(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Registrants telephone number, including Area Code)
(Name and address of agent for service)
Copies of Communications to:
Thomas J. Friedmann
Nauman S. Malik Dechert LLP 1900 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 (202) 261-3300 |
Anna T. Pinedo
Morrison & Foerster LLP 250 West 55 th Street New York, New York 10019 (212) 468-8179 |
Approximate date of proposed public offering : As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. o
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
o when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c).
Title of Securities Being Registered |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price (1) (2) |
Amount of
Registration Fee (3) |
||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share | $ | 40,250,000 | $ | 4,677.05 |
(1) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee, pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(2) | Includes shares that may be offered to the underwriters pursuant to an option to cover over-allotments. |
(3) | Of which, $116.20 has been previously paid. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Company may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
We are an externally managed, non-diversified closed end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Our primary investment objective is to generate high current income, with a secondary objective to generate capital appreciation. We seek to achieve our investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations, or CLOs, that are collateralized by a portfolio consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. We may also invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that our investment adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives, including senior debt tranches of CLOs and loan accumulation facilities. The CLO securities in which we primarily seek to invest are unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as junk securities.
Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, our investment adviser, manages our investments subject to the supervision of our board of directors. As of March 31, 2015, Eagle Point Credit Management LLC had approximately $827 million of assets under management for investment in CLO securities and related investments. Eagle Point Administration LLC, an affiliate of our investment adviser, serves as our administrator.
We are offering 1,400,000 shares of our % Series A Term Preferred Stock due 2022, or the Series A Term Preferred Stock. We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on June 30, 2022 at a redemption price of $25 per share, or the Liquidation Preference, plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time on or after June 29, 2018, we may, at our sole option, redeem the outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, if we fail to maintain asset coverage of at least 200%, we will be required to redeem shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, at least equal to the lesser of (1) the minimum number of shares of preferred stock that will result in our having asset coverage of at least 200%, and (2) the maximum number of shares of preferred stock that can be redeemed out of funds legally available for such redemption. We intend to pay monthly dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock at an annual rate of % of the Liquidation Preference, or $ per share per year, beginning on June 30, 2015. The Series A Term Preferred Stock will rank senior in right of payment to our common stock, will rank equally in right of payment with any shares of preferred stock we may issue in the future and will be subordinated in right of payment to any senior indebtedness, of which we currently have none. Each holder of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and the holders of all of our outstanding preferred stock and common stock will generally vote together as a single class. The holders of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (and any additional series of preferred stock we may issue in the future) are entitled as a class to elect two of our directors and, if dividends on any outstanding shares of our preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more, to elect a majority of our directors.
We intend to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ECCA so that trading will begin within 30 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to notice of issuance. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ECC.
We determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. The net asset value per share of our common stock as of December 31, 2014 was $19.08.
Investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of a substantial loss of investment. Before purchasing any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, you should read the discussion of the principal risks of investing in our the Series A Term Preferred Stock, which are summarized in Risk Factors beginning on page 17 of this prospectus.
Per Share | Total (1) | |||||||
Public offering price | $ | 25.00 | $ | 35,000,000.00 | ||||
Sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions) | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1,400,000.00 | ||||
Proceeds to us (before expenses) (2) | $ | 24.00 | $ | 33,600,000.00 |
The underwriters expect to deliver the Series A Term Preferred Stock on or about , 2015.
Joint Book-Running Managers
Deutsche Bank Securities |
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
A Stifel Company |
Lead Managers
Wunderlich Securities |
MUFG
|
Compass Point | Incapital LLC |
The date of this prospectus is , 2015
(footnotes from previous page)
(1) | We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 210,000 additional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the public offering price within 30 days of the date of this prospectus solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in full, the public offering price, sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions) and proceeds to us before expenses will be $40,250,000, $1,610,000 and $38,640,000, respectively. See Underwriting . |
(2) | Total offering expenses payable by us, excluding sales load, are estimated to be $277,000. |
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus contains important information you should know before investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Please read and retain this prospectus for future reference. This prospectus, and other materials containing additional information about us have been filed with the SEC. You may request a free copy of this prospectus or any other information filed with the SEC, by calling (202) 551-8090, by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov or, upon payment of copying fees, by writing to the SECs Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0102. Information relating to the SECs public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. We file annual and semi-annual shareholder reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. To obtain this information electronically, please visit our website ( www.eaglepointcreditcompany.com ) or call (844) 810-6501 (toll-free). You may also call this number to request additional information or to make other inquiries pertaining to us. You may also obtain a copy of any information regarding us filed with the SEC from the SECs website ( www.sec.gov ).
The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any governmental agency.
* * * * * *
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters 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, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may have changed since the date of this prospectus. We will notify holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock promptly of any material change to this prospectus during the period in which we are required to deliver the prospectus.
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The following summary contains basic information about this offering. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to a decision to invest in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under Risk Factors and the other information included in this prospectus. Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms:
| Eagle Point Credit Company, the Company, we, us and our refer to Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries or, for periods prior to our conversion to a corporation, Eagle Point Credit Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; |
| Eagle Point Credit Management and Adviser refer to Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; |
| Eagle Point Administration and Administrator refer to Eagle Point Administration LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and |
| Risk-adjusted returns refers to the profile of expected asset returns across a range of potential macroeconomic scenarios, and does not imply that a particular strategy or investment should be considered low-risk. |
On October 6, 2014, we converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation. In this conversion, Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. succeeded to the business of Eagle Point Credit Company LLC.
Unless otherwise noted, the information contained in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters over-allotment option is not exercised.
We are an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. We have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended November 30, 2014.
Our primary investment objective is to generate high current income, with a secondary objective to generate capital appreciation. We seek to achieve our investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs that are collateralized by a portfolio consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. We may also invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the Adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives, including senior debt tranches of CLOs and loan accumulation facilities. The amount that we invest in these other securities and instruments may vary from time to time and, as such, may constitute a material part of our portfolio on any given date, all as based on the Advisers assessment of prevailing market conditions. The CLO securities in which we primarily seek to invest are unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Below investment grade and unrated securities are also sometimes referred to as junk securities. These investment objectives are not fundamental policies of ours and may be changed by our board of directors without prior approval of our securityholders. See Business.
In the primary CLO market ( i.e. , acquiring securities at the inception of a CLO), we seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and to outperform other similar CLO securities issued within the respective vintage period. In the secondary CLO market ( i.e. , acquiring existing CLO securities), we seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Our Adviser pursues a differentiated strategy within the CLO market focused on:
| proactive sourcing and identification of investment opportunities; |
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| utilization of the Advisers methodical and rigorous investment analysis and due diligence process; |
| active involvement at the CLO structuring and formation stage; and |
| taking, in many instances, significant stakes in CLO equity and junior debt tranches. |
We believe that the Advisers direct and often longstanding relationships with CLO collateral managers, its CLO structural expertise and its relative scale in the CLO market will enable us to source and execute investments with attractive economics and terms relative to other CLO opportunities.
When we make a significant primary market investment in a particular CLO tranche, we generally expect to be able to influence the CLOs key terms and conditions. In particular, the Adviser believes that, although typically exercised only a minority of the time in the Advisers experience, the protective rights associated with holding a majority position in a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain CLO debt tranches after a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents of the CLO) may reduce our risk in these investments. We may acquire a majority position in a CLO tranche directly, or we may benefit from the advantages of a majority position where both we and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a majority position, subject to any restrictions on our ability to invest alongside such other accounts. See Business Other Investment Techniques Co-Investment with Affiliates.
We seek to construct a portfolio of CLO securities that provides varied exposure across a number of key categories, including:
| number of borrowers underlying each CLO; |
| industry type of a CLOs underlying borrowers; |
| number and investment style of CLO collateral managers; and |
| CLO vintage period. |
The Adviser has a long-term investment horizon and invests primarily with a buy-and-hold mentality. However, on an ongoing basis, the Adviser actively monitors each investment and may sell positions if circumstances change from the time of investment or if the Adviser believes it is in our best interest to do so.
As of December 31, 2014, 85% of our investments were in equity tranches of CLOs, 14% in loan accumulation facilities and 1% in debt tranches of CLOs. These investments had 17 different CLO collateral managers and an aggregate fair value of $217.0 million. Below is a summary description of our portfolio investments as of December 31, 2014:
Number of unique underlying borrowers | 1,019 | |||
Largest exposure to any individual borrower | 1.00 | % | ||
Average individual borrower exposure | 0.10 | % | ||
Top 10 largest borrowers | 6.98 | % | ||
Aggregate exposure to senior secured loans | 95.90 | % | ||
Weighted average stated spread | 3.94 | % | ||
Weighted average LIBOR floor | 0.97 | % | ||
Weighted average percentage of floating rate loans with LIBOR floors | 98.53 | % | ||
Weighted average credit rating of underlying collateral | B+/B | |||
Weighted average maturity of underlying collateral | 5.6 years | |||
U.S. dollar currency exposure | 100 | % |
In October 2014, we priced our initial public offering, selling 5,155,301 million shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per share. As a result of our initial public offering, we received net proceeds of approximately $102.1 million after paying offering expenses. Since our initial public offering, we have declared two quarterly distributions on our common stock. These distributions represent a 12%
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annualized rate based on the price of our common stock in our initial public offering and, given the proximity of the distributions to our initial public offering and the fact that we were ramping up our investment program during the applicable periods, 45% and 32%, respectively, of such distributions represented a return of capital.
