984. He
earned a BA degree in Economics and Geology from Amherst College
in 1981, and an MBA degree in Finance from the University of
Pennsylvanias Wharton School in 1984.
J.C. Frey is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne
Anderson. He serves as portfolio manager of Kayne
Andersons funds investing in MLP securities, including
service as a co-portfolio manager, Vice President, Assistant
Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of Kayne Anderson Energy Total
Return Fund and Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company.
Mr. Frey began investing in MLPs on behalf of Kayne
Anderson in 1998 and has served as portfolio manager of Kayne
Andersons MLP funds since their inception in 2000. Prior
to joining Kayne Anderson in 1997, Mr. Frey was a CPA and
audit manager in KPMG Peat Marwicks financial services
group, specializing in banking and finance clients, and loan
securitizations. Mr. Frey graduated from Loyola Marymount
University with a BS degree in Accounting in 1990. In 1991, he
received a Masters degree in Taxation from the University
of Southern California.
Richard A. Kayne is Chief Executive Officer of Kayne
Anderson and its affiliated broker-dealer, KA Associates,
Inc. He began his career in 1966 as an analyst with Loeb,
Rhodes & Co. in New York. Prior to forming Kayne
Andersons predecessor in 1984, Mr. Kayne was a
principal of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Inc., where he
managed private accounts, a hedge fund and a portion of firm
capital. Mr. Kayne is a trustee of and the former Chairman
of the Investment Committee of the University of California at
Los Angeles Foundation, and is a trustee and Co-Chairman of the
Investment Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los
Angeles. He earned a BS degree in Statistics from Stanford
University in 1966 and an MBA degree from UCLAs Anderson
School of Management in 1968.
Robert V. Sinnott is President, Chief Investment Officer
and Senior Managing Director of Energy Investments of Kayne
Anderson. Mr. Sinnott is a member of the Board of Directors
of Plains All American Pipeline, LP and Kayne Anderson Energy
Development Company. He joined Kayne Anderson in 1992. From 1986
to 1992, Mr. Sinnott was vice president and senior
securities officer of Citibanks Investment Banking
Division, concentrating in high-yield corporate buyouts and
restructuring opportunities. From 1981 to 1986, he served as
director of corporate finance for United Energy Resources, a
pipeline company. Mr. Sinnott began his career in the
financial industry in 1976 as a vice president and debt analyst
for Bank of America in its oil and gas finance department.
Mr. Sinnott graduated from the University of Virginia in
1971 with a BA degree in Economics. In 1976, he received an MBA
degree in Finance from Harvard University.
40
David L. LaBonte is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne
Anderson, responsible for coordinating and providing research
and analytical support in the areas of MLPs and other Midstream
Energy Company investments. Mr. LaBonte joined Kayne
Anderson from Citigroups Smith Barney unit, where he was a
Managing Director in the U.S. Equity Research Division
responsible for providing research coverage of MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies. Mr. LaBonte worked at Smith
Barney from 1998 until March 2005. Prior thereto, he was a vice
president in the Investment Management Group of Wells Fargo
Bank, where he was responsible for research coverage of the
natural gas pipeline industry and managing equity and
fixed-income portfolios. In 1993, Mr. LaBonte received his
BS degree in Corporate Finance from California Polytechnic
University-Pomona.
Richard J. Farber is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne
Anderson. Mr. Farber is responsible for proprietary trading
and hedging, and serves as Portfolio Manager for arbitrage
strategies. He also provides analytical support in the MLP area.
Mr. Farber joined Kayne Anderson in 1994. From 1990 to
1994, Mr. Farber was vice president of Lehman
Brothers Commodity Risk Management Group, specializing in
energy trading. He also worked at Lehman Brothers as an
institutional equity trader from 1988 to 1990. From 1985 to
1986, Mr. Farber was employed by Salomon Brothers, Inc. as
a mortgage bond analyst. Mr. Farber graduated from Franklin
and Marshall College in 1982 with a BA degree in Economics. In
1988, he received his MBA degree in Finance from UCLAs
Anderson School of Management.
James C. Baker is a Managing Director of Kayne Anderson,
providing analytical support in the MLP area. He also serves as
our Vice President and as Vice President of Kayne Anderson
Energy Total Return Fund and Kayne Anderson Energy Development
Company. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2004, Mr. Baker
was a Director in the energy investment banking group at UBS
Securities LLC. At UBS, he focused on securities underwriting
and mergers and acquisitions in the MLP industry. Prior to
joining UBS in 2000, Mr. Baker was an Associate in the
energy investment banking group at PaineWebber Incorporated. He
received a BBA degree in Finance from the University of Texas at
Austin in 1995 and an MBA degree in Finance from Southern
Methodist University in 1997.
Jody C. Meraz is a Vice President for Kayne Anderson. He
is responsible for providing analytical support for energy
investments. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2005,
Mr. Meraz was an analyst in the energy investment banking
group at Credit Suisse First Boston, where he focused on
securities underwriting transactions and mergers and
acquisitions. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Meraz was in the
Merchant Energy group at El Paso Corporation.
Mr. Meraz earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of
Texas at Austin in 2001.
Marc A. Minikes is a research analyst for KACALP. He is
responsible for providing research coverage of the electric
utility, power generation, and marine transportation industries.
Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2006, Mr. Minikes was a
member of the electric utility equity research team at Citigroup
Investment Research. Between 2002 and 2004 he worked as a
research analyst at GE Asset Management where he focused on
high-yield securities in the utility, merchant power and
pipeline sectors. Mr. Minikes earned a B.A. in History from
the University of Michigan in 1992, an M.A. in Latin American
Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1996
and an M.B.A. in Finance and Economics from the University of
Chicago in 2002. Mr. Minikes is a Chartered Financial
Analyst charterholder.
Ian S. Sinnott is a research analyst for KACALP. He is
responsible for providing research coverage in royalty and
income trusts and MLPs. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2005,
Mr. Sinnott was an associate with Citigroup Asset
Management in the Equity Research group, responsible for the
software and services sectors. Mr. Sinnott earned a B.A. in
Economics from Harvard University in 2001. He is a Chartered
Financial Analyst charterholder and is a member of the CFA
Institute and the New York Society of Security Analysts. Ian S.
Sinnott is a nephew of Robert V. Sinnott.
Our SAI provides information about our portfolio managers
compensation, other accounts managed by them, and their
ownership of securities issued by us.
The principal office of our investment adviser is located at
1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 4550, Houston, Texas 77002.
KACALPs principal office is located at 1800 Avenue of the
Stars, Second Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. For
additional information concerning Kayne Anderson, including a
description of the services to be provided by Kayne Anderson,
see Investment Management Agreement
below.
41
Investment
Management Agreement
Pursuant to an investment management agreement (the
Investment Management Agreement) between us and
KAFA, effective for periods commencing on or after
December 12, 2006, we pay a management fee, computed and
paid quarterly at an annual rate of 1.375% of our average total
assets.
For purposes of calculation of the management fee, the
average total assets shall be determined on the
basis of the average of our total assets for each quarter in
such period. Total assets for each quarterly period are
determined by averaging the total assets at the last day of that
quarter with the total assets at the last day of the prior
quarter . Our total assets shall be equal to our average
quarterly gross asset value (which includes assets attributable
to or proceeds from our use of Leverage Instruments), minus the
sum of our accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding
common stock and accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding
preferred stock and accrued liabilities (other than liabilities
associated with Leverage Instruments issued by us and any
accrued taxes). Liabilities associated with Leverage Instruments
include the principal amount of any Borrowings that we issue,
the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock,
and other liabilities from other forms of borrowing or leverage
such as short positions and put or call options held or written
by us.
In addition to KAFAs management fee, we pay all other
costs and expenses of our operations, such as compensation of
our directors (other than those affiliated with Kayne Anderson),
custodian, transfer agency, administrative, accounting and
dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, leverage expenses,
expenses of independent auditors, expenses of personnel
including those who are affiliates of Kayne Anderson reasonably
incurred in connection with arranging or structuring portfolio
transactions for us, expenses of repurchasing our securities,
expenses of preparing, printing and distributing stockholder
reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental
agencies, and taxes, if any.
The Investment Management Agreement will continue in effect from
year to year after an initial two-year term commencing on
December 12, 2006, so long as its continuation is approved
at least annually by our Directors including a majority of
Independent Directors or the vote of a majority of our
outstanding voting securities. The Investment Management
Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of
any penalty upon 60 days written notice by either
party, or by action of the Board of Directors or by a vote of a
majority of our outstanding voting securities (accompanied by
appropriate notice). It also provides that it will automatically
terminate in the event of its assignment, within the meaning of
the 1940 Act. This means that an assignment of the Investment
Management Agreement to an affiliate of Kayne Anderson would
normally not cause a termination of the Investment Management
Agreement.
Because Kayne Andersons fee is based upon a percentage of
our total assets, KAFAs fee will be higher to the extent
we employ financial leverage. As noted, we have issued Leverage
Instruments in a combined amount equal to approximately 23.9% of
our total assets as of November 30, 2006.
For periods ending on or before December 11, 2006, we paid
KACALP, the investment adviser originally party to the contract,
a basic management fee at an annual rate of 1.75% of our average
total assets, adjusted upward or downward (by up to 1.00% of our
average total assets), depending on the extent to which, if any,
our investment performance for the relevant performance period
exceeded or trailed the performance of the Standard and
Poors (S&P) 400 Utilities Index plus 6.00%
over the same period. At a special meeting of stockholders held
on December 12, 2006, stockholders approved the Investment
Management Agreement with Kayne Anderson described above.
Effective December 31, 2006, KACALP assigned the Investment
Management Agreement to KAFA. That assignment occurred only for
internal organizational purposes and did not result in any
change of management, control or portfolio management personnel
and did not cause a termination of the Investment Management
Agreement.
A discussion regarding the basis for approval by the Board of
Directors of our Investment Management Agreement with Kayne
Anderson is available in our November 30, 2006 annual
report to stockholders.
42
NET ASSET
VALUE
We determine our net asset value as of the close of regular
session trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) no less frequently than the last business day of each
month, and make our net asset value available for publication
monthly. Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of
all of our assets (including accrued interest and dividends),
less all of our liabilities (including accrued expenses,
dividends payable, current and deferred and other accrued income
taxes, and any Borrowings) and the liquidation value of any
outstanding preferred stock, by the total number of shares
outstanding.
We may hold a substantial amount of securities that are
privately issued or illiquid. For these securities, as well as
any other portfolio security held by us for which, in the
judgment of Kayne Anderson, reliable market quotations are not
readily available, the pricing service does not provide a
valuation, or provides a valuation that in the judgment of Kayne
Anderson is stale or does not represent fair value, valuations
will be determined in a manner that most fairly reflects fair
value of the security on the valuation date. Unless otherwise
determined by our Board of Directors, the following valuation
process is used for such securities:
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Investment Team Valuation. The applicable
investments are initially valued by Kayne Andersons
investment professionals responsible for the portfolio
investments.
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Investment Team Valuation
Documentation. Preliminary valuation conclusions
are documented and discussed with senior management of Kayne
Anderson. Such valuations generally are submitted to the
Valuation Committee (a committee of our Board of Directors) or
our Board of Directors on a monthly basis, and stand for
intervening periods of time.
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Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee
meets on or about the end of each month to consider new
valuations presented by Kayne Anderson, if any, which were made
in accordance with the Valuation Procedures in such month.
Between meetings of the Valuation Committee, a senior officer of
Kayne Anderson is authorized to make valuation determinations.
The Valuation Committees valuations stand for intervening
periods of time unless the Valuation Committee meets again at
the request of Kayne Anderson, our Board of Directors or the
Committee itself. The Valuation Committees valuation
determinations are subject to ratification by our Board at its
next regular meeting.
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Valuation Firm. No less than quarterly, a
third-party valuation firm engaged by our Board of Directors
reviews the valuation methodologies and calculations employed
for these securities.
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Board of Directors Determination. Our Board of
Directors meets quarterly to consider the valuations provided by
Kayne Anderson and the Valuation Committee, if applicable, and
ratify valuations for the applicable securities. Our Board of
Directors considers the reports, if any, provided by the
third-party valuation firm in reviewing and determining in good
faith the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities.
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Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors,
securities that are convertible into or otherwise will become
publicly traded (e.g., through subsequent registration or
expiration of a restriction on trading) are valued through the
process described above, using a valuation based on the market
value of the publicly traded security less a discount. The
discount is initially equal in amount to the discount negotiated
at the time the purchase price is agreed to. To the extent that
such securities are convertible or otherwise become publicly
traded within a time frame that may be reasonably determined,
Kayne Anderson may determine an amortization schedule for the
discount in accordance with a methodology approved by the
Valuation Committee.
We may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs,
which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable income
allocable to the MLP units held in our portfolio and to estimate
the associated deferred tax liability. Such estimates will be
made in good faith and reviewed in accordance with the valuation
process approved by our Board of Directors. From time to time we
will modify our estimates
and/or
assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability as new
information becomes available. To the extent we modify our
estimates
and/or
assumptions, our net asset value would likely fluctuate.
For publicly traded securities with a readily available market
price, the valuation procedure is as described below. Readily
marketable portfolio securities listed on any exchange other
than the NASDAQ are valued, except as indicated below, at the
last sale price on the business day as of which such value is
being determined. If there has
43
been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean
of the most recent bid and asked prices on such day. Securities
admitted to trade on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ
official closing price. Portfolio securities traded on more than
one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the
business day as of which such value is being determined at the
close of the exchange representing the principal market for such
securities.
Equity securities traded in the
over-the-counter
market, but excluding securities admitted to trading on the
NASDAQ, are valued at the closing bid prices. Fixed income
securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or more are
valued by us using a pricing service. When price quotes are not
available, fair market value will be based on prices of
comparable securities. Fixed income securities maturing within
60 days are valued on an amortized cost basis.
Any derivative transaction that we enter into may, depending on
the applicable market environment, have a positive or negative
value for purposes of calculating our net asset value. Any
option transaction that we enter into may, depending on the
applicable market environment, have no value or a positive
value. Exchange traded options and futures contracts will be
valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts
are principally traded.
Because we are obligated to pay corporate income taxes, we
accrue tax liability. As with any other liability, our net asset
value is reduced by the accruals of our current and deferred tax
liabilities (and any tax payments required in excess of such
accruals.) 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
recognized for federal income tax purposes and our net operating
loss carryforwards, if any. It is anticipated that cash
distributions from MLPs in which we invest will not equal the
amount of our taxable income because of the depreciation and
amortization recorded by the MLPs in our portfolio. As a result,
a portion of such cash distributions may not be treated by us 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. We will be able to confirm the portion of each distribution
recognized as taxable income as we receive annual tax reporting
information from each MLP.
44
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description is based on relevant portions of the
Maryland General Corporation Law and on our Charter and Bylaws.
This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to
the Maryland General Corporation Law and our Charter and Bylaws
for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized
below.
Capital
Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares
of stock, par value $0.001 per share, 199,990,000 of which
are classified as common stock and 10,000 of which are
classified and designated as Series D Auction Rate
Preferred Stock. There are no outstanding options or warrants to
purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance
under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our
stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts
or obligations.
Under our Charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to
classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other
classes or series of stock and authorize the issuance of shares
of stock without obtaining stockholder approval. As permitted by
the Maryland General Corporation Law, our Charter provides that
the Board of Directors, without any action by our stockholders,
may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease
the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares
of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.
Common
Stock
As of November 30, 2006, we had 38,064,836 shares of
common stock outstanding and 199,990,000 shares of common
stock authorized. Our currently outstanding shares of common
stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
KYN.
All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings,
assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Dividends may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as
and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us
out of funds legally available therefor. Shares of our common
stock have no preemptive, appraisal, exchange, conversion or
redemption rights and are freely transferable, except where
their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities
laws or by contract. In the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would
be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are
legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and
other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of
holders of our preferred stock, if any preferred stock is
outstanding at such time. Each share of our common stock is
entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as
provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the
holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power.
There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors,
which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of common stock can elect all of our directors, and holders of
less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect any
director.
So long as Senior Notes or other senior securities representing
indebtedness are outstanding, our common stockholders will not
be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless all
accrued interest on such senior indebtedness has been paid, and
unless our 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.
For so long as any ARP Shares or other series of our preferred
stock are outstanding, except as contemplated by our articles
supplementary, we will not declare, pay or set apart for payment
any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or
distribution paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights
to subscribe for or purchase, common stock or other shares of
stock, if any, ranking junior to ARP Shares or other series of
our preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation) with
respect to common stock or any other of our shares ranking
junior to or on a parity with ARP Shares or other series of our
preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, or call for
redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any common stock or any other such junior shares
(except by conversion into or exchange for our shares ranking
junior to ARP Shares or other series of our preferred stock as
to dividends and upon liquidation) or any such parity shares
(except by conversion into or exchange for our shares ranking
junior to or on a parity with ARP Shares or other series of our
preferred stock as to
45
dividends and upon liquidation), unless (1) there is no
event of default under the Senior Notes or other senior
securities representing indebtedness that is continuing;
(2) immediately after such transaction, we would have
eligible assets with an aggregate discounted
value at least equal to the basic maintenance
amount (as each of these terms are defined in the articles
supplementary) and we would maintain asset coverage of at least
200% with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the
Company which are 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 which are stock of a
closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring
dividends on its common stock); (3) immediately after the
transaction, we would have eligible portfolio holdings with an
aggregated discounted value at least equal to the asset coverage
requirements, if any, under the Senior Notes or other senior
securities representing indebtedness, (4) full cumulative
dividends on ARP Shares or other series of our preferred stock
due on or prior to the date of the transaction have been
declared and paid; and (5) we have redeemed the full number
of required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory
redemption contained in the articles supplementary.
The offering of common stock hereby, if made, has been approved
by the Board of Directors and, any sale of common stock by us
will be subject to the requirement of the 1940 Act that common
stock may not be sold at a price below the then-current net
asset value, exclusive of underwriting discounts and
commissions, except in limited circumstances including in
connection with an offering to existing stockholders.
Certain
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and our
Charter and Bylaws
The Maryland General Corporation Law and our Charter and Bylaws
contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a
potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer,
proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to
discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate
takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire
control of us to negotiate first with our Board of Directors. We
believe the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential
disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals
because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals
may improve their terms.
Classified Board of Directors. Our Board of
Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving
staggered three-year terms. The initial term of the third class
will expire in 2007, and the current terms for the first and
second classes will expire in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Upon
expiration of their current terms, directors of each class will
be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their
successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class
of directors will be elected by the stockholders. A classified
board may render a change in control of us or removal of our
incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that
the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified
Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and
stability of our management and policies.
Election of Directors. Our Charter and Bylaws
provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the
election of directors will be required to elect a director.
Pursuant to our Charter, our Board of Directors may amend the
Bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal. Our
Charter provides that the number of directors will be set only
by the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws. Our
Bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors
may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors.
However, unless our Bylaws are amended, the number of directors
may never be less than the minimum number required by the
Maryland General Corporation Law nor more than fifteen. Our
Charter provides that, at such time as we have at least three
independent directors and our common stock is registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we elect to be subject to
the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland
General Corporation Law regarding the filling of vacancies on
the Board of Directors. Accordingly, except as may be provided
by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or
series of preferred stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of
Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the
remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director
elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the
full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and
until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any
applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our Charter provides that a director may be removed only for
cause, as defined in the Charter, and then only by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to
be cast in the election of directors.
46
Action by Stockholders. Under the Maryland
General Corporation Law, stockholder action can be taken only at
an annual or special meeting of stockholders or, unless the
charter provides for stockholder action by less than unanimous
written consent (which is not the case for our Charter), by
unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These
provisions, combined with the requirements of our Bylaws
regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting
of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying
consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual
meeting.
Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and
Stockholder Proposals. Our Bylaws provide that
with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations
of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the
proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be
made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting,
(2) by 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
our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting.
Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at
a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our
notice of the meeting, (2) by 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.
Calling of Special Meetings of
Stockholders. Our Bylaws provide that special
meetings of stockholders may be called by our Board of Directors
and certain of our officers. Additionally, our Bylaws provide
that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and
informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the
meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the
secretary of the corporation upon the written request of
stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all
the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of
Charter and Bylaws. Under Maryland law, a
Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its
charter, merge, 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 approved by the
affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for
approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less
than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter. Our Charter generally provides for approval of Charter
amendments and extraordinary transactions 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 the stockholders entitled to cast at
least 80 percent of the votes entitled to be cast on such
matter. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by at
least 80 percent of our continuing directors (in addition
to approval by our Board of Directors), such amendment or
proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to
be cast on such a matter. The continuing directors
are defined in our Charter as our current directors as well as
those directors whose nomination for election by the
stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill
vacancies is approved by a majority of the continuing directors
then on the Board of Directors. Our Charter and Bylaws provide
that the Board of Directors will have the exclusive power to
adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws and to make
new Bylaws.
47
DESCRIPTION
OF PREFERRED STOCK
As of November 30, 2006, we had 3,000 shares of
preferred stock outstanding, and 10,000 shares of preferred
stock authorized, all of which were classified and designated as
Series D Auction Rate Preferred Stock. Our currently
outstanding ARP Shares are not listed on any exchange or quoted
on any automated quotation system. ARP Shares generally may only
be bought or sold through an auction process. The auctions for
our outstanding ARP Shares generally occur every seven
(7) days, and determine the dividend rate to be paid for
each dividend period.
Our Charter authorizes our Board of Directors to classify and
reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or
series of stock, including preferred stock, without the approval
of the holders of our common stock. Our common stockholders have
no preemptive right to purchase any preferred stock that might
be issued. We may elect to issue preferred stock as part of our
leverage strategy.
Prior to the issuance of shares of any other class or series,
our Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and by our
Charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends
or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions
of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of
Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred
stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in
control that might involve a premium price for holders of our
common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. You should
note, however, that any issuance of preferred stock must comply
with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Preferred stock (including outstanding ARP Shares) ranks senior
in liquidation and distribution rights to our common stock and
junior in liquidation and distribution rights to debt securities.
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 ARP Shares are outstanding,
additional issuances of our preferred stock, including any
shares of preferred stock offered hereby, must be considered to
be of the same class as ARP Shares under the 1940 Act and
interpretations thereunder and must rank on a parity with ARP
Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and upon the
distribution of our assets in liquidation. It is currently
expected that any issuance of preferred stock would be
additional ARP Shares or an additional series of our auction
rate preferred stock. Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus
supplement, any preferred stock will be issued pursuant to
articles supplementary (a form of which is attached as
Appendix B to the SAI) in substantially the same form as
outstanding preferred stock and will be subject to the
provisions therein. 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 liquidation preference of preferred stock;
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the dividend rate of the preferred stock;
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the frequency with which auctions will be held;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in auction agents, paying agents or security
registrar; and
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any other terms of the preferred stock.
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Dividends. Holders of preferred stock will be
entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if authorized
by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds
legally available therefor. Unless the prospectus supplement
states otherwise, dividend rates with respect to each dividend
period will generally be determined by the results of an auction
process, as more fully described in the related prospectus
supplement. Dividends so declared and payable shall be paid to
the extent permitted under Maryland law, to the extent available
and in preference to and priority over any distribution
declared, payable or set apart for payment on our common stock.
Dividends shall be payable from our earnings and profits.
Because of our emphasis on investments in MLPs, there is a
possibility that earnings and profits would not be sufficient to
pay dividends on preferred stock. In such a case, dividends
would be paid from cash flow in excess of earnings and profits
and would be treated as return of capital.
48
Limitations on Dividends, Distributions and
Redemptions. Under the 1940 Act, we may not
(1) declare any dividend with respect to preferred stock
if, at the time of such declaration (and after giving effect
thereto), asset coverage with respect to our Borrowings, that
are senior securities representing indebtedness (as defined in
the 1940 Act), would be less than 200% (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
stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of
declaring dividends on its preferred stock) or (2) declare
any other distribution on preferred stock or purchase or redeem
preferred stock if at the time of the declaration (and after
giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to our
senior securities representing indebtedness would be less than
300% (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 stock of a closed-end investment
company as a condition of declaring distributions, purchases or
redemptions of its shares of capital stock). In addition, a
declaration of a dividend or other distribution on, or
repurchase or redemption of, preferred stock may be prohibited
(1) at any time that an event of default under our
Borrowings has occurred and is continuing; (2) if, after
giving effect to such declaration, we would not have eligible
portfolio holdings with an aggregated discounted value at least
equal to any asset coverage requirements associated with our
Borrowings; or (3) we have not redeemed the full amount of
our Borrowings required to be redeemed by any provision for
mandatory redemption.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our the affairs,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of preferred stock
then outstanding, in preference to the holders of common stock,
will be entitled to payment out of our assets, or the proceeds
thereof, available for distribution to stockholders after
satisfaction of claims of our creditors, including the holders
of our debt securities, of a liquidation preference in the
amount equal to $25,000 per share of the preferred stock,
plus an amount equal to accumulated dividends (whether or not
earned or declared but without interest) to the date that
payment of such preference is made in full or a sum sufficient
for the payment thereof is set apart with the paying agent.
After payment of the full amount of a liquidating distribution,
the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any
further right or claim to our remaining assets. If, upon any
such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs,
whether voluntary or involuntary, our assets available for
distribution among the holders of all outstanding preferred
stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to
such holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then
available assets shall be distributed among the holders of all
outstanding preferred stock ratably in that distribution of
assets according to the respective amounts which would be
payable on all such shares if all amounts thereon were paid in
full. Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt securities upon
our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our the affairs.
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 held on
each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders and vote
together with holders of common stock and other preferred
stockholders, if any, as a single class. Under applicable rules
of the NYSE, we are currently required to hold annual meetings
of stockholders.
In connection with the election of the Board of Directors, the
holders of preferred stock shall be entitled, as a class, to the
exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of
stock, to elect two directors. The holders of outstanding common
stock and preferred stock voting together as a single class,
shall elect the balance of the directors. In addition, subject
to the prior rights, if any, of the holders of any other class
of senior securities outstanding, in the event we fail to pay
dividends on our preferred stock for two years, holders of
preferred stock would be entitled to elect a majority of our
Directors.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding preferred stock voting as a separate class,
determined with reference to a vote of a majority of
outstanding voting securities as that term is defined in
Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, shall be required to
approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the
1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or any action
requiring a vote of our security holders under
Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. The affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred stock, voting
as a separate class, will be required to, among other things,
amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers
of holders of such class so as to affect materially and
adversely such preferences, rights or powers. The affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
any series of preferred stock, voting separately from any other
series, will be required to approve any matter that materially
and adversely affects the rights, preferences, or powers of such
series in a manner different from that of other series or
classes of our shares of
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stock. The vote of holders of any shares described in the
immediately preceding sentence will in each case be in addition
to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of common stock
and/or
preferred stock, if any, necessary to authorize the matter
presented to the stockholders.
Market. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, our preferred stock may be bought or sold
at an auction that normally will be held periodically by
submitting orders through a broker-dealer who has entered into
an agreement with the auction agent (a
Broker-Dealer) or through a broker-dealer that has
entered into a separate agreement with a Broker-Dealer. Our
preferred stock is not listed on an exchange or automated
quotation system. Preferred stock may be transferred outside of
an auction through a Broker-Dealer or other broker-dealer, but
we cannot assure you that any such secondary market will exist
or whether it will provide preferred stockholders with
liquidity. The details of the auction process will be further
described in the related prospectus supplement.
Auction Agent, 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 10286, serves as the auction
agent, transfer agent, registrar, dividend paying agent and
redemption agent with respect to our preferred stock.
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DESCRIPTION
OF DEBT SECURITIES
Our Charter authorizes us to borrow money without the prior
approval of our stockholders. We may issue additional Borrowings
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 will rank senior to our common stock, and any
preferred stock that we issue.
On March 28, 2005, we issued three series of Senior
Notes Series A, Series B and Series C in an
aggregate principal amount of $260 million and on
December 14, 2005 we issued one series of Senior
Notes Series E in an aggregate principal amount of
$60 million, each pursuant to the provisions of an
indenture. The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. serves as
trustee and transfer agent and The Bank of New York serves as
auction agent for Senior Notes. Senior Notes Series A,
Series B and Series E pay interest at rates that vary
based on auctions normally held every seven (7) days.
Senior Notes Series C pay interest at rates that vary
based on auctions normally held every twenty-eight
(28) days. Senior Notes rank senior in liquidation and
distribution rights to our common stock and preferred stock.
Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to
any of our secured indebtedness (including the full amount of
any borrowings incurred under our revolving credit line with
Custodial Trust Company) or other secured obligations to
the extent of the value of the assets that secure the
indebtedness or obligation. Senior Notes may be redeemed prior
to their maturity at our option, in whole or in part, under
certain circumstances and are subject to mandatory redemption
upon our failure to maintain asset coverage requirements with
respect to the Senior Notes.
Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior
securities representing indebtedness. So long as Senior Notes
are outstanding, additional debt securities, including any debt
securities offered hereby, must rank on a parity with Senior
Notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the
distribution of our assets. It is currently expected that any
issuance of our debt securities would be additional Senior Notes
or additional series of our auction rate senior notes. Unless
otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, any additional debt
securities offered hereby will be issued pursuant to the
indenture dated as of March 28, 2005 (the
Indenture) and will be subject to the provisions
therein. A prospectus supplement and a supplemental indenture (a
summary of which is attached as Appendix A to the SAI)
relating to any additional debt securities will include specific
terms relating to the offering. These terms 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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the frequency with which auctions will be held;
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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, auction agents, paying agents or
security registrar; and
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any other terms of the securities.
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Interest. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, debt securities will bear interest as
generally determined by the results of an auction for such
securities
and/or by
the Board of Directors, as more fully described in the related
prospectus supplement. Interest on debt securities will 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, including our debt securities offered
hereby, we must have an asset coverage of at least 300%. With
respect to our debt securities or other senior securities
representing indebtedness, asset coverage means the ratio which
the value of our total assets, less all liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by senior
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securities, bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities
representing indebtedness. We are subject to certain
restrictions imposed by guidelines of two rating agencies that
issued ratings for the Leverage Instruments, including
restrictions related to asset coverage and portfolio
composition, and to the extent that rating agencies also issue
ratings for our securities offered hereby, certain similar
restrictions may also be imposed on us. Such restrictions may be
more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Other types
of Borrowings also may result 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 failure to deposit irrevocably in trust with
the paying agent the full amount of any redemption price payable
on the redemption date.
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Unless stated otherwise in the related prospectus supplement,
our debt securities will provide for the following:
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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;
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Upon an event of default relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar laws, acceleration of maturity occurs
automatically; and
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At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to
any debt securities or series of Senior Notes 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.
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Payment of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, or Other Similar
Events. Unless stated otherwise in the related
prospectus supplement, 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 our business, 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 our assets and
liabilities, then (after any payments outstanding at such time
with respect to any of our secured creditors) and in any such
event the holders of debt securities and other Senior Notes
shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due
or to become due on or in respect of all debt securities and
other Senior Notes (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 and other Senior Notes, before any of our
common or preferred stockholders are entitled to receive any
payment on account of any principal (premium, if any), interest,
liquidation preference or dividends from such securities, and to
that end the holders of debt securities and other Senior Notes
shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment
thereof, any payment or distribution of any
52
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 and other Senior Notes, which may be payable or
deliverable in respect of the debt securities and other Senior
Notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or
other winding up event.
Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation, our
service providers including Kayne Anderson, our custodian, the
auction agent, 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 by us 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.
Voting Rights. Unless stated otherwise in the
related prospectus supplement, our debt securities will 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. The 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant our
lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the
payment of interest on or repayment of principal.
Market. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, our debt securities may be bought or sold
at an auction held periodically by submitting orders through a
broker-dealer who has entered into an agreement with the auction
agent (a Broker-Dealer) or through a broker-dealer
that has entered into a separate agreement with a Broker-Dealer.
Our debt securities are not listed on an exchange or automated
quotation system. Debt securities may be transferred outside of
an auction through a Broker-Dealer or other broker-dealer, but
we cannot assure you that any such secondary market will exist
or whether it will provide holders of debt securities with
liquidity. The details of the auction process are further
described in the related prospectus supplement.
Trustee, Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent,
Redemption Agent and Auction Agent. Unless
otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, The Bank of New
York Trust Company, N.A, 700 S. Flower Street, Los
Angeles, California 90017, will be the trustee under the
Indenture and act as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and
redemption agent with respect to our debt securities, and the
Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286,
will serve as the auction agent with respect to our debt
securities.
Distribution Preference. Unless otherwise
stated in a prospectus supplement, a declaration of a dividend
or other distribution on or purchase or redemption of common or
preferred stock, will be restricted: (i) at any time that
an event of default under our Borrowings has occurred and is
continuing; or (ii) if after giving effect to such
declaration, we would not have eligible portfolio holdings with
an aggregated discounted value (as defined in the
supplemental indenture) at least equal to any asset coverage
requirements associated with such Borrowings; or (iii) if
we have not redeemed the full amount of Borrowings, if any,
required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory
redemption. In addition, the terms of any other Borrowings may
contain provisions that limit certain of our activities,
including the payment of dividends to holders of common and
preferred stock, in certain circumstances.
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OUR
STRUCTURE; COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES
AND CHANGE IN OUR STRUCTURE
Closed-End
Structure
Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment
companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds).
Closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a
securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option
of the stockholder. In contrast, mutual funds issue securities
redeemable at net asset value at the option of the stockholder
and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares.
Mutual funds are subject to continuous asset in-flows and
out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, whereas
closed-end funds generally can stay more fully invested in
securities consistent with the closed-end funds investment
objective and policies. Accordingly, closed-end funds have
greater flexibility than open-end funds to make certain types of
investments, including investments in illiquid securities.
Shares of closed-end investment companies listed for trading on
a securities exchange frequently trade at a discount to their
net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. The
market price may be affected by net asset value, dividend or
distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses),
supply of and demand for the shares, stability of dividends or
distributions, trading volume of the shares, general market and
economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the
closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market
price of our common stock being greater than, less than or equal
to net asset value. The Board of Directors has reviewed our
structure in light of our investment objective and policies and
has determined that the closed-end structure is in the best
interests of our stockholders. However, the Board of Directors
may review periodically the trading range and activity of our
shares with respect to our net asset value and may take certain
actions to seek to reduce or eliminate any such discount. Such
actions may include open market repurchases or tender offers for
our common stock at net asset value or our possible conversion
to an open-end mutual fund. There can be no assurance that the
Board will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if
undertaken, such actions would result in our common stock
trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per
share of our common stock. Based on the determination of the
Board of Directors in connection with our initial public
offering of our common stock that the closed-end structure is
desirable in light of our investment objective and policies, it
is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert us to an
open-end investment company.
Repurchase
of Common Stock and Tender Offers
In recognition of the possibility that our common stock might
trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such
discount may not be in the interest of our common stockholders,
the Board of Directors, in consultation with Kayne Anderson,
from time to time may, but is not required to, review possible
actions to reduce any such discount. The Board of Directors also
may, but is not required to, consider from time to time open
market repurchases of
and/or
tender offers for our common stock, as well as other potential
actions, to seek to reduce any market discount from net asset
value that may develop. After any consideration of potential
actions to seek to reduce any significant market discount, the
Board may, subject to its applicable duties and compliance with
applicable state and federal laws, authorize the commencement of
a share-repurchase program or tender offer. The size and timing
of any such share repurchase program or tender offer will be
determined by the Board of Directors in light of the market
discount of our common stock, trading volume of our common
stock, information presented to the Board of Directors regarding
the potential impact of any such share repurchase program or
tender offer, general market and economic conditions and
applicable law. There can be no assurance that we will in fact
effect repurchases of or tender offers for any of our common
stock. We may, subject to our investment limitation with respect
to Borrowings, incur debt to finance such repurchases or a
tender offer or for other valid purposes. Interest on any such
Borrowings would increase our expenses and reduce our net income.
There can be no assurance that repurchases of our common stock
or tender offers, if any, will cause our common stock to trade
at a price equal to or in excess of its net asset value.
Nevertheless, the possibility that a portion of our outstanding
common stock may be the subject of repurchases or tender offers
may reduce the spread between market price and net asset value
that might otherwise exist. Sellers may be less inclined to
accept a significant discount in the sale of their common stock
if they have a reasonable expectation of being able to receive a
54
price of net asset value for a portion of their common stock in
conjunction with an announced repurchase program or tender offer
for our common stock.
Although the Board of Directors believes that repurchases or
tender offers generally would have a favorable effect on the
market price of our common stock, the acquisition of common
stock by us will decrease our total assets and therefore will
have the effect of increasing our expense ratio and decreasing
the asset coverage with respect to any preferred stock
outstanding. Because of the nature of our investment objective,
policies and portfolio, particularly our investment in illiquid
or otherwise restricted securities, it is possible that
repurchases of common stock or tender offers could interfere
with our ability to manage our investments in order to seek our
investment objective. Further, it is possible that we could
experience difficulty in borrowing money or be required to
dispose of portfolio securities to consummate repurchases of or
tender offers for common stock.
Possible
Conversion to Open-End Fund Status
Our Charter provides that any proposal for our conversion from a
closed-end company to an open-end company requires the approval
of our Board of Directors and the stockholders entitled to cast
at least 80 percent of the votes entitled to be cast on
such matter. However, if such proposal is also approved by at
least 80 percent of our continuing directors (in addition
to the approval by our Board of Directors), such proposal may be
approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter. See Description of Capital Stock for a
discussion of voting requirements applicable to our conversion
to an open-end investment company. If we converted to an
open-end investment company, we would be required to redeem all
preferred stock then outstanding (requiring in turn that we
liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio) and our common
stock would no longer be listed on the NYSE. Conversion to
open-end status could also require us to modify certain
investment restrictions and policies. Stockholders of an
open-end investment company may require the investment company
to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain
circumstances as authorized by or permitted under the 1940 Act)
at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any,
as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to
avoid maintaining large cash positions or liquidating favorable
investments to meet redemptions, open-end investment companies
typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares.
Open-end investment companies are thus subject to periodic asset
in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management.
Our Board of Directors may at any time propose our conversion to
open-end status, depending upon its judgment regarding the
advisability of such action in light of circumstances then
prevailing.
TAX
MATTERS
The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based
on the advice of our counsel, Paul, Hastings,
Janofsky & Walker LLP.
This section and the discussion in our SAI summarize the
material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning our
securities for U.S. taxpayers. This section is current as
of the date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations
change frequently, and this summary does not describe all of the
tax consequences to all taxpayers. For example, this summary
generally does not describe your situation if you are a
non-U.S. person,
a broker-dealer, or other investor with special circumstances.
In addition, this section does not describe your state, local or
foreign taxes. As with any investment, you should consult your
own tax professional about your particular consequences.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
tax consequences of investing in us.
Federal
Income Taxation of Kayne Anderson MLP Investment
Company
We are treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
Thus, we are obligated to pay federal income tax on our taxable
income. We are also obligated to pay state income tax on our
taxable income, either because the states follow the federal
treatment or because the states separately impose a tax on us.
We invest our assets principally in MLPs, which generally are
treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a
partner in the MLPs, we have to report our allocable share of
the MLPs taxable income in computing our taxable income.
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,
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there will be greater tax expense borne by us and less cash
available to make required interest, principal and redemption
payments to holders of Senior Notes and to distribute to
stockholders. In addition, we will take into account in our
taxable income amounts of gain or loss recognized on the sale of
MLP units. Currently, the maximum regular federal income tax
rate for a corporation is generally 35%, but we may be subject
to a 20% alternative minimum tax on our alternative minimum
taxable income to the extent that the alternative minimum tax
exceeds our regular income tax. We will accrue deferred tax
liabilities associated with unrealized capital gains on our
investments.
As a corporation for tax purposes, our earnings and profits are
calculated using accounting methods that are different from tax
calculation methods. For instance, to calculate our earnings and
profits we will use the straight-line depreciation method rather
than the accelerated depreciation method. This treatment may,
for example, affect our earnings and profits if an MLP in which
we invest calculates its income using accelerated depreciation.
Our earnings and profits would not be increased solely by the
income passed through from the MLP, but we would also have to
include in our earnings and profits the amount by which the
accelerated depreciation exceeded straight-line depreciation.
Because of the differences in the manner in which earnings and
profits and taxable income are calculated, we may make
distributions out of earnings and profits, treated as dividends,
in years in which we have no taxable income.
In addition, in calculating our alternative minimum taxable
income, certain percentage depletion deductions and intangible
drilling costs may be treated as items of tax preference. Items
of tax preference increase alternative minimum taxable income
and increase the likelihood that we may be subject to
alternative minimum tax.
We have not, and we will not, elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Code. The 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. Thus, the regulated investment company
taxation rules have no current application to us or to our
stockholders.
Federal
Income Taxation of Holders of Our 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. Our
distributions are treated as a taxable dividend to the
stockholder to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings
and profits. If the distribution exceeds our earnings and
profits, the distribution will be treated as a return of capital
to our common stockholder to the extent of the
stockholders basis in our common stock, and then as
capital gain. Common stockholders will receive a Form 1099
from us (rather than a
Schedule K-1
from each MLP if the stockholder had invested directly in the
MLPs) and will recognize dividend income only to the extent of
our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
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 an MLP will exceed our share of such MLPs income.
Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of distributions of cash
and other income from investments will be treated as dividend
income to our common stockholders. As a corporation for tax
purposes, our earnings and profits will be calculated using
(i) straight-line depreciation rather than accelerated
depreciation, and cost rather than a percentage depletion
method, and (ii) intangible drilling costs and exploration
and development costs are amortized over a five-year and
ten-year period, respectively. Because of the differences in the
manner in which earnings and profits and taxable income are
calculated, we may make distributions out of earnings and
profits, treated as dividends, in years in which we have no
taxable income. To the extent that distributions to a
stockholder exceed our earnings and profits, a
stockholders basis in our common stock will be reduced
and, if a stockholder has no further basis in our shares, a
stockholder will report any excess as capital gain.
The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003
amended the federal income tax law generally to reduce the
maximum federal income tax rate of qualified dividend income to
the rate applicable to long-term capital gains, which is
generally 15% for individuals, provided a holding period
requirement and certain other requirements are met. The portion
of our distributions of cash and other income from investments
treated as a dividend for federal
56
income tax purposes should be treated as qualified dividend
income for federal income tax purposes if the stockholder
satisfies applicable holding period requirements for our common
stock. This reduced rate of tax on dividends is currently
scheduled to revert to ordinary income rates for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2010 and the 15% federal
income tax rate for long-term capital gain is scheduled to
revert to 20% for such taxable years.
If a holder of our common stock participates in our automatic
dividend reinvestment plan, such stockholder will be taxed upon
the amount of distributions as if such amount had been received
by the participating stockholder and the participating
stockholder reinvested such amount in additional common stock.
Investment
by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment
Companies
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
UBTI. Because we are a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, an owner of our 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 will not have
UBTI attributable to its ownership or sale of our common stock
unless its ownership of our common stock is debt-financed. In
general, common stock would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt
owner of common stock incurs debt to acquire common stock or
otherwise incurs or maintains a debt that would not have been
incurred or maintained if that common stock had not been
acquired.
As stated above, an owner of our common stock will not report on
its federal income tax return any of our items of income, gain,
loss and deduction. Instead, the owner will simply report income
with respect to our distributions or gain with respect to the
sale of our common stock. Thus, ownership of our common stock
will only result in income that is qualifying income for a
regulated investment company. Furthermore, any gain from the
sale or other disposition of our common stock will constitute
gain from the sale of stock or securities and will qualify for
purposes of the 90% income test applicable to regulated
investment companies. Finally, our common stock will constitute
qualifying assets to regulated investment companies, which
generally must own at least 50% in qualifying assets at the end
of each quarter.
Backup
Withholding and Information Reporting
Backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax may apply to
the distributions on our common stock to be made by us if you
fail to timely provide taxpayer identification numbers or if we
are so instructed by the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). Any amounts withheld from a payment to a
U.S. holder under the backup withholding rules are
allowable as a refund or credit against the holders
U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the
required 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.
Federal
Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Our Preferred Stock
Under present law, we are of the opinion that ARP Shares
constitute our equity, and thus distributions with respect to
ARP Shares (other than distributions in redemption of ARP Shares
subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally
constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable 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 may be eligible for the dividends received
deduction available to corporate stockholders under
Section 243 of the Code.
Qualified dividend income received by individual and other
noncorporate stockholders currently is taxed at long-term
capital gain rates of 15%. Qualified dividend income generally
includes dividends from domestic
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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). This holding period
is tolled for periods during which the taxpayers risk of
loss with respect to the stock is diminished. Eligibility for
treatment as qualified dividend income may be affected by a
Holders securities lending transactions, short sales and
other similar transactions. The provisions of the Code
applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through
2010. Thereafter, higher 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 ARP Shares, which holding period may be reduced if the
holder engages in risk reduction transactions with respect to
its ARP Shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the application of these limitations to their
particular situation.
If our distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings
and profits, the distribution will be treated as a non-taxable
adjustment to the basis of the preferred stock to the extent of
such basis, and then as capital gain to the extent of the excess
distribution. Such gain will be long-term capital gain if the
holding period for the preferred stock is more than one year.
Individuals are currently subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%
on long-term capital gains. This rate is currently scheduled to
increase to 20% for tax years beginning after December 31,
2010. Corporations are taxed on capital gains at their ordinary
graduated rates.
A corporations earnings and profits are generally
calculated by making certain adjustments to the
corporations reported taxable income. Based upon the
historic performance of similar MLPs, we anticipate that the
distributed cash from the MLPs in our portfolio will exceed our
earnings and profits. Thus, it is possible that only a portion
of our distributions will be treated as dividends to our
preferred stockholders for federal income tax purposes. We will
notify stockholders annually as to the federal income tax status
of our distributions to them.
Special rules apply to the calculation of earnings and profits
for corporations invested in energy ventures. Our earnings and
profits will be calculated using (1) straight-line
depreciation rather than a percentage depletion method and
(2) five-year and ten-year amortization of drilling costs
and exploration and development costs, respectively. Thus, these
deductions may be significantly lower for purposes of
calculating earnings and profits than they are for purposes of
calculating taxable income. Because of these differences, we may
make distributions out of earnings and profits, treated as
dividends, in years in which our distributions exceed our
taxable income.
Sale
of Our Preferred Stock
The sale of our preferred stock by holders will generally be a
taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of
our preferred 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 such shares of preferred stock 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 our preferred stock actually and
constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to
capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Code if
the stockholder does not own (and is not regarded under certain
tax law rules of constructive ownership as owning) any of our
common stock, and 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 Code must be satisfied to
achieve such treatment, and Holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding such conditions.
Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or
loss if our preferred stock were held for more than one year and
will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed
preferred stock were held for one year or less. Net long-term
capital gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder
generally will be subject to 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 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
58
ordinary income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A
holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Backup
Withholding
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a portion of all taxable 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
IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if we have
been so notified). Certain corporate and other stockholders
specified in the 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.
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.
Federal
Income Taxation of Debt Securities
Federal
Income Tax Classification of Our Debt Securities
Under present law, we are of the opinion that our debt
securities constitute indebtedness of ours for federal income
tax purposes, which the below discussion assumes. We intend to
treat all payments made with respect to our debt securities
consistent with this characterization.
Taxation
of Interest on Our Debt Securities
Payments or accruals of interest on our debt securities will
generally be taxable to you as ordinary 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 Our Debt Securities
Initially, your tax basis in our debt securities acquired will
generally be equal to your cost to acquire such debt securities.
This basis will increase by the amount, if any, that you are
required or elect to 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 our debt securities, or if any
of our 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 tax in the manner
described above under Taxation of Interest) and your
tax basis in our 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 our 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 held for one year or less. Net long-term capital
gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder generally
will be subject to tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate
of 15%, although this rate will increase to 20% for taxable
years beginning after 2010) than net short-term capital
gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). A
holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Amortizable
Premium
If you purchase our debt securities at a cost greater than the
stated principal amount, plus accrued interest, you will be
considered to have purchased our debt securities at a premium,
and you may generally elect to amortize this premium as an
offset to interest income, using a constant yield method, over
the remaining term of our debt securities. If you make the
election to amortize the premium, the election generally will
apply to all debt instruments
59
that you hold at the time of the election, 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 our 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 our debt securities. Therefore, if
you do not elect to amortize the premium and you hold our debt
securities to maturity, you generally will be required to treat
the premium as a capital loss when our debt securities are
redeemed.
Market
Discount
If you purchase our debt securities at a price that reflects a
market discount, any principal payments on, or any
gain that you realize on the disposition of, our debt securities
generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the
extent of the market discount that accrued on our debt
securities during the time you held such debt securities.
Market discount is defined under the Code as the
excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the
purchase price of the note, except that if market discount is
less than 0.0025% 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 our debt securities that were acquired at a
market discount. In general, market discount will be treated as
accruing ratably over the term of our 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 our 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. 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.
Taxation
of
Non-U.S. Beneficial
Owners
If you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign
corporation (a
non-U.S. holder),
the payment of interest on our debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus will
generally be exempt from United States federal withholding tax.
This exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest
paid on our 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 our
debt securities is described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the
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
beneficial owner of any of our 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 our debt
securities on behalf of the beneficial owner 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 our debt
securities held by a foreign partnership and other
intermediaries.
Interest on our debt securities received by a
non-U.S. holder
which 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 a
non-U.S. holder
can claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty to reduce or
eliminate such withholding tax and such
non-U.S. holder
provides us with a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN
claiming such exemption or reduction.
Any capital gain that a
non-U.S. holder
realizes on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition
(including a redemption) of our debt securities generally will
be exempt from United States federal income tax, including
withholding tax. This exemption will not apply to you if your
gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a
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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.
Investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisers
regarding the specific tax consequences that may affect them.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting requirements will apply to
payments of principal, interest, and premium, if any, paid on
our debt securities and to the proceeds of the sale of our debt
securities (including redemption proceeds) paid to
U.S. holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as
corporations). Information reporting will generally apply to
interest payments on our debt securities to
non-U.S. holders
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
our debt securities within the United States or conducted
through United States-related financial intermediaries unless
the certification requirements described above have been
complied with and the statement described above in
Taxation of
Non-U.S. Beneficial
Owners has been received (and the payor does not have
actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner 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 taxable payments (including
redemption proceeds) payable to holders of our 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 stockholders specified in the 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 above will satisfy
these requirements.
State and
Local Taxes
Our common and preferred stock dividends and interest payments
on our debt securities also may be subject to state and local
taxes. Tax matters are very complicated, and the federal, state
and local tax consequences of an investment in and holding of
our securities will depend on the facts of each investors
situation. Investors are encouraged to consult their own tax
advisers regarding the specific tax consequences that may affect
them.
Tax
Risks
Investing in our securities involves certain tax risks, which
are more fully described in the section Risk
Factors Tax Risks at page 22.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may sell up to $500,000,000 in aggregate initial offering
price of our common stock, preferred stock and debt securities
from time to time under this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement in any one or more of the following ways:
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directly to one or more purchasers;
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through agents for the period of their appointment;
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to underwriters as principals for resale to the public;
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to dealers as principals for resale to the public; or
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pursuant to our Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
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The securities may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the
time of sale, prices related to prevailing market prices, at
varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated
prices. Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of
distribution of the securities offered therein.
Each prospectus supplement relating to an offering of securities
will state the terms of the offering, including:
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the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;
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any sales loads, underwriting discounts and commissions or
agency fees and other items constituting underwriters or
agents compensation;
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any discounts, commissions, fees or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers or agents;
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the public offering or purchase price of the offered securities
and the estimated net proceeds we will receive from the
sale; and
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any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be
listed.
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Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time
to time.
Direct
Sales
We may sell our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities directly to, and solicit offers from, purchasers,
including institutional investors or others who may be deemed to
be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, for any
resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or
agents would be involved. We may use electronic media, including
the Internet, to sell offered securities directly. We will
describe the terms of any of those sales in a prospectus
supplement.
Distribution
Through Agents
We may offer and sell our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities on a continuous basis through agents that we
designate. We will name any agent involved in the offer and sale
and describe any commissions payable by us 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.
Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by the
issuer or by agents designated by the issuer from time to time.
Any such agent, who may be deemed to be an underwriter as the
term is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the offer or
sale of the offered securities in respect of which this
prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions
payable by the issuer to such agent set forth, in a prospectus
supplement.
Distribution
Through Underwriters
We may offer and sell securities 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 to underwriters, we will
execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the
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 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. In the event of default by any underwriter,
in certain circumstances, the purchase commitments may be
increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be terminated. The
underwriters may sell the offered securities to or through
dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or
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commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers
for whom they may act as agent. Sales of the offered securities
by underwriters may be in one or more transactions, including
negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. The prospectus
supplement describes the method of reoffering by the
underwriters. The prospectus supplement also describes the
discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the
underwriters, if any, all other items constituting underwriting
compensation, and the discounts and commissions to be allowed or
paid to dealers, if any. 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 a
specified number of days from the date of the prospectus
supplement, to cover any overallotments.
Distribution
Through Dealers
We may offer and sell securities 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. We will set forth the names of the dealers and
the terms of the transaction in the prospectus supplement.
Distribution
Through Remarketing Firms
One or more dealers, referred to as remarketing
firms, may also offer or sell the securities, if the
prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with a
remarketing arrangement contemplated by the terms of the
securities. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their
own account or as agents. These remarketing firms will offer or
sell the securities in accordance with the terms of the
securities. The prospectus supplement will identify any
remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us
and will describe the remarketing firms compensation.
Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection
with the securities they remarket.
General
Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of
securities and remarketing firms participating in a remarketing
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 may act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
We may offer to sell securities 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.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may
authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to
solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities
from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery
on a future date. Institutions with which these contracts may be
made include: commercial and savings banks, insurance companies,
pension funds, educational and charitable institutions and
others, but in all cases these institutions must be approved by
us. The obligations of any purchaser under any contract will be
subject only to those conditions described in the applicable
prospectus supplement. The underwriters and the other agents
will not have any responsibility for the validity or performance
of the contracts. The applicable prospectus supplement will
describe the commission payable for solicitation of those
contracts.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or
sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties
in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable
prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those
derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by
this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement,
including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties
may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others
to settle those sales or to close out any related open
borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in
settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open
borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions
will be underwriters and will be identified in the applicable
prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
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We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or
other third party that in turn may sell the securities using
this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may
transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in
connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities
offered by this prospectus.
In connection with any offering of the securities in an
underwritten transaction, the underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the
market price of the offered securities or any other securities.
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 offered securities for the underwriters
own account.
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An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase an
offered security for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or
maintaining the price of that security.
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Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to
cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the offered
securities by bidding for, and purchasing, the offered
securities 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 offered securities originally sold by the
syndicate member are 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.
We will not require underwriters or dealers to make a market in
the securities. 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. Unless we indicate otherwise in the
applicable prospectus supplement, we do not expect to list the
securities on a securities exchange, except for the common
stock, which is listed on the NYSE under the symbol
KYN. 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
may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities 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, if any, in the ordinary course of business.
In compliance with the guidelines of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., the maximum commission or discount to
be received by any member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or independent broker-dealer will not
be greater than eight percent of the initial gross proceeds from
the sale of any security being sold.
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. The place and time of
delivery for the offered securities in respect of which this
prospectus is delivered are set forth in the accompanying
prospectus supplement.
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 the 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.
64
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
We may issue and sell shares of common stock pursuant to our
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
RATING
AGENCY GUIDELINES
Senior Notes are currently rated Aaa and
AAA and ARP Shares are currently rated
Aa and AA by Moodys and Fitch,
respectively. Moodys and Fitch, and any other agency that
may rate our debt securities or preferred stock from time to
time, are collectively referred to as the Rating
Agencies. The Rating Agencies impose asset coverage
requirements, which are briefly described below. The asset
coverage requirements are set forth in more detail in each
Rating Agencys guidelines (Rating Agency
Guidelines), a copy of which will be provided to any
holder of senior securities promptly upon request. These
requirements may limit our ability to engage in certain types of
transactions and may limit our ability to take certain actions
without confirming that such actions will not impair the ratings.
We may, but are not required to, adopt any modifications 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 of Directors may,
without stockholder approval, modify, alter or repeal certain of
the definitions and related provisions which we may have adopted
pursuant to a Rating Agencys guidelines (as they may be
amended from time to time, Rating Agency Guidelines)
only in the event we receive written confirmation from the
Rating Agency 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 set forth by each Rating Agency, at least
equal to amounts specified in Rating Agency Guidelines with
respect to our senior securities (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 by the
applicable related asset coverage cured date, we will be
required in certain circumstances to redeem certain of the
senior securities. The prospectus supplement describes the terms
of any such required redemption.
The applicable Basic Maintenance Amount is defined in the Rating
Agencies 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 net asset value. See 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 from time to time by
the applicable Rating Agency, without our approval, or the
approval of our Board of Directors or stockholders.
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A Rating Agencys Guidelines will apply to us only so long
as that Rating Agency is rating such senior 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 revised or withdrawn 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, we will be required to redeem certain senior
securities.
Notices
Under the current Rating Agency Guidelines, in certain other
circumstances, we are required to deliver to any Rating Agencies
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 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 our vote, consent
or approval, and without the approval of our Board of Directors
or any of our stockholders.
A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided
to any holder of senior securities promptly upon request made by
such holder by writing to us at 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Second
Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067.
66
TRANSFER
AGENT AND DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(AST) acts as our transfer agent and dividend-paying
agent. Please send all correspondence to American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, which is located at 59 Maiden
Lane, New York, New York 10038. For its services, AST receives a
fixed fee per account. We will reimburse AST for certain
out-of-pocket
expenses, which may include payments by AST to entities,
including affiliated entities, that provide
sub-stockholder
services, recordkeeping
and/or
transfer agency services to our beneficial owners. The amount of
reimbursements for these services per benefit plan participant
fund account per year will not exceed the per account fee
payable by us to AST in connection with maintaining common
stockholder accounts.
ADMINISTRATOR,
CUSTODIAN AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
Bear Stearns Funds Management Inc. (Administrator)
provides certain administrative services for us, including but
not limited to preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax
and financial reports, and monitoring compliance with regulatory
requirements. The Administrator is located at 383 Madison
Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10179.
The Custodial Trust Company, 101 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New
Jersey
08540-6231,
an affiliate of our Administrator, is the custodian of our
securities and other assets.
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Ultimus), 225
Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is our
fund accountant. Ultimus assists in the calculation of our net
asset value and maintains and keeps current the accounts, books,
records and other documents relating to our financial and
portfolio transactions.
LEGAL
OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered
hereby will be passed upon for us by Paul, Hastings,
Janofsky & Walker LLP (Paul Hastings), Los
Angeles, California. Paul Hastings may rely as to certain
matters of Maryland law on the opinion of Venable LLP,
Baltimore, Maryland. If certain legal matters in connection with
an offering of securities are passed upon by counsel for the
underwriters of such offering, that counsel will be named in the
prospectus supplement related to that offering.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS OF OUR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF
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APPENDIX C DESCRIPTION
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68
3,600,000 Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Merrill Lynch &
Co.
April 17, 2007
KAYNE ANDERSON MLP INVESTMENT COMPANY
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (referred to herein as we, our, us, or the
Company), a Maryland corporation, is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company.
KA Fund Advisors, LLC (referred to herein as Kayne Anderson or Adviser) is our investment
adviser.
This statement of additional information relates to the offering, from time to time, of up to
$500,000,000 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 relating thereto dated
April 16, 2007 and any related prospectus supplement. This statement of additional information
does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing any
of our securities. Investors should obtain and read our prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement prior to purchasing any of our securities. A copy of our prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement may be obtained from us without charge by calling (877) 657-3863/MLP-FUND or
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 April 16, 2007.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Our investment objective is to obtain a high after-tax total return by investing at least 85%
of our total assets in public and private investments in energy-related master limited
partnerships, limited liability companies and their affiliates (collectively, MLPs), and in other
companies that, as their principal business, operate assets used in the gathering, transporting,
processing, storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids
(including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal (collectively with MLPs,
Midstream Energy Companies). There can be no assurance that we will achieve our investment
objective. Midstream energy assets refers to assets used in the gathering, transporting,
processing, storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids
(including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal.
Our investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without the approval
of the holders of a majority of our voting securities. When used with respect to our particular
voting securities, a majority of the outstanding voting securities means (i) 67% or more of the
outstanding voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Except as described below, we, as a fundamental policy, may not, without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities:
(1) Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or
other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent us from investing in
issuers which invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests
therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein.
(2) Purchase or sell commodities as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and
the rules and regulations thereunder, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or
other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent us from engaging in
transactions involving futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities that are
secured by physical commodities.
(3) Borrow money or issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), or any rules, exemptions or interpretations
thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC. See Use of Financial Leverage and
Risk Factors Leverage Risk in the prospectus.
(4) Make loans to other persons except (a) through the lending of our portfolio securities,
(b) through the purchase of debt obligations, loan participations and/or engaging in direct
corporate loans in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, and (c) to the extent
the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan. We may also make loans to other
investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any exemptions therefrom which
may be granted by the SEC.
(5) Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of
portfolio securities, we may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable securities laws.
(6) Concentrate our investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the 1940
Act and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having
jurisdiction, from time to time; provided, however, that this concentration limitation does not
apply to (a) our investments in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, which will be
concentrated in the midstream energy industry in particular, and the energy industry in general,
and (b) our investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its
agencies or instrumentalities.
The remainder of our investment policies, including our investment strategy, are considered
non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors without the approval of the holders of
a majority of our voting securities, provided that our securities holders receive at least 60 days
prior written notice of any change. We have adopted the following non-fundamental investment
policies:
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For as long as the word MLP is in our name, it shall be our policy,
under normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of our total
assets in MLPs. |
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We intend to invest at least 50% of
our total assets in publicly traded securities of MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies. |
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We may invest up to 50% of our total assets in unregistered or otherwise
restricted securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.