Eagle Point Credit Management, our investment adviser, manages our investments subject to the supervision of our board of directors. An affiliate of the Adviser, Eagle Point Administration, performs, or arranges for the performance of, our required administrative services. For a description of the fees and expenses that we pay to the Adviser and Administrator, see The Adviser and the Administrator Investment Advisory Agreement Management Fee and Incentive Fee and The Administrator and the Administration Agreement.
The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and as of March 31, 2015, had approximately $827 million of assets under management for investment in CLO securities and related investments. The Adviser was established in November 2012 by Thomas P. Majewski and Stone Point Capital LLC, or Stone Point, as investment manager of Trident V, L.P. and related investment vehicles, which we refer to collectively as the Trident V Funds. Stone Point, an investment adviser registered with the SEC, is a specialized private equity firm focused exclusively on the financial services industry. Since its inception, Stone Point (including a predecessor entity) has raised six private equity funds with aggregate committed capital of approximately $13 billion. The Adviser is primarily owned by the Trident V Funds through intermediary holding companies. In addition, the Advisers Senior Investment Team holds an indirect ownership interest in the Adviser. The Adviser is governed by a board of directors, which is comprised of Mr. Majewski and certain principals of Stone Point. See The Adviser and the Administrator.
The Advisers Senior Investment Team is led by Mr. Majewski, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and is also comprised of Daniel W. Ko, Portfolio Manager, and Daniel M. Spinner, Portfolio Manager. The Senior Investment Team is primarily responsible for our day-to-day management and the implementation of our investment strategy and process.
Each member of the Senior Investment Team is a CLO industry specialist who has been directly involved in the CLO market for the majority of his career and has built relationships with key market participants, including CLO collateral managers, investment banks and investors. Members of the Senior Investment Team have been involved in the CLO market as:
| the head of the CLO business at various investment banks; |
| a lead CLO structurer and collateralized debt obligation workout specialist at an investment bank; |
| a CLO equity and debt investor; |
| a principal investor in CLO collateral management firms; and |
| a lender and mergers and acquisitions adviser to CLO collateral management firms. |
We believe that the complementary, yet highly specialized, skill set of each member of the Senior Investment Team provides the Adviser with a competitive advantage in its CLO-focused investment strategy. See The Adviser and the Administrator Portfolio Managers.
Our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of investments in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs. The CLOs that we target are securitization vehicles that pool portfolios of primarily below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans. Such pools of underlying assets are often referred to as a CLOs collateral. While the vast majority of the portfolio of most CLOs consists of senior secured loans, many CLOs enable the CLO collateral manager to invest up to 10% of the portfolio in assets that are not first lien senior secured loans, including second lien loans, unsecured loans, senior secured bonds and senior unsecured bonds.
CLOs are generally required to hold a portfolio of assets that is highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and is subject to a variety of asset concentration limitations. Most CLOs are revolving structures that generally allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time (typically 3 to 5 years). In cash flow
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CLOs, which are the type of CLOs we target, the terms and covenants of the structure are, with certain exceptions, based primarily on the cash flow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of, the CLO collateral. These covenants include collateral coverage tests, interest coverage tests and collateral quality tests.
A CLO funds the purchase of a portfolio of primarily senior secured loans via the issuance of CLO equity and debt instruments in the form of multiple, primarily floating-rate debt, tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically are rated AAA (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to BB or B (or its equivalent), which is below investment grade, at the most junior level by Moodys Investor Service, Inc., or Moodys, Standard & Poors Rating Group, or S&P, and/or Fitch, Inc., or Fitch. The CLO equity tranche is unrated and typically represents approximately 8% to 11% of a CLOs capital structure. A CLOs equity tranche represents the first loss position in the CLO. Below investment grade and unrated securities are sometimes referred to as junk securities.
The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is a hypothetical structure, and the structure of CLOs in which we invest may vary substantially from the example set forth below. Please see Business CLO Overview for a more detailed description of a CLOs typical structure and key terms and conditions including its priority-of-payment schedules.
Since a CLOs indenture requires that the maturity dates of a CLOs assets (typically 5 to 8 years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter than the maturity date of the CLOs liabilities (typically 11 to 12 years from the date of issuance), CLOs generally do not face refinancing risk on the CLO debt.
Depending on the Advisers assessment of market conditions, our investment focus may vary from time to time between CLO equity and CLO debt investments.
We believe that CLO equity has the following attractive fundamental attributes:
| Potential for strong absolute and risk-adjusted returns: We believe that CLO equity offers a potential total return profile that is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis compared to U.S. public equity markets. |
| Expected shorter duration high-yielding credit investment with the potential for high quarterly cash distributions: Relative to certain other high-yielding credit investments such as mezzanine or subordinated debt, CLO equity is expected to have a shorter payback period with higher front-end loaded quarterly cash flows (often in excess of 20% per annum of face value) during the early years of a CLOs life. |
| Expected protection against rising interest rates: Since a CLOs asset portfolio is typically comprised principally of floating rate loans and the CLOs liabilities are also generally floating rate instruments, we expect CLO equity to provide potential protection against rising interest rates after the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, has increased above the average LIBOR floor on a CLOs assets. However, CLO equity is still subject to other forms of interest rate risk. For a |
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discussion of the interest rate risks associated with CLO equity, see Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk and Business CLO Overview . |
| Expected low-to-moderate correlation with fixed income and equity markets: Given that CLO assets and liabilities are primarily floating rate, we expect CLO equity investments to have a low-to-moderate correlation with U.S. fixed income securities. In addition, because CLOs generally allow for the reinvestment of principal during the reinvestment period regardless of the market price of the underlying collateral if the respective CLO remains in compliance with its covenants, we expect CLO equity investments to have a low-to-moderate correlation with the U.S. equity markets. |
CLO securities are also subject to a number of risks as discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus Summary section and in more detail in the Risk Factors section of this prospectus. Among our primary targeted investments, the risks associated with CLO equity are generally greater than those associated with CLO debt.
We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities in CLO securities and related investments due to the following competitive advantages:
| Specialist in CLO securities with a proven track record. The Adviser focuses exclusively on CLO securities and related investments. Each member of the Senior Investment Team is a CLO specialist who has been involved with the CLO market for the majority of his career and brings a distinct and complementary skill set that the Adviser believes is necessary for our success. We believe that the combination of the Advisers broad and often longstanding relationships with CLO collateral managers and our relative scale in the CLO market will enable us to source and execute investments with attractive economics and terms relative to other CLO market opportunities. |
| Deep CLO structural experience and expertise. Members of the Senior Investment Team have significant experience structuring, valuing and investing in CLOs throughout their careers. The Adviser believes that the initial structuring of a CLO is an important contributor to the ultimate risk-adjusted returns, and that experienced and knowledgeable investors can add meaningful value relative to other market participants by selecting those investments with the most advantageous structures. |
| Methodical and rigorous investment process. The objective of the Advisers investment process is to source, evaluate and execute investments in CLO securities and related investments that the Adviser believes have the potential to outperform the CLO market generally. This process, augmented by the first-hand CLO industry experience of the Senior Investment Team, is designed to be repeatable and is focused on key areas for analysis that the Adviser believes are most relevant to potential future performance. The Adviser believes that its investment and security selection process, with its strong emphasis on assessing the skill of the CLO collateral manager and analyzing the structure of the CLO, differentiates its approach to investing in CLO securities. See Business Investment Process. |
| Efficient vehicle for gaining exposure to CLO equity. We believe that we are structured as an efficient vehicle for investors to gain exposure to CLO securities and related investments. Based on our long-term stable capital, the Adviser can focus principally on managing the portfolio and maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns. We believe that our closed-end structure enables the Adviser to effectively implement our primarily long-term buy-and-hold investment philosophy. |
| Alignment of Interests. As of March 31, 2015, the Trident V Funds, which are managed by Stone Point (an affiliate of the Adviser), held 62.3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and the Adviser and the Senior Investment Team held an aggregate of 1.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. See Control Persons and Principal Stockholders. Their significant holdings in our common stock align the interests of the Adviser and the Senior Investment Team with ours. In addition, our fee structure includes an incentive fee component whereby we pay the Adviser an |
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incentive fee only if our net income exceeds a hurdle rate. See The Adviser and the Administrator Investment Advisory Agreement Management Fee and Incentive Fee. |
We were organized as Eagle Point Credit Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on March 24, 2014 and converted into a Delaware corporation on October 6, 2014. We have two wholly owned subsidiaries: (1) Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC and (2) Eagle Point Credit Company Sub (Cayman) Ltd., or the Cayman Subsidiary. We expect to gain access to certain newly issued Regulation S securities through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary. Regulation S securities are securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued through offerings made pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Both of our subsidiaries are advised by the Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The following chart reflects our organizational structure and our relationship with our investment adviser and administrator as of the date of this prospectus:
Leverage by the Company. We may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes or preferred stock and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. We anticipate incurring leverage of approximately 12% of our total assets (as determined immediately before the leverage is incurred) through the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering. We may further increase our leverage through entry into a credit facility or other leveraging instruments. Instruments that create leverage are generally considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing or deemed borrowing), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness.