The types of unregistered or otherwise restricted securities that we
may purchase include common units, subordinated units, preferred
units, and convertible units of, and general partner interests in,
MLPs, and securities of other public and private Midstream Energy
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We may invest up to 20% of our total assets in debt securities of MLPs
and other Midstream Energy Companies, including below investment grade
debt securities rated, at the time of investment, at least B3 by
Moodys Investors Service, Inc., B- by Standard & Poors or Fitch
Ratings, comparably rated by another rating agency or, if unrated,
determined by Kayne Anderson to be of comparable quality. In addition,
up to one-quarter of our permitted investments in debt securities (or
up to 5% of our total assets) may include unrated debt securities of
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in short sales to hedge against interest rate, market and issuer
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Unless otherwise stated, all investment restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will
not be required to reduce a position due solely to market value fluctuations.
For purposes of the temporary investment positions that we take (see Investment Objective and
Policies Our Portfolio Temporary Defensive Position in our prospectus), and in general (unless
otherwise noted), cash and cash equivalents are defined to include, without limitation, the
following:
(1) U.S. Government securities, which are obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
(2) Certificates of Deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan
association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of
return, and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the
amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon.
Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of
deposit is $100,000, therefore, certificates of deposit we purchased may not be fully insured.
(3) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time we
purchase securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, we simultaneously agree to resell and
redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the
securities at a fixed price and time. This assures us a predetermined yield during the holding
period, since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an
agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for us to invest temporarily
available cash.
(4) Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including
variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations.
Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between us and a corporation. There is no
secondary market for such notes. However, they are redeemable by us at any time. The Adviser will
consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow, and other
liquidity measures) and will
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continuously monitor the corporations ability to meet all its financial obligations,
because our liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and
interest on demand. To be characterized by us as cash or cash equivalents, investments in
commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by a rating
agency and which mature within one year of the date of purchase or carry a variable or floating
rate of interest.
(5) Bankers acceptances, which are short-term credit instruments used to finance commercial
transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an
importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then
accepted by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the
instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an
asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of interest for a specific
maturity.
(6) Bank time deposits, which are monies kept on deposit with banks or savings and loan
associations for a stated period of time at a fixed rate of interest. There may be penalties for
the early withdrawal of such time deposits, in which case the yields of these investments will be
reduced.
(7) Shares of money market funds in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act.
OUR INVESTMENTS
Some Midstream Energy Companies operate as public utilities or local distribution
companies, and are therefore subject to rate regulation by state or federal utility commissions.
However, Midstream Energy Companies may be subject to greater competitive factors than utility
companies, including competitive pricing in the absence of regulated tariff rates, which could
cause a reduction in revenue and which could adversely affect profitability. Most MLPs and other
Midstream Energy Companies with pipeline assets are subjected to government regulation concerning
the construction, pricing and operation of pipelines. In many cases, the rates and tariffs charged
by these pipelines are monitored by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or various
state regulatory agencies.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies 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 operations and pursuing so called greenfield projects, which involve
building and operating facilities on undeveloped land that is generally cheaper and more flexible
in its use than developed urban properties. External growth is achieved by making accretive
acquisitions.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies operating interstate pipelines and storage
facilities are subject to substantial regulation by the 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.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies 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
MLPs.
MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies are subject to numerous business related risks,
including: deterioration of business fundamentals reducing profitability due to development of
alternative energy sources, changing demographics in the markets served, unexpectedly prolonged and
precipitous changes in commodity prices and increased competition which takes market share; the
lack of
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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.
Additional Information About MLPs
An MLP is structured as a limited partnership, the interests in which (known as units) are
traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. Organization as a partnership eliminates 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 a MLP,
the investor becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to offer its securities to
the 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 a MLP of which it is the general partner in
order to realize the assets full value on the marketplace by selling the assets and use 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 a MLP,
although since 1986 the tax consequences have made this an unappealing option for most
corporations. Also, a newly formed company may operate as a MLP from its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of MLPs, Midstream 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 significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties generally have an
incentive to see that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash
flows, the terms of MLPs 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 up to
25% and ultimately 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless,
the aggregate amount distributed 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 does not pay tax, its income or loss is allocated to its investors,
irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment from the MLP. An MLP typically makes
quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP distributions are
treated differently for 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, 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 taxable income.
When the units are sold, the differences between the sales price and the investors adjusted
basis equals taxable gain. The limited partner will not be taxed on distributions until (1) the
limited partner sells the MLP units and pays tax on the gain, which gain is increased due to the
basis decrease due to prior distributions; or (2) the limited partners basis reaches zero.
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For a further discussion and a description of MLP-related tax matters, see Tax Matters.
Below Investment Grade and Unrated Debt Securities
The below investment grade debt securities in which we may invest are rated from B3 to Ba1 by
Moodys Investors Service, Inc., from B- to BB+ by Standard & Poors or Fitch Ratings, comparably
rated by another rating agency or, if unrated, determined by Kayne Anderson to be of comparable
quality.
Investment in below investment grade and unrated debt 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, to the extent we invest in below investment grade and unrated debt securities, an
investment us is subject to the following specific risks: increased price sensitivity to changing
interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment; greater risk of loss due to default or
declining credit quality; adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer
unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and 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 or unrated debt issuer to make principal payments and interest payments than
an investment grade issuer. The principal amount of below investment grade or unrated debt
securities outstanding has proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of issuers have
used below investment grade or unrated debt securities for corporate financing. An economic
downturn could severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their debt
obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Similarly, downturns in profitability in
specific industries, such as the Midstream Energy Company industry, could adversely affect the
ability of below investment grade or unrated 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 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 or 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.
The secondary market for below investment grade and unrated debt securities may not be as
liquid as the secondary market for investment grade debt 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 and unrated debt
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 and unrated debt securities could contract further, independent of any specific
adverse changes in the conditions 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.
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 in our
possession, we may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and
recover our investment if it is recoverable at all.
See Appendix B to this statement of additional information for a description of the ratings
used by Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poors.
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Thinly-Traded Securities
We may also invest in securities that may not be restricted, but are thinly-traded. Although
common units of MLPs and common stock of energy companies trade on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE), the American Stock Exchange (AMEX), the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ) 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 of Directors.
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 borrowing to meet our
short-term needs or incurring losses on the sale of thinly-traded securities.
Margin Borrowing
We may in the future use margin borrowing of up to 30% of total assets for investment purposes
when the Adviser believes it will enhance returns. Our margin borrowings create 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 borrowed increase their maintenance margin
requirements (i.e., reduce the percentage of a position 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.
Our Use of Derivatives, Options and Hedging Transactions
We may, but are not required to, use various hedging and other risk management transactions to
seek to manage interest rate and market risks.
Certain of these hedging and risk management transactions involve derivative instruments. A
derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived at least in part from the
performance of an underlying index, security or asset. The specific derivative instruments to be
used, or other transactions to be entered into, for such hedging purposes may include options on
common equities, energy-related commodities, equity, fixed income and interest rate indices, swap
agreements and related instruments.
Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price
movements in one or more particular securities positions that we own or intend to acquire. Such
instruments may also be used to lock-in recognized but unrealized gains in the value of portfolio
securities. Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the risk of loss by wholly or partially
offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements in the investments being hedged.
However, hedging strategies can also reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive
effect of favorable price movements in the hedged investments. In addition, hedging transactions
have other risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the
underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transactions or illiquidity of
the derivative investments. Further, the ability to successfully employ these transactions depends
on our ability to predict pertinent market movements. Thus, their use may result in losses greater
than if they had not been used, may require us to sell or purchase portfolio securities at
inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of
appreciation we can realize on an investment, or may cause us to hold a security that we might
otherwise sell. Additionally, amounts paid by us as premiums and cash or other assets held in
margin accounts with respect to these transactions are not otherwise available to us for investment
purposes.
The use of hedging instruments is subject to applicable regulations of the SEC, the several
options and futures exchanges upon which they are traded, the CFTC and various state regulatory
authorities. In addition, our ability to use hedging instruments may be
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limited by tax considerations. Market conditions will determine whether and in what
circumstances we would employ any of the hedging and techniques described below. We will incur
brokerage and other costs in connection with our hedging transactions.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices. We may purchase and write (sell) call and put
options on any securities and securities indices.
An option on a security (or an index) is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in
return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a
put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value of the index)
at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of an option on
a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon
payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying
security. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference
between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier
for the index option. A put option is in the money if the exercise price exceeds the value of the
futures contract that is the subject of the option.
Call options are contracts representing the right to purchase a common stock at a specified
price (the strike price) at a specified future date (the expiration date). The price of the
option is determined from trading activity in the broad options market, and generally reflects the
relationship between the current market price for the underlying common stock and the strike price,
as well as the time remaining until the expiration date. We will write call options only if they
are covered. A covered call option is a call option with respect to which we own the underlying
security. When a covered call option is sold by us, we receive a fee for the option, but it exposes
us during the term of the option to the possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the
market price of the underlying security beyond the strike price of that option or to possible
continued holding of a security that might otherwise have been sold to protect against depreciation
in the market price of the security.
Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise
of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual
purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price
fluctuations in a single security. These options may be listed on national domestic securities
exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market.
All call and put options we will write will be covered. A written call option or put option
may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with a value at
least equal to our obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment
and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise
price or otherwise, reduces our net exposure on our written option position. A written call option
on securities is typically covered by maintaining the securities that are subject to the option in
a segregated account. We may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose
price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index.
We may terminate our obligations under an exchange traded call or put option by purchasing an
option identical to the one we have written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be
terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option.
Our ability to enter into a closing sale transaction depends on the existence of a liquid secondary
market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when
we so desire.
We would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in
anticipation of a decrease (protective puts), in the market value of securities of the type in
which we may invest. We may also sell call and put options to close out our purchased options.
Our options transactions will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges,
boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded. These limitations
govern the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single
investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities or are
held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options
we may write or purchase may be affected by options written or
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purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or
other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these
limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying
securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the
underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying
markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange
will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If we are unable to
effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options we have written, we will not
be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until
the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if we are unable to effect a closing sale
transaction with respect to options we have purchased, we would have to exercise the options in
order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of
underlying securities or currencies. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an
exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or
both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt
normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or The Options Clearing
Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more
exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were
discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by The Options
Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment
techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The successful use of options depends in part on the Advisers ability to predict
future price fluctuations and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the
options and securities or currency markets.
Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into for periods ranging from
a few weeks to more than one year. A swap agreement is a financial instrument that typically
involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates),
where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on
which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swaps are individually
negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or
market factors, such as interest rates, commodity prices, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage
securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates.
The gross returns to be exchanged or swapped between the parties are generally calculated
with respect to a notional amount, i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular
dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a basket of securities representing a
particular index.
Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of our investments and share
price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest
rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from us. If a
swap agreement calls for payments by us, we must be prepared to make such payments when due. In
addition, if the counterpartys creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be
likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.
Generally, swap agreements have fixed maturity dates that are agreed upon by the parties to
the swap. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited
circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be
transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. We may be able to
eliminate our exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by
entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party.
If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy,
defaults or becomes insolvent, we may not be able to recover the money we expected to receive under
the contract.
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A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify our gains or losses. In order to
reduce the risk associated with leveraging, we may cover our current obligations under swap
agreements according to guidelines established by the SEC. If we enter into a swap agreement on a
net basis, we will be required to segregate assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess,
if any, of our accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount we are entitled
to receive under the agreement. If we enter into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, we
will be required to segregate assets with a value equal to the full amount of our accrued
obligations under the agreement.
Equity Index Swap Agreements. In a typical equity swap agreement, one party agrees to pay
another party the return on a security, security index or basket of securities in return for a
specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap agreement, for example, the index
receiver can gain exposure to securities making up the index of securities without actually
purchasing those securities. Equity index swap agreements involve not only the risk associated with
investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of
such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the interest that we will be committed to pay
under the swap agreement.
Credit Default Swap Agreements. We may enter into credit default swap agreements. The buyer
in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over
the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation
has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the par value (full
notional value) of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation. We may be
either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If we are a buyer and no event of default occurs, we
lose our investment and recover nothing. However, if an event of default occurs, the buyer receives
full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, we
receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between six
months and three years, provided that there is no default event. If an event of default occurs, the
seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation.
Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if we had invested in the reference obligation
directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity
risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. We will enter into swap agreements only with
counterparties who are rated investment grade quality by at least one rating agency at the time of
entering into such transaction or whose creditworthiness is believed by the Adviser to be
equivalent to such rating. A buyer also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no
event of default occur. If an event of default were to occur, the value of the reference obligation
received by the seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than
the full notional value we pay to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to us. When we act as a
seller of a credit default swap agreement we are exposed to the risks of leverage, since if an
event of default occurs the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference
obligation.
If we enter into a credit default swap, we may be required to report the swap as a listed
transaction for tax shelter reporting purposes on our federal income tax return. If the Internal
Revenue Service (the IRS) were to determine that the credit default swap is a tax shelter, we
could be subject to penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.
We may in the future employ new or additional investment strategies and hedging instruments if
those strategies and instruments are consistent with our investment objective and are permissible
under applicable regulations governing us.
Additional Risks and Special Considerations Concerning Derivatives. In addition to the risks
described above and in our prospectus, the use of derivative instruments involves certain general
risks and considerations as described below.
Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the underlying assets may go up
or down. Adverse movements in the value of an underlying asset can expose us to losses. Market risk
is the primary risk associated with derivative transactions. Derivative instruments may include
elements of leverage and, accordingly, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instrument in
relation to the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful use of derivative instruments
depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the Advisers ability to predict correctly changes
in the relationships of such hedge instruments to our portfolio holdings, and there can be no
assurance the Advisers judgment in this respect will be accurate. Consequently, the use of
derivatives for hedging purposes might result in a poorer overall performance for us, whether or
not adjusted for risk, than if we had not hedged our portfolio holdings.
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that a loss is sustained as a result of the
failure of a counterparty to comply with the terms of a derivative instrument. The counterparty
risk for exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for privately-negotiated or
over-the-counter derivatives, since generally a clearing agency, which is the issuer or
counterparty to each exchange-traded instrument, provides a guarantee of performance. For
privately-negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all
transactions, we will bear the risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a
loss of the expected benefit of the derivative transactions and possibly other losses to us. We
will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that the Adviser
reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.
Correlation Risk. Correlation risk is the risk that there might be an imperfect
correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a derivative instrument and price
movements of investments being hedged. When a derivative transaction is used to completely hedge
another position, changes in the market value of the combined position (the derivative instrument
plus the position being hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the price movements of
the two instruments. With a perfect hedge, the value of the combined position remains unchanged
with any change in the price of the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the value of the
derivative instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated. For example, if the value of a
derivative instrument used in a short hedge (such as buying a put option or selling a futures
contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investments, the hedge would
not be perfectly correlated. This might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the
investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these
instruments are traded. In addition, our success in using hedging instruments is subject to the
Advisers ability to correctly predict changes in relationships of such hedge instruments to our
portfolio holdings, and there can be no assurance that the Advisers judgment in this respect will
be accurate. An imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge or expose us
to a risk of loss.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a derivative instrument cannot be
sold, closed out, or replaced quickly at or very close to its fundamental value. Generally,
exchange contracts are liquid because the exchange clearinghouse is the counterparty of every
contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can
only be closed out with the other party to the transaction. We might be required by applicable
regulatory requirements to maintain assets as cover, maintain segregated accounts and/or make
margin payments when we take positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third
parties (i.e., instruments other than purchase options). If we are unable to close out our
positions in such instruments, we might be required to continue to maintain such accounts or make
such payments until the position expires, matures, or is closed out. These requirements might
impair our ability to sell a security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be
favorable to do so, or require that we sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time. Our
ability to sell or close out a position in an instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends
upon the existence of a liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability
and willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Due to
liquidity risk, there is no assurance that any derivatives position can be sold or closed out at a
time and price that is favorable to us.
Legal Risk. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the unenforceability of a partys
obligations under the derivative. While a party seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the
potential upside in exchange for downside protection, the party taking the risk is looking for a
positive payoff. Despite this voluntary assumption of risk, a counterparty that has lost money in a
derivative transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting various legal uncertainties about
certain derivative products.
Systemic or Interconnection Risk. Systemic or interconnection risk is the risk that
a disruption in the financial markets will cause difficulties for all market participants. In other
words, a disruption in one market will spill over into other markets, perhaps creating a chain
reaction. Much of the OTC derivatives market takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, thus
creating a large interconnected web of financial obligations. This interconnectedness raises the
possibility that a default by one large dealer could create losses for other dealers and
destabilize the entire market for OTC derivative instruments.
Legislation and Regulatory Risk
At any time after the date of the prospectus and this statement of additional information,
legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect our assets or the issuers of such assets.
Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on entities in which we invest. There
can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material
adverse effect
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on us or will not impair the ability of the issuers of the assets we hold to achieve their
business goals, and hence, for us to achieve our investment objective.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
We may buy and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or
taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15 to 45 days of the trade date. On such
transactions, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters
into the commitment. Beginning on the date we enter into a commitment to purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, we are required under rules of the SEC to maintain in a
separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a
market value at all times of at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Income generated by
any such assets which provide taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes is includable in
our taxable income. We may enter into contracts to purchase securities on a forward basis (i.e.,
where settlement will occur more than 60 days from the date of the transaction) only to the extent
that we specifically collateralize such obligations with a security that is expected to be called
or mature within sixty days before or after the settlement date of the forward transaction. The
commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward basis may involve
an element of risk because at the time of delivery the market value may be less than cost.
Repurchase Agreements
As temporary investments, we may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a
contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities agrees to repurchase the same security at a
specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price
determines the yield during our holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans
collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. Income
generated from transactions in repurchase agreements will be taxable. We will only enter into
repurchase agreements with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of
the Adviser (as defined below), present minimal credit risk. Our risk is limited to the ability of
the issuer to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the delivery date; however, although the
value of the underlying collateral at the time the transaction is entered into always equals or
exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, if the value of the collateral declines there is a risk
of loss of both principal and interest. In the event of default, the collateral may be sold, but we
may incur a loss if the value of the collateral declines, and may incur disposition costs or
experience delays in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy
proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon the
collateral by us may be delayed or limited. The Adviser (as defined below) will monitor the value
of the collateral at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times subsequent during
the term of the repurchase agreement in an effort to determine that such value always equals or
exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price. In the event the value of the collateral declines below
the repurchase price, we will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of
the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
We may lend our portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be
continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current basis in an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by us. We would continue to
receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned,
and would also receive an additional return that may be in the form of a fixed fee or a percentage
of the collateral. We may pay reasonable fees for services in arranging these loans. We would have
the right to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than
five (5) business days. We would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of
the loan but would call the loan to permit voting of the securities, if, in the Advisers judgment,
a material event requiring a stockholder vote would otherwise occur before the loan was repaid. In
the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, we could experience both delays in
liquidating the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including (a)
possible decline in the value of the collateral or in the value of the securities loaned during the
period while we seek to enforce its rights thereto, (b) possible subnormal levels of income and
lack of access to income during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
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MANAGEMENT
Directors and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors, including
the duties performed for us under the Investment Management Agreement. The Directors set broad
policies for us and choose our officers. The members of our Board of Directors are as follows: Anne
K. Costin, Steven C. Good, Gerald I. Isenberg, Terrence J. Quinn and Kevin S. McCarthy. The
Directors who are not interested persons of Kayne Anderson or our underwriters as defined in the
1940 Act are referred to herein as Independent Directors. Due to her ownership of securities
issued by one of the underwriters in our previous offerings, Ms. Costin, in the future, may be
treated as an interested person during subsequent offerings of our securities if the relevant
offering is underwritten by the underwriter in which Ms. Costin owns securities. Unless noted
otherwise, references to our Independent Directors include Ms. Costin.
Our Board of Directors has three standing committees, the Nominating Committee, the Valuation
Committee and the Audit Committee. The Nominating Committee is responsible for appointing and
nominating independent persons to our Board of Directors. Ms. Costin and Messrs. Good, Quinn, and
Isenberg are members of the Nominating Committee. If there is no vacancy on the Board, the Board of
Directors will not actively seek recommendations from other parties, including stockholders. When a
vacancy on the Board of Directors occurs and nominations are sought to fill such vacancy, the
Nominating Committee may seek nominations from those sources it deems appropriate in its
discretion, including our stockholders. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate
for a position on the Board, stockholders shall mail such recommendation to David Shladovsky,
Secretary, at our address, 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Second Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067.
Such recommendation shall include the following information: (a) evidence of stock ownership of the
person or entity recommending the candidate (if submitted by one of our stockholders), (b) a full
description of the proposed candidates background, including their education, experience, current
employment, and date of birth, (c) names and addresses of at least three professional references
for the candidate, (d) information as to whether the candidate is an interested person in
relation to us, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act and such other information that may be
considered to impair the candidates independence and (e) any other information that may be helpful
to the Committee in evaluating the candidate. If a recommendation is received with satisfactorily
completed information regarding a candidate during a time when a vacancy exists on the Board of
Directors or during such other time as the Nominating Committee is accepting recommendations, the
recommendation will be forwarded to the Chair of the Nominating Committee and counsel to the
Independent Directors. Recommendations received at any other time will be kept on file until such
time as the Nominating Committee is accepting recommendations, at which point they may be
considered for nomination. The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of our pricing
procedures and the valuation of our securities in accordance with such procedures. Ms. Costin and
Messrs. McCarthy and Quinn are members of the Valuation Committee. The Audit Committee is
responsible for overseeing our accounting and financial reporting process, our system of internal
controls, audit process and evaluating and appointing our independent auditors (subject also to
Board of Director approval). Messrs. Good, Quinn, and Isenberg serve on the Audit Committee. The
Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.
Our Directors and officers who are interested persons by virtue of their employment by Kayne
Anderson serve without any compensation from us. Each of our Independent Directors receives a
$25,000 annual retainer for serving as a Director. In addition, our Independent Directors receive
fees for each meeting attended, as follows: $2,500 per Board meeting; $1,500 per Audit Committee
meeting; and $500 for other committee meetings. Committee meeting fees are not paid unless the
meeting is held on a day when there is not a Board meeting and the meeting is more than 15 minutes
in length. The Independent Directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred as a result of attendance
at meetings of the Board and its committees.
The
following table sets forth compensation by us for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2006 to
the Independent Directors. We have no retirement or pension plans.
S-12
|
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|
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Total |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
Compensation From Us |
Director |
|
Compensation From Us |
|
and Fund Complex(1) |
Anne K. Costin |
|
|
$37,500 |
|
|
|
$88,000 |
|
Steven C. Good |
|
|
$49,000 |
|
|
|
$95,500 |
|
Gerald I. Isenberg |
|
|
$48,000 |
|
|
|
$96,500 |
|
Terrence J. Quinn |
|
|
$46,000 |
|
|
|
$100,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Directors also oversee Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc., an investment
company managed by our Adviser. |
None of our Independent Directors (other than Mr. Isenberg) nor any of their immediate family
members, has ever been a director, officer or employee of Kayne Anderson or its affiliates. From
1998 to 2002, Mr. Isenberg was a board member of the Kayne Anderson Rudnick Mutual Funds, whose
investment adviser, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, formerly may have been
deemed an affiliate of Kayne Anderson. We have no employees. Our officers are compensated by our
Adviser. Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered
three-year terms. The initial term of the first and second classes expired in 2005 and 2006,
respectively. The initial term of the third class will expire in 2007. Upon expiration of their
current terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until
their successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected
by our stockholders.
Certain officers of Kayne Anderson, including all of our officers, own, in the aggregate,
approximately $5 million of our common stock.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by
our Directors as of November 30, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of |
|
|
Dollar Range of |
|
Equity Securities in All Registered |
|
|
Our Equity Securities |
|
Investment Companies Overseen by |
Director |
|
Owned by Director |
|
Director in Fund Complex(1) |
Anne K. Costin |
|
|
$50,001-$100,000 |
|
|
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Steven C. Good |
|
|
$50,001-$100,000 |
|
|
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Gerald I. Isenberg |
|
$10,000-$50,000 |
|
$50,001-$100,000 |
Terrence J. Quinn |
|
|
$10,000-$50,000 |
|
|
|
$50,001-$100,000 |
|
Kevin S. McCarthy |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Directors also oversee Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc., an investment
company managed by our Adviser. |
Except as described in the table below, as of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, our Independent Directors (and their immediate family members) do not beneficially own
securities in entities directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control
with, our Adviser. The information in the table is as of
November 30, 2006.
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|
|
|
|
Name of Owners and |
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|
|
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|
|
|
Relationships to |
|
|
|
Title of |
|
Value of |
|
Percent of |
Director |
|
Director |
|
Company |
|
Class |
|
Securities |
|
Class |
Gerald I. Isenberg
|
|
Self
|
|
Kayne Anderson
Capital Income
Partners (QP),
L.P.(1)
|
|
Partnership units
|
|
$1,313,048
|
|
0.2% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Kayne Anderson may be deemed to control this fund by virtue of its role as the funds
general partner. |
S-13
INVESTMENT ADVISER
KA
Fund Advisors, LLC, (KAFA) 1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 4550, Houston, Texas 77002, our investment
adviser, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Our
Adviser provides us with professional investment supervision and management and permits any of its
officers or employees to serve without compensation as our Directors or officers if elected to such
positions.
KAFA acts as our investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement.
The Investment Management Agreement will continue in effect from year to year after its initial
two-year term so long as its continuation is approved at least annually by our Directors including
a majority of Independent Directors or the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any
penalty upon 60 days written notice by either party, or by action of the Board of Directors or by
a majority vote of our outstanding voting securities (accompanied by appropriate notice), and will
terminate automatically upon assignment. The Investment Management Agreement may also be
terminated, at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors or by vote of a
majority of our outstanding voting securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), in the event that it
shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Adviser or any officer or
director of the Adviser has taken any action which results in a breach of the covenants of the
Adviser set forth in the Investment Management Agreement. The Investment Management Agreement
provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of the purchase,
sale or retention of any security, whether or not such purchase, sale or retention shall have been
based upon the investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or corporation, if
such recommendation shall have been selected with due care and in good faith, except loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in performance
of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
under the Investment Management Agreement. As compensation for the Advisers services, we pay the
Adviser a fee as described in our prospectus. See Management Investment Management Agreement in
our prospectus.
In addition to Kayne Andersons fee, we pay all other costs and expenses of our operations,
such as compensation of our Directors (other than those affiliated with Kayne Anderson), custodian,
transfer agency, administrative, accounting and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, leverage
expenses, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of personnel including those who are
affiliates of Kayne Anderson reasonably incurred in connection with arranging or structuring
portfolio transactions for us, expenses of repurchasing our securities, expenses of preparing,
printing and distributing stockholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to
governmental agencies, and taxes, if any. All fees and expenses are accrued and deducted before
payment of dividends to investors.
On September 14, 2006, at an in-person meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board considered
the approval of an Investment Management Agreement with Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.
(KACALP). Following the recommendation of the Board, the Investment Management Agreement was
approved by our shareholders on December 12, 2006, and became effective on that date, replacing and
superseding our previous investment advisory agreement with KACALP. On December 31, 2006,
the Investment Management Agreement was assigned by KACALP to our Adviser, a subsidiary of KACALP.
That assignment occurred only for internal organizational purposes and did not result in any change
of corporate officers, portfolio management personnel or control.
A discussion regarding the basis for approval by the board of directors of our investment
management agreement with KACALP during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006 is available in our
report to stockholders for that period.
CODE OF ETHICS
We and Kayne Anderson have each adopted a code of ethics, as required by federal securities
laws. Under both codes of ethics, employees who are designated as access persons may engage in
personal securities transactions, including transactions involving securities that are currently
held by us or, in limited circumstances, that are being considered for purchase or sale by us,
subject to certain general restrictions and procedures set forth in our code of ethics. The
personal securities transactions of our access persons and those of Kayne Anderson will be governed
by the applicable code of ethics.
Kayne Anderson and its affiliates manage other investment companies and accounts. Kayne
Anderson may give advice and take action with respect to any of the other funds it manages, or for
its own account, that may differ from action taken by Kayne Anderson on our behalf. Similarly, with
respect to our portfolio, Kayne Anderson is not obligated to recommend, buy or sell, or to refrain
from recommending, buying or selling any security that Kayne Anderson and access persons, as
defined by applicable federal securities
S-14
laws, may buy or sell for its or their own account or for the accounts of any other fund. The
Adviser is not obligated to refrain from investing in securities held by us or other funds it
manages.
We and Kayne Anderson have text-only versions of the codes of ethics that will be available on
the EDGAR Database on the SECs internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy
those documents by visiting the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. In
addition, copies of the codes of ethics may be obtained from us free of charge at (877)
657-3863/MLP-FUND, or by mailing the appropriate duplicating fee and writing to the SECs Public
Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549 or submitting an e-mail request at
publicinfo@sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
SEC-registered advisers that have the authority to vote (client) proxies (which authority may
be implied from a general grant of investment discretion) are required to adopt policies and
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interests of
its clients. Registered advisers also must maintain certain records on proxy voting. In many cases,
we will invest in securities that do not generally entitle us to voting rights in our portfolio
companies. When we do have voting rights, we will delegate the exercise of such rights to our
Adviser, to whom our Board has delegated the authority to develop policies and procedures relating
to proxy voting. Our Advisers proxy voting policies and procedures are summarized below.
In determining how to vote, officers of our Adviser will consult with each other and our other
investment professionals, taking into account the interests of us and our investors as well as any
potential conflicts of interest. When Kayne Andersons investment professionals identify a
potentially material conflict of interest regarding a vote, the vote and the potential conflict
will be presented to Kayne Andersons Proxy Voting Committee for a final decision. If Kayne
Anderson determines that such conflict prevents Kayne Anderson from determining how to vote on the
proxy proposal in the best interests of the Company, Kayne Anderson shall either (1) vote in
accordance with a predetermined specific policy to the extent that Kayne Andersons policies and
procedures include a pre-determined voting policy for such proposal or (2) disclose the conflict to
our Board and obtain the Boards consent prior to voting on such proposal.
An officer of our Adviser will keep a written record of how all such proxies are voted. Our
Adviser will retain records of (1) its proxy voting policies and procedures, (2) all proxy
statements received regarding investors securities (or it may rely on proxy statements filed on
the SECs EDGAR system in lieu thereof), (3) all votes cast on behalf of investors, (4) investor
written requests for information regarding how Kayne Anderson voted proxies of that investor and
any written response to any (written or oral) investor requests for such information, and (5) any
documents prepared by Kayne Anderson that are material to making a decision on a proxy vote or that
memorialized such decision. The aforementioned proxy voting records will be maintained, preserved
and easily accessible for a period of not less than five years. The Adviser may rely on one or more
third parties to make and retain the records of proxy statements and votes cast.
Information regarding how proxies relating to our portfolio securities are voted during the
12-month period ended June 30th of any year will be made available on or around August 30th of that
year, (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (877) 657-3863/MLP-FUND (toll-free/collect); and
(ii) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Our Adviser has adopted proxy voting guidelines that provide general direction regarding how
Kayne Anderson will vote on a number of significant and recurring ballot proposals. These
guidelines are not mandatory voting policies, but rather are an indication of general voting
preferences. The following are a few examples of these guidelines:
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|
|
The Adviser generally votes against proposals to classify the board and for proposals
to repeal classified boards and to elect directors annually. |
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|
The Adviser generally votes against proposals to ratify a poison pill and for
proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification. |
S-15
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The Adviser generally votes against proposals to require a supermajority shareholder
vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments and for proposals to lower such supermajority
shareholder vote requirements. |
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|
The Adviser generally votes for management proposals to increase the number of shares of
common stock authorized for issue provided management demonstrated a satisfactory reason for
the potential issuance of the additionally authorized shares. |
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|
|
The Adviser generally votes for proposals to increase common share authorization for a
stock split provided management demonstrates a reasonable basis for the split and for
proposals to implement a reverse stock split provided management demonstrates a reasonable
basis for the reverse split. |
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|
|
Absent special circumstances (e.g., actions taken in the context of a hostile takeover
attempt) indicating an abusive purpose, the Adviser, on a case-by-case basis, votes
proposals that would authorize the creation of new classes of preferred stock with
unspecified voting, conversion, dividend and distribution, and other rights. |
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|
|
Proposals to change a companys state of incorporation area examined on a case-by-case basis. |
|
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|
The Adviser, on a case-by-case basis, votes on mergers and acquisitions taking into account at least the following: |
|
|
|
anticipated financial and operating benefits; |
|
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|
|
offer price (cost vs. premium); |
|
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|
|
prospects of the combined companies, |
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|
|
how the deal was negotiated; and |
|
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|
|
changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights. |
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|
|
The Adviser generally supports shareholder social and environmental proposals, and votes
such matters, on a case-by-case basis, where the proposal enhances the long-term value of
the shareholder and does not diminish the return on investment. |
PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION
The following section discusses the accounts managed by our portfolio managers, the structure
and method of our portfolio managers compensation, and their ownership of our securities. This
information is current as of November 30, 2006. We and Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund,
Inc. are the registered investment companies managed by our portfolio managers, Kevin McCarthy and
J.C. Frey. Messrs. McCarthy and Frey serve as portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson Energy
Development Company (KED), a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be
treated as a business development company. We pay Kayne Anderson a management fee at an annual rate
of 1.375% of our average total assets.
Messrs. McCarthy and Frey are compensated by the Adviser through distributions based on the
amount of assets they manage and receive a portion of the advisory fees applicable to those
accounts, which, with respect to certain accounts, are based in part, on the performance of those
accounts. Some of the other accounts managed by Mr. Frey may have investment strategies that are
similar to ours. However, Kayne Anderson manages potential conflicts of interest by allocating
investment opportunities in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
The following table reflects information regarding accounts for which the portfolio managers
have day-to-day management responsibilities (other than us). Accounts are grouped into three
categories: (i) registered investment companies, (ii) other pooled investment accounts, and (iii)
other accounts. To the extent that any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on
account
S-16
performance, this information will be reflected in a separate table below. Information is
shown as of November 30, 2006. Asset amounts are approximate and have been rounded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Companies |
|
Other Pooled |
|
|
|
|
(excluding us) |
|
Investment Vehicles |
|
Other Accounts |
|
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
Portfolio Manager |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
Kevin McCarthy |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
J.C. Frey |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Messrs. McCarthy and Frey serve as portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson Energy Development
Company (KED), a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a
business development company. For purposes of this table, KED is included in the information
contained in this column, even though it is not a registered investment company. |
Other Accounts That Pay Performance-Based Advisory Fees Managed by Portfolio Managers
The following table reflects information regarding accounts for which the portfolio managers
have day-to-day management responsibilities (other than us) and with respect to which the advisory
fee is based on account performance. Information is shown as of November 30, 2006. Asset amounts
are approximate and have been rounded.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Companies |
|
Other Pooled |
|
|
|
|
(excluding us) |
|
Investment Vehicles |
|
Other Accounts |
|
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets in the |
Portfolio Manager |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
|
Accounts |
|
Accounts ($ in billions) |
Kevin McCarthy |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
J.C. Frey |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Messrs. McCarthy and Frey serve as portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson Energy Development
Company (KED), a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a
business development company. For purposes of this table, KED is included in the information
contained in this column, even though it is not a registered investment company. |
Messrs. McCarthy and Frey are compensated by the Adviser through partnership distributions
from KACALP based on the amount of assets they manage and they receive a portion of the advisory
fees applicable to those accounts, which, with respect to certain amounts, as noted above, are
based in part on the performance of those accounts. Some of the other accounts managed by Messrs.
McCarthy and Frey, have investment strategies that are similar to ours. However, Kayne Anderson
manages potential conflicts of interest by allocating investment opportunities in accordance with
its allocation policies and procedures. At November 30, 2006, Messrs. McCarthy and Frey owned over
$750,000 and $400,000 of our equity, respectively, prior to this offering, and through their
limited partnership interests in the parent company of the Adviser, which owns 4,000 shares of our
common stock (with a value of approximately $125,000), Messrs. McCarthy and Frey could be deemed to
also indirectly own a portion of our securities.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors, Kayne Anderson is responsible for
decisions to buy and sell securities for us and for the placement of our securities business, the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on brokered transactions, the prices for principal trades
in securities, and the allocation of portfolio brokerage and principal business. It is the policy
of Kayne Anderson to seek the best execution at the best security price available with respect to
each transaction, and with respect to brokered transactions in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to Kayne Anderson and its advisees. The best price to the
us means the best net price without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and
commission, if any. Purchases may be made from underwriters, dealers, and, on occasion, the
issuers. Commissions will be paid on our futures and options transactions, if any. The purchase
price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include underwriting
commissions and dealer spreads. We may pay mark-ups on principal transactions. In selecting
broker/dealers and in negotiating commissions, Kayne Anderson considers, among other things, the
firms reliability, the quality of its execution services on a continuing basis and its financial
S-17
condition. The selection of a broker-dealer may take into account the sale of products
sponsored or advised by Kayne Anderson and/or its affiliates. If approved by our Board, Kayne
Anderson may select an affiliated broker-dealer to effect transactions in our fund, so long as such
transactions are consistent with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Section 28(e)), permits an
investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a broker or dealer who
supplies brokerage and research services a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the
amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction.
Brokerage and research services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or
purchasers or sellers of securities; (b) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto
(such as clearance, settlement, and custody).
In light of the above, in selecting brokers, Kayne Anderson may consider investment and market
information and other research, such as economic, securities and performance measurement research,
provided by such brokers, and the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including
execution capability, performance, and financial responsibility. Accordingly, the commissions
charged by any such broker may be greater than the amount another firm might charge if Kayne
Anderson determines in good faith that the amount of such commissions is reasonable in relation to
the value of the research information and brokerage services provided by such broker to Kayne
Anderson or to us. The Adviser believes that the research information received in this manner
provides us with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to us. The investment
advisory fees paid by us to Kayne Anderson under the Investment Management Agreement are not
reduced as a result of receipt by Kayne Anderson of research services.
The Adviser may place portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts that it advises, and
research services furnished by firms through which we effect our securities transactions may be
used by Kayne Anderson in servicing some or all of its accounts; not all of such services may be
used by Kayne Anderson in connection with us. Because the volume and nature of the trading
activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions in excess of those charged by
another broker paid by each account for brokerage and research services will vary. However, Kayne
Anderson believes such costs to us will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by us on a
continuing basis. The Adviser seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever
concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by us and another advisory account. In
some cases, this procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities
available to us. In making such allocations between the us and other advisory accounts, the main
factors considered by Kayne Anderson are the investment objective, the relative size of portfolio
holding of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment and the size
of investment commitments generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for
recommending investments to us and such other accounts and funds.
We paid approximately $120,000 in brokerage commissions during the fiscal year ended November
30, 2006, of which approximately $50,000, or approximately 42%, were paid to our affiliate KA
Associates, Inc.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY 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 established by a final judgment as
being material to the cause of action. Our Charter contains such a provision which eliminates
directors and officers liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our Charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act, to obligate us to indemnify any present or former Director or officer
or any individual who, while serving as our Director or officer and, at our request, serves or has
served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust,
employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and
against any claim or liability to which that individual may become subject or which that individual
may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her
reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.
S-18
Our Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former Director or officer or any
individual who, while serving as our Director or officer and, at our request, serves or has served
another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or
threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in any such
capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that individual may become subject or
which that individual may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or
reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our
Charter and Bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served
any predecessor of us in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of ours or
our predecessor, if any.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provide otherwise, which is not the
case for our Charter) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or
otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a
party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to
indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with
any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their
service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the
director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed
in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer
actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of
any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe the act or
omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an
adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on
the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders
indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to pay
or reimburse reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a
proceeding 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.
In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which
such person would be subject by reason of such persons willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
NET ASSET VALUE
We determine our net asset value as of the close of regular session trading on the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) no less frequently than the last business day of each month, and
make our net asset value available for publication monthly. Net asset value is computed by dividing
the value of all of our assets (including accrued interest and dividends), less all of our
liabilities (including accrued expenses, dividends payable, current and deferred and other accrued
income taxes, and any borrowings) and the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock, by
the total number of shares outstanding.
We may hold a substantial amount of securities that are privately issued or illiquid. For
these securities, as well as any other portfolio security held by us for which, in the judgment of
Kayne Anderson, reliable market quotations are not readily available, the pricing service does not
provide a valuation, or provides a valuation that in the judgment of Kayne Anderson is stale or
does not represent fair value, valuations will be determined in a manner that most fairly reflects
fair value of the security on the valuation date. Unless otherwise determined by our Board of
Directors, the following valuation process is used for such securities:
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Investment Team Valuation. The applicable investments are initially valued by Kayne
Andersons investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investments. |
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Investment Team Valuation Documentation. Preliminary valuation conclusions are
documented and discussed with senior management of Kayne Anderson. Such valuations generally
are submitted to the Valuation Committee (a committee of our Board of Directors) or our
Board of Directors on a monthly basis, and stand for intervening periods of time. |
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Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee meets on or about the end of each month to
consider new valuations presented by Kayne Anderson, if any, which were made in accordance
with the Valuation Procedures in such month. Between meetings of the Valuation Committee, a
senior officer of Kayne Anderson is authorized to make valuation determinations. The
Valuation Committees valuations stand for intervening periods of time unless the Valuation
Committee meets again at the request of Kayne Anderson, our Board of Directors or the
Committee itself. The Valuation Committees valuation determinations are subject to
ratification by our Board at its next regular meeting. |
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Valuation Firm. No less than quarterly, a third-party valuation firm engaged by our
Board of Directors reviews the valuation methodologies and calculations employed for these
securities. |
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Board of Directors Determination. Our Board of Directors meets quarterly to consider the
valuations provided by Kayne Anderson and the Valuation Committee, if applicable, and ratify
valuations for the applicable securities. Our Board of Directors considers the reports, if
any, provided by the third-party valuation firm in reviewing and determining in good faith
the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities. |
Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, securities that are convertible into or
otherwise will become publicly traded (e.g., through subsequent registration or expiration of a
restriction on trading) are valued through the process described above, using a valuation based on
the market value of the publicly traded security less a discount. The discount is initially equal
in amount to the discount negotiated at the time the purchase price is agreed to. To the extent
that such securities are convertible or otherwise become publicly traded within a time frame that
may be reasonably determined, Kayne Anderson may determine an amortization schedule for the
discount in accordance with a methodology approved by the Valuation Committee.
In addition, in fair valuing our investments, consideration is given to several factors, which
may include, among others, the following:
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the projected cash flows for the issuer or borrower; |
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the fundamental business data relating to the issuer or borrower; |
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an evaluation of the forces which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold; |
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the type, size and cost of holding; |
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the financial statements of the issuer or borrower; |
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the credit quality and cash flow of issuer, based on the Advisers or external analysis; |
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the information as to any transactions in or offers for the holding; |
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the price extent of public trading in similar securities (or equity securities) of
the issuer/borrower, or comparable companies; |
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the distributions and coupon payments; |
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the quality, value and saleability of collateral securing the security or loan; |
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the business prospects of the issuer/borrower, including any ability to obtain
money or resources from a parent or affiliate and an assessment of the issuers or
borrowers management; |
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any decline in value over time due to the nature of the assets for example, an
entity that has a finite-life concession |
S-20
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agreement with a government agency to provide a service (e.g., toll roads and airports); |
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the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the particular portfolio instrument; and |
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other factors deemed relevant. |
Although a trading discount will not normally be applied to freely tradable securities, Kayne
Anderson may recommend to the Valuation Committee that such a discount be applied when the relevant
trading market is unusually illiquid or limited, or the size of our position is large compared to
normal trading volumes over time.
We may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be
timely, to estimate taxable income allocable to the MLP units held in our portfolio and to estimate
the associated deferred tax liability. Such estimates will be made in good faith and reviewed in
accordance with the Valuation Procedures approved by our Board of Directors. From time to time we
will modify our estimates and/or assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability as new
information becomes available. To the extent we modify our estimates and/or assumptions, our net
asset value would likely fluctuate.
Publicly traded securities with a readily available market price are valued as described
below. Readily marketable portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ are
valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price on the business day as of which such
value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the
mean of the most recent bid and asked prices on such day. Securities admitted to trade on the
NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Portfolio securities traded on more than
one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such
value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such
securities.
Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities admitted to
trading on the NASDAQ, are valued at the closing bid prices. Fixed income securities with a
remaining maturity of 60 days or more are valued by us using a pricing service. When price quotes
are not available, fair market value is based on prices of comparable securities. Fixed income
securities maturing within 60 days are valued on an amortized cost basis.
Any derivative transaction that we enter into may, depending on the applicable market
environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating our net asset value. Any
option transaction that we enter into may, depending on the applicable market environment, have no
value or a positive value. Exchange traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing
price in the market where such contracts are principally traded.
Because we are obligated to pay corporate income taxes, we accrue tax liability. As with any
other liability, our net asset value is reduced by the accruals of our current and deferred tax
liabilities (and any tax payments required in excess of such accruals). 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 recognized for federal income tax
purposes. It is anticipated that cash distributions from MLPs in which we invest will not equal the
amount of our taxable income because of the depreciation and amortization recorded by the MLPs in
our portfolio. As a result, a portion of such cash distributions may not be treated by us 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. We will be
able to confirm the portion of each distribution recognized as taxable income as we receive annual
tax reporting information from each MLP.
TAX MATTERS
The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based on the advice of Paul,
Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, our counsel.
S-21
Matters Addressed
This section and the discussion in our prospectus (see Tax Matters) provide a general
summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the persons who purchase, own and
dispose of our securities. It does not address all federal income tax consequences that may apply
to an investment in our securities or to particular categories of investors, some of which may be
subject to special rules. Unless otherwise indicated, this discussion is limited to taxpayers who
are U.S. persons, as defined herein. The discussion that follows is based on the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder as in effect on the date hereof and on existing judicial and administrative
interpretations thereof. These authorities are subject to change and to differing interpretations,
which could apply retroactively. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisors in
determining the federal, state, local, foreign and any other tax consequences to them of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities. This discussion does not address all tax
consequences that may be applicable to a U.S. person that is a beneficial owner of our securities,
nor does it address, unless specifically indicated, the tax consequences to, among others, (i)
persons that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, including, but
not limited to, banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, regulated investment companies,
real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations and dealers in securities or currencies,
(ii) persons that will hold our securities as part of a position in a straddle or as part of a
hedging, conversion or other integrated investment transaction for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, (iii) persons whose functional currency is not the United States dollar or (iv) persons
that do not hold our securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code.
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. person is (i) an individual citizen or resident of
the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership organized in or under the laws of the United
States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not
treated as a United States person under any applicable Treasury regulations), (iii) an estate the
income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a
trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all the
substantial decisions of such trust. Notwithstanding clause (iv) above, to the extent provided in
regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as U.S. persons prior to
such date that elect to continue to be so treated also shall be considered U.S. persons.
Tax Characterization for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes
We are treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, we are subject to
U.S. corporate income tax on our taxable income. Such taxable income would generally include all of
our net income from our limited partner investments in MLPs. The current U.S. federal maximum
graduated income tax rate for corporations is 35%. In addition, the United States also imposes a
20% alternative minimum tax on the recalculated alternative minimum taxable income of an entity
treated as a corporation. Any such U.S. corporate income tax or alternative minimum tax could
materially reduce cash available to make interest payments on our securities. We are also obligated
to pay state income tax on our taxable income, either because the states follow our federal
classification as a corporation or because the states separately impose a tax on us.
The MLPs in which we invest are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we will be required to report our allocable share of
partnership income, gain, loss, deduction and expense, whether or not any cash is distributed from
the MLPs.
The MLPs in which we invest are in the energy sector, primarily operating midstream energy
assets; therefore, we anticipate that the majority of our items of income, gain, loss, deduction
and expense is related to energy ventures. However, some items are likely to relate to the
temporary investment of our capital, which may be unrelated to energy ventures.
In general, energy ventures have historically generated taxable income less than the amount of
cash distributions that they produced, at least for periods of the investments life cycle. We
anticipate that we will not incur U.S. federal income tax on a significant portion of our cash flow
received, particularly after taking into account our current operating expenses. However, our
particular investments may not perform consistently with historical patterns in the industry, and
additional tax may be incurred by us.
Although we hold our interests in MLPs for investment purposes, we are likely to sell
interests in a particular MLP from time to time. On any such sale, we will recognize gain or loss
based upon the difference between the consideration received for tax purposes on the sale and our
tax basis in the interest sold. The consideration received is generally the amount paid by the
purchaser plus any
S-22
debt of the MLP allocated to us that will shift to the purchaser on the sale. Our tax basis in
an MLP starts with the amount paid for the interest, but is decreased for any distributions of cash
received by us in excess of our allocable share of taxable income and decreased by our allocable
share of net losses. Thus, although cash in excess of taxable income and net tax losses may create
a temporary economic benefit to us, they will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount
of loss) on the sale of an interest in an MLP. Favorable federal income tax rates do not apply to
our long-term capital gains. Thus, we are subject to federal income tax on our long-term capital
gains at ordinary income rates of up to 35%.
In calculating our alternative minimum taxable income, certain percentage depletion deductions
and intangible drilling costs may be treated as items of tax preference. Items of tax preference
increase alternative minimum taxable income and increase the likelihood that we may be subject to
the alternative minimum tax.
We have not elected, and we do not expect to elect, to be treated as a regulated investment
company for federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the
income and assets of the company must meet certain minimum threshold tests. Because we invest
principally in MLPs, we cannot meet such tests. In contrast to the tax rules that will apply to us,
a regulated investment company generally does not pay corporate income tax, taking into
consideration a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders. At the present time, the
regulated investment company taxation rules have no application to us.
Tax Consequences to Investors
The owners of our securities will be viewed for federal income tax purposes as having income
or loss on their investment in our securities rather than in the underlying MLPs. The owners of our
securities will receive a Form 1099 from us based upon the distributions made (or deemed to have
been made) rather than based upon the income, gain, loss or deductions of the MLPs.
PERFORMANCE RELATED AND COMPARATIVE INFORMATION
We may quote certain performance-related information and may compare certain aspects of our
portfolio and structure to other substantially similar closed-end funds. In reports or other
communications to our stockholders or in advertising materials, we may compare our performance with
that of (i) other investment companies listed in the rankings prepared by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper),
Morningstar Inc. or other independent services; publications such as Barrons, Business Week,
Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, Kiplingers Personal Finance, Money, Morningstar Mutual
Fund Values, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today; or other industry or
financial publications or (ii) the Standard and Poors Index of 500 Stocks, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, NASDAQ Composite Index and other relevant indices and industry publications.
Comparison of ourselves to an alternative investment should be made with consideration of
differences in features and expected performance. We may obtain data from sources or reporting
services, such as Bloomberg Financial and Lipper, that we believe to be generally accurate.
Our performance will vary depending upon market conditions, the composition of our portfolio
and our operating expenses. Consequently any given performance quotation should not be considered
representative of our performance in the future. In addition, because performance will fluctuate,
it may not provide a basis for comparing an investment in our portfolio with certain bank deposits
or other investments that pay a fixed yield for a stated period of time. Investors comparing our
performance with that of other investment companies should give consideration to the quality and
type of the respective investment companies portfolio securities.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. At the time owners of our securities
sell our securities, they may be worth more or less than the original investment.
EXPERTS
Our financial statements dated November 30, 2006, incorporated by reference into this
statement of additional information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated by reference
herein, and is included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP provides auditing services to us.
The principal business address of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP is 350 South Grand Avenue, Los
Angeles, California 90071.
S-23
TRUSTEE, TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT AND REDEMPTION AGENT FOR SENIOR NOTES
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. will be the Trustee under the Indenture and act as
transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to the Senior Notes. Its
principal business address is 700 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, California 90017.
AUCTION AGENT FOR SENIOR NOTES AND AUCTION AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR, DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT
AND REDEMPTION AGENT FOR ARP SHARES
The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as the Auction
Agent with respect to the Senior Notes and as the Auction Agent, transfer agent, registrar,
dividend paying agent and redemption agent with respect to ARP Shares.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Custodial Trust Company, 101 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, acts as our
custodian. Bear Stearns Funds Management Inc., located at 383 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York,
New York 10179, provides certain administrative services for us. Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225
Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, acts as our fund accountant providing accounting
services.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to our common
stock, preferred stock and debt securities offered hereby, has been filed by us with the SEC,
Washington, D.C. Our 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. For further information with respect to us and our common stock,
preferred stock and debt securities offered hereby, reference is made to our Registration
Statement. Statements contained in our 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 the 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.
S-24
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our Statement of Changes in Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2005 and the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended November
30, 2006, including accompanying notes thereto and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
thereon, contained in the following document filed by us with the SEC are hereby incorporated by
reference into, and are made part of, this SAI: Our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year
ended November 30, 2006 contained in its Form N-CSR filed with the SEC on
February 7, 2007). A copy of such Annual Report to Stockholders must accompany the delivery of
this SAI.
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APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE
APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE AND THE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Indenture dated as of March 28, 2005
and the Supplemental Indentures dated as of March 28, 2005, December 14, 2005 and ___, ___. This
summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Indenture, a copy of which is on file with the Commission.
DEFINITIONS.
Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture
and Supplemental Indentures.
AA COMPOSITE COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE on any date means (i) the interest equivalent of the
30-day rate, in the case of a Rate Period which is a Standard Rate Period or shorter, or the
180-day rate, in the case of all other Rate Periods on commercial paper on behalf of issuers whose
corporate bonds are rated AA by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by another nationally
recognized rating agency, as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the close of
business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date; or (ii) if the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York does not make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average of the interest
equivalent of such rates on commercial paper placed on behalf of such issuers, as quoted on a
discount basis or otherwise by the Commercial Paper Dealers to the Auction Agent for the close of
business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date (rounded to the next highest .001 of
1%). If any Commercial Paper Dealer does not quote a rate required to determine the AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate, such rate shall be determined on the basis of the quotations (or quotation)
furnished by the remaining Commercial Paper Dealers (or Dealer), if any, or, if there are no such
Commercial Paper Dealers, by the Auction Agent. For purposes of this definition, (A) Commercial
Paper Dealers shall mean (1) [Lehman Brothers, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and UBS
Securities LLC]; (2) in lieu of any thereof, its respective Affiliate or successor; and (3) in the
event that any of the foregoing shall cease to quote rates for commercial paper of issuers of the
sort described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally recognized dealer in commercial paper
of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the Corporation, and (B) interest
equivalent of a rate stated on a discount basis for commercial paper of a given number of days
maturity shall mean a number equal to the quotient (rounded upward to the next higher
one-thousandth of 1%) of (1) such rate expressed as a decimal, divided by (2) the difference
between (x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the product of such rate
expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which such commercial paper shall
mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
AFFILIATE means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the
Issuer; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with
the Issuer shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled
by, in control of or under common control with such corporation one of
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the directors or executive officers of which is also a Director of the Issuer be deemed to be
an Affiliate solely because such director or executive officer is also a Director of the Issuer.
AGENT MEMBER means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act on
behalf of a Bidder.
ALL HOLD RATE means 80% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE means the percentage associated with the lower of the credit ratings
assigned to the Senior Notes by Moodys or Fitch, as follows:
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Aa3 or above
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AA- or above
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A3 to A1
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A- to A+
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Baa3 to Baa1
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BBB- to BBB+
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Below Baa3
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APPLICABLE RATE means, with respect to each Series of Senior Notes for each Rate Period
(i) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Winning Bid Rate,
(ii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Maximum Rate
and (iii) in the case where all the Senior Notes of a series are the subject of Hold Orders for the
Auction in respect thereof, the All Hold Rate, and (iv) if an Auction is not held for any reason
(including the circumstance where there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer), the Maximum Rate.
AUCTION means each periodic operation of the procedures set forth in Appendix A-IAuction
Procedures.
AUCTION AGENT means The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, unless and until
another commercial bank, trust company, or other financial institution appointed by a resolution of
the Board of Directors enters into an agreement with the Issuer to follow the Auction Procedures
for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate.
AUCTION DATE means the first Business Day next preceding the first day of a Rate Period for
each Series of Senior Notes.
AUCTION PROCEDURES means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Appendix
A-IAuction Procedures.
AUTHORIZED DENOMINATIONS means $25,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
BENEFICIAL OWNER, with respect to each Series of Senior Notes, means a customer of a
Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer as a holder of such Series of
Senior Notes.
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BID shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
BIDDER shall have the meaning in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures; provided, however, that
neither the Issuer nor any affiliate thereof shall be permitted to be a Bidder in an Auction,
except that any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Issuer may be a Bidder in an Auction, but
only if the Orders placed by such Broker-Dealer are not for its own account.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS or BOARD means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any duly
authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
BROKER-DEALER means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by law to
perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been selected
by the Issuer and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement that remains effective.
BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT means an agreement among the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer,
pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
BUSINESS DAY means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which
is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York or the City
of Los Angeles, California are authorized or obligated by law to close.
CODE means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMMERCIAL PAPER DEALERS has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate.
COMMISSION means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
DEFAULT RATE means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
DEPOSIT SECURITIES means cash and any obligations or securities, including short term money
market instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least AAA, A-2 or SP-2 by Fitch, except that,
such obligations or securities shall be considered Deposit Securities only if they are also rated
at least P-2 by Moodys.
DISCOUNT FACTOR means the Moodys Discount Factor (if Moodys is then rating the Senior
Notes), Fitch Discount Factor (if Fitch is then rating the Senior Notes) or an Other Rating Agency
Discount Factor, whichever is applicable.
DISCOUNTED VALUE means the quotient of the Market Value of an Eligible Asset divided by the
applicable Discount Factor, provided that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is currently
callable, Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the call price,
whichever is lower, and that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is prepayable,
A-3
Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the par value, whichever
is lower.
ELIGIBLE ASSETS means Moodys Eligible Assets or Fitchs Eligible Assets (if Moodys or
Fitch are then rating the Senior Notes) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets, whichever is
applicable.
EXISTING HOLDER, with respect to Senior Notes of a series, shall mean a Broker-Dealer that
is listed on the records of the Auction Agent as a holder of Senior Notes of such series.
FITCH means Fitch Ratings and its successors at law.
FITCH DISCOUNT FACTOR means the discount factors set forth in the Fitch Guidelines for use
in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with Fitchs ratings of
Senior Notes.
FITCH ELIGIBLE ASSET means assets of the Issuer set forth in the Fitch Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection
with Fitchs ratings of Senior Notes.
FITCH GUIDELINES mean the guidelines provided by Fitch, as may be amended from time to time,
in connection with Fitchs ratings of Senior Notes.
HOLD ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
HOLDER means, with respect to Senior Notes, the registered holder of notes of each series of
Senior Notes as the same appears on the books or records of the Issuer.
LIBOR on any Auction Date, means (i) the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the
designated Dividend Period, which appears on display Page 3750 of Moneylines Telerate Service
(Telerate Page 3750) (or such other Page as may replace that Page on that service, or such other
service as may be selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. or its successors) as of 11:00 a.m., London
time, on the day that is the London Business Day on the Auction Date or, if the Auction Date is not
a London Business Day, the London Business Day preceding the Auction Date (the LIBOR Determination
Date), or (ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750 or such other Page as may
replace such Telerate Page 3750, (A) Lehman Brothers Inc. shall determine the arithmetic mean of
the offered quotations of the reference banks to leading banks in the London interbank market for
deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Dividend Period in an amount determined by Lehman
Brothers Inc. by reference to requests for quotations as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time)
on such date made by Lehman Brothers Inc. to the reference banks, (B) if at least two of the
reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean of such quotations,
(C) if only one or none of the reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall be deemed to be
the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations that leading banks in The City of New York selected
by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Companys approval) are quoting on the relevant LIBOR
Determination Date for deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Dividend Period in an amount
determined by Lehman
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Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Companys approval) that is representative of a single
transaction in such market at such time by reference to the principal London offices of leading
banks in the London interbank market; provided, however, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. is not a
Broker-Dealer or does not quote a rate required to determine the LIBOR, the LIBOR will be
determined on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by any other Broker-Dealer
selected by the Company to provide such rate or rates not being supplied by Lehman Brothers Inc.;
provided further, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. and/or a substitute Broker-Dealer are required but
unable to determine a rate in accordance with at least one of the procedures provided above, the
LIBOR shall be the most recently determinable LIBOR. If the number of Dividend Period days shall be
(i) 7 or more but fewer than 21 days, such rate shall be the seven-day LIBOR rate; (ii) 21 or more
but fewer than 49 days, such rate shall be one-month LIBOR rate; (iii) 49 or more but fewer than 77
days, such rate shall be the two-month LIBOR rate; (iv) 77 or more but fewer than 112 days, such
rate shall be the three-month LIBOR rate; (v) 112 or more but fewer than 140 days, such rate shall
be the four-month LIBOR rate; (vi) 140 or more but fewer that 168 days, such rate shall be the
five-month LIBOR rate; (vii) 168 or more but fewer 189 days, such rate shall be the six-month LIBOR
rate; (viii) 189 or more but fewer than 217 days, such rate shall be the seven-month LIBOR rate;
(ix) 217 or more but fewer than 252 days, such rate shall be the eight-month LIBOR rate; (x) 252 or
more but fewer than 287 days, such rate shall be the nine-month LIBOR rate; (xi) 287 or more but
fewer than 315 days, such rate shall be the ten-month LIBOR rate; (xii) 315 or more but fewer than
343 days, such rate shall be the eleven-month LIBOR rate; and (xiii) 343 or more days but fewer
than 365 days, such rate shall be the twelve-month LIBOR rate.
MARKET VALUE means the market value of an asset of the Issuer determined as follows: For
equity securities, the value obtained from readily available market quotations. If an equity
security is not traded on an exchange or not available from a Board-approved pricing service, the
value obtained from written broker-dealer quotations. For fixed-income securities, the value
obtained from readily available market quotations based on the last updated sale price or the value
obtained from a pricing service or the value obtained from a written broker-dealer quotation from a
dealer who has made a market in the security. Market Value for other securities will mean the
value obtained pursuant to the Issuers valuation procedures. If the market value of a security
cannot be obtained, or the Issuers investment adviser determines that the value of a security as
so obtained does not represent the fair value of a security, fair value for that security shall be
determined pursuant to the methodologies established by the Board of Directors.