Subject to the limitations under the 1940 Act, we may incur additional leverage opportunistically or not at all and may choose to increase or decrease our leverage. We may use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments at any time based on the Advisers assessment of market conditions and the investment environment, including forms of leverage other than the Series A Term Preferred Stock. In addition, we may borrow for temporary or other purposes as permitted under the 1940 Act, which indebtedness would be in addition to the asset coverage requirements described above. By leveraging our investment portfolio, we may create an opportunity for increased net income and capital appreciation. However, the use of leverage also involves significant risks and expenses, and our leverage strategy may not be successful. Any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. Accordingly, the more leverage is employed, the more likely a substantial change will occur in our net asset value, or NAV. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us.
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Derivative Transactions. From time to time we may engage in Derivative Transactions, as described below. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes, although we may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In particular, we may use Derivative Transactions to hedge against interest rate and/or credit risks. No assurance can be given that our hedging strategy and our use of derivatives will be successful. Successful use of Derivatives Transactions is subject to the ability of the Adviser, among other things, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the derivatives. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of default risks, liquidity risk, counterparty risk, market spreads or other applicable factors, our investment performance would diminish compared with what it would have been if these hedging techniques were not used. Moreover, even if the Adviser is correct in its forecasts, there is a risk that a derivative position may fail to correlate or correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being protected. We may purchase and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and over-the-counter options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and credit transactions and credit default swaps. We also may purchase and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments. Collectively, we refer to these financial management techniques as Derivative Transactions. Our use of Derivative Transactions, if any, will generally be deemed to create leverage for us and involves significant risks. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or derivative transactions in which we participate.
We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are required to meet certain regulatory tests. See Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company. In addition, we have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our tax year ended on November 30, 2014.
Our investment activities are managed by the Adviser and supervised by our board of directors. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay the Adviser an annual base management fee based on our Total Equity Base as well as an incentive fee based on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income. See The Adviser and The Administrator The Investment Advisory Agreement Management Fee and Incentive Fee. We have also entered into an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse the Administrator for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. See The Adviser and the Administrator The Administrator and the Administration Agreement.
The Adviser is affiliated with other entities engaged in the financial services business. In particular, the Adviser is affiliated with Stone Point, and certain members of the Advisers board of managers are principals of Stone Point. Pursuant to certain management agreements, Stone Point has received delegated authority to act as the investment manager of the Trident V Funds. The Trident V Funds hold approximately 62.3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The Trident V Funds also hold a controlling interest in the Adviser. The Trident V Funds and other private equity funds managed by Stone Point invest in financial services companies. These relationships may cause the Advisers or certain of its affiliates interests to diverge from our interests. In addition, our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future members of the Adviser, may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. See Conflicts of Interest.
In order to address such conflicts of interest, we have adopted a code of ethics. Similarly, the Adviser has separately adopted a code of ethics and certain compliance policies and procedures, including investment allocation policies and procedures. The Advisers code of ethics requires the officers and employees of the Adviser to act in the best interests of the Adviser and its client accounts (including us), act in good faith and
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in an ethical manner, avoid conflicts of interests with the client accounts to the extent reasonably possible and identify and manage conflicts of interest to the extent that they arise. Pursuant to its investment allocation policies and procedures, the Adviser seeks to allocate investment opportunities among the accounts it manages in a manner that is fair and equitable over time. However, there is no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to any particular account equitably in the short-term or that any such account will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for it. Our directors and officers, and the officers and employees of the Adviser, are also required to comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and make prompt reports to supervisory personnel of any actual or suspected violations of law. See Conflicts of Interest Code of Ethics and Compliance Procedures.
Co-Investment with Affiliates. In certain instances, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. We have been granted exemptive relief by the SEC that permits us to participate in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser, subject to certain conditions including (i) that a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction and a majority of our directors who are not interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of ours approve the co-investment and (ii) the price, terms and conditions of the co-investment are the same for each participant. A copy of our application for exemptive relief, including all of the conditions, and the related order are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov .
The value of our assets, as well as the market price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, will fluctuate. Our investments should be considered risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investors should consider their financial situation and needs, other investments, investment goals, investment experience, time horizons, liquidity needs and risk tolerance before investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. An investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock may be speculative in that it involves a high degree of risk and should not be considered a complete investment program. We are designed primarily as a long-term investment vehicle, and our securities are not an appropriate investment for a short-term trading strategy. We can offer no assurance that the returns on our investments will be commensurate with the risk of investment in us, nor can we provide any assurance that enough appropriate investments that meet our investment criteria will be available.
The following is a summary of certain principal risks of an investment in us. See Risk Factors for a more complete discussion of the risks of investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock, including certain risks not summarized below.
| Limited Operating History. We are a recently organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with limited operating history as such. |
| Management Risk. Other than us, the Adviser has never previously managed a registered closed-end investment company. |
| Key Personnel Risk. We are dependent upon the key personnel of Eagle Point Credit Management for our future success. |
| Conflicts of Interest Risk. Our executive officers and directors, and the Adviser and its officers and employees, including the Senior Investment Team, have several conflicts of interest as a result of the other activities in which they engage. See Conflicts of Interest. |
| Incentive Fee Risk. Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to the Adviser may incentivize the Adviser to pursue speculative investments and use leverage in a manner that adversely impacts our performance. In view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to a general increase in interest rates. |
| First Loss Risk of CLO Equity and Subordinated Securities. CLO equity and junior debt securities that we may acquire are subordinated to more senior tranches of CLO debt. CLO equity |
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and junior debt securities are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of superior priority interests in the same securities. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are under-collateralized in that the face amount of the CLO debt and CLO equity of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. Though not exclusively, we will typically be in a first loss or subordinated position with respect to realized losses on the assets of the CLOs in which we are invested |
| High Yield Investment Risks. The CLO equity and junior debt securities that we acquire are typically unrated or rated below investment grade and are therefore considered higher yield or junk securities and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. The senior secured loans and other credit-related assets underlying CLOs are also typically higher yield investments. Investing in CLO equity and junior debt securities and other high yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely impact our performance. |
| Risks of Investing in CLOs and Other Structured Finance Securities. CLOs and other structured finance securities are generally backed by a pool of credit-related assets that serve as collateral. Accordingly, CLO and structured finance securities present risks similar to those of other types of credit investments, including default (credit), interest rate and prepayment risks. In addition, CLOs and other structured finance securities are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts, which increases the risk of dispute over the interpretation and enforceability of such documents relative to other types of investments. There is also a risk that the trustee of a CLO does not properly carry out its duties to the CLO, potentially resulting in loss to the CLO. CLOs are also inherently leveraged vehicles and are subject to leverage risk. |
| Leverage Risk. The use of leverage, whether directly or indirectly through investments such as CLO equity or junior debt securities that inherently involve leverage, may magnify our risk of loss. CLO equity or junior debt securities are very highly leveraged (typically 9 to 13 times), and therefore the CLO securities in which we are currently invested and in which we intend to invest are subject to a higher degree of loss since the use of leverage magnifies losses. |
| Credit Risk. If (1) a CLO in which we invest, (2) an underlying asset of any such CLO or (3) any other type of credit investment in our portfolio declines in price or fails to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer or debtor, as the case may be, experiences a decline in its financial status, our income, NAV and/or market price may be adversely impacted. |
| Interest Rate Risk. The price of certain of our investments may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. As of the date of this prospectus, interest rates in the United States are at, or near, historic lows, which may increase our exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Moreover, interest rate levels are currently impacted by extraordinarily accommodative monetary policy initiatives, the effect of which is impossible to predict with certainty. |
| Prepayment Risk. The assets underlying the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to prepayment by the underlying corporate borrowers. In addition, the CLO securities and related investments in which we invest are subject to prepayment risk. If we or a CLO collateral manager are unable to reinvest prepaid amounts in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the investment repaid, our investment performance will be adversely impacted. |
| Fair Valuation of Our Portfolio Investments. Typically, there will not be a public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we value these securities at least quarterly, or more frequently as may be required from time to time, at fair value. Our determinations of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate, possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments. |
| Limited Investment Opportunities Risk. The market for CLO securities is more limited than the |
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market for other credit related investments. We can offer no assurances that sufficient investment opportunities for our capital will be available. |
| Non-Diversification Risk. We are a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and may hold a narrower range of investments than a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. |
| Market Risks. A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital, impair the availability of suitable investment opportunities for us and negatively affect our business. |
| Loan Accumulation Facilities Risk. Potential investments in loan accumulation facilities, which acquire loans on an interim basis that are expected to form part of a CLO, may expose us to market, credit and leverage risks. In particular, in the event a planned CLO is not consummated, or the loans held in a loan accumulation facility are not eligible for purchase by the CLO, we may be responsible for either holding or disposing of the loans. This could expose us primarily to credit and/or mark-to-market losses, and other risks. |
| Currency Risk. Although we primarily make investments denominated in U.S. dollars, we may make investments denominated in other currencies. Our investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in relation to the U.S. dollar. |
| Hedging Risks. Hedging transactions seeking to reduce risks may result in poorer overall performance than if we had not engaged in such hedging transactions, and they may also not properly hedge our risks. |
| Reinvestment Risks. CLOs will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales that may be reinvested in substitute assets, subject to compliance with applicable investment tests. The need for a CLO collateral manager to satisfy the CLOs covenants may require the CLO collateral manager to purchase substitute assets at a lower yield than those initially acquired or require that the sale proceeds be maintained temporarily in cash, either of which may reduce the yield that the CLO collateral manager is able to achieve, thereby having a negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early, which may cause the holders of the CLOs securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable return relative to the credit risk assumed. |
| Tax Risks. If we fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for any reason, or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. |
| Liquidity Risks. To the extent we invest in illiquid instruments, we would not be able to sell such investments at prices that reflect our assessment of their fair value or the amount paid for such investments by us. |
| Derivatives Risks. Derivative instruments in which we may invest may be volatile and involve various risks different from, and in certain cases greater than, the risks presented by more traditional instruments. A small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on our performance, effecting a form of investment leverage on our portfolio. In certain types of derivative transactions, we could lose the entire amount of our investment; in other types of derivative transactions the potential loss is theoretically unlimited. |
| Counterparty Risks. We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which could make it difficult for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on obligations, thereby resulting in potentially significant losses. |
| Preferred Stock Risks. |
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º | Market Yields. The Series A Term Preferred Stock pays dividends at a fixed rate. If market yields increase, the secondary market price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may decline. |
º | Illiquidity. We may be unable to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on an exchange or, if we do list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on an exchange, it may be thinly traded. Either source of illiquidity may cause holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to be unable to sell their shares, or if they are able to, only at a substantial discount to the Liquidation Preference. |
º | Unrated Securities. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock may trade at a price that is lower than what such shares might otherwise trade at if the Series A Preferred Stock were rated by a rating agency. |
º | Subordination. Dividends, distributions and other payments to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock in liquidation or otherwise may be subject to prior payments due to the holders of senior indebtedness. |
º | Early Redemption. We may redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on or after June 29, 2018. If we redeem shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock before June 30, 2022, holders of redeemed shares may be unable to locate suitable investments in which to invest the proceeds of such redemption and, as a result, may experience a return on investments made with the proceeds of the redemption that is lower than the return they would have obtained from such holders investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock had the shares not been redeemed by us. |
º | Failure to Redeem. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to obtain sufficient liquidity prior to June 30, 2022, and we may be forced to engage in a partial redemption or to delay a required redemption. |
º | Dividend Risk. The terms of any future indebtedness that we may incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock under certain conditions. |
On March 3, 2015, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.60 per share payable on April 30, 2015 to holders of record as of March 31, 2015. Our estimated and unaudited NAV as of March 31, 2015, net of the declared distribution, was approximately $18.76 per share of our common stock.
Our offices are located at 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 340-8500.
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Issuer |
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. |
Securities Offered |
1,400,000 shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
An additional 210,000 shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be issuable pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. |
Listing |
We intend to apply to list Series A Term Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol ECCA. |
Trading in Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE is expected to begin within 30 days after the date of this prospectus. Prior to the expected commencement of trading, the underwriters may, but are not obligated, to make a market in Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Use of Proceeds |
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of Series A Term Preferred Stock to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies as described in this prospectus and for general corporate purposes. See Use of Proceeds. |
Liquidation Preference |
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution equal to $25 per share, or the Liquidation Preference, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the payment date. |
Dividends |
We intend to pay monthly dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock at a fixed annual rate of % of the Liquidation Preference ($ per share per year), or the Dividend Rate. Our board of directors may determine not to pay, or may be precluded from paying, such dividends if the board of directors believes it is not in the best interest of our stockholders or if we fail to maintain the asset coverage required by the 1940 Act. If we fail to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock as required on the Mandatory Redemption Date (as defined below) or fail to pay any dividend on the payment date for such dividend, the Dividend Rate will increase by 2% per annum until we redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock or pay the dividend, as applicable. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Dividend Rate Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate Default Period. The Dividend Rate will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. |
Cumulative cash dividends and distributions on each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be payable monthly, when, as and if declared, or under authority granted, by our board of directors out of funds legally available for such payment. |
The first dividend period for Series A Term Preferred Stock will commence upon the closing of the offering, or the Date of Original |
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Issue, and will end on June 30, 2015. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Dividend Rate Dividend Periods. |
Ranking |
The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be senior securities that constitute capital stock. |
The Series A Term Preferred Stock will rank: |
senior to shares of our common stock in priority of payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding-up of our affairs; |
equal in priority with all other future series of preferred stock we may issue, as to priority of payment of dividends and as to distributions of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding-up of our affairs; and |
subordinate in right of payment to the holders of any future senior indebtedness. |
Subject to the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, we may issue additional series of preferred stock, but we may not issue additional classes of capital stock that rank senior or junior to the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to priority of payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of our affairs. |
Mandatory Term Redemption |
We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on June 30, 2022, or the Mandatory Redemption Date, at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the Mandatory Redemption Date. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Redemption Mandatory Term Redemption. |
We cannot effect any modification of or repeal our obligation to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Redemption Date without the prior unanimous approval of the holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Leverage |
We may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes or preferred stock and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. We anticipate incurring leverage of approximately 12% of our total assets (as determined immediately before the leverage is incurred) through the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering. We may further increase our leverage through entry into a credit facility or other leveraging instruments. Instruments that create leverage are generally considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, |
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as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing or deemed borrowing), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. |
Mandatory Redemption for Asset Coverage |
If we fail to maintain asset coverage (as defined in Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act) of at least 200% as of the close of business on the last business day of any calendar quarter and such failure is not cured by the close of business on the date that is 30 calendar days following the filing date of our Annual Report on Form N-CSR, Semiannual Report on Form N-CSRS or Quarterly Report on Form N-Q, as applicable, for that quarter, or the Asset Coverage Cure Date, then we will be required to redeem, within 90 calendar days of the Asset Coverage Cure Date, shares of preferred stock, including Series A Term Preferred Stock, at least equal to the lesser of (1) the minimum number of shares of preferred stock that will result in us having asset coverage of at least 200% and (2) the maximum number of shares of preferred stock that can be redeemed out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any redemption for failure to maintain such asset coverage, we may, in our sole option, redeem such additional number of shares of preferred stock that will result in asset coverage up to and including 285%. |
If shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed for failure to maintain asset coverage of at least 200%, such shares will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not declared, but excluding interest on accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. See
Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Redemption Redemption for Failure to Maintain Asset Coverage.
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Optional Redemption |
At any time on or after June 29, 2018, we may, in our sole option, redeem the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in whole or, from time to time, in part, out of funds legally available for such redemption, at the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Redemption Optional Redemption. |
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Voting Rights |
Except as otherwise provided in our certificate of incorporation or as otherwise required by law, (1) each holder of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders and (2) the holders of all outstanding preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and common stock will vote together as a single class; provided that holders of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, will be entitled to elect at least two (2) of our directors and, if we fail to pay dividends on any outstanding shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, in an amount equal to two (2) full years of dividends, and continuing until such failure is cured, will be entitled to elect a majority of our directors. |
One of the Preferred Directors will be up for election in 2016, and the other Preferred Director will be up for election in 2017. |
Holders of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will also vote separately as a class on any matter that materially and adversely affects any preference, right or power of holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Voting Rights. |
Conversion Rights |
The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock have no conversion rights. |
Redemption and Paying Agent |
We intend to enter into an amendment to our Transfer Agency and Registrar Services Agreement with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, or the Redemption and Paying Agent. Under this amendment, the Redemption and Paying Agent will serve as transfer agent and registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption and paying agent with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Rating |
The Series A Term Preferred Stock is not rated. |
U.S. Federal Income Taxes |
Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding these matters in light of their personal investment circumstances. |
We have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our tax year ended November 30, 2014. |
Risk Factors |
Investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the information set forth under the caption Risk Factors before deciding to invest in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Information Rights |
During any period in which we are not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will provide holders of such shares, without cost, copies of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly |
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reports, proxy statements and other information that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act if we were subject to such requirements. |
Additional Information |
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act, which contains additional information about us and the Series A Term Preferred Stock being offered by this prospectus. We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information is available at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SECs public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. This information will also be available free of charge by contacting us at Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, by telephone at (844) 810-6501, or on our website at www.eaglepointcreditcompany.com. |
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Investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us might also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We are a recently organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, we do not have significant financial information on which you can evaluate an investment in us or our prior performance. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially or become worthless. We currently anticipate that it will take approximately two to six months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objectives and market conditions. During this period, we will invest in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We expect will have returns substantially lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments.