MAXIMUM RATE means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate equal
to the Applicable Percentage of the Reference Rate, subject to upward but not downward adjustment
in the discretion of the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided
that immediately following any such increase the Issuer would be in compliance with the Senior
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount.
MINIMUM RATE means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Rate Period equal to or shorter
than the Standard Rate Period, 70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of
business on the Business Day next preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on
any Auction Date with respect to a Rate Period of more than the Standard Rate Period.
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MOODYS means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors at
law.
MOODYS DISCOUNT FACTOR means the discount factors set forth in the Moodys Guidelines for
use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with Moodys ratings
of Senior Notes.
MOODYS ELIGIBLE ASSETS means assets of the Issuer set forth in the Moodys Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection
with Moodys ratings of Senior Notes.
MOODYS GUIDELINES mean the guidelines provided by Moodys, as may be amended from time to
time, in connection with Moodys ratings of Senior Notes.
1940 ACT means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1940 ACT SENIOR NOTES ASSET COVERAGE means asset coverage, as determined in accordance with
Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 300% with respect to all outstanding senior securities
representing indebtedness of the Issuer, including all Outstanding Senior Notes (or such other
asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset
coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness of a closed-end investment company as a
condition of declaring dividends on its common shares), determined on the basis of values
calculated as of a time within 48 hours next preceding the time of such determination.
NOTES means Securities of the Issuer ranking on a parity with the Senior Notes that may be
issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture.
ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE means, with respect to the Senior Notes Series A, Series B, Series C,
March 28, 2005, with respect to the Senior Notes Series E, December 14, 2005, and with respect to
the Senior Notes Series ___, , ___.
OTHER RATING AGENCY means each rating agency, if any, other than Moodys or Fitch then
providing a rating for the Senior Notes pursuant to the request of the Issuer.
OTHER RATING AGENCY DISCOUNT FACTOR means the discount factors set forth in the Other Rating
Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the
Issuers assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of Senior Notes.
OTHER RATING AGENCY ELIGIBLE ASSETS means assets of the Issuer set forth in the Other Rating
Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the
Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of
Senior Notes.
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OTHER RATING AGENCY GUIDELINES mean the guidelines provided by each Other Rating Agency, as
may be amended from time to time, in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of Senior
Notes.
OUTSTANDING means, as of any date, Senior Notes theretofore issued by the Issuer except,
without duplication, (i) any Senior Notes theretofore canceled, redeemed or repurchased by the
Issuer, or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or with respect to which the Issuer has given
notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent sufficient funds to redeem
such Senior Notes and (ii) any Senior Notes represented by any certificate in lieu of which a new
certificate has been executed and delivered by the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in
connection with any Auction, any Series of Senior Notes as to which the Issuer or any person known
to the Auction Agent (based on information provided to the Auction Agent in writing and without any
duty of inquiry) to be an Affiliate of the Issuer shall be the Existing Holder thereof shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding; and (B) for purposes of determining the Senior Notes
Basic Maintenance Amount, Senior Notes held by the Issuer shall be disregarded and not deemed
Outstanding but Senior Notes held by any Affiliate of the Issuer shall be deemed Outstanding.
PAYING AGENT means The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association,
unless and until another entity appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters into an
agreement with the Issuer to serve as paying agent, transfer agent, registrar, and redemption agent
with respect to the Senior Notes, which Paying Agent may be the same as the Trustee or the Auction
Agent.
PERSON means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a company, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
POTENTIAL BENEFICIAL OWNER, with respect to a Series of Senior Notes, shall mean a customer
of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of Senior Notes of such series but that wishes to
purchase Senior Notes of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of Senior Notes of such series
that wishes to purchase additional Senior Notes of such series.
POTENTIAL HOLDER, with respect to Senior Notes of such series, shall mean a Broker-Dealer
(or any such other person as may be permitted by the Company) that is not an Existing Holder of
Senior Notes of such series or that is an Existing Holder of Senior Notes of such series that
wishes to become the Existing Holder of additional Senior Notes of such series.
RATE PERIOD means, with respect to a Series of Senior Notes, the period commencing on the
Original Issue Date thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Original Issue
Date thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day following each
Rate Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Issuer.
RATING AGENCY means each of Fitch (if Fitch is then rating Senior Notes), Moodys (if
Moodys is then rating Senior Notes) and any Other Rating Agency.
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RATING AGENCY GUIDELINES mean Fitch Guidelines (if Fitch is then rating Senior Notes),
Moodys Guidelines (if Moodys is then rating Senior Notes) and any Other Rating Agency Guidelines.
REFERENCE RATE means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and Default
Rate, the greater of (i) the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Rate Period of
fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Rate Period of 184 days or more),
or (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate.
SECURITIES ACT means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns or
any successor securities depository selected by the Issuer that agrees to follow the procedures
required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the Senior Notes Series A,
Series B, Series C, Series E and Series ___.
SELL ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
SENIOR NOTES means the Issuers auction rate senior notes issued pursuant to this Indenture
and the Supplemental Indenture in one or more series, including the Senior Notes Series A, Series
B, Series C, Series E and Series ___, any other Notes hereinafter designated as the Senior Notes
Series A, Series B, Series C, Series E and Series ___, respectively.
SENIOR NOTES BASIC MAINTENANCE AMOUNT as of any Valuation Date has the meaning set forth in
the Rating Agency Guidelines.
SPECIAL RATE PERIOD means a Rate Period that is not a Standard Rate Period.
SPECIFIC REDEMPTION PROVISIONS means, with respect to any Special Rate Period of more than
one year, either, or any combination of a period (a Non-Call Period) determined by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the Senior Notes subject to such
Special Rate Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Issuer consisting of a
number of whole years as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers, during each year of which the Senior Notes subject to such Special Rate Period
shall be redeemable at the Issuers option and/or in connection with any mandatory redemption at a
price equal to the principal amount plus accumulated but unpaid interest plus a premium expressed
as a percentage or percentages of $25,000 or expressed as a formula using specified variables as
determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers.
STANDARD RATE PERIOD means a Rate Period of seven (7) days for Senior Notes Series A and
Series B, twenty-eight (28) days for Senior Notes Series C, seven (7) days for Senior Notes Series
E and ___(_) days for Senior Notes Series ___.
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STATED MATURITY with respect to Senior Notes Series A, Series B, Series C, Series E and
Series ___, shall mean April 3, 2045, April 5, 2045, March 31, 2045, December 21, 2045 and ___,
___, ___, respectively.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE means 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standard time, on any Auction Date or such
other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the Auction
Agent as specified by the Auction Agent from time to time.
SUBMITTED BID shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
SUBMITTED HOLD ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
SUBMITTED ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
SUBMITTED SELL ORDER shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction Procedures.
SUFFICIENT CLEARING BIDS shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-IAuction
Procedures.
TREASURY INDEX RATE means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S.
Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to maturity as the
length of the applicable Rate Period, determined, to the extent necessary, by linear interpolation
based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next longer number of 30-day
periods to maturity treating all Rate Periods with a length greater than the longest maturity for
such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in all cases based upon data set
forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if the most recent such
statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding the date of
computation, the foregoing computations shall be based upon the average of comparable data as
quoted to the Issuer by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by
the Issuer.
TRUSTEE means The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. or such other person who is named as
a trustee pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
VALUATION DATE means every seven (7) days for the Senior Notes Series A, Series B, and
Series E, every twenty-eight (28) days for the Senior Notes Series C, and every ___(___) days
for the Senior Notes Series ___, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business
Day; provided, however, that the first Valuation Date may occur on any other date established by
the Company; provided, further, however, that such first Valuation Date for the Senior Notes Series
E shall be not more than ten (10) days from the date on which Senior Notes Series E initially are
issued.
A-9
INTEREST.
(a) The Holders of any Series of Senior Notes will bear interest on their Senior Notes at the
Applicable Rate, determined as set forth in paragraph (c) below, and no more, payable on the
respective dates determined as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Interest on the Outstanding Senior
Notes of any series issued on the Original Issue Date shall accrue from the Original Issue Date.
(b) (i) Interest shall be payable, subject to subparagraph (b)(ii) below, on each Series of
Senior Notes, with respect to any Rate Period on the first Business Day following the last day of
such Rate Period; provided, however, if the Rate Period is greater than 30 days then on a monthly
basis on the first Business Day of each month within such Rate Period and on the Business Day
following the last day of such Rate Period.
(ii) The Issuer shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., City of New York time
(12:00 noon City of Los Angeles time) on the Business Day next preceding each Interest Payment Date
for each Series of Senior Notes, an aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in
the City of New York, New York, equal to the interest to be paid to all Holders of such Senior
Notes on such Interest Payment Date. The Issuer shall not be required to establish any reserves for
the payment of interest.
(iii) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of interest shall be held in trust
for the payment of such interest by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders specified in
subparagraph (b)(v) below. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent in accordance with the foregoing
but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of interest, including interest earned on such
moneys, will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Issuer at the end of 90 days from
the date on which such moneys were to have been so applied.
(iv) Each interest payment on a Series of Senior Notes shall be paid on the Interest Payment
Date therefor to the Holders of that series as their names appear on the security ledger or
security records of the Issuer on the Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Interest in arrears for any past Rate Period may be paid at any time, without reference to any
regular Interest Payment Date, to the Holders as their names appear on the books or records of the
Issuer on such date, not exceeding 15 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by
the Board of Directors. No interest will be payable in respect of any Interest Payment or payments
which may be in arrears.
(c) (i) The interest rate on Outstanding Senior Notes of each Series during the period from
and after the Original Issue Date to and including the last day of the initial Rate Period therefor
shall be equal to the applicable rate per annum. For each subsequent Rate Period with respect to
the Senior Notes Outstanding thereafter, the interest rate shall be equal to the rate per annum
that results from an Auction; provided, however, that if an Auction for any subsequent Rate Period
of a Series of Senior Notes is not held for any reason or if Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been
made in an Auction (other than as a result of all Series of Senior Notes being the subject of
Submitted Hold Orders), then the interest rate on a Series of Senior Notes for any such Rate Period
shall be the Maximum Rate (except (i) during a Default Period when the interest rate shall be the
Default Rate, as set forth in (c)(ii) below). The All Hold
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Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the Outstanding Series of
Senior Notes are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per annum at which
interest is payable on a Series of Senior Notes as determined pursuant to this Section shall be the
Applicable Rate.
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to a particular
Series will commence on any date the Issuer fails to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day
funds, with the Paying Agent by 3:00 p.m., City of New York time (12:00 noon City of Los Angeles
time), (A) the full amount of any redemption price (the Redemption Price) payable on the date
fixed for redemption (the Redemption Date) (a Redemption Default, which shall constitute an
Event of Default pursuant to the relevant section of the Indenture) or (B) the full amount of any
accrued interest on that Series payable on the Interest Payment Date (an Interest Default and
together with an Redemption Default, hereinafter referred to as Default). Subject to the cure
provisions of (c)(iii) below, a Default Period with respect to an Interest Default or a Redemption
Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 3:00 p.m., City of New York time (12:00 noon
City of Los Angeles time), all unpaid interest and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have been
deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of an Interest
Default, the Applicable Rate for each Rate Period commencing during a Default Period will be equal
to the Default Rate, and each subsequent Rate Period commencing after the beginning of a Default
Period shall be a Standard Rate Period; provided, however, that the commencement of a Default
Period will not by itself cause the commencement of a new Rate Period. No Auction shall be held
during a Default Period with respect to an Interest Default applicable to that Series of Senior
Notes. The Issuer shall notify the Auction Agent in writing that a Default Period is in effect.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to an Interest Default or Redemption Default shall be
deemed to commence if the amount of any interest or any Redemption Price due (if such default is
not solely due to the willful failure of the Issuer) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day
funds with the Paying Agent by 3:00 p.m. New York City time (12:00 noon City of Los Angeles time)
within three Business Days after the applicable Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, together
with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on the
actual number of days comprising such period divided by 360 for each Series. The Default Rate shall
be equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(iv) The amount of interest per Senior Note payable on each Interest Payment Date of each
Rate Period of less than one (1) year (or in respect of interest on another date in connection with
a redemption during such Rate Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate (or the
Default Rate) for such Rate Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction, the numerator of which
will be the number of days in such Rate Period (or portion thereof) that such Senior Notes were
outstanding and for which the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate was applicable and the
denominator of which will be 360, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the
amount so obtained to the nearest cent. During any Rate Period of one (1) year or more, the amount
of interest per Senior Note payable on any Interest Payment Date (or in respect of interest on
another date in connection with a redemption during such Rate Period) shall be computed as
described in the preceding sentence.
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Any Interest Payment made on any Series of Senior Notes shall first be credited against the
earliest accrued but unpaid interest due with respect to such Series.
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.
Upon any application or request by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any
provision of the Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions
as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that no such opinion shall be
required in connection with the issuance of Securities of any series. Each such certificate or
opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the
Issuer, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements
of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in the Indenture.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided
for in the Indenture shall include, (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate
or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; (2) a
brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the
statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in
the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary
to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has
been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such
condition or covenant has been complied with.
REDEMPTION.
(a) (i) After the initial Rate Period, subject to the provisions below and to the extent
permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, the Issuer may, at its option, redeem in whole or in
part out of funds legally available therefor a series of Senior Notes herein designated as (A)
having a Rate Period of one year or less, on the Business Day after the last day of such Rate
Period by delivering a notice of redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior
to the date fixed for such redemption, at a redemption price equal to the aggregate principal
amount, plus an amount equal to accrued but unpaid interest thereon (whether or not earned) to the
date fixed for redemption (Redemption Price), or (B) having a Rate Period of more than one year,
on any Business Day prior to the end of the relevant Rate Period by delivering a notice of
redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior to the date fixed for such
redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific
Redemption Provisions at the time of the designation of such Rate Period; provided, however, that
during a Rate Period of more than one year no series of Senior Notes will be subject to optional
redemption except in accordance with any Specific Redemption Provisions approved by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers at the time of the designation of such Rate
Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer shall not give a notice of or effect any
redemption pursuant to (a)(i) unless, on the date on which the Issuer intends to give such notice
and on the date of redemption (a) the Issuer has available certain Deposit Securities with maturity
or tender dates not later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having a value
not less than the amount (including any applicable premium) due to Holders of a series of Senior
Notes by reason of the redemption of
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such Senior Notes on such date fixed for the redemption and (b) the Issuer would have Eligible
Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount
immediately subsequent to such redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date, it being
understood that the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section shall be applicable in such
circumstances in the event the Issuer makes the deposit and takes the other action required
thereby.
(ii) If the Issuer fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or, as of
the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage, and such failure is
not cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation Date in the case of a failure to
maintain the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or on the last Business Day of the following
month in the case of a failure to maintain the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage as of such last
Business Day (each an Asset Coverage Cure Date), the Senior Notes will be subject to mandatory
redemption out of funds legally available therefor. The aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes
to be redeemed in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (A) the minimum principal
amount of Senior Notes the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the
opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Issuer having
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Senior Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount, or sufficient to satisfy 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage, as the case may
be, in either case as of the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such
minimum principal amount of Senior Notes the redemption of which would have such result, all Senior
Notes then Outstanding will be redeemed), and (B) the maximum principal amount of Senior Notes that
can be redeemed out of funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory Redemption Date at
the Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in subparagraph (a)(iii) below.
(iii) In determining the Senior Notes required to be redeemed in accordance with the foregoing
Section (a)(ii), the Issuer shall allocate the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes required
to be redeemed to satisfy the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Senior Notes
Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among the Holders of Senior Notes in proportion to the
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes they hold, by lot or by such other method as the Issuer
shall deem equitable, subject to the further provisions of this subparagraph (iii). The Issuer
shall effect any required mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section no
later than 40 days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date (the Mandatory Redemption Date), except
that if the Issuer does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is not otherwise
legally permitted to redeem, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes which would be required
to be redeemed by the Issuer under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section if sufficient
funds were available, or the Issuer otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to
such Mandatory Redemption Date, the Issuer shall redeem those Senior Notes, and other Notes, on the
earliest practicable date on which the Issuer will have such funds available, upon notice pursuant
to paragraph (b) to record owners of the Senior Notes to be redeemed and the Paying Agent. The
Issuer will deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to redeem the specified aggregate
principal amount of Senior Notes with respect to a redemption required under subparagraph (a)(ii)
of this Section, by 1:00 p.m., New York City time (10:00 a.m. City of Los Angeles time), of the
Business Day immediately preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. If fewer than all of
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the Outstanding Senior Notes are to be redeemed pursuant to subparagraph (a)(iii), the
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes to be redeemed shall be redeemed pro rata from the
Holders of such Senior Notes in proportion to the aggregate principal amount of such Senior Note
held by such Holders, by lot or by such other method as the Issuer shall deem fair and equitable,
subject, however, to the terms of any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions. Mandatory
Redemption Price means the Redemption Price plus (in the case of a Rate Period of one year or more
only) a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with
the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section (a) above, the Issuer will file a notice
of its intention to redeem with the Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice
required under Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision. In addition, the Issuer
shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent and the Trustee (the Notice of
Redemption) containing the information set forth below (i) in the case of an optional redemption
pursuant to subparagraph (a)(i) above, one Business Day prior to the giving of notice to the
Holders and (ii) in the case of a mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above, on
or prior to the 30th day preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. The Trustee will use its
reasonable efforts to provide notice to each Holder of Senior Notes called for redemption by
electronic or other reasonable means not later than the close of business on the Business Day
immediately following the day on which the Trustee determines the Senior Notes to be redeemed (or,
during a Default Period with respect to such Senior Notes, not later than the close of business on
the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Trustee receives Notice of Redemption
from the Issuer) The Trustee shall confirm such notice in writing not later than the close of
business on the third Business Day preceding the date fixed for redemption by providing the Notice
of Redemption to each Holder of Senior Notes called for redemption, the Paying Agent (if different
from the Trustee) and the Securities Depository. Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the
registered owners of each Series of Senior Notes at their addresses appearing on the books or
records of the Issuer. Such Notice of Redemption will set forth (i) the date fixed for redemption,
(ii) the principal amount and identity of Senior Notes to be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price
(specifying the amount of accrued interest to be included therein), (iv) that interest on the
Senior Notes to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such date fixed for redemption, and (v) the
provision under which redemption shall be made. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the
transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as
required by applicable law. If fewer than all Senior Notes held by any Holder are to be redeemed,
the Notice of Redemption mailed to such Holder shall also specify the principal amount of Senior
Notes to be redeemed from such Holder. If any Senior Notes in an Auction Rate Period are to be
redeemed and those Senior Notes are held by the Securities Depository, the Trustee shall include in
the notice of redemption delivered to the Securities Depository: (i) under an item entitled
Publication Date for Securities Depository Purposes, the Interest Payment Date prior to the
redemption date, and (ii) an instruction to the Securities Depository to (x) determine on such
Publication Date after the Auction held on the immediately preceding Auction Date has settled, the
Holders whose Securities Depository positions will be redeemed and the principal amount of such
Senior Notes to be redeemed from each such position (the Securities Depository Redemption
Information), and (y) notify the Auction Agent immediately after such determination of (A) the
positions of the Holders in such Senior Notes immediately prior to such Auction settlement, (B) the
positions of the Holders in
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such
Senior Notes immediately following such Auction settlement and (C) the Securities
Depository Redemption Information. Publication Date shall mean three Business Days after the
Auction Date next preceding such Redemption Date.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section, no Senior Notes may be
redeemed unless all interest on the Outstanding Senior Notes and all Notes of the Issuer ranking on
a parity with the Senior Notes, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for
payment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of all
Outstanding Senior Notes pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or
exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all Outstanding Senior Notes.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds sufficient to redeem any Senior Notes with the Paying Agent and
the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Trustee under paragraph (b) of this Section, interest
on such Senior Notes shall cease to accrue and such Senior Notes shall no longer be deemed to be
Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation, for purposes of calculating whether the
Issuer has maintained the requisite Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Senior
Notes Asset Coverage), and all rights of the holder of the Senior Notes so called for redemption
shall cease and terminate, except the right of such holder to receive the redemption price
specified herein, but without any interest or other additional amount. Such redemption price shall
be paid by the Paying Agent to the nominee of the Securities Depository. The Issuer shall be
entitled to receive from the Paying Agent, promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash
deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of (i) the aggregate redemption price of the Senior Notes
called for redemption on such date and (ii) such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of the
Senior Notes called for redemption may be entitled. Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed at
the end of two years from such redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be paid to
the Issuer, after which time the Holders of Senior Notes so called for redemption may look only to
the Issuer for payment of the redemption price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be
entitled. The Issuer shall be entitled to receive, from time to time after the date fixed for
redemption, any interest earned on the funds so deposited.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been given is not
made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such
redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available
or such redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem any Series of Senior Notes
shall be deemed to exist at any time after the date specified for redemption in a Notice of
Redemption when the Issuer shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit in trust with
the Paying Agent the redemption price with respect to any Senior Notes for which such Notice of
Redemption has been given. Notwithstanding the fact that the Issuer may not have redeemed any
Senior Notes for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, interest may be paid on a Series of
Senior Notes and shall include those Senior Notes for which Notice of Redemption has been given but
for which deposit of funds has not been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of any Senior
Notes called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the benefit of holders
of Senior Notes to be redeemed.
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(g) So long as any Senior Notes are held of record by the nominee of the Securities
Depository, the redemption price for such Senior Notes will be paid on the date fixed for
redemption to the nominee of the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for
distribution to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained herein limits any right of
the Issuer to purchase or otherwise acquire any Senior Notes outside of an Auction at any price,
whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or
mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the
payment of interest on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any series
of Senior Notes for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Issuer is in compliance with
the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value
at least equal to the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount after giving effect to such purchase or
acquisition on the date thereof. If fewer than all the Outstanding Senior Notes of any series are
redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Issuer, the Issuer shall give notice of such transaction to
the Trustee, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
(i) The Board of Directors may, without further consent of the holders of the Senior Notes or
the holders of shares of capital stock of the Issuer, authorize, create or issue any class or
series of Notes, including other series of Senior Notes, ranking prior to or on a parity with the
Senior Notes to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, if, upon issuance, either (A) the net
proceeds from the sale of such Notes (or such portion thereof needed to redeem or repurchase the
Outstanding Senior Notes) are deposited with the Trustee in accordance with (d) above, Notice of
Redemption as contemplated by the relevant section of the Indenture has been delivered prior
thereto or is sent promptly thereafter, and such proceeds are used to redeem all Outstanding Senior
Notes or (B) the Issuer would meet the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage, the Senior Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount and the applicable requirements of the Indenture.
DESIGNATION OF RATE PERIOD.
(a) The initial Rate Period for each series of Senior Notes is as set forth under
Designation above. The Issuer will designate the duration of subsequent Rate Periods of each
series of Senior Notes; provided, however, that no such designation is necessary for a Standard
Rate Period and, provided further, that any designation of a Special Rate Period shall be effective
only if (i) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein, (ii) any failure to pay in a
timely manner to the Trustee the full amount of any interest on, or the redemption price of, Senior
Notes shall have been cured as provided above, (iii) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have existed in
an Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such proposed Special
Rate Period, (iv) if the Issuer shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption with respect to any Senior
Notes, the redemption price with respect to such Senior Notes shall have been deposited with the
Paying Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a Special Rate Period, the Issuer has
confirmed that as of the Auction Date next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period, it
has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Senior Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount, and the Issuer has consulted with
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the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice of such designation and otherwise complied with the
Rating Agency Guidelines.
(b) If the Issuer proposes to designate any Special Rate Period, not fewer than 7 (or two
Business Days in the event the duration of the Rate Period prior to such Special Rate Period is
fewer than 8 days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such Special Rate
Period, notice shall be (i) made by press release and (ii) communicated by the Issuer by telephonic
or other means to the Trustee and the Auction Agent and confirmed in writing promptly thereafter.
Each such notice shall state (A) that the Issuer proposes to exercise its option to designate a
succeeding Special Rate Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) that the Issuer
will by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon City of Los Angeles time), on the second Business
Day next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period, notify the Auction Agent and the
Trustee, who will promptly notify the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination, subject to
certain conditions, to proceed with such Special Rate Period, subject to the terms of any Specific
Redemption Provisions, or (y) its determination not to proceed with such Special Rate Period, in
which latter event the succeeding Rate Period shall be a Standard Rate Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon City of Los Angeles time), on the
second Business Day next preceding the first day of any proposed Special Rate Period, the Issuer
shall deliver to the Auction Agent and Trustee, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and
Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Issuer has determined to designate the next succeeding Rate
Period as a Special Rate Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) the terms of
any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Issuer has determined not to exercise its option to designate a
Special Rate Period.
If the Issuer fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any
proposed Special Rate Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation provided in
clause (v) of Paragraph (a) of this Section by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon City of
Los Angeles time), on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special
Rate Period, the Issuer shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction Agent with
respect to such Rate Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii) above, thereby resulting in a
Standard Rate Period.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.
Senior Notes may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an order placed in an Auction, (b) to or
through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Issuer or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be effective unless the selling Existing Holder
or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the case of an Existing Holder whose Senior Notes
are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction Agent, or the Broker-Dealer or Agent Member
of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer between persons holding Senior Notes through
different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of such
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transfer. The certificates representing the Senior Notes issued to the Securities Depository
will bear legends with respect to the restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions
will be issued to the Transfer Agent and/or Registrar.
1940 ACT SENIOR NOTES ASSET COVERAGE.
The Issuer shall maintain, as of the last Business Day of each month in which any Senior Notes
are Outstanding, asset coverage with respect to the Senior Notes which is equal to or greater than
the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage; provided, however, that the relevant section in the
Indenture shall be the sole remedy in the event the Issuer fails to do so.
SENIOR NOTES BASIC MAINTENANCE AMOUNT.
So long as the Senior Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating the Senior
Notes, the Issuer shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Eligible Assets having an aggregate
Discounted Value equal to or greater than the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount; provided,
however, that the relevant section in the Indenture shall be the sole remedy in the event the
Issuer fails to do so.
CERTAIN OTHER RESTRICTIONS.
(a) For so long as any Senior Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating the
Senior Notes, the Issuer will not engage in certain proscribed transactions set forth in the Rating
Agency Guidelines, unless it has received written confirmation from each such Rating Agency that
proscribes the applicable transaction in its Rating Agency Guidelines that any such action would
not impair the rating then assigned by such Rating Agency to a Series of Senior Notes.
(b) For so long as any Senior Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer will not declare, pay or set
apart for payment any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in
shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, common shares or other
shares of capital stock of the Issuer) upon any class of shares of capital stock of the Issuer,
unless, in every such case, immediately after such transaction, the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset
Coverage would be achieved after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase
price, as the case may be; provided, however, that dividends may be declared upon any preferred
shares of capital stock of the Issuer if the Senior Notes and any other senior securities
representing indebtedness of the Issuer have an asset coverage of at least 200% at the time of
declaration thereof, after deducting the amount of such dividend.
(c) A declaration of a dividend or other distribution on or purchase or redemption of any
common or preferred shares of capital stock of the Issuer is prohibited (i) at any time that an
Event of Default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, (ii) if after giving effect to
such declaration, the Issuer would not have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at
least equal to the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset
Coverage, or (iii) the Issuer has not redeemed the full amount of Senior Notes required to be
redeemed by any provisions for mandatory redemption contained herein.
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COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES FOR ASSET MAINTENANCE TESTS.
For so long as any Senior Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating such
Senior Notes:
(a) As of each Valuation Date, the Issuer shall determine in accordance with the procedures
specified herein (i) the Market Value of each Eligible Asset owned by the Issuer on that date, (ii)
the Discounted Value of each such Eligible Asset using the Discount Factors, (iii) whether the
Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount is met as of that date, (iv) the value of the total assets of
the Issuer, less all liabilities, and (v) whether the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage is met
as of that date.
(b) Upon any failure to maintain the required Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940
Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage on any Valuation Date, the Issuer may use reasonable commercial
efforts (including, without limitation, altering the composition of its portfolio, purchasing
Senior Notes outside of an Auction or in the event of a failure to file a Rating Agency Certificate
(as defined below) on a timely basis, submitting the requisite Rating Agency Certificate) to
re-attain (or certify in the case of a failure to file on a timely basis, as the case may be) the
required Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage on or prior
to the Asset Coverage Cure Date.
(c) Compliance with the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset
Coverage tests shall be determined with reference to those Senior Notes which are deemed to be
Outstanding hereunder.
(d) The Issuer shall deliver to each Rating Agency which is then rating Senior Notes and any
other party specified in the Rating Agency Guidelines all certificates that are set forth in the
respective Rating Agency Guidelines regarding 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage, Senior Notes
Basic Maintenance Amount and/or related calculations at such times and containing such information
as set forth in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines (each, a Rating Agency Certificate).
(e) In the event that any Rating Agency Certificate is not delivered within the time periods
set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines, the Issuer shall be deemed to have failed to maintain
the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Senior Notes Asset Coverage, as the case
may be, on such Valuation Date. In the event that any Rating Agency Certificate with respect to an
applicable Asset Coverage Cure Date is not delivered within the time periods set forth in the
Rating Agency Guidelines, the Issuer shall be deemed to have failed to have Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Senior Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or to meet
the 1940 Senior Notes Asset Coverage, as the case may be, as of the related Valuation Date, and
such failure shall be deemed not to have been cured as of such Asset Coverage Cure Date for
purposes of the mandatory redemption provisions.
DELIVERY OF NOTES.
Upon the execution and delivery of the Supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall execute and
deliver to the Trustee and the Trustee shall authenticate the Senior Notes and deliver them to The
Depository Trust Company and as hereinafter in this Section provided. Prior to the
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delivery by the Trustee of any of the Senior Notes, there shall have been filed with or
delivered to the Trustee the following:
(a) A resolution duly adopted by the Issuer, certified by the Secretary or other Authorized
Officer thereof, authorizing the execution and delivery of the Supplemental Indenture and the
issuance of the Senior Notes.
(b) Duly executed copies of the Supplemental Indenture and a copy of the Indenture.
(c) Rating letters from each Rating Agency rating the Senior Notes.
(d) An opinion of Counsel pursuant to requirements of the Indenture.
TRUSTEES AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE.