In addition, we are the only registered closed-end investment company that the Adviser has ever managed.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us in accordance with our written valuation policy, with our board of directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, our estimate of fair value. Typically, there will not be a public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we will value these securities at least quarterly based on relevant information compiled by the Adviser and third-party pricing services (when available), and with the oversight, review and adoption by our board of directors.
The determination of fair value and, consequently, the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved and overseen by our board of directors. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include non-binding indicative bids and the number of trades (and the size and timing of each trade) in an investment. Valuation of certain investments will also be based, in part, upon third party valuation models which take into account various market inputs. Investors should be aware that the models, information and/or underlying assumptions utilized by us or such models will not always allow us to correctly capture the fair value of an asset. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities like those we hold, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an active public market for these securities existed. Our determinations of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate, possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments.
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Our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends on the Advisers ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which depends, in turn, on the Advisers ability to identify, evaluate and monitor, and our ability to acquire, investments that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing our investment objectives on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the Advisers handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms, either in the primary or secondary markets. Even if we are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors, including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial markets and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and strategies as described in this prospectus, it could adversely impact our ability to pay dividends. In addition, because the trading methods employed by the Adviser on our behalf are proprietary, stockholders will not be able to determine details of such methods or whether they are being followed.
The Adviser will manage our investments. Consequently, our success will depend, in large part, upon the skill and expertise of the Advisers professional personnel. There can be no assurance that the professional personnel of the Adviser will continue to serve in their current positions or continue to be employed by the Adviser. Our success is dependent upon the services of the Adviser and, in particular, Thomas P. Majewski. We can offer no assurance that such services will be available for any length of time. Furthermore, the incapacity of Mr. Majewski could have a material and adverse effect on our performance. In addition, we can offer no assurance that the Adviser will continue indefinitely as our investment adviser.
The Adviser has the right, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, to resign at any time upon 90 days written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 90 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Adviser and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objectives would likely result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Our growth will require that the Adviser retain and attract new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. The Advisers ability to attract and retain personnel with the requisite credentials, experience and skills will depend on several factors including its ability to offer competitive wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, mezzanine funds and business development companies) and traditional financial services companies, with which it will compete for experienced personnel have greater resources than does the Adviser.
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Our executive officers and directors, and the Adviser and its officers and employees, including the Senior Investment Team, have several conflicts of interest as a result of the other activities in which they engage. For example, the members of the Advisers investment team are and may in the future become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those we intend to conduct, and may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time. Moreover, each member of the Senior Investment Team is engaged in other business activities which divert their time and attention. The professional staff of the Adviser will devote as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement. However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory and other services for other clients, and engage in other business ventures in which we have no interest. As a result of these separate business activities, the Adviser may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, services and functions among us, other advisory clients and other business ventures. See Conflicts of Interest .
The incentive fee payable by us to the Adviser may create an incentive for the Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable to the Adviser is based on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as calculated in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement. This may encourage the Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so, and to refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities. See Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us.
Given the structure of our Investment Advisory Agreement with Eagle Point Credit Management, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of the Adviser. This risk is more acute in a low interest rate environment, such as the one we are in now. In addition, in view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the Advisers income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.
The Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation for each fiscal quarter based, in part, on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, for the immediately preceding calendar quarter above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of our NAV, decreases in our NAV make it easier to achieve the performance threshold. Our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for incentive compensation purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay the Adviser incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter. In addition, we may be required to pay the Adviser an incentive fee with respect to investment income which we accrue but as to which we do not receive cash.
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Although the Senior Investment Team has experience managing other investment portfolios, including accounts using investment objectives, investment strategies and investment policies similar to ours, we cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by any other vehicles managed by the Senior Investment Team.
The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. We may borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders in the future. Holders of these senior securities will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. See Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us .
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the level of portfolio dividend and fee income, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, our results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of our results in future periods.
Our board of directors will have the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies, other than those that we have deemed to be fundamental, without prior stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, NAV, operating results and value of our securities. However, the effects of any such changes could adversely impact our ability to pay dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Although we have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2014 tax year, and intend to qualify as a RIC in each of our succeeding tax years, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet certain annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because we may use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act and may be subject to financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of our securities or similar sources.
The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to
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dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are expected to be in CLO securities for which there will likely be no active public market, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.
We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock and on a quarterly basis to holders of our common stock out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a registered closed-end management investment company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions.
For federal income tax purposes, we will include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount or market discount, which may arise if we acquire a debt security at a significant discount to par. Such discounts will be included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we have not yet, and may not ever, receive in cash.
Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. In addition, since our incentive fee is payable on our income recognized, rather than cash received, we may be required to pay advisory fees on income before or without receiving cash representing such income. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
As a publicly traded company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the SEC.
We may be materially affected by market, economic and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which we invest or operate, including conditions affecting interest rates and the availability of credit. Unexpected volatility, illiquidity, governmental action, currency devaluation or other events in the global markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could impair our ability to carry out our business and could cause us to incur substantial losses. These factors are outside our control and could adversely affect the liquidity and value of our investments, and may reduce our ability to make attractive new investments.
In particular, economic and financial market conditions significantly deteriorated for a significant part of the past decade as compared to prior periods. Global financial markets experienced considerable declines in the valuations of debt and equity securities, an acute contraction in the availability of credit and the failure of a number of leading financial institutions. As a result, certain government bodies and central banks worldwide,
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including the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Federal Reserve, undertook unprecedented intervention programs, the effects of which remain uncertain. The U.S. economy has experienced and continues to experience relatively high levels of unemployment and constrained lending. Although certain financial markets have improved, to the extent economic conditions experienced over the last several years recur, they may adversely impact our investments. Low interest rates related to monetary stimulus and economic stagnation may also negatively impact our returns on investments . Trends and historical events do not imply, forecast or predict future events, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. There can be no assurance that the assumptions made or the beliefs and expectations currently held by the Adviser will prove correct, and actual events and circumstances may vary significantly.
We may be subject to risk arising from a default by one of several large institutions that are dependent on one another to meet their liquidity or operational needs, so that a default by one institution may cause a series of defaults by the other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as systemic risk and may adversely affect financial intermediaries with which we interact in the conduct of our business.
If the value of our assets declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the asset coverage imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. See Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us and Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company . Any such failure would affect our ability to issue additional preferred stock and other senior securities, including borrowings, and pay dividends, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further by an inability to access the capital markets or to obtain debt financing. For example, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain borrowing facilities on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets, many lenders and institutional investors have previously reduced or ceased lending to borrowers. This type of market turmoil and tightening of credit could lead to increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally, thereby limiting our investment opportunities.
If we are unable to access the capital markets or obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of those activities. If we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under any borrowing facility we may in the future obtain, and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance any such facility, we would not be able to make new investments or to operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as inaccessibility to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, a further economic downturn or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business. Moreover, we are unable to predict when economic and market conditions may become more favorable. Even if such conditions improve broadly and significantly over the long term, adverse conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.
We are classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act. As a result, we can invest a greater portion of our assets in obligations of a single issuer than a diversified fund. We may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. In particular, because our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO securities and related investments, we are susceptible to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities and related investments experience a high level of defaults on the collateral that they hold.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a registered closed-end management investment company, to issue senior securities (including debt securities, preferred stock and/or borrowings from banks or other financial institutions); provided we meet certain asset coverage requirements ( i.e. , 300% for senior securities representing indebtedness and 200% in the case of the issuance of preferred stock).
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See Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us for details concerning how asset coverage is calculated. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness (including by redeeming shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock), at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our stockholders.
We are not generally able to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). We may, however, sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below NAV in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.
The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, contains provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal of our directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that limit liability and provide for indemnification of our directors and officers. These provisions and others also may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, the application of which is subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. This section generally prohibits us from engaging in mergers and other business combinations with stockholders that beneficially own 15% or more of our voting stock, or with their affiliates, unless our directors or stockholders approve the business combination in the prescribed manner. If our board of directors does not approve a business combination, Section 203 of the DGCL may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.
We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our certificate of incorporation classifying our board of directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our certificate of incorporation authorizing our board of directors to classify or reclassify shares of our preferred stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our capital stock, and to amend our certificate of incorporation, 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 certificate of incorporation and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our securityholders
Legal and regulatory changes . Legal and regulatory changes could occur and may adversely affect us and our ability to pursue our investment strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations may be imposed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the CFTC, the SEC, the U.S. Federal Reserve, other banking regulators, other governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets that could adversely affect us. In particular, these agencies are empowered to promulgate a variety of new rules pursuant to recently enacted financial reform legislation in the United States. We also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by these governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations. Such changes could adversely affect the strategies and plans set forth in this prospectus and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of the Advisers senior investment team to other types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
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Derivative Investments. The derivative investments in which we may invest have recently become subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. In particular, certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law in July 2010, requires most derivatives to be executed on a regulated market and cleared through a central counterparty, which may result in increased margin requirements and costs for us. In addition, we have claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator pursuant to Regulation 4.5 promulgated by the CFTC under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, or the CEA, and CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012. For us to continue to qualify for this exclusion, (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish our positions in derivative instruments subject to the jurisdiction of the CEA (other than positions entered into for hedging purposes) may not exceed five percent of our liquidation value, (ii) the net notional value of our aggregate investments in CEA-regulated derivative instruments (other than positions entered into for hedging purposes) may not exceed 100% of our liquidation value, or (iii) we must meet an alternative test appropriate for a fund of funds as set forth in CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38. In the event we fail to qualify for the exclusion and the Adviser is required to register as a commodity pool operator in connection with serving as our investment adviser and becomes subject to additional disclosure, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, our expenses may increase.
Loan Securitizations. Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act added a provision, commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule, to federal banking laws to generally prohibit various covered banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in, sponsoring or having certain relationships with a hedge fund or private equity fund (which have been broadly defined in a way which could include many CLOs), subject to certain exemptions. The Volcker Rule also provides for certain supervised nonbank financial companies that engage in such activities or have such interests or relationships to be subject to additional capital requirements, quantitative limits or other restrictions. The Final Volcker Regulations became effective on April 1, 2014, although banking entities have until July 21, 2015 to bring any existing activities and investments into full conformance, subject to up to two one-year extensions granted at the discretion of the Federal Reserve upon consideration of a variety of factors, including a determination that an extension would not be detrimental to the public interest. Although the Volcker Rule and the implementing rules contain exemptions applicable to securitizations of loans, due to the lack of clarity as to the application of the Volcker Rule and these exemptions to certain securitized products, it is unclear what effect the Volcker Rule and its implementing regulations will have on the ability or desire of certain investors subject to the Volcker Rule to invest in or to continue to hold CLO securities. As a result, the Volcker Rule as implemented may adversely affect the market value or liquidity of any or all of the investments held by us. We also note that, in an effort to qualify for the loan securitization exclusion provided for in the Volcker Rule, many current CLOs are undertaking amendments to their transaction documents that restrict the ability of the issuer to acquire bonds and certain other securities. The consequence of such an amendment may have the effect of reducing the return available to holders of CLO equity securities because bonds are generally higher yielding assets than loans. Furthermore, the costs associated with such an amendment are typically paid out of the cash flow of the CLO, which could adversely impact the return on our investment in any CLO equity. In addition, as a result of the uncertainty regarding the Volcker Rule, it is likely that many future CLOs will contain similar restrictions on the acquisition of bonds and certain other securities, which may result in lower returns on CLO equity securities than currently anticipated.
Also, in October 2014, six federal agencies (the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, the SEC, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) adopted joint final rules implementing certain credit risk retention requirements contemplated in Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act, or the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules. These rules were published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2014. With respect to the regulation of CLOs, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules require that either (i) the sponsor (which, in many cases will likely also be the manager of a CLO) retain a 5% interest in the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the CLO or (ii) the CLO buy and hold only certain CLO-eligible loan tranches (as defined in the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules).
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Although the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules will not become fully effective until December 24, 2016 (such date, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date) and CLOs issued prior to that date will be exempt from the requirements set forth in the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules (except in connection with any offer and sale of securities thereunder after the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date), the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules contain provisions that may adversely affect the return of our investments. The Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules would apply to any additional CLO securities issued after the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date and any refinancing or any re-pricing of existing CLO securities that constitutes an offer and sale of securities that occurs on or after the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date. In addition, the SEC has indicated in contexts separate from the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules that an offer or a sale of securities may arise when amendments to securities are so material as to require holders to make an investment decision with respect to such amendment. Thus, if the SEC were to take a similar position with respect to the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules, they could apply to any material amendment to the indenture governing a CLO that closed prior to the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date or to such CLOs securities, including any re-pricing of such CLO securities, to the extent such amendments require investors to make an investment decision. For this reason, many recent CLOs have made it a precondition to undertaking any such additional issuance, refinancing, re-pricing or material amendment that the collateral manager or any entity holding a retention interest in the CLO consent to such modification or amendment. We expect that such collateral manager or other entity would not consent to such event if it would cause the collateral manager or the sponsor to violate the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules. As a result, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules may adversely affect the return of our investments if a CLO issuer is unable to undertake any such additional issuance, refinancing, re-pricing or material amendment.
The ultimate impact of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on the loan securitization market and the leveraged loan market generally remains uncertain, and any negative impact on secondary market liquidity for securities comprising a CLO may be experienced immediately, even before the Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date, due to the effects of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on market expectations or uncertainty, the relative appeal of other investments not impacted by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules and other factors. The Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules may reduce the number of collateral managers active in the market, which may result in fewer new issue CLOs and reduce the liquidity provided by CLOs to the U.S. leveraged loan market generally. Reduced liquidity in the loan market could reduce investment opportunities for CLO collateral managers, which could negatively affect the return of our investments. Any reduction in the volume and liquidity provided by CLOs to the U.S. leveraged loan market could also reduce opportunities to redeem or refinance the securities comprising a CLO in an optional redemption or refinancing and could negatively affect the ability of obligors to refinance of their collateral obligations, either of which developments could increase defaulted obligations above historic levels.
The European Union has also taken a number of actions in response to the financial crisis. European reforms related to the regulation of securitization markets include risk retention and due diligence requirements in accordance with (a) Article 122a of European Union Directive 2006/48/EC (as amended from time to time and as implemented by the Member States of the European Union) inserted by European Union Directive 2009/111/EC, or Article 122a, and European Union Directive 2006/49/EC (as amended by European Union Directive 2009/111/EC), or the CRD, together with any the guidelines and technical standards related documents published in relation thereto by the European Banking Authority, or the EBA (or and/or its predecessor, the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and together with any successor or replacement agency or authority), and (b) the form of Article 394(1) of the draft European Union Capital Requirements Regulation, or the CRR, as adopted by the European Parliament on April 16, 2013, or Article 122a394(1) or the Capital Requirements Directive CRR, as the context so requires), together with any draft or final guidance and technical standards published in relation thereto by the EBA (Article 122a, the CRD, Article 394(1) and the CRR being, together with any applicable guidelines, technical standards and related documents published by the EBA, the Retention Requirement Laws).
The Retention Requirement Laws apply to credit institutions in the European Union (for example, banks) that invest in or hold positions in CLO securities. Among other provisions, the Retention Requirement Laws restrict investments by European Union-regulated credit institutions (and, in some cases, consolidated group entities) in securitizations that fail to comply with certain requirements concerning retention by the originator,
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sponsor or original lender of the securitized assets of a portion of the securitizations credit risk. Many CLOs are not taking steps to comply with the requirements of the Retention Requirement Laws, but to the extent a CLO intended to comply with the requirements of the Retention Requirement Laws, our ability to invest in the residual tranches of such CLOs could be limited, or we could be required to hold our investment for the life of the CLO. If a CLO has not been structured to comply with the Retention Requirement Laws, it is likely to limit the ability of European Union-regulated credit institutions to purchase CLO securities, which may adversely affect the liquidity of the securities (including the residual tranche) in the secondary market. In addition, other requirements imposed by European regulations on fund managers (including the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive) may also limit the market for certain CLOs.
Terrorist acts, acts of war or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may adversely impact the businesses in which we invest either directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.
We, and our third-party service providers, are susceptible to operational and information security risks. While our third-party service providers have procedures in place with respect to information security, their technologies may become the target of cyber attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized gathering, monitoring, release, misuse, loss or destruction of our and/or our stockholders confidential and other information, or otherwise disrupt our operations or those of our third-party service providers. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that our third-party service providers, or cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems, or devices that our third-party service providers use to service our operations, could disrupt and impact the service providers and our operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of our stockholders to transact business and of us to process transactions, inability to calculate our NAV, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Our third-party service providers policies and procedures with respect to information security have been established to seek to identify and mitigate the types of risk to which we and our third-party service providers are subject. As with any risk management system, there are inherent limitations to these policies and procedures as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that have not been anticipated or identified. There can be no assurance that we or our third-party service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
We obtain exposure to underlying senior secured loans through our investments in CLOs, but may obtain such exposure directly or indirectly through other means from time to time. Such loans may become nonperforming or impaired for a variety of reasons. Nonperforming or impaired loans may require substantial workout negotiations or restructuring that may entail a substantial reduction in the interest rate and/or a substantial write-down of the principal of the loan. In addition, because of the unique and customized nature of a loan agreement and the private syndication of a loan, certain loans may not be purchased or sold as easily as publicly traded securities, and, historically, the trading volume in the loan market has been small relative to other markets. Loans may encounter trading delays due to their unique and customized nature, and transfers may require the consent of an agent bank and/or borrower. Risks associated with senior secured loans include the fact that prepayments generally may occur at any time without premium or penalty.