The Trustees authentication certificate upon the Senior Notes shall be substantially in the
forms provided in Appendix C to the Supplemental Indenture. No Senior Note shall be secured hereby
or entitled to the benefit hereof, or shall be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless a
certificate of authentication, substantially in such form, has been duly executed by the Trustee;
and such certificate of the Trustee upon any Senior Note shall be conclusive evidence and the only
competent evidence that such Senior Note has been authenticated and delivered hereunder. The
Trustees certificate of authentication shall be deemed to have been duly executed by it if
manually signed by an authorized officer of the Trustee, but it shall not be necessary that the
same person sign the certificate of authentication on all of the Senior Notes issued hereunder.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
Except as set forth in any supplemental indenture, an Event of Default wherever used in the
Indenture with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the events set forth below
(whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or
be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any
order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes
due and payable and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series
at its Stated Maturity; or
(3) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or Warranty of the Issuer in the
Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is
elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in the
Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance
of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by
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registered or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Trustee a written notice specifying such
default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a Notice of
Default hereunder; or
(4) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for
relief in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal
or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order
adjudging the Issuer a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer under any
applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer or of any substantial part of its
property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such
decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of
60 consecutive days (provided that, if any Person becomes the successor to the Issuer pursuant to
the relevant Section of the Indenture and such Person is a corporation, partnership or trust
organized and validly existing under the law of a jurisdiction outside the United States, each
reference in this Clause 4 to an applicable Federal or State law of a particular kind shall be
deemed to refer to such law or any applicable comparable law of such non-U.S. jurisdiction, for as
long as such Person is the successor to the Issuer hereunder and is so organized and existing); or
(5) the commencement by the Issuer of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable
Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case
or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a
decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case or proceeding under any
applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of
a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or
State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking
possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar
official of the Issuer or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay
its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Issuer in
furtherance of any such action (provided that, if any Person becomes the successor to the Issuer
pursuant to the relevant Section of the Indenture and such Person is a corporation, partnership or
trust organized and validly existing under the law of a jurisdiction outside the United States,
each reference in this Clause 6 to an applicable Federal or State law of a particular kind shall be
deemed to refer to such law or any applicable comparable law of such non-U.S. jurisdiction, for as
long as such Person is the successor to the Issuer hereunder and is so organized and existing);
(6) if, pursuant to Section 18(a)(1)(c)(ii) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months any class of Securities
shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%; or
(7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
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ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION AND ANNULMENT.
Except as set forth in any supplemental indenture, if an Event of Default with respect to
Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case
the Trustee or the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series
(or, in the case of any Security of that series which specifies an amount to be due and payable
thereon upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof, such amount as may be specified by the terms
thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the
Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified
amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in the relevant
Sections of the Indenture with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs,
the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, in the case of any Security of that
series which specifies an amount to be due and payable thereon upon acceleration of the Maturity
thereof, such amount as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any
declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and
payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series
has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the
Trustee as hereinafter in this Section provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may
rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (1) the Issuer has paid or deposited
with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that
series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed
therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest
upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such
Securities, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series,
other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series
which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been
cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
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COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY TRUSTEE.
Except as set forth in any supplemental indenture, the Issuer covenants that if
(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes
due and payable and such default continues for a period of 90 days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security
at the Maturity thereof, the Issuer will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of
the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for
principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be
legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at
the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the
Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall
deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement in the Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein,
or to enforce any other proper remedy.
APPLICATION OF MONEY COLLECTED.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Section shall be applied in the following
order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on
account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under the
Indenture; and
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for
principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in
respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind,
according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for
principal and any premium and interest, respectively.
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LIMITATION ON SUITS.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding,
judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or
trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of
Default with respect to the Securities of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect
of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity
has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during
such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any
manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of the Indenture to affect, disturb
or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or
preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under the Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.
UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.
Notwithstanding any other provision in the Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have
the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any
premium and (subject to the relevant provisions of the Indenture and any supplemental indenture)
interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in
the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date), and to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy
under the Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has
been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to
any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and
remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
instituted.
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RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the Indenture no right or remedy herein conferred upon or
reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy,
and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to
every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or
otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not
prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of
any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default
hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default: (1) in the payment of
the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or (2) in respect of a
covenant or provision in the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of
the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising
therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the Indenture; but no such
waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.
The Indenture shall upon Issuer Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any
surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of any Security expressly provided for
herein or in the terms of such Security), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall
execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, when
(1) either
(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other
than
(i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have
been replaced or paid as provided in the Indenture and
(ii) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited
in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid
to the Issuer or discharged from such trust, as provided in the Indenture)
have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation
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(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one
year, or
(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer,
and the Issuer, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust money in an
amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such
Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for
principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the
case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated
Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Trust;
and
(3) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, the obligations of the Issuer
to the Trustee under the Indenture and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under
certain provisions of the Indenture shall survive.
CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(1) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(A) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Indenture and as required by the Trust Indenture Act,
and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into the Indenture against the
Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely,
as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed
therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to
the requirements of the Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or
opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to
the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine
whether or not they conform to the requirements of the Indenture (but need not
confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts
stated therein).
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(2) In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the same degree of care and
skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his or her own affairs.
(3) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or
consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit)
irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and
regardless of the form of action.
(4) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly,
forces beyond its control, including, without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts
of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of
God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and
hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are
consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as
practicable under the circumstances.
(5) No provision of the Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for
its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except
that:
(A) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection
(A) of this Section;
(B) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good
faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(C) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted
to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, determined
as provided in the Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred upon the Trustee, under the Indenture with respect to the Securities
of such series; and
(D) no provision of the Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk
its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any
of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it
shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate
indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
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NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give
the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by
the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character
specified in the Indenture with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders
shall be given until at least 90 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this
Section, the term default means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both
would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.
CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.
Subject to the other applicable provisions of the Indenture:
(1) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or
parties;
(2) any request or direction of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by
a Issuer Request or Issuer Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(3) whenever in the administration of the Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a
matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith
on its part, rely upon an Officers Certificate;
(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such
counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance
thereon;
(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the Indenture,
unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory
to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with
such request or direction;
(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document,
but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or
investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer,
personally or by agent or attorney;
(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties
hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee
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shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(8) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by
it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights
or powers conferred upon it by the Indenture;
(9) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any
event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and the Indenture;
(10) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee,
including its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee
in each of its capacities hereunder; and
(11) the Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers Certificate setting forth
the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified
actions pursuant to the Indenture, which Officers Certificate may be signed by any person
authorized to sign an Officers Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any
such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
The Issuer agrees:
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing
between the parties for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be
limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request
for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in
accordance with any provision of the Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the
expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or
advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless
against, any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims or expenses including taxes (other than
taxes imposed on the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted
by the Issuer, a Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default
specified in the Indenture, the expenses (including the reasonable charges and
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expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law. These provisions shall survive the termination of the Indenture.
CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the
manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and the Indenture.
To the extent not prohibited by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a
conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under the Indenture with respect to Securities of
more than one series.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to
this Section shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in
accordance with the applicable requirements.
The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by
giving written notice thereof to the Issuer. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor
Trustee required by the Indenture shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 60 days after
the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the
Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of such series.
The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series,
delivered to the Trustee and to the Issuer. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee
required by the Indenture shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the
giving of a notice of removal pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee being removed may petition,
at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.
If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the applicable Section of the Indenture after
written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a
Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under the Indenture and shall fail to resign after
written request therefor by the Issuer or by any such Holder, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent
or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (A) the Issuer by a Board Resolution may
remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to the
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applicable Section of the Indenture, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security
for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and
the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall
occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series,
the Issuer, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with
respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor
Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and
that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular
series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Indenture. If, within one year
after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Issuer
and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance
of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Indenture, become the
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the
successor Trustee appointed by the Issuer. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of any series shall have been so appointed by the Issuer or the Holders and accepted appointment in
the manner required by the Indenture, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of
such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated,
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of such series.
The Issuer shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect
to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in the
Indenture. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities,
every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer and
to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any
further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Issuer or the successor Trustee, such retiring
Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of
one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture
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supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1)
shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to
vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee
with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall
contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights,
powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those
series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring
Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one
Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute
such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust
or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other
such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such
successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or
those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the
Issuer or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to
such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect
to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee
relates.
Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer shall execute any and all instruments
for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights,
powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such
successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Section.
ISSUER MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC., ONLY ON CERTAIN TERMS.
The Issuer shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or
lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Issuer shall
not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Issuer, unless:
(1) in case the Issuer shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer
or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by
such consolidation or into which the Issuer is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or
transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Issuer substantially as an entirety
shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the
laws of any domestic or foreign jurisdiction and shall expressly assume, by an indenture
supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities
and the performance or observance of every covenant of the Indenture on the part of the Issuer to
be performed or observed;
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(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which
becomes an obligation of the Issuer or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having
been incurred by the Issuer or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(3) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a
supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture
comply with this Section and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such
transaction have been complied with.
SUCCESSOR SUBSTITUTED.
Upon any consolidation of the Issuer with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other Person or
any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Issuer substantially as an
entirety in accordance with the Indenture, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or
into which the Issuer is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under the
Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer herein, and
thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all
obligations and covenants under the Indenture and the Securities.
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE.
Upon the Issuers exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any
Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Issuer shall be deemed to have been
discharged from its obligations, with respect to such Securities as provided in the relevant
Sections of the Indenture on and after the date the conditions set forth therein (hereinafter
called Defeasance). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have
satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and the Indenture insofar as such
Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper
instruments acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise
terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such Securities to receive,
solely from the trust fund described in the Indenture and as more fully set forth in such Section,
payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when
payments are due, (2) the Issuers obligations with respect to such Securities under certain
Sections of the Indenture, and (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee
under the Indenture.
COVENANT DEFEASANCE.
Upon the Issuers exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any
Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Issuer shall be released from
its obligations under certain provisions of the Indenture provided for the benefit of the Holders
of such Securities and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in the Indenture, and any such
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covenants provided pursuant to certain provisions of the Indenture shall be deemed not to be
or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in the
Indenture on and after the date the conditions set forth are satisfied (hereinafter called
Covenant Defeasance). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to
such Securities, the Issuer may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any
term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section of the Indenture, whether
directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere therein or in any other document, but
the remainder of the Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.
CONDITIONS TO DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.
(1) The Issuer shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or
another trustee which satisfies the requirements and agrees to comply with the relevant Section of
the Indenture applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following
payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the
Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which
through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their
terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount,
or (C) such other obligations or arrangements as may be specified with respect to such Securities,
or (D) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to
the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other
qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such
Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and
such Securities. As used herein, U.S. Government Obligation means (x) any security which is (i)
a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and
credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the
payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United
States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option
of the Issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section
3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is
specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such
depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S.
Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law)
such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of
such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(2) In the event of an election to have defeasance and discharge apply to any Securities or
any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by,
the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a
change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and
based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize
gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and
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Discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income
tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such
deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
(3) In the event of an election to have Covenant Defeasance apply to any Securities or any
series of Securities, as the case may be, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion
of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for
Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with
respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the
same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were
not to occur.
(4) The Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate to the effect that
neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any
securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.
(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of
Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified, at any time on
or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition
shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting
interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default
within the meaning of such Act).
(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by
which it is bound.
(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such
deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless
such trust shall be registered under the Investment Company Act or exempt from registration
thereunder.
(9) No event or condition shall exist that would prevent the Issuer from making payments of
the principal of (and any premium) or interest on the Securities of such series on the date of such
deposit or at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being
understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(10) The Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance have been complied with.
(11) The Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the
effect that (x) the trust funds deposited pursuant to this Section will not be subject to any
rights of any holders of indebtedness or equity of the Issuer, and (y) after
A-35
the 90th day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights
generally, except that if a court were to rule under any such law in any case or proceeding that
the trust funds remained property of the Issuer, no opinion is given as to the effect of such laws
on the trust funds except the following: (A) assuming such trust funds remained in the possession
of the trustee with whom such funds were deposited prior to such court ruling to the extent not
paid to Holders of such Securities, such trustee would hold, for the benefit of such Holders, a
valid and perfected security interest in such trust funds that is not avoidable in bankruptcy or
otherwise and (B) such Holders would be entitled to receive adequate protection of their interests
in such trust funds if such trust funds were used.
A-36
APPENDIX A-I
AUCTION PROCEDURES
|
(a) |
|
Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for a series of Senior Notes: |
|
(i) |
|
each Beneficial Owner of Senior Notes of such series may submit to its
Broker-Dealer information as to: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes, if any, of such series
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold
without regard to the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series for the next
succeeding Rate Period of such series; |
|
|
(B) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes, if any, of such series
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell if the
Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate Period
of Senior Notes of such series shall be less than the rate per annum specified by
such Beneficial Owner; and/or |
|
|
(C) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes, if any, of such series
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell without
regard to the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series for the next succeeding
Rate Period of Senior Notes of such series; and |
|
(ii) |
|
one or more Broker-Dealers, using lists of Potential Beneficial Owners, shall in
good faith for the purpose of conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially
reasonable manner, contact Potential Beneficial Owners (by telephone or otherwise),
including Persons that are not Beneficial Owners, on such lists to determine the
principal amount of Senior Notes, if any, of such series which each such Potential
Beneficial Owner offers to purchase if the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such
series for the next succeeding Rate Period of Senior Notes of such series shall not be
less than the rate per annum specified by such Potential Beneficial Owner. |
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner
to a Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, of information referred to in
clause (i) (A), (i) (B), (i) (C) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as an
Order and collectively as Orders and each Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial Owner
placing an Order with a Broker-Dealer, and such Broker-Dealer placing an Order with the Auction
Agent, is hereinafter referred to as a Bidder and collectively as Bidders; an Order containing
the information referred to in clause (i)(A) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a
Hold Order and collectively as Hold Orders; an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a Bid and collectively
as Bids; and an Order containing the information referred to in clause (i)(C) of this paragraph
(a) is hereinafter referred to as a Sell Order and collectively as Sell Orders.
|
(b) |
|
(i) Bid by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of Senior Notes of a series subject
to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series specified
in such Bid if the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series determined on such
Auction Date shall be less than the rate specified therein; |
|
|
(B) |
|
such principal amount or a lesser principal amount of Outstanding Senior
Notes of such series to be determined as set forth in clause (iv) of paragraph (a) of
Section 4 of this Appendix C if the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series
determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein; or |
|
|
(C) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series specified
in such Bid if the rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate for
Senior Notes of such series, or such principal amount or a lesser principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Notes of such series to be determined as set forth in clause (iii)
of paragraph |
A-I-1
|
(b) |
|
of Section 4 of this Appendix C if the rate specified therein shall be higher than
the Maximum Rate for Senior Notes of such series and Sufficient Clearing Bids for
Senior Notes of such series do not exist. |
|
(ii) |
|
A Sell Order by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of Senior Notes of a
series of Senior Notes subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series specified
in such Sell Order; or |
|
|
(B) |
|
such principal amount or a lesser principal amount of Outstanding Senior
Notes of such series as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of
this Appendix C if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Senior Notes of such series do not
exist; |
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a Broker-Dealer that is an Existing Holder with respect to a series of
Senior Notes shall not be liable to any Person for failing to sell such Senior Notes pursuant to a
Sell Order described in the proviso to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of this Appendix C if (1) such
Senior Notes were transferred by the Beneficial Owner thereof without compliance by such Beneficial
Owner or its transferee Broker-Dealer (or other transferee person, if permitted by the Issuer) with
the provisions of the Indenture or (2) such Broker-Dealer has informed the Auction Agent pursuant
to the terms of its Broker-Dealer Agreement that, according to such Broker-Dealers records, such
Broker-Dealer believes it is not the Existing Holder of such Senior Notes.
|
(iii) |
|
A Bid by a Potential Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner of Senior
Notes of a series subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to purchase: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series specified
in such Bid if the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series determined on such
Auction Date shall be higher than the rate specified therein; or |
|
|
(B) |
|
such principal amount or a lesser principal amount of Outstanding Senior
Notes of such series as set forth in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this
Appendix C if the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series determined on such
Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein. |
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
|
(a) |
|
Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission
Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders for Senior Notes of a series subject to an Auction
on such Auction Date obtained by such Broker-Dealer, designating itself (unless otherwise
permitted by the Issuer) as an Existing Holder in respect of Senior Notes subject to Orders
submitted or deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in
respect of Senior Notes subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners,
and shall specify with respect to each such Order: |
|
(i) |
|
the name of the Bidder placing such Order (which shall be the Broker-Dealer unless
otherwise permitted by the Issuer); |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes of such series that are the subject
of such Order; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder of Senior Notes of such
series: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of Senior Notes, if any, of such series subject to any
Hold Order of such Existing Holder; |
|
|
(B) |
|
the principal amount of Senior Notes, if any, of such series subject to any
Bid of such Existing Holder and the rate specified in such Bid; and |
|
|
(C) |
|
the principal amount of Senior Notes, if any, of such series subject to any
Sell Order of such Existing Holder; and |
|
(iv) |
|
to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder of Senior Notes of such series, the
rate and principal amount of Senior Notes of such series specified in such Potential
Holders Bid. |
A-I-2
|
(b) |
|
If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the
decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round such rate up to the next highest one thousandth
(.001) of 1%. (c) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of
a series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the
Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted by or
on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes
of such series held by such Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the
Auction Agent; provided, however, that if an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding
Senior Notes of such series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction
Agent prior to the Submission Deadline for an Auction relating to a Special Rate Period
consisting of more than 28 Rate Period Days, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to
have been submitted by or on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the principal amount of
outstanding Senior Notes of such series held by such Existing Holder and not subject to
Orders submitted to the Auction Agent. |
|
|
(d) |
|
If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder is submitted to the Auction Agent covering in
the aggregate more than the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of a series subject
to an Auction held by such Existing Holder, such Orders shall be considered valid in the
following order of priority: |
|
(i) |
|
all Hold Orders for Senior Notes of such series shall be considered valid, but only
up to and including in the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such
series held by such Existing Holder, and if the aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes of such series subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series held by such Existing Holder, the principal
amount of Senior Notes subject to each such Hold Order shall be reduced pro rata to cover
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series held by such Existing
Holder; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
(A) any Bid for Senior Notes of such series shall be considered valid up to and
including the excess of the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series
subject to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above; |
|
(B) |
|
subject to subclause (A), if more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for
Senior Notes of such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with the same rate and
the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series subject to
such Bids is greater than such excess, such Bids shall be considered valid up to and
including the amount of such excess, and the principal amount of Senior Notes of such
series subject to each Bid with the same rate shall be reduced pro rata to cover the
principal amount of Senior Notes of such series equal to such excess; |
|
(C) |
|
subject to subclauses (A) and (B), if more than one Bid of an Existing
Holder for Senior Notes of such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with
different rates, such Bids shall be considered valid in the ascending order of their
respective rates up to and including the amount of such excess; and |
|
(D) |
|
in any such event, the principal amount, if any, of such Outstanding Senior
Notes of such series subject to any portion of Bids considered not valid in whole or
in part under this clause (ii) shall be treated as the |
subject of a Bid for Senior Notes of such series by or on behalf of a Potential Holder at the rate
therein specified; and
|
(iii) |
|
all Sell Orders for Senior Notes of such series shall be considered valid up to
and including the excess of the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such
series held by such Existing Holder over the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes
of such series subject to valid Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above and valid
Bids referred to in clause (ii) above. |
|
(e) |
|
If more than one Bid for one or more Senior Note of a series is submitted to the Auction
Agent by or on behalf of any Potential Holder, each such Bid submitted shall be a separate
Bid with the rate and principal amount therein specified. |
|
(f) |
|
Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its
Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline
on any Auction Date, shall be irrevocable. |
A-I-3
3. |
|
Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate. |
|
(a) |
|
Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for a series of Senior
Notes, the Auction Agent shall assemble all valid Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it
by the Broker-Dealers in respect of Senior Notes of such series (each such Order as
submitted or deemed submitted by a Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually
as a Submitted Hold Order, a Submitted Bid or a Submitted Sell Order, as the case may
be, or as a Submitted Order and collectively as Submitted Hold Orders, Submitted Bids
or Submitted Sell Orders, as the case may be, or as Submitted Orders) and shall
determine for such series: |
|
(i) |
|
the excess of the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such
series over the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series subject to
Submitted Hold Orders (such excess being hereinafter referred to as the Available Senior
Notes of such series); (ii) from the Submitted Orders for Senior Notes of such
series whether: |
|
(A) |
|
the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series
subject to Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying one or more rates between
the Minimum Rate (for Standard Rate Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for
all Rate Periods) for Senior Notes of such series; |
exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
|
(B) |
|
the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series
subject to Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying one or more rates between
the Minimum Rate (for Standard Rate Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for
all Rate Periods) for Senior Notes of such series; and |
|
|
(C) |
|
the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series
subject to Submitted Sell Orders (in the event such excess or such equality exists
(other than because all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series are subject to
Submitted Hold Orders), such Submitted Bids in subclause (A) above being hereinafter
referred to collectively as Sufficient Clearing Bids for Senior Notes of such
series); and |
|
(iii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Senior Notes of such series exist, the lowest rate
specified in such Submitted Bids (the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series)
which if: |
|
(A) |
|
(I) each such Submitted Bid of Existing Holders specifying such lowest rate
and (II) all other such Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying lower rates
were rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the Senior
Notes of such series that are subject to such Submitted Bids; and |
|
|
(B) |
|
(I) each such Submitted Bid of Potential Holders specifying such lowest
rate and (II) all other such Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying lower
rates were accepted; |
would result in such Existing Holders described in subclause (A) above continuing to hold an
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series which, when added to the
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series to be purchased by such
Potential Holders described in subclause (B) above, would equal not less than the Available Senior
Notes of such series.
|
(b) |
|
Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this Section 3, the Auction Agent shall advise the Issuer of the Minimum Rate and Maximum
Rate for the series of Senior Notes for which an Auction is being held on the Auction Date
and, based on such determination, the Applicable Rate for Senior Notes of such series for
the next succeeding Rate Period thereof as follows: |
|
(i) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Senior Notes of such series exist, that the
Applicable Rate for all Senior Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate Period
thereof shall be equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series so
determined; |
A-I-4
|
(ii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Senior Notes of such series do not exist (other
than because all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders), that the Applicable Rate for all Senior Notes of such series for the next
succeeding Rate Period thereof shall be equal to the Maximum Rate for Senior Notes of
such series; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
if all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders, that the Applicable Rate for all Senior Notes of such series for the next
succeeding Rate Period thereof shall be All Hold Rate. |
4. |
|
Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of Senior
Notes. Existing Holders shall continue to hold the Senior Notes that are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders, and, based on the determinations made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3 of
this Appendix C, the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected by
the Auction Agent and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below: |
|
(a) |
|
If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of Senior Notes have been made, all Submitted
Sell Orders with respect to Senior Notes of such series shall be accepted and, subject to
the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 4, Submitted Bids with respect to
Senior Notes of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order
of priority and all other Submitted Bids with respect to Senior Notes of such series shall
be rejected: |
|
(i) |
|
Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series specifying any
rate that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series shall be
accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the Senior Notes subject to
such Submitted Bids; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series specifying any
rate that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series shall be
rejected, thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Senior Notes
subject to such Submitted Bids; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
Potential Holders Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series specifying any
rate that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series shall be
accepted; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for Senior Notes of such series specifying a
rate that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such series shall be
rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Senior Notes
subject to such Submitted Bid, unless the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding
Senior Notes subject to all such Submitted Bids shall be greater than the principal
amount of Senior Notes (remaining Senior Notes) in the excess of the Available Senior
Notes of such series over the principal amount of Senior Notes subject to Submitted Bids
described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (a), in which event such Submitted
Bid of such Existing Holder shall be rejected in part, and such Existing Holder shall be
entitled to continue to hold Senior Notes subject to such Submitted Bid, but only in an
amount equal to the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series obtained by
multiplying the remaining principal amount by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be
the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes held by such Existing Holder subject to
such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Senior Notes subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Existing
Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Senior Notes of such
series; and |
|
|
(v) |
|
each Potential Holders Submitted Bid for aggregate principal amount of such series
specifying a rate that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for aggregate principal amount of
such series shall be accepted but only in an amount equal to the principal amount of
Senior Notes of such series obtained by multiplying the principal amount of Senior Notes
in the excess of the Available Senior Notes f such series over the principal amount of
Senior Notes subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of this
paragraph (a) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Notes subject to such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall
be the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes subject to such Submitted
Bids made by all such Potential Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid
Rate for Senior Notes of such series. |
A-I-5
|
(b) |
|
If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of Senior Notes have not been made (other than
because all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders), subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 4,
Submitted Orders for Senior Notes of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in
the following order of priority and all other Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series
shall be rejected: |
|
(i) |
|
Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series specifying any
rate that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for Senior Notes of such series
shall be rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the Senior
Notes subject to such Submitted Bids; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Potential Holders Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series specifying any
rate that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for Senior Notes of such series
shall be accepted; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for Senior Notes of such series specifying
any rate that is higher than the Maximum Rate for Senior Notes of such series and the
Submitted Sell Orders for Senior Notes of such series of each Existing Holder shall be
accepted, thus entitling each Existing Holder that submitted or on whose behalf was
submitted any such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order to sell the Senior Notes of such
series subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order, but in both cases only in
an amount equal to the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series obtained by
multiplying the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series subject to Submitted Bids
described in clause (ii) of this paragraph (b) by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and the denominator
of which shall be the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such
series subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders. |
|
(c) |
|
If all of the Outstanding Senior Notes of a series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders,
all Submitted Bids for Senior Notes of such series shall be rejected. |
|
|
(d) |
|
If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (a) or
clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4, any Existing Holder would be entitled or
required to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase, less
than an Authorized Denomination of Senior Notes on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent
shall, in such manner as it shall determine in its sole discretion, round up or down the
principal amount of Senior Notes of such series to be purchased or sold by any Existing
Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date as a result of such procedures so that the
principal amount of Senior Notes so purchased or sold by each Existing Holder or Potential
Holder on such Auction Date shall be equal to an Authorized Denomination. |
|
|
(e) |
|
If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this
Section 4, any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than an
Authorized Denomination of Senior Notes on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in
such manner as it shall determine in its sole discretion, allocate Senior Notes of such
series or purchase among Potential Holders so that only Senior Notes of such series in
Authorized Denominations are purchased on such Auction Date as a result of such procedures
by any Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in one or more Potential Holders
not purchasing Senior Notes of such series on such Auction Date. |
|
|
(f) |
|
Based on the results of each Auction for a series of Senior Notes, the Auction Agent
shall determine the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes of such series to be
purchased and the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes of such series to be sold by
Potential Holders and Existing Holders and, with respect to each Potential Holder and
Existing Holder, to the extent that such aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes and such
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes to be sold differ, determine to which other
Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall deliver, or from which other Potential
Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall receive, as the case may be, Senior Notes of such
series. Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures
to the contrary, in the event an Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner of Senior Notes of a
series with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid to the Auction Agent for such
Senior Notes that was accepted in whole or in part, or submitted or is deemed to have
submitted a Sell Order for such Senior Notes that was accepted in whole or in part, fails to
instruct its Agent Member to deliver such Senior Notes against payment therefor, partial
deliveries of Senior Notes that have been made in respect of Potential Holders or Potential
Beneficial Owners Submitted |
A-I-6
|
|
|
Bids for Senior Notes of such series that have been accepted in
whole or in part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and Potential
Beneficial Owners. |
(g) Neither the Issuer nor the Auction Agent nor any affiliate of either shall have any
responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder, or a Potential
Holder to deliver Senior Notes of any series or to pay for Senior Notes of any series sold or
purchased pursuant to the Auction Procedures or otherwise.
A-I-7
APPENDIX B
FORM OF ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
KAYNE ANDERSON MLP INVESTMENT COMPANY
FORM OF ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
SERIES [ ] AUCTION RATE PREFERRED STOCK
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (the Company), a Maryland corporation, certifies to
the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: Under a power contained in Article V of the charter of the Company (the Charter),
the Board of Directors by duly adopted resolutions classified and designated [ ] shares of
authorized but unissued Common Stock (as defined in the Charter) as shares of Series [ ] Auction
Rate Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, liquidation preference $[ ] per share, with the
following preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, which, upon any restatement
of the Charter, shall become part of Article V of the Charter, with any necessary or appropriate
renumbering or relettering of the sections or subsections hereof.
SERIES [ ] AUCTION RATE PREFERRED STOCK
DESIGNATION
ARP
Shares: [ ] shares of Common Stock are reclassified and designated as Series [ ] Auction
Rate Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, liquidation preference $[ ] per share (ARP
Shares). The initial Dividend Period for the ARP Shares shall be the period from and including
the Original Issue Date thereof to and including [ ], [ ]. Each ARP Share shall have an Applicable
Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to [ ]% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date
of [ ], [ ]. Each ARP Share shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the
Charter applicable to shares of Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock), as are set forth in Part I and
Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares. The ARP Shares shall constitute a separate series of
Preferred Stock.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of Part I hereof, the Board of Directors of the
Company may, in the future, authorize the issuance of additional ARP Shares with the same
preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption and other terms herein
described, except that the initial Dividend Period, the Applicable Rate for the initial Dividend
Period and the initial Dividend Payment Date shall be as set forth in the Articles Supplementary
relating to such additional ARP Shares.
As used in Part I and Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares, capitalized terms shall have
the meanings provided in Section 17 of Part I.
PART I: ARP SHARES TERMS
1. Number of Shares; Ranking. (a) The initial number of authorized ARP Shares is [ ]
shares. No fractional ARP Shares shall be issued.
(b) Any ARP Shares which at any time have been redeemed or purchased by the Company shall, after
redemption or purchase, be returned to the status of authorized but unissued Preferred Stock,
without further designation as to series.
B-1
(c) The ARP Shares shall rank on a parity with shares of any other series of Preferred Stock
(including any other ARP Shares) as to the payment of dividends to which the shares are entitled
and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the
Company.
(d) No Holder of ARP Shares shall have, solely by reason of being a Holder, any preemptive right,
or, unless otherwise determined by the Directors, other right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for
any ARP Shares, shares of common stock of the Company (Common Stock) or other securities of the
Company which it may hereafter issue or sell.
(e) No Holder of ARP Shares shall be entitled to exercise the rights of an objecting stockholder
under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the MGCL) or any successor
provision.
2. Dividends. (a) The Holders of ARP Shares shall be entitled to receive cash dividends,
when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by the Company, out of funds
legally available therefor, at the rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate, determined as set
forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 2, and no more, payable on the respective dates determined
as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2. Dividends on Outstanding ARP Shares issued on the
Original Issue Date shall accumulate from the Original Issue Date.
(b) (i) Dividends shall be payable when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and
declared by the Company following the initial Dividend Payment Date, subject to subparagraph
(b)(ii) of this Section 2, on ARP Shares, with respect to any Dividend Period on the first Business
Day following the last day of the Dividend Period; provided, however, if the Dividend Period is
greater than 30 days, then on a monthly basis on the first Business Day of each month within the
Dividend Period and on the Business Day following the last day of the Dividend Period.
(ii) If a day for payment of dividends resulting from the application of subparagraph (b)(i)
above is not a Business Day, then the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first Business Day that
falls after such day for payment of dividends.
(iii) The Company shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time
(12:00 noon City of Los Angeles time), on the Business Day next preceding each Dividend Payment
Date for the ARP Shares, an aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in the
City of New York, New York, equal to the dividends to be paid to all Holders of such shares on such
Dividend Payment Date. The Company shall not be required to establish any reserves for the payment
of dividends.
(iv) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of dividends shall be held in trust
for the payment of such dividends by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders specified in
subparagraph (b)(v) of this Section 2. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent in accordance with the
foregoing but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of dividends, will, to the extent
permitted by law, be repaid to the Company at the end of 90 days from the date on which such moneys
were to have been so applied.