In addition, the portfolios of certain CLOs in which we invest may contain middle market loans. Loans to middle market companies may carry more inherent risks than loans to larger, publicly traded entities. These
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companies generally have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position, may need more capital to expand or compete, and may be unable to obtain financing from public capital markets or from traditional sources, such as commercial banks. Middle market companies typically have narrower product lines and smaller market shares than large companies. Therefore, they tend to be more vulnerable to competitors actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies may also experience substantial variations in operating results. The success of a middle market business may also depend on the management talents and efforts of one or two persons or a small group of persons. The death, disability or resignation of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the obligor. Accordingly, loans made to middle market companies may involve higher risks than loans made to companies that have greater financial resources or are otherwise able to access traditional credit sources. Middle market loans are less liquid and have a smaller trading market than the market for broadly syndicated loans and may have default rates or recovery rates that differ (and may be better or worse) than has been the case for broadly syndicated loans or investment grade securities. There can be no assurance as to the levels of defaults and/or recoveries that may be experienced with respect to middle market loans in any CLO in which we may invest. As a consequence of the forgoing factors, the securities issued by CLOs that primarily invest in middle market loans (or hold significant portions thereof) are generally considered to be a riskier investment than securities issued by CLOs that primarily invest in broadly syndicated loans.
Our investments consist primarily of CLO securities, and we may invest in other related structured finance securities. CLOs and structured finance securities are generally backed by an asset or a pool of assets (typically senior secured loans and other credit-related assets in the case of a CLO) that serve as collateral. We and other investors in CLO and related structured finance securities ultimately bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. In the case of most CLOs, the structured finance securities are issued in multiple tranches, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics, often categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity according to their degree of risk. If there are defaults or the relevant collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches of such securities take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches have a priority in right of payment to subordinated/equity tranches.
In light of the above considerations, CLO and other structured finance securities may present risks similar to those of the other types of debt obligations and, in fact, such risks may be of greater significance in the case of CLO and other structured finance securities. For example, investments in structured vehicles, including equity and junior debt securities issued by CLOs, involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Changes in interest rates and credit quality may cause significant price fluctuations.
In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO securities carry additional risks, including: (1) the possibility that distributions from collateral assets will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) our investments in CLO equity and junior debt tranches will likely be subordinate in right of payment to other senior classes of CLO debt; and (4) the complex structure of a particular security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Additionally, changes in the collateral held by a CLO may cause payments on the instruments we hold to be reduced, either temporarily or permanently. Structured investments, particularly the subordinated interests in which we invest, are less liquid than many other types of securities and may be more volatile than the assets underlying the CLOs we may target. In addition, CLO and other structured finance securities may be subject to prepayment risk. Further, the performance of a CLO or other structured finance security may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including the securitys priority in the capital structure of the issuer thereof, the availability of any credit enhancement, the level and timing of payments and recoveries on and the characteristics of the underlying receivables, loans or other assets that are being securitized, remoteness of those assets from the originator or transferor, the adequacy of and ability to realize upon any related collateral and the capability of the servicer of the securitized assets. There are also the risks that the trustee of a CLO does not properly carry out its duties to the CLO, potentially resulting in loss to the CLO. In addition, the complex structure of the security may produce unexpected investment results, especially during times of market stress or volatility. Investments in structured finance securities may also be subject to liquidity risk.
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Between the closing date and the effective date of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period, the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the target initial par amount of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely affect the timing and amount of interest or principal payments received by the holders of the CLO debt securities and distributions on the CLO equity securities and could result in early redemptions which may cause CLO debt and equity investors to receive less than face value of their investment.
Our portfolio may hold investments in a limited number of CLO securities. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under the Code, we will not have fixed guidelines for diversification, we will not have any limitations on the ability to invest in any one CLO, and our investments may be concentrated in relatively few CLO securities. As our portfolio may be less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to failure if one or more of the CLOs in which we are invested experiences a high level of defaults on its collateral. Similarly, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. We may also invest in multiple CLOs managed by the same CLO collateral manager, thereby increasing our risk of loss in the event the CLO collateral manager were to fail, experience the loss of key portfolio management employees or sell its business.
The failure by a CLO in which we invest to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments to us. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments we would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Per the terms of a CLOs indenture, assets rated CCC+ or lower or their equivalent in excess of applicable limits do not receive full par credit for purposes of calculation of the CLOs overcollateralization tests. As a result, negative rating migration could cause a CLO to be out of compliance with its overcollateralization tests. This could cause a diversion of cash flows away from the CLO equity and junior debt tranches in favor of the more senior CLO debt tranches until the relevant overcollateralization test breaches are cured. This could have a negative impact on our NAV and cash flows.
We invest in CLO securities and may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and other instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, we bear our ratable share of a CLOs or any such investment vehicles expenses, including management and performance fees. We also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and other instruments of other investment vehicles, including CLOs. With respect to each of these investments, each holder of our common stock bears his or her share of the management and incentive fee of the Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment vehicles in which we invest.
In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser and reimburse the Adviser for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our securities invest on a
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gross basis and receive distributions on a net basis after expenses, potentially resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments.
We invest primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs and other related investments. Generally, there may be less information available to us regarding the collateral held by such CLOs than if we had invested directly in the debt of the underlying obligors. As a result, our stockholders do not know the details of the collateral of the CLOs in which we invest. In addition, none of the information contained in certain monthly reports nor any other financial information furnished to us as a noteholder in a CLO is audited and reported upon, nor is an opinion expressed, by an independent public accountant. Our CLO investments are also subject to the risk of leverage associated with the debt issued by such CLOs and the repayment priority of senior debt holders in such CLOs.
CLOs and other structured finance securities in which we invest are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts. As a result, the risk of dispute over interpretation or enforceability of the documentation may be higher relative to other types of investments.
The accounting and tax implications of the CLO investments that we make are complicated. In particular, reported earnings from CLO equity securities are recorded under generally accepted accounting principles based upon a constant yield calculation. Current taxable earnings on these investments, however, will generally not be determinable until after the end of the fiscal year of each individual CLO that ends within our fiscal year, even though the investments are generating cash flow throughout the fiscal year. The tax treatment of these investments may result in higher distributable earnings in the early years and a capital loss at maturity, while for reporting purposes the totality of cash flows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity.
We will rely on CLO collateral managers to administer and review the portfolios of collateral they manage. The actions of the CLO collateral managers may significantly affect the return on our investments. The ability of each CLO collateral manager to identify and report on issues affecting its securitization portfolio on a timely basis could also affect the return on our investments, as we may not be provided with information on a timely basis in order to take appropriate measures to manage our risks. We will also rely on CLO collateral managers to act in the best interests of a CLO it manages. If any CLO collateral manager were to act in a manner that was not in the best interest of the CLOs ( e.g., gross negligence, with reckless disregard or in bad faith), this could adversely impact the overall performance of our investments.
In addition, the CLOs in which we invest are generally not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act. As a result, investors in these CLOs are not afforded the protections that shareholders in an investment company registered under the 1940 Act would have.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute passive foreign investment companies, or PFICs. If we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in PFICs (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require us to recognize our share of the PFICs income for each year regardless of whether we receive any distributions from such PFIC. We must nonetheless distribute such income to maintain our status as a RIC.
If we hold more than 10% of the interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC (including equity tranche
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investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as a CFC), we may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporations income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If we are required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in our income, we will be required to distribute such income to maintain our RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such year.
If we are required to include amounts in income prior to receiving the cash distributions representing such income, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
Legislation enacted in 2010 imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and dividends paid after June 30, 2014, or gross proceeds from the disposition of an instrument that produces U.S. source interest or dividends paid after December 31, 2016, to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its U.S. account holders and its U.S. owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amount available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of, and flow of capital into, investment vehicles established to pursue investments in CLO securities whereas the size of this market is relatively limited. While we cannot determine the precise effect of such competition, such increase may result in greater competition for investment opportunities, which may result in an increase in the price of such investments relative to the risk taken on by holders of such investments. Such competition may also result under certain circumstances in increased price volatility or decreased liquidity with respect to certain positions. We can offer no assurances that we will deploy all of our capital in a timely manner or at all. Prospective investors should understand that we may compete with other investment vehicles, as well as investment and commercial banking firms, which have substantially greater resources, in terms of financial wherewithal and research staffs, than may be available to us.
We intend to invest indirectly through one or more wholly owned subsidiaries, including a Cayman Islands subsidiary through which we expect to invest in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued in private offerings without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. Our wholly owned subsidiaries are not separately registered under the 1940 Act and are not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. In addition, changes in the laws of the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of our Cayman Islands subsidiary to operate as anticipated.
The fair value of certain of our investments may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, our investments in senior secured loans through CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility. Although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be some difference between the timing of interest rate
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resets on the assets and liabilities of a CLO. Such a mismatch in timing could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition, CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that may adversely affect our cash flow, fair value of our assets and operating results. In the event that our interest expense were to increase relative to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, our return on investments and cash available for distribution would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry a greater exposure to interest rate risk.
LIBOR Floor Risk . An increase in LIBOR will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Since many of the senior secured loans within these CLOs have LIBOR floors, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income (if LIBOR increases but stays below the average LIBOR floor rate of such senior secured loans) resulting in smaller distribution payments to the equity investors in these CLOs.
LIBOR Risk . The CLOs in which we invest typically obtain financing at a floating rate based on LIBOR. Regulators and law-enforcement agencies from a number of governments, including entities in the United States, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom, have conducted or are conducting civil and criminal investigations into whether the banks that contribute to the British Bankers Association, or the BBA, in connection with the calculation of daily LIBOR may have been under-reporting or otherwise manipulating or attempting to manipulate LIBOR. Several financial institutions have reached settlements with the CFTC, the U.S. Department of Justice Fraud Section and the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority in connection with investigations by such authorities into submissions made by such financial institutions to the bodies that set LIBOR and other interbank offered rates. In such settlements, such financial institutions admitted to submitting rates to the BBA that were lower than the actual rates at which such financial institutions could borrow funds from other banks. Additional investigations remain ongoing with respect to other major banks. There can be no assurance that there will not be additional admissions or findings of rate-setting manipulation or that manipulations of LIBOR or other similar interbank offered rates will not be shown to have occurred. On July 9, 2013, it was announced that NYSE Euronext Rate Administration Limited would take over the administration of LIBOR from the BBA, subject to authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority and following a period of transition. Accordingly, ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (formerly NYSE Euronext Rate Administration Limited) assumed this role on February 1, 2014. Any new administrator of LIBOR may make methodological changes to the way in which LIBOR is calculated or may alter, discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of LIBOR. Any of such actions or other effects from the ongoing investigations could adversely affect the liquidity and value of our investments. Further, additional admissions or findings of manipulation may decrease the confidence of the market in LIBOR and lead market participants to look for alternative, non-LIBOR based types of financing, such as fixed rate loans or bonds or floating rate loans based on non-LIBOR indices. An increase in alternative types of financing at the expense of LIBOR-based CLOs may impair the liquidity of our investments. Additionally, it may make it more difficult for CLO issuers to satisfy certain conditions set forth in a CLOs offering documents.
Historically Low Interest Rate Environment . As of the date of this prospectus, interest rates in the United States are at, or near, historic lows, which may increase our exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Moreover, interest rate levels are currently impacted by extraordinarily accomodative monetary policy initiatives the effect of which is impossible to predict with certainty.
The senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest often have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting in losses for the CLOs in which we invest. Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within these CLOs have LIBOR floors, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income resulting in smaller distribution payments to equity investors in these CLOs.
Given the structure of our Investment Advisory Agreement, a general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of the Adviser.
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For detailed discussions of the risks associated with a rising interest rate environment, see Risks Related to Our Investments We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk, Risks Related to Our Investments We and our investments are subject to risks associated with investing in high-yield and unrated, or junk, securities, Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure A general increase in interest rates may have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to receive incentive fees without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings.
If a CLO in which we invest, an underlying asset of any such CLO or any other type of credit investment in our portfolio declines in price or fails to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer or debtor, as the case may be, experiences a decline in its financial status either or both our income and NAV may be adversely impacted. Non-payment would result in a reduction of our income, a reduction in the value of the applicable CLO security or other credit investment experiencing non-payment and, potentially, a decrease in our NAV. With respect to our investments in CLO securities and credit investments that are secured, there can be no assurance that liquidation of collateral would satisfy the issuers obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled dividend, interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, we could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a CLO security or credit investment. To the extent that the credit rating assigned to a security in our portfolio is downgraded, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected. In addition, if a CLO in which we invest triggers an event of default as a result of failing to make payments when due or for other reasons, the CLO would be subject to the possibility of liquidation, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
Although the Advisers valuations and projections take into account certain expected levels of prepayments, the collateral of a CLO may be prepaid more quickly than expected. Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of factors beyond our control and consequently cannot be accurately predicted. Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, as we or a CLO collateral manager might realize excess cash from prepayments earlier than expected. If we or a CLO collateral manager are unable to reinvest such cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the investment repaid, this may reduce our net income and the fair value of that asset.
The Series A Term Preferred Stock represent leverage in our capital structure. We may also incur additional leverage, directly or indirectly, through one or more special purpose vehicles, indebtedness for borrowed money, as well as in the form of Derivative Transactions, additional shares of preferred stock and other structures and instruments, in significant amounts and on terms that the Adviser and our board of directors deem appropriate, subject to applicable limitations under the 1940 Act. Such leverage may be used for the acquisition and financing of our investments, to pay fees and expenses and for other purposes. Such leverage may be secured and/or unsecured and senior and/or subordinated. Any such leverage does not include leverage embedded or inherent in the CLO structures in which we invest or in derivative instruments in which we may invest. Accordingly, there may be a layering of leverage in our overall structure.
The more leverage is employed, the more likely a substantial change will occur in our NAV. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. For instance, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments to our securityholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The cumulative effect of the use of leverage with respect to any investments in a market that moves adversely to such investments could result in a substantial loss that would be greater than if our investments were not leveraged.
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As a registered closed-end management investment company, we will generally be required to meet certain asset coverage requirements, as defined under the 1940 Act, with respect to any senior securities. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness ( i.e. , borrowings or deemed borrowings), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities that are stocks ( i.e. , shares of preferred stock, including Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required to maintain asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or 200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt or redeem shares of preferred stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we would not be able to make certain distributions or pay dividends. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Advisers and our board of directors assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition, any debt facility into which we may enter would likely impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Our portfolio includes equity and junior debt investments in CLOs, which involve a number of significant risks. CLOs are typically very highly levered (9 to 13 times) and, therefore, the junior debt and equity tranches in which we are currently invested and in which we intend to invest will be subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In particular, investors in CLO securities indirectly bear risks of the collateral held by such CLOs. We generally have the right to receive payments only from the CLOs, and generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO. While the CLOs we target generally enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior secured loans without the expenses associated with directly holding the same investments, we generally pay a proportionate share of the CLOs administrative, management and other expenses. In addition, we may have the option in certain CLOs to contribute additional amounts to the CLO issuer for purposes of acquiring additional assets or curing coverage tests, thereby increasing our overall exposure and capital at risk to such CLO. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of assets underlying CLOs will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLOs securities) are influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. The interests we acquire in CLOs generally are thinly traded or have only a limited trading market. CLO securities are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result, investments in CLO securities are illiquid.
We invest primarily in securities that are rated below investment grade or not rated by a national securities rating service. The primary assets underlying our CLO security investments are senior secured loans, although these transactions may allow for limited exposure to other asset classes including unsecured loans, high yield bonds, emerging market loans or bonds and structured finance securities with underlying exposure to collateralized debt obligations, or CDO, tranches, residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities, trust preferred securities and other types of securitizations. CLOs generally invest in lower-rated debt securities that are typically rated below Baa/BBB by Moodys, S&P or Fitch. In addition, we may obtain direct exposure to such financial assets/instruments. Securities that are not rated, are rated lower than Baa by Moodys or rated lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch, are sometimes referred to as high
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yield or junk. High-yield debt securities have greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations. High-yield debt securities are generally unsecured and may be subordinated to certain other obligations of the issuer thereof. The lower rating of high-yield debt securities and below investment grade loans reflects a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer or in general economic conditions or both may impair the ability of the issuer thereof to make payments of principal or interest.
Risks of high-yield debt securities may include:
(1) | limited liquidity and secondary market support; |
(2) | substantial marketplace volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates; |
(3) | subordination to the prior claims of banks and other senior lenders; |
(4) | the operation of mandatory sinking fund or call/redemption provisions during periods of declining interest rates that could cause us to reinvest premature redemption proceeds in lower-yielding debt obligations; |
(5) | the possibility that earnings of the high-yield debt security issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service; |
(6) | the declining creditworthiness and potential for insolvency of the issuer of such high-yield debt securities during periods of rising interest rates and/or economic downturn; and |
(7) | greater susceptibility to losses and real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade securities. |
An economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for high-yield debt securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding high-yield debt securities and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest.
Issuers of high-yield debt securities may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The risk associated with acquiring (directly or indirectly) the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with highly rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high-yield debt securities may be more likely to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly leveraged. During such periods, timely service of debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuers inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of high-yield debt securities because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to obligations owed to other creditors of the issuer of such securities. In addition, we may incur additional expenses to the extent it (or any investment manager) is required to seek recovery upon a default on a high yield bond (or any other debt obligation) or participate in the restructuring of such obligation.
A portion of the loans held by CLOs in which we invest may consist of second lien loans. Second lien loans are secured by liens on the collateral securing the loan that are subordinated to the liens of at least one other class of obligations