(v) Each dividend on ARP Shares shall be paid on the Dividend Payment Date therefor to the
Holders as their names appear on the stock ledger or stock records of the Company on the Business
Day next preceding such Dividend Payment Date. Dividends in arrears for any past Dividend Period
may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to
the Holders as their names appear on the stock ledger or stock records of the Company on such date,
not exceeding 15 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of
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Directors. No interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments which
may be in arrears.
(c) (i) The dividend rate on Outstanding ARP Shares during the period from and after the Original
Issue Date to and including the last day of the initial Dividend Period therefor shall be equal to
the rate per annum set forth under Designation above. For each subsequent Dividend Period with
respect to the ARP Shares Outstanding thereafter, the dividend rate shall be equal to the rate per
annum that results from an Auction; provided, however, that if Sufficient Clearing Bids have not
been made in an Auction (other than as a result of all ARP Shares being the subject of Submitted
Hold Orders), then the dividend rate on the ARP Shares for any such Dividend Period shall be the
Maximum Rate (except during a Default Period when the dividend rate shall be the Default Rate (as
set forth in Section 2(c) (ii) below)). If an Auction for any subsequent Dividend Period is not
held for any reason, including because there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer, then the
dividend rate on the ARP Shares for such Dividend Period shall be the Maximum Rate (except during a
Default Period when the dividend rate shall be the Default Rate (as set forth in Section 2(c)(ii)
below)).
The All Hold Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the
Outstanding ARP Shares are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per
annum at which dividends are payable on ARP Shares as determined pursuant to this Section 2(c)(i)
shall be the Applicable Rate.
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period will commence on any date the
Company fails to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 3:00
p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los Angeles time), (A) the full amount of any
declared dividend payable on the Dividend Payment Date (a Dividend Default) or (B) the full
amount of any redemption price (the Redemption Price) payable on the date fixed for redemption
(the Redemption Date) (a Redemption Default, and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter
referred to as Default). Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2(c)(iii) below, a Default
Period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on
which, by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los Angeles time), all unpaid
dividends and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in
same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of a Dividend Default, the Applicable Rate for
each Dividend Period commencing during a Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each
subsequent Dividend Period commencing after the beginning of a Default Period shall be a Standard
Dividend Period; provided, however, that the commencement of a Default Period will not by itself
cause the commencement of a new Dividend Period. No Auction shall be held during a Default Period.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default shall be
deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due (if such default is
not solely due to the willful failure of the Company) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in
same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los
Angeles time) within three Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption
Date, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment
based on the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 360.
(iv) The amount of dividends per share payable (if declared) on each Dividend Payment Date of
each Dividend Period (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with a redemption
during such Dividend Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate (or the Default
Rate) for such Dividend Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction, the numerator of which will be
the number of days in such Dividend Period (or portion thereof) that such share was Outstanding and
for which the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate was applicable and the denominator of which will
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be 360, multiplying the amount so obtained by the liquidation preference per share, and
rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent.
(d) Any dividend payment made on ARP Shares shall first be credited against the earliest
accumulated but unpaid dividends due with respect to such Shares.
(e) For so long as the ARP Shares are Outstanding, except as contemplated by Part I of these terms
of the ARP Shares, the Company will not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or other
distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of, or options, warrants or
rights to subscribe for or purchase, Common Stock or other shares of capital stock, if any, ranking
junior to the ARP Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation) with respect to Common Stock or any
other shares of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the ARP Shares as to dividends or
upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration
any Common Stock or any other such junior shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares
of the Company ranking junior to the ARP Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) or any such
parity shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Company ranking junior to or
on a parity with the ARP Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless (1) there is no event
of default under any senior notes of the Company, commercial paper or other borrowings
(collectively Borrowings) that is continuing; (2) immediately after such transaction, the Company
would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount and the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage would be achieved, (3)
immediately after the transaction, the Company would have eligible portfolio holdings with an
aggregated discounted value at least equal to the asset coverage requirements, if any, under any
Borrowings, (4) full cumulative dividends on the ARP Shares due on or prior to the date of the
transaction have been declared and paid and (5) the Company has redeemed the full number of ARP
Shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained in Section
3(a)(ii).
3. Redemption. (a) (i) After the initial Dividend Period, subject to the provisions of
this Section 3 and to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, the Company may, at
its option, redeem in whole or in part out of funds legally available therefor ARP Shares herein
designated as (A) having a Dividend Period of one year or less, on the Business Day after the last
day of such Dividend Period by delivering a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent not less than
15 calendar days and not more than 40 calendar days prior to the date fixed for such redemption, at
a redemption price per share equal to $[ ], plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid
dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption (Redemption
Price), or (B) having a Dividend Period of more than one year, on any Business Day prior to the
end of the relevant Dividend Period by delivering a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent not
less than 15 calendar days and not more than 40 calendar days prior to the date fixed for such
redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any, determined solely by the
Board of Directors and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions at the time of
the designation of such Dividend Period as set forth in Section 4 of these terms of the ARP Shares;
provided, however, that during a Dividend Period of more than one year no ARP Shares will be
subject to optional redemption except in accordance with any Specific Redemption Provisions
approved by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers at the time of the
designation of such Dividend Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not give a
notice of or effect any redemption pursuant to this Section 3(a)(i) unless, on the date on which
the Company intends to give such notice and on the date of redemption (1) the Company has available
certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding the
applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount (including any applicable
premium) due to Holders of ARP Shares by reason of the redemption of such ARP Shares on such date
fixed for the redemption and (2) the Company would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount immediately subsequent
to such redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date, it being understood that the
provisions of paragraph (d) of this
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Section 3 shall be applicable in such circumstances in the event the Company makes the deposit and
takes the other action required thereby.
(ii) If the Company fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or, as of the
last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage, and such failure is not
cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation Date in the case of a failure to maintain
the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or on the last Business Day of the following month in the
case of a failure to maintain the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage (each an Asset Coverage Cure
Date), the ARP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available
therefor. The number of ARP Shares to be redeemed in such circumstances will be equal to the
lesser of (1) the minimum number of ARP Shares the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred
immediately prior to the opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result
in the Company having Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP
Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, or sufficient to satisfy the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage,
as the case may be, in either case as of the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if
there is no such minimum number of shares the redemption of which would have such result, all ARP
Shares then Outstanding will be redeemed), and (2) the maximum number of ARP Shares that can be
redeemed out of funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory Redemption Date at the
Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in subparagraph (a)(iii) of this Section 3.
(iii) In determining the ARP Shares required to be redeemed in accordance with the foregoing
Section 3(a)(ii), the Company shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed to
satisfy the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage, as the
case may be, pro rata among the Holders of ARP Shares in proportion to the number of shares they
hold by lot or by such other method as the Company shall deem fair and equitable, subject to any
mandatory redemption provisions, subject to the further provisions of this subparagraph (iii). The
Company shall effect any required mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) of this
Section 3 no later than 40 calendar days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date (the Mandatory
Redemption Date), except that if the Company does not have funds legally available for the
redemption of, or is not otherwise legally permitted to redeem, the number of ARP Shares which
would be required to be redeemed by the Company under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) of this
Section 3 if sufficient funds were available, together with shares of other Preferred Stock which
are subject to mandatory redemption under provisions similar to those contained in this Section 3,
or the Company otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such Mandatory
Redemption Date, the Company shall redeem those ARP Shares, and shares of other Preferred Stock
which it was unable to redeem, on the earliest practicable date on which the Company will have such
funds available, upon notice pursuant to Section 3(b) to record owners of the ARP Shares to be
redeemed and the Paying Agent. The Company will deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to
redeem the specified number of ARP Shares with respect to a redemption required under subparagraph
(a)(ii) of this Section 3, by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los Angeles time),
on the Mandatory Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the Outstanding ARP Shares are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 3(a)(iii), the number of shares to be redeemed shall be redeemed
pro rata from the Holders of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such
Holders, by lot or by such other method as the Company shall deem fair and equitable, subject,
however, to the terms of any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions. Mandatory Redemption
Price means the Redemption Price plus (in the case of a Dividend Period of one year or more only)
a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 3(a), the Company will file a notice of its
intention to redeem with the Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice required under
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Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision. In addition, the Company shall deliver a
notice of redemption to the Auction Agent (the Notice of Redemption) containing the information
set forth below (1) in the case of an optional redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(i) above,
one Business Day prior to the giving of notice to the Holders, and (2) in the case of a mandatory
redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above, on or prior to the 30th day preceding the
Mandatory Redemption Date. The Auction Agent will use its reasonable efforts to provide notice to
each Holder of ARP Shares called for redemption by electronic or other reasonable means not later
than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Auction
Agent determines the shares to be redeemed (or, during a Default Period with respect to such
shares, not later than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the day on
which the Auction Agent receives Notice of Redemption from the Company). The Auction Agent shall
confirm such notice in writing not later than the close of business on the third Business Day
preceding the date fixed for redemption by providing the Notice of Redemption to each Holder of
shares called for redemption, the Paying Agent (if different from the Auction Agent) and the
Securities Depository. Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of ARP
Shares at their addresses appearing on the share records of the Company. Such Notice of Redemption
will set forth (1) the date fixed for redemption, (2) the number and identity of ARP Shares to be
redeemed, (3) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated dividends to be included
therein and the amount of the redemption premium, if any), (4) that dividends on the shares to be
redeemed will cease to accumulate on such date fixed for redemption, and (5) the provision under
which redemption shall be made. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or
mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by
applicable law. If fewer than all shares held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of
Redemption mailed to such Holder shall also specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such
Holder.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 3, but subject to Section 7(f)
of Part I hereof, no ARP Shares may be redeemed unless all dividends in arrears on the Outstanding
ARP Shares and all shares of capital stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the ARP Shares
with respect to payment of dividends or upon liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously
paid or set aside for payment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase
or acquisition of all Outstanding ARP Shares pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise
lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all
Outstanding ARP Shares.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds on the date fixed for redemption sufficient to redeem ARP Shares with
the Paying Agent and the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Auction Agent under paragraph
(b) of this Section 3, dividends on such shares shall cease to accumulate and such shares shall no
longer be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation, for purposes of
calculating whether the Company has maintained the requisite ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or
the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage), and all rights of the Holder of the shares so called for
redemption shall cease and terminate, except the right of such Holder to receive the redemption
price specified herein, but without any interest or other additional amount. Such redemption price
shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the nominee of the Securities Depository. Upon written
request, the Company shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent, promptly after the date
fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of (1) the aggregate
redemption price of the ARP Shares called for redemption on such date and (2) such other amounts,
if any, to which Holders of ARP Shares called for redemption may be entitled. Any funds so
deposited that are unclaimed at the end of two years from such redemption date shall, to the extent
permitted by law, be paid to the Company upon its written request, after which time the Holders of
ARP Shares so called for redemption may look only to the Company for payment of the redemption
price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be entitled.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which a Notice of Redemption has been given is not made
by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such
redemption
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shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available or such
redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem ARP Shares shall be deemed to
exist at any time after the date specified for redemption in a Notice of Redemption when the
Company shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit in trust with the Paying Agent the
redemption price with respect to any shares for which such Notice of Redemption has been given.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Company may not have redeemed ARP Shares for which a Notice of
Redemption has been given, dividends may be declared and paid on ARP Shares and shall include those
ARP Shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given but for which deposit of funds has not
been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of ARP Shares called
for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the benefit of Holders of shares so
to be redeemed.
(g) So long as any ARP Shares are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the
redemption price for such shares will be paid on the date fixed for redemption to the nominee of
the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for distribution to the persons for
whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in these terms of the ARP Shares
limits any right of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire any ARP Shares outside of an
Auction at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with
an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no
arrearage in the payment of dividends on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with
respect to, any ARP Shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Company is in
compliance with the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount after giving effect to
such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. If fewer than all the Outstanding ARP Shares are
redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Company, the Company shall give notice of such transaction to
the Auction Agent, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
(i) In the case of any redemption pursuant to this Section 3, only whole ARP Shares shall be
redeemed, and in the event that any provision of the Charter would require redemption of a
fractional share, the Auction Agent shall be authorized to round up so that only whole shares are
redeemed.
(j) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, including, without limitation, Sections 2(e),
6(f) and 11 of Part I hereof, the Board of Directors may authorize, create or issue any class or
series of shares of capital stock, including other series of ARP Shares, ranking prior to or on a
parity with the ARP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, to the extent permitted
by the 1940 Act, as amended, if, upon issuance, the Company would meet the 1940 Act ARP Shares
Asset Coverage, the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the requirements of Section 11 of Part
I hereof.
4. Designation of Dividend Period. (a) The initial Dividend Period for the ARP Shares is
as set forth under Designation above. The Company will designate the duration of subsequent
Dividend Periods of ARP Shares; provided, however, that no such designation is necessary for a
Standard Dividend Period and, provided further, that any designation of a Special Dividend Period
shall be effective only if (1) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein, (2) any
failure to pay in a timely manner to the Auction Agent the full amount of any dividend on, or the
redemption price of, ARP Shares shall have been cured as provided above, (3) Sufficient Clearing
Bids shall have existed in an Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day
of such proposed Special Dividend Period, (4) if the Company shall have mailed a Notice of
Redemption with respect to any shares, the redemption price with
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respect to such shares shall have been deposited with the Paying Agent, and (5) in the case of the
designation of a Special Dividend Period, the Company has confirmed that as of the Auction Date
next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period, it has Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, and the
Company has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice of such designation and a ARP
Shares Basic Maintenance Report to Moodys (if Moodys is then rating the ARP Shares), Fitch (if
Fitch is then rating the ARP Shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the ARP
Shares and so requires.
(b) If the Company proposes to designate any Special Dividend Period, not fewer than seven (or two
Business Days in the event the duration of the Dividend Period prior to such Special Dividend
Period is fewer than eight days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such
Special Dividend Period, notice shall be (1) made by press release and (2) communicated by the
Company by telephonic or other means to the Auction Agent and confirmed in writing promptly
thereafter. Each such notice shall state (A) that the Company proposes to exercise its option to
designate a succeeding Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B)
that the Company will by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los Angeles time), on
the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period, notify the
Auction Agent, who will promptly notify the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination,
subject to certain conditions, to proceed with such Special Dividend Period, subject to the terms
of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y) its determination not to proceed with such Special
Dividend Period, in which latter event the succeeding Dividend Period shall be a Standard Dividend
Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00 noon, City of Los Angeles time), on the
second Business Day next preceding the first day of any proposed Special Dividend Period, the
Company shall deliver to the Auction Agent, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and
Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Company has determined to designate the next succeeding
Dividend Period as a Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B)
the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Company has determined not to exercise its option to designate
a Special Dividend Period.
If the Company fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any
proposed Special Dividend Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation
provided in clause (5) of paragraph (a) of this Section 4 by 3:00 p.m., New York City time (12:00
noon, City of Los Angeles time), on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such
proposed Special Dividend Period, the Company shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the
Auction Agent with respect to such Dividend Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii) above,
thereby resulting in a Standard Dividend Period.
5. Restrictions on Transfer. ARP Shares may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an order
placed in an Auction, (b) to or through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Company or any Affiliate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be effective
unless the selling Existing Holder or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the case of an
Existing Holder whose shares are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction Agent, or the
Broker-Dealer or Agent Member of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer between persons
holding ARP Shares through different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of such transfer.
The certificate representing the ARP Shares issued to the Securities Depository will bear legends
with respect to the restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions will be issued to
the Transfer Agent and/or Registrar.
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6. Voting Rights. (a) Except for matters which do not require the vote of holders of
Shares of preferred stock under the 1940 Act and except as otherwise provided in the Charter or
Bylaws, herein or as otherwise required by applicable law, (1) each holder of ARP Shares shall be
entitled to one vote for each ARP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of
the Company, and (2) the holders of Outstanding Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, and
Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders;
provided, however, that the holders of Outstanding Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, shall
be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of shares of all other classes of stock of
the Company, to elect two Directors of the Company. The identity and class (if the Board of
Directors is then classified) of the nominees for such Directors may be fixed by the Board of
Directors. Subject to paragraph (b) of this Section 6, the holders of outstanding Common Stock and
Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, voting together as a single class, shall elect the
balance of the Directors.
(b) During any period in which any one or more of the conditions described below shall exist (such
period being referred to herein as a Voting Period), the number of Directors constituting the
Board of Directors shall automatically increase by the smallest number that, when added to the two
Directors elected exclusively by the holders of Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, would
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors as so increased by such smallest number; and the
holders of Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, shall be entitled, voting as a class on a
one-vote-per-share basis (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of
shares of the Company), to elect such smallest number of additional Directors, together with the
two Directors that such holders are in any event entitled to elect. A Voting Period shall
commence:
(i) if at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date accumulated dividends (whether or
not earned or declared) on Preferred Stock equal to at least two full years dividends shall be due
and unpaid; or
(ii) if at any time holders of any Preferred Stock are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a
majority of the Directors of the Company.
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this paragraph (b) of
Section 6 shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting rights in the
holders of Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, upon the further occurrence of any of the
events described in this paragraph (b) of Section 6.
(c) As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the holders of Preferred Stock,
including the ARP Shares, to elect additional Directors as described in paragraph (b) of this
Section 6, the Company shall notify the Auction Agent, and the Auction Agent shall instruct the
Directors to call a special meeting of such holders, and mail a notice of such special meeting to
such holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more than 30 calendar days after the
date of mailing of such notice. If the Company fails to send such notice to the Auction Agent or
if a special meeting is not called, it may be called by any such holder on like notice. The record
date for determining the holders entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be
the close of business on the fifth Business Day preceding the day on which such notice is mailed.
At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of Preferred Stock, including the ARP
Shares, held during a Voting Period at which Directors are to be elected, such holders, voting
together as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of capital
stock of the Company), shall be entitled to elect the number of Directors prescribed in paragraph
(b) of this Section 6 on a one-vote-per-share basis.
(d) The terms of office of all persons who are Directors of the Company at the time of a special
meeting of holders of the ARP Shares and holders of other Preferred Stock to elect Directors shall
B-9
continue, notwithstanding the election at such meeting by the holders and such other holders of the
number of Directors that they are entitled to elect, and the persons so elected by such holders,
together with the two incumbent Directors elected by such holders and the remaining incumbent
Directors, shall constitute the duly elected Directors of the Company.
(e) Simultaneously with the termination of a Voting Period, the terms of office of the additional
Directors elected by the holders of the ARP Shares and holders of other Preferred Stock pursuant to
paragraph (b) of this Section 6 shall terminate, the number of Directors constituting the Board of
Directors shall decrease accordingly, the remaining Directors shall constitute the Directors of the
Company and the voting rights of such holders to elect additional Directors pursuant to paragraph
(b) of this Section 6 shall cease, subject to the provisions of the last sentence of paragraph (b)
of this Section 6.
(f) So long as any of the shares of Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, are Outstanding, the
Company will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Preferred Stock determined with reference to a majority of outstanding voting securities as that
term is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act (a 1940 Act Majority), voting as a separate
class:
(i) amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers of such class of Preferred
Stock so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers as defined in
Section 6(h) below;
(ii) create, authorize or issue shares of any class of shares of stock ranking senior to or on
a parity with the Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of
assets, or any securities convertible into, or warrants, options or similar rights to purchase,
acquire or receive, such shares of capital stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the
Preferred Stock or reclassify any authorized shares of capital stock of the Company into any shares
ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock (except that, notwithstanding the
foregoing, but subject to the provisions of either Section 3(j) or 11, as applicable, the Board of
Directors, without the vote or consent of the holders of the Preferred Stock, including the ARP
Shares, may from time to time authorize, create and classify, and the Company may from time to time
issue, shares or series of Preferred Stock, including other series of ARP Shares, ranking on a
parity with the ARP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets
upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up to the affairs of the Company, and may authorize,
reclassify and/or issue any additional ARP Shares, including shares previously purchased or
redeemed by the Company, subject to continuing compliance by the Company with 1940 Act ARP Shares
Asset Coverage and ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount requirements);
(iii) institute any proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or consent to the
institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or file a petition seeking or
consenting to reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to
bankruptcy or insolvency, or consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Company or a substantial part of its
property, or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or, except as may be required by
applicable law, admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or
take any corporate action in furtherance of any such action;
(iv) create, incur or suffer to exist, or agree to create, incur or suffer to exist, or
consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) the
creation, incurrence or existence of any material lien, mortgage, pledge, charge, security
interest, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or other material encumbrance of
any kind upon any of the Companys assets as a whole, except (A) liens the validity of which are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) liens for taxes that are not then due
and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty, (C) liens, pledges, charges, security
interests, security agreements or other encumbrances
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arising in connection with any indebtedness senior to the ARP Shares or arising in connection
with any futures contracts or options thereon, interest rate swap or cap transactions, forward rate
transactions, put or call options, short sales of securities or other similar transactions; (D)
liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances arising in
connection with any indebtedness permitted under clause (v) below and (E) liens to secure payment
for services rendered including, without limitation, services rendered by the Companys custodian
and the Auction Agent; or
(v) create, authorize, issue, incur or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money or
any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness for borrowed money or any direct or indirect
guarantee of such indebtedness, except the Company may borrow and issue senior securities as may be
permitted by the Companys investment restrictions; provided, however, that transfers of assets by
the Company subject to an obligation to repurchase shall not be deemed to be indebtedness for
purposes of this provision to the extent that after any such transaction the Company has Eligible
Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
(g) The affirmative vote of the holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the Outstanding Preferred Stock,
including the ARP Shares, voting as a separate class, shall be required to approve any plan of
reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or any action
requiring a vote of security holders of the Company under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act.
(h) The affirmative vote of the holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the Outstanding shares of any
series of Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, voting separately from any other series, shall
be required with respect to any matter that materially and adversely affects the rights,
preferences, or powers of that series in a manner different from that of other series of classes of
the Companys shares of capital stock. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to
adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any
preferential right of such series; (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of
redemption of such series; or (iii) creates or alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on
transfer applicable to such series. The vote of holders of any shares described in this Section
6(h) will in each case be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of Common
Stock and/or Preferred Stock, if any, necessary to authorize the action in question.
(i) The rights of the ARP Shares or the Holders thereof, including, without limitation, the
interpretation or applicability of any or all covenants or other obligations of the Company
contained herein or of the definitions of the terms contained herein, all such covenants,
obligations and definitions having been adopted pursuant to Rating Agency Guidelines, may from time
to time be modified, altered or repealed by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, based on
a determination by the Board of Directors that such action is necessary or appropriate in
connection with obtaining or maintaining the rating of any Rating Agency with respect to the ARP
Shares or revising the Companys investment restrictions or policies consistent with guidelines of
any Rating Agency, and any such modification, alteration or repeal will not be deemed to affect the
preferences, rights or powers of ARP Shares or the Holders thereof, provided that the Board of
Directors receives written confirmation from each relevant Rating Agency (with such confirmation in
no event being required to be obtained from a particular Rating Agency with respect to definitions
or other provisions relevant only to and adopted in connection with another Rating Agencys rating
of the ARP Shares) that any such modification, alteration or repeal would not adversely affect the
rating then assigned by such Rating Agency.
The terms of the ARP Shares are subject to the Rating Agency Guidelines, as reflected in a
written document and as amended from time to time by the respective Rating Agency, for so long as
the ARP Shares are then rated by the applicable Rating Agency. Such Rating Agency Guidelines may
be amended by the respective Rating Agency without the vote, consent or approval of the Company,
the
B-11
Board of Directors and any holder of shares of Preferred Stock, including any series of ARP
Shares, or any other stockholder of the Company.
In addition, subject to compliance with applicable law, the Board of Directors may modify the
definition of Maximum Rate to increase the percentage amount by which the Reference Rate is
multiplied to determine the Maximum Rate shown therein without the vote or consent of the holders
of the Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, or any other stockholder of the Company, and
without receiving any confirmation from any rating agency after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Company would be in
compliance with the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(j) Unless otherwise required by law, Holders of ARP Shares shall not have any relative rights or
preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth herein. The Holders of
ARP Shares shall have no rights to cumulative voting. If the Company fails to pay any dividends on
the ARP Shares, the exclusive remedy of the Holders shall be the right to vote for Directors
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.
(k) The foregoing voting provisions will not apply with respect to the ARP Shares if, at or prior
to the time when a vote is required, such shares have been (i) redeemed or (ii) called for
redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
7. Liquidation Rights. (a) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs
of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of ARP Shares then outstanding,
together with holders of shares of any class of shares ranking on a parity with the ARP Shares upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the
assets of the Company (or the proceeds thereof) available for distribution to its stockholders
after satisfaction of claims of creditors of the Company an amount equal to the liquidation
preference with respect to such shares. The liquidation preference for ARP Shares shall be $[ ]
per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated dividends thereon (whether or not earned or
declared but without interest) to the date payment of such distribution is made in full or a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart with the Paying Agent. No redemption premium shall
be paid upon any liquidation even if such redemption premium would be paid upon optional or
mandatory redemption of the relevant shares. In determining whether a distribution (other than
upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or otherwise, is permitted
under the MGCL, amounts that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the time of
distribution, to satisfy the liquidation preference of the ARP Shares will not be added to the
Companys total liabilities.
(b) If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Company available for distribution among the holders of
all outstanding Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, shall be insufficient to permit the
payment in full to holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then the available assets
shall be distributed among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Stock, including the ARP
Shares, ratably in any distribution of assets according to the respective amounts which would be
payable on all the shares if all amounts thereon were paid in full.
(c) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, until payment in full is made to the holders of ARP Shares of the
liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, (1) no dividend or other distribution shall be
made to the holders of Common Stock or any other class of shares of capital stock of the Company
ranking junior to ARP Shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up and (2) no purchase,
redemption or other acquisition for any consideration by the Company shall be made in respect of
the Common Stock or any other class of shares
B-12
of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to ARP Shares upon dissolution, liquidation or
winding up.
(d) A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Company with or into any other trust or
company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in
consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another trust or company shall not be deemed
to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes
of this Section 7.
(e) After the payment to the holders of Preferred Stock, including ARP Shares, of the full
preferential amounts provided for in this Section 7, the holders of Preferred Stock, including ARP
Shares, as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.
(f) If the assets of the Company or proceeds thereof available for distribution to the Holders of
ARP Shares, upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders
are entitled pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7, no such distribution shall be made on
account of any shares of any other class or series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with ARP
Shares unless proportionate distributive amounts shall be paid on account of the ARP Shares,
ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts to which holders of all such parity shares
are entitled upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(g) Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series or class or classes of stock
ranking on a parity with ARP Shares with respect to the distribution of assets upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, after payment shall have been made in full
to the holders of the ARP Shares as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 7, but not prior
thereto, any other series or class or classes of stock ranking junior to ARP Shares with respect to
the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the
Company shall, subject to any respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be
entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the
ARP Shares shall not be entitled to share therein.
8. Auction Agent. For so long as any ARP Shares are Outstanding, the Auction Agent, duly
appointed by the Company to so act, shall be in each case a commercial bank, trust company or other
financial institution independent of the Company and its Affiliates (which, however, may engage or
have engaged in business transactions with the Company or its Affiliates) and at no time shall the
Company or any of its Affiliates act as the Auction Agent in connection with the Auction
Procedures. If the Auction Agent resigns or for any reason its appointment is terminated during
any period that any ARP Shares are outstanding, the Company shall use its best efforts promptly
thereafter to appoint another qualified commercial bank, trust company or financial institution to
act as the Auction Agent.
9. 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage. The Company shall maintain, as of the last Business
Day of each month in which any shares of the ARP Shares are Outstanding, asset coverage with
respect to the ARP Shares which is equal to or greater than the 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage;
provided, however, that Section 3(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy if the Company fails to do so.
10. ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. So long as the ARP Shares are Outstanding and
Moodys, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating the shares of the ARP
Shares, the Company shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Moodys Eligible Assets (if Moodys
is then rating the ARP Shares), Fitch Eligible Assets (if Fitch is then rating the ARP Shares) and
(if applicable) Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets having an aggregate Discounted Value equal to
or
B-13
greater than the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount; provided, however, that Section 3(a)(ii)
shall be the sole remedy in the event the Company fails to do so.
11. Certain Other Restrictions. For so long as any ARP Shares are Outstanding and any
Rating Agency is then rating such shares, the Company will not, unless it has received written
confirmation from each such rating agency that any such action would not impair the rating then
assigned by such Rating Agency to such shares, engage in certain proscribed transactions set forth
in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
12. Compliance Procedures for Asset Maintenance Tests. For so long as any ARP Shares are
Outstanding and Moodys, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating such
shares, the Company shall deliver to each rating agency which is then rating ARP Shares and any
other party specified in the Rating Agency Guidelines all certificates that are set forth in the
respective Rating Agency Guidelines regarding 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage, ARP Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount and/or related calculations at such times and containing such information as set
forth in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines.
13. Notice. All notices or communications hereunder, unless otherwise specified in these
terms of the ARP Shares, shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person, by
telecopier, by electronic means or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notices delivered
pursuant to this Section 13 shall be deemed given on the earlier of the date received or the date
five days after which such notice is mailed, except as otherwise provided in these terms of the ARP
Shares or by the MGCL for notices of Stockholders meetings.
14. Waiver. To the extent permitted by Maryland law, holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the
Outstanding Preferred Stock, including the ARP Shares, acting collectively or voting separately
from any other series, may by affirmative vote waive any provision hereof intended for their
respective benefit in accordance with such procedures as may from time to time be established by
the Board of Directors.
15. Termination. If no ARP Shares are outstanding, all rights and preferences of such
shares established and designated hereunder shall cease and terminate, and all obligations of the
Company under these terms of the ARP Shares, shall terminate.
16. Facts Ascertainable Outside Charter. Subject to the provisions of these terms of the
ARP Shares, the Board of Directors may, by resolution duly adopted, without stockholder approval
(except as otherwise provided by these terms of the ARP Shares or required by applicable law),
modify these terms of the ARP Shares to reflect any modification hereto which the Board of
Directors is entitled to adopt pursuant to the terms of Section 6(i) hereof or otherwise without
stockholder approval. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Directors may
interpret, modify or adjust the provisions of these terms of the ARP Shares to resolve any
inconsistency or ambiguity or to remedy any defect.
17. Definitions. As used in Part I and Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (with terms defined in the singular having
comparable meanings when used in the plural and vice versa), unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate on any date means (i) the interest equivalent of the
30-day rate, in the case of a Dividend Period which is a Standard Dividend Period or shorter, or
the 180-day rate, in the case of all other Dividend Periods on commercial paper on behalf of
issuers whose corporate bonds are rated AA by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by another
nationally recognized rating agency, as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the
close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date; or (ii) if the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York does not
B-14
make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average of the interest equivalent of such rates on
commercial paper placed on behalf of such issuers, as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by
the Commercial Paper Dealers to the Auction Agent for the close of business on the Business Day
immediately preceding such date (rounded to the next highest .001 of 1%). If any Commercial Paper
Dealer does not quote a rate required to determine the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, such
rate shall be determined on the basis of the quotations (or quotation) furnished by the remaining
Commercial Paper Dealers (or Dealer), if any, or, if there are no such Commercial Paper Dealers, by
a nationally recognized dealer in commercial paper of such issuers then making such quotations
selected by the Company. For purposes of this definition, (A) Commercial Paper Dealers shall
mean (1) Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and Goldman Sachs & Co.; (2) in lieu of any thereof, its respective affiliate or
successor; and (3) if any of the foregoing shall cease to quote rates for commercial paper of
issuers of the sort described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally recognized dealer in
commercial paper of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the Company, and (B)
interest equivalent of a rate stated on a discount basis for commercial paper of a given number
of days maturity shall mean a number equal to the quotient (rounded upward to the next higher
one-thousandth of 1%) of (1) such rate expressed as a decimal, divided by (2) the difference
between (x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the product of such rate
expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which such commercial paper shall
mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
(b) Affiliate means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the
Company; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with
the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled
by, in control of or under common control with such corporation, one of the directors, directors or
executive officers of which also is a Director of the Company be deemed to be an Affiliate solely
because such Director, director or executive officer also is a Director of the Company.
(c) Agent Member means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act on
behalf of a Bidder.
(d) All Hold Rate means 80% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
(e) Applicable Percentage means the percentage associated with the lower of the credit ratings
assigned to the ARP Shares by Moodys or Fitch, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
Fitch |
|
Applicable |
Credit Rating |
|
Credit Rating |
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
% |
(f) Applicable Rate means, with respect to the ARP Shares for each Dividend Period (i) if
Sufficient Clearing Bids exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Winning Bid Rate, (ii) if
Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Maximum Rate, (iii)
in the case where all the ARP Shares are the subject of Hold Orders for the Auction in respect
thereof, the All Hold Rate, and (iv) if an Auction is not held for any reason (including the
circumstance where there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer), the Maximum Rate.
(g) Asset Coverage Cure Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(ii).
B-15
(h) Auction means each periodic operation of the procedures set forth under Auction Procedures.
(i) Auction Agent means The Bank of New York unless and until another commercial bank, trust
company, or other financial institution appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters
into an agreement with the Company to follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining
the Applicable Rate.
(j) Auction Date means the first Business Day immediately preceding the first day of a Dividend
Period.
(k) Auction Procedures means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Part II hereof.
(l) Beneficial Owner, with respect to ARP Shares, means a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is
listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer as a holder of shares of the series.
(m) Bid shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of these terms
of the ARP Shares.
(n) Bidder shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of these
terms of the ARP Shares; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof
shall be permitted to be a Bidder in an Auction, except that any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate
of the Company may be a Bidder in an Auction, but only if the Orders placed by such Broker-Dealer
are not for its own account.
(o) Board of Directors or Board means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly
authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
(p) Broker-Dealer means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by law to
perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been selected
by the Company and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement that remains effective.
(q) Broker-Dealer Agreement means an agreement among the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer,
pursuant to which the Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
(r) Business Day means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which
is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law to close.
(s) Commercial Paper Dealers has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate.
(t) Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(u) Common Stock means the shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company.
(v) Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(w) Default Period has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(x) Default Rate means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
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(y) Deposit Securities means cash and any obligations or securities, including Short-Term Money
Market Instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least AAA, A-1 or SP-1 by S&P, except that,
for purposes of section 3(a)(i) of this Part I, such obligations or securities shall be considered
Deposit Securities only if they are also rated at least P-2 by Moodys.
(z) Discounted Value has the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
(aa) Dividend Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(bb) Dividend Payment Date with respect to the ARP Shares means any date on which dividends are
payable pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Part I.
(cc) Dividend Period means, with respect to the ARP Shares, the period commencing on the Original
Issue Date thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Original Issue Date
thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day following each Dividend
Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Company.
(dd) Eligible Assets means Fitchs Eligible Assets or Moodys Eligible Assets (if Moodys or
Fitch are then rating the ARP Shares) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets (if any Other
Rating Agency is then rating the ARP Shares), whichever is applicable.
(ee) Existing Holder, with respect to shares of a series of ARP Shares, shall mean a
Broker-Dealer that is listed on the records of the Auction Agent as a holder of shares of such
series.
(ff) Fitch means Fitch Ratings and its successors at law.
(gg) Fitch Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Fitch Guidelines for use
in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with Fitchs ratings of
ARP Shares.
(hh) Fitchs Eligible Assets means assets of the Company set forth in the Fitchs Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection
with Fitchs ratings of ARP Shares.
(ii) Fitch Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Fitch, as may be amended from time to time,
in connection with Fitchs ratings of ARP Shares.
(jj) Holder means, with respect to ARP Shares, the registered holder of ARP Shares as the same
appears on the stock ledger or stock records of the Company.
(kk) Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of
these terms of the ARP Shares.
(ll) LIBOR on any Auction Date, means (i) the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the
designated Dividend Period, which appears on display page 3750 of Moneylines Telerate Service
(Telerate Page 3750) (or such other page as may replace that page on that service, or such other
service as may be selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. or its successors) as of 11:00 a.m., London
time, on the day that is the London Business Day on the Auction Date or, if the Auction Date is not
a London Business Day, the London Business Day preceding the Auction Date (the LIBOR Determination
Date), or (ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750 or such other page as may
replace such Telerate Page 3750, (A) Lehman Brothers Inc. shall determine the arithmetic mean of
the offered quotations of the reference
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banks to leading banks in the London interbank market for deposits in U.S. dollars for the
designated Dividend Period in an amount determined by Lehman Brothers Inc. by reference to requests
for quotations as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date made by Lehman Brothers
Inc. to the reference banks, (B) if at least two of the reference banks provide such quotations,
LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean of such quotations, (C) if only one or none of the reference
banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall be deemed to be the arithmetic mean of the offered
quotations that leading banks in The City of New York selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after
obtaining the Companys approval) are quoting on the relevant LIBOR Determination Date for deposits
in U.S. dollars for the designated Dividend Period in an amount determined by Lehman Brothers Inc.
(after obtaining the Companys approval) that is representative of a single transaction in such
market at such time by reference to the principal London offices of leading banks in the London
interbank market; provided, however, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. is not a Broker-Dealer or does
not quote a rate required to determine the LIBOR, the LIBOR will be determined on the basis of the
quotation or quotations furnished by any other Broker-Dealer selected by the Company to provide
such rate or rates not being supplied by Lehman Brothers Inc.; provided further, that if Lehman
Brothers Inc. and/or a substitute Broker-Dealer are required but unable to determine a rate in
accordance with at least one of the procedures provided above, the LIBOR shall be the most recently
determinable LIBOR. If the number of Dividend Period days shall be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 21
days, such rate shall be the seven-day LIBOR rate; (ii) 21 or more but fewer than 49 days, such
rate shall be one-month LIBOR rate; (iii) 49 or more but fewer than 77 days, such rate shall be the
two-month LIBOR rate; (iv) 77 or more but fewer than 112 days, such rate shall be the three-month
LIBOR rate; (v) 112 or more but fewer than 140 days, such rate shall be the four-month LIBOR rate;
(vi) 140 or more but fewer that 168 days, such rate shall be the five-month LIBOR rate; (vii) 168
or more but fewer 189 days, such rate shall be the six-month LIBOR rate; (viii) 189 or more but
fewer than 217 days, such rate shall be the seven-month LIBOR rate; (ix) 217 or more but fewer than
252 days, such rate shall be the eight-month LIBOR rate; (x) 252 or more but fewer than 287 days,
such rate shall be the nine-month LIBOR rate; (xi) 287 or more but fewer than 315 days, such rate
shall be the ten-month LIBOR rate; (xii) 315 or more but fewer than 343 days, such rate shall be
the eleven-month LIBOR rate; and (xiii) 343 or more days but fewer than 365 days, such rate shall
be the twelve-month LIBOR rate.
(mm) London Business Day means any day on which commercial banks are generally open for business
in London.
(nn) ARP Shares means Series [ ] Auction Rate Preferred Stock, liquidation preference $[ ] per
share.
(oo) ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date has the meaning set forth in
the Rating Agency Guidelines.
(pp) Mandatory Redemption Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of this Part I.
(qq) Mandatory Redemption Price has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of this Part I.
(rr) Market Value means the market value of an asset of the Company as determined as follows:
For equity securities, the value obtained from readily available market quotations. If an
equity security is not traded on an exchange or not available from a Board-approved pricing
service, the value obtained from written broker-dealer quotations. For fixed-income securities,
the value obtained from readily available market quotations based on the last updated sale price or
the value obtained from a pricing service or the value obtained from a written broker-dealer
quotation from a dealer who has made a market in the security. Market value for other securities
will mean the value obtained pursuant to the Companys Valuation procedures. If the market value of
a security cannot be obtained, or the Companys
B-18
investment adviser determines that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent
the fair value of a security, fair value for that security shall be determined pursuant to
methodologies established by the Board of Directors.
(ss) Maximum Rate means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate equal
to the Applicable Percentage of the Reference Rate, subject to upward but not downward adjustment
in the discretion of the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided
that immediately following any such increase the Company would be in compliance with the ARP Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount.
(tt) Minimum Rate means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Dividend Period of 30 days or
fewer, 70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of business on the Business Day
next preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on any Auction Date with respect
to a Dividend Period of more than the Standard Dividend Period.
(uu) Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or its successors.
(vv) Moodys Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Moodys Guidelines as
eligible for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with
Moodys ratings of ARP Shares.
(ww) Moodys Eligible Assets means assets of the Company set forth in the Moodys Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection
with Moodys ratings of ARP Shares.
(xx) Moodys Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Moodys, as may be amended from time to
time, in connection with Moodys ratings of ARP Shares.
(yy) 1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
(zz) 1940 Act ARP Shares Asset Coverage means asset coverage, as determined in accordance with
Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding senior securities
of the Company which are stock, including all outstanding ARP Shares (or such other asset coverage
as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior
securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends
on its common stock), determined on the basis of values calculated as of a time within 48 hours
next preceding the time of such determination.
(aaa) Notice of Redemption means any notice with respect to the redemption of ARP Shares pursuant
to Section 3.
(bbb) Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of these
terms of the ARP Shares.
(ccc) Original Issue Date means, with respect to the ARP Shares, [ ], [ ].
(ddd) Other Rating Agency means any rating agency other than Fitch or Moodys then providing a
rating for the ARP Shares pursuant to the request of the Company.
B-19
(eee) Other Rating Agency Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Other
Rating Agency Guidelines as eligible for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys
assets in connection with such Other Rating Agencys ratings of ARP Shares.
(fff) Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets means assets of the Company designated by any Other
Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the discounted value of the Companys assets
in connection with such Other Rating Agencys rating of ARP Shares.
(ggg) Other Rating Agency Guidelines means the guidelines provided by each Other Rating Agency,
as may be amended from time to time, in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of ARP
Shares.
(hhh) Outstanding or outstanding means, as of any date, ARP Shares theretofore issued by the
Company except, without duplication, (i) any ARP Shares theretofore canceled, redeemed or
repurchased by the Company, or delivered to the Auction Agent for cancellation or with respect to
which the Company has given notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent
sufficient funds to redeem such ARP Shares and (ii) any ARP Shares represented by any certificate
in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (A) for purposes of voting rights (including the determination of the number of
shares required to constitute a quorum), any of the ARP Shares to which the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company shall be the Existing Holder (as of the record date for determining such
rights) shall be disregarded and not deemed outstanding; (B) in connection with any Auction, any
ARP Shares as to which the Company or any person known to the Auction Agent (based on information
provided to the Auction Agent in writing and without any duty of inquiry) to be an Affiliate of the
Company shall be the Existing Holder thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding;
and (C) for purposes of determining the ARP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, ARP Shares held by the
Company shall be disregarded and not deemed outstanding but shares held by any Affiliate of the
Company shall be deemed outstanding.
(iii) Paying Agent means The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, unless and until
another entity appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters into an agreement with
the Company to serve as paying agent.
(jjj) Person or person means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a Company, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
(kkk) Potential Beneficial Owner, with respect to shares of a series of ARP Shares, shall mean a
customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series but that wishes
to purchase shares of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that
wishes to purchase additional shares of such series.
(lll) Potential Holder, with respect to shares of a series of ARP Shares, shall mean a
Broker-Dealer (or any such other person as may be permitted by the Company) that is not an Existing
Holder of ARP Shares of such series or that is an Existing Holder of ARP Shares of such series that
wishes to become the Existing Holder of additional ARP Shares of such series.
(mmm) Preferred Stock means the shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, including
the ARP Shares, of the Company from time to time.
(nnn) Rating Agency means each of Fitch (if Fitch is then rating ARP Shares), Moodys (if Moodys
is then rating ARP Shares), and any Other Rating Agency.
B-20
(ooo) Rating Agency Guidelines mean Fitch Guidelines (if Fitch is then rating ARP Shares),
Moodys Guidelines (if Moodys is then rating ARP Shares) and any Other Rating Agency Guidelines
(if any Other Rating Agency is then rating ARP Shares), whichever is applicable.
(ppp) Redemption Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(qqq) Redemption Price has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(i) of this Part I.
(rrr) Reference Rate means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and Default
Rate, the greater of (1) the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Dividend Period
of fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Dividend Period of 184 days or
more), or (2) the applicable LIBOR.
(sss) Securities Depository means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns or
any successor securities depository selected by the Company that agrees to follow the procedures
required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the ARP Shares.
(ttt) Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of
these terms of the ARP Shares.
(uuu) Special Dividend Period means a Dividend Period that is not a Standard Dividend Period.
(vvv) Specific Redemption Provisions means, with respect to any Special Dividend Period of more
than one year, either, or any combination of (i) a period (a Non-Call Period) determined by the
Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the shares subject to
such Special Dividend Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Company pursuant to
Section 3(a)(ii) and (ii) a period (a Premium Call Period), consisting of a number of whole years
as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during each
year of which the shares subject to such Special Dividend Period shall be redeemable at the
Companys option pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) and/or in connection with any mandatory redemption
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) at a price per share equal to $[ ] plus accumulated but unpaid
dividends plus a premium expressed as a percentage or percentages of $[ ] or expressed as a formula
using specified variables as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers.
(www)
Standard Dividend Period means a Dividend Period of ____ days.
(xxx) S&P means Standard & Poors.
(yyy) Submission Deadline means 1:00 P.M., Eastern Standard time, on any Auction Date or such
other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the Auction
Agent as specified by the Auction Agent from time to time.
(zzz) Submitted Bid shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of
these terms of the ARP Shares.
(aaaa) Submitted Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of
Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares.
(bbbb) Submitted Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part
II of these terms of the ARP Shares.
B-21
(cccc) Submitted Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of
Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares.
(dddd) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3
of Part II of these terms of the ARP Shares.
(eeee) Treasury Index Rate means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable
U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to maturity
as the length of the applicable Dividend Period, determined, to the extent necessary, by linear
interpolation based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next longer
number of 30-day periods to maturity treating all Dividend Periods with a length greater than the
longest maturity for such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in all
cases based upon data set forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if
the most recent such statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding
the date of computation, the foregoing computations shall be based upon the average of comparable
data as quoted to the Company by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities
selected by the Company.
(ffff) Valuation Date has the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
(gggg) Winning Bid Rate has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of Part II of these terms
of the ARP Shares.
18. Interpretation. References to sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs
and subparagraphs are to such sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs and
subparagraphs contained in this Part I or Part II hereof, as the case may be, unless specifically
identified otherwise.
PART II: AUCTION PROCEDURES
1. Orders. (a) Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of a
series of ARP Shares:
|
(i) |
|
each Beneficial Owner of shares of the series may submit to its Broker-Dealer
information as to: |
(A) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold
without regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next
succeeding Dividend Period of the shares;
(B) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner offers to sell if the Applicable
Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of
shares of the series shall be less than the rate per annum specified by the
Beneficial Owner; and/or
(C) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner offers to sell without regard to
the Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period of shares of the series; and
B-22
|
(ii) |
|
one or more Broker-Dealers, using lists of Potential Beneficial Owners, shall
in good faith for the purpose of conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially
reasonable manner, contact Potential Beneficial Owners (by telephone or otherwise),
including Persons that are not Beneficial Owners, on such lists to determine the number
of shares, if any, of that series which each Potential Beneficial Owner offers to
purchase if the Applicable Rate for shares for the next succeeding Dividend Period of
shares of that series shall not be less than the rate per annum specified by the
Potential Beneficial Owner. |
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner
to a Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, of information referred to in
clause (i)(A), (i)(B), (i)(C) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as an
Order and collectively as Orders and each Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial Owner
placing an Order with a Broker-Dealer, and such Broker-Dealer placing an Order with the Auction
Agent, is hereinafter referred to as a Bidder and collectively as Bidders; an Order containing
the information referred to in clause (i)(A) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a
Hold Order and collectively as Hold Orders; an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a Bid and collectively
as Bids; and an Order containing the information referred to in clause (i)(C) of this paragraph
(a) is hereinafter referred to as a Sell Order and collectively as Sell Orders.
(b) (i) A Bid by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of a series of ARP Shares
subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid
if the Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction
Date shall be less than the rate specified therein;
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series
to be determined as set forth in clause (iv) of paragraph (a) of Section 4
of this Part II if the Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined
on the Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein; or
(C) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid
if the rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate for
shares of the series, or the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares
of the series to be determined as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b)
of Section 4 of this Part II if the rate specified therein shall be higher
than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series and Sufficient Clearing Bids
for shares of the series do not exist.
|
(ii) A Sell Order by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of a series
of ARP Shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable
offer to sell: |
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of the series specified in the
Sell Order; or
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series
as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Part II
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series do not exist;
B-23
provided, however, that a Broker-Dealer that is an Existing Holder with respect to shares of
a series of ARP Shares shall not be liable to any Person for failing to sell the shares
pursuant to a Sell Order described in the proviso to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of this Part
II if (1) the shares were transferred by the Beneficial Owner thereof without compliance by
the Beneficial Owner or its transferee Broker-Dealer (or other transferee person, if
permitted by the Company) with the provisions of Section 5 of Part I or (2) such
Broker-Dealer has informed the Auction Agent pursuant to the terms of its Broker-Dealer
Agreement that, according to the Broker-Dealers records, the Broker-Dealer believes it is
not the Existing Holder of such shares.
|
(iii) |
|
A Bid by a Potential Beneficial Holder or a Potential Holder of shares of a
series of ARP Shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to purchase: |
(A) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid
if the Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction
Date shall be higher than the rate specified therein; or
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series
as set forth in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Part II if
the Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction Date
shall be equal to the rate specified therein.
(C) No Order for any number of ARP Shares other than whole shares shall
be valid.
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent. (a) Each Broker-Dealer shall
submit in writing to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date all
Orders for ARP Shares of a series subject to an Auction on the Auction Date, designating itself
(unless otherwise permitted by the Company) as an Existing Holder in respect of shares subject to
Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in
respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners, and shall
specify with respect to each Order for the shares:
|
(i) |
|
the name of the Bidder placing the Order (which shall be the Broker-Dealer
unless otherwise permitted by the Company); |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the aggregate number of shares of the series that are the subject of the Order; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
to the extent that the Bidder is an Existing Holder of shares of the series: |
(A) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Hold
Order of the Existing Holder;
(B) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Bid of
the Existing Holder and the rate specified in the Bid; and
(C) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Sell
Order of the Existing Holder; and
|
(iv) |
|
to the extent the Bidder is a Potential Holder of shares of the series, the
rate and number of shares of the series specified in the Potential Holders Bid. |
B-24
(b) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the decimal
point, the Auction Agent shall round the rate up to the next highest one thousandth (.001) of 1%.
(c) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding ARP Shares of a series held by any
Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction
Agent shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of the Existing Holder
covering the number of outstanding shares of the series held by the Existing Holder and not subject
to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that if an Order or Orders covering
all of the outstanding shares of the series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the
Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline for an Auction relating to a Special Dividend Period
consisting of more than 7 Dividend Period Days, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have
been submitted by or on behalf of the Existing Holder covering the number of outstanding shares of
the series held by the Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent.
(d) If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder is submitted to the Auction Agent covering in the
aggregate more than the number of outstanding ARP Shares of a series subject to an Auction held by
the Existing Holder, the Orders shall be considered valid in the following order of priority:
|
(i) |
|
all Hold Orders for shares of the series shall be considered valid, but only up
to and including in the aggregate the number of outstanding shares of the series held
by such Existing Holder, and if the number of shares of the series subject to Hold
Orders exceeds the number of outstanding shares of the series held by such Existing
Holder, the number of shares subject to each Hold Order shall be reduced pro rata to
cover the number of outstanding shares of the series held by such Existing Holder; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
(A) any Bid for shares of the series shall be considered valid up to and
including the excess of the number of outstanding shares of the series held by the
Existing Holder over the number of shares of the series subject to any Hold Orders
referred to in clause (i) above; |
(B) subject to subclause (A), if more than one Bid of an Existing
Holder for shares of the series is submitted to the Auction Agent with the
same rate and the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Bids
is greater than such excess, the Bids shall be considered valid up to and
including the amount of the excess, and the number of shares of the series
subject to each Bid with the same rate shall be reduced pro rata to cover
the number of shares of the series equal to such excess;
(C) subject to subclauses (A) and (B), if more than one Bid of an
Existing Holder for shares of the series is submitted to the Auction Agent
with different rates, the Bids shall be considered valid in the ascending
order of their respective rates up to and including the amount of the
excess; and
(D) in any such event, the number, if any, of Outstanding shares of the
series subject to any portion of Bids considered not valid in whole or in
part under this clause (ii) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid for
shares of the series by or on behalf of a Potential Holder at the rate
therein specified; and
|
(iii) |
|
all Sell Orders for shares of the series shall be considered valid up to and
including the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of the series held by the
Existing Holder over the sum of |
B-25
|
|
|
shares of such series subject to valid Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above and
valid Bids referred to in clause (ii) above. |
(e) If more than one Bid for one or more shares of a series of ARP Shares is submitted to the
Auction Agent by or on behalf of any Potential Holder, each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid
with the rate and number of shares therein specified.
(f) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its Broker-Dealer,
or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any Auction Date,
shall be irrevocable.
3. Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate. (a)
Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of a series of ARP Shares,
the Auction Agent shall assemble all valid Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by the
Broker-Dealers in respect of shares of the series (each Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a
Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a Submitted Hold Order, a Submitted
Bid or a Submitted Sell Order, as the case may be, or as a Submitted Order and collectively as
Submitted Hold Orders, Submitted Bids or Submitted Sell Orders, as the case may be, or as
Submitted Orders) and shall determine for the series:
|
(i) |
|
the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of the series over the number of
Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted Hold Orders (the excess being
hereinafter referred to as the Available ARP Shares of such series); |
|
|
(ii) |
|
from the Submitted Orders for shares of such series whether: |
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted
Bids of Potential Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum
Rate (for Standard Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for
all Dividend Periods) for shares of the series; exceeds or is equal to the
sum of:
(B) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted
Bids of Existing Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum
Rate (for Standard Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for
all Dividend Periods) for shares of the series; and
(C) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted
Sell Orders
(in the event the excess or the equality exists (other than because the number of shares of
the series in subclauses (B) and (C) above is zero because all of the Outstanding shares of
the series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), the Submitted Bids in subclause (A) above
being hereinafter referred to collectively as Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the
series); and
|
(iii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series exist, the lowest rate
specified in such Submitted Bids (the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series)
which if: |
(A) (I) each Submitted Bid of Existing Holders specifying the lowest
rate and (II) all other such Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying
lower
B-26
rates were rejected, thus entitling the Existing Holders to continue to
hold the shares of the series that are subject to the Submitted Bids; and
(B) (I) each Submitted Bid of Potential Holders specifying the lowest
rate and (II) all other the Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying
lower rates were accepted;
would result in such Existing Holders described in subclause (A) above continuing to hold an
aggregate number of Outstanding shares of the series which, when added to the number of
Outstanding shares of the series to be purchased by the Potential Holders described in
subclause (B) above, would equal not less than the Available ARP Shares of the series.
(b) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant to paragraph (a) of this
Section 3, the Auction Agent shall advise the Company of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate for
shares of the series of ARP Shares for which an Auction is being held on the Auction Date and,
based on such determination, the Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period thereof as follows:
|
(i) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series exist, that the Applicable
Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof shall
be equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series so determined; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series do not exist (other than
because all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders), that the Applicable Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period thereof shall be equal to the Maximum Rate for shares of the series; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
if all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders, that the Applicable Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period thereof shall be All Hold Rate. |
4. Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of
Shares. Existing Holders shall continue to hold the ARP Shares that are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders, and, based on the determinations made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3 of this
Part II, the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected by the Auction
Agent and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below:
(a) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of a series of ARP Shares have been made, all Submitted
Sell Orders with respect to shares of the series shall be accepted and, subject to the provisions
of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 4, Submitted Bids with respect to shares of the series
shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted
Bids with respect to shares of the series shall be rejected:
|
(i) |
|
Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted,
thus requiring each Existing Holder to sell the ARP Shares subject to the Submitted
Bids; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be rejected,
thus entitling each Existing Holder to continue to hold the ARP Shares subject to the
Submitted Bids; |
B-27
|
(iii) |
|
Potential Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying a rate
that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be rejected, thus
entitling the Existing Holder to continue to hold the ARP Shares subject to the
Submitted Bid, unless the number of Outstanding ARP Shares subject to all Submitted
Bids shall be greater than the number of ARP Shares (remaining shares) in the excess
of the Available ARP Shares of the series over the number of ARP Shares subject to
Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (a), in which
event the Submitted Bid of the Existing Holder shall be rejected in part, and the
Existing Holder shall be entitled to continue to hold ARP Shares subject to the
Submitted Bid, but only in an amount equal to the number of ARP Shares of the series
obtained by multiplying the number of remaining shares by a fraction, the numerator of
which shall be the number of Outstanding ARP Shares held by the Existing Holder subject
to the Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of
Outstanding ARP Shares subject to the Submitted Bids made by all such Existing Holders
that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series; and |
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Each Potential Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying a
rate that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted
but only in an amount equal to the number of shares of the series obtained by
multiplying the number of shares in the excess of the Available ARP Shares of the
series over the number of ARP Shares subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses
(ii) through (iv) of this paragraph (a) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be
the number of Outstanding ARP Shares subject to the Submitted Bid and the denominator
of which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding ARP Shares subject to Submitted
Bids made by all such Potential Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid
Rate for shares of the series. |
(b) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of a series of ARP Shares have not been made (other than
because all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), subject
to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 4, Submitted Orders for shares of the series
shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted
Bids for shares of the series shall be rejected:
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(i) |
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Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series shall be
rejected, thus entitling Existing Holders to continue to hold the ARP Shares subject to
the Submitted Bids; |
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(ii) |
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Potential Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series shall be
accepted; and |
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(iii) |
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Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying any
rate that is higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series and the Submitted
Sell Orders for shares of the series of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus
entitling each Existing Holder that submitted or on whose behalf was submitted any
Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order to sell the shares of the series subject to the
Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order, but in both cases only in an amount equal to the
number of shares of such series obtained by multiplying the number of shares of the
series subject to Submitted Bids described in clause (ii) of this paragraph (b) by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding shares of the
series held by the Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell
Order and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of |
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Outstanding shares of such series subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell
Orders. |
(c) If all of the Outstanding shares of a series of ARP Shares are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders, all Submitted Bids for shares of the series shall be rejected.
(d) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (a) or clause
(iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4, any Existing Holder would be entitled or required to
sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a share of a
series of ARP Shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in the manner as it shall
determine in its sole discretion, round up or down the number of ARP Shares of the series to be
purchased or sold by any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on the Auction Date as a result of the
procedures so that the number of shares so purchased or sold by each Existing Holder or Potential
Holder on the Auction Date shall be whole shares of ARP Shares.
(e) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this Section 4,
any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than a whole share of a series
of ARP Shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in the manner as it shall determine in
its sole discretion, allocate ARP Shares of the series or purchase among Potential Holders so that
only whole shares of ARP Shares of the series are purchased on the Auction Date as a result of such
procedures by any Potential Holder, even if the allocation results in one or more Potential Holders
not purchasing ARP Shares of the series on the Auction Date.
(f) Based on the results of each Auction for shares of a series of ARP Shares, the Auction Agent
shall determine the aggregate number of shares of the series to be purchased and the aggregate
number of shares of the series to be sold by Potential Holders and Existing Holders and, with
respect to each Potential Holder and Existing Holder, to the extent that the aggregate number of
shares to be purchased and the aggregate number of shares to be sold differ, determine to which
other Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall deliver, or from which other Potential
Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall receive, as the case may be, ARP Shares of the series.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the
contrary, in the event an Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner of shares of a series of ARP Shares
with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid to the Auction Agent for the shares that was
accepted in whole or in part, or submitted or is deemed to have submitted a Sell Order for such
shares that was accepted in whole or in part, fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver the
shares against payment therefor, partial deliveries of ARP Shares that have been made in respect of
Potential Holders or Potential Beneficial Owners Submitted Bids for shares of the series that
have been accepted in whole or in part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and
Potential Beneficial Owners.
(g) Neither the Company nor the Auction Agent nor any affiliate of either shall have any
responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder, a Potential Holder,
a Beneficial Owner, a Potential Beneficial Owner or its respective Agent Member to deliver ARP
Shares of any series or to pay for ARP Shares of any series sold or purchased pursuant to the
Auction Procedures or otherwise.
SECOND: The Series [ ] Auction Rate Preferred Stock have been classified and designated by
the Board of Directors under the authority contained in the charter.
THIRD: These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the Board of Directors in the
manner and by the vote required by law.
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FOURTH: The undersigned President of the Company acknowledges these Articles Supplementary to
be the corporate act of the Company and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under
oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that, to the best of his knowledge, information and
belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made
under the penalties for perjury.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused these Articles Supplementary to be signed in its
name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its Secretary on this [ ]th day of [ ],
[ ].
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ATTEST:
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KAYNE ANDERSON MLP INVESTMENT COMPANY |
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Kevin S. McCarthy
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Secretary
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President |
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APPENDIX C
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
Following is a description of the debt securities rating categories used by Moodys Investors
Service, Inc., Standard & Poors, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (Standard &
Poors) and Fitch Ratings.
Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings
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.
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 acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be
narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
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SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
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.
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.
SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. 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.
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.
Standard & Poors
Issue Credit Rating Definitions
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 and takes into account the currency in which the
obligation is denominated. 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 rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term
notes are assigned long-term ratings.
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Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
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; nature of and provisions of the
obligation; 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 rating 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. (Such differentiation
applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured
obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of
junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.
Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
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.
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.
Speculative Grade
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the
least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are 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: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is CURRENTLY HIGHLY VULNERABLE to
nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A C also will
be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that
is currently paying.
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CI: The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
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.
Provisional ratings: The letter p indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating
assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the debt being rated and
indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the
successful and 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.
r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It
highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the
credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or
commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk such as interest-only or
principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as
inverse floaters.
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.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on
which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter
of policy.
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.
Commercial Paper Rating Definitions
A Standard & Poors 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 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.
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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 paper 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 Standard & Poors by the issuer or obtained from other
sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poors 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.
Fitch Ratings
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
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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.
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.
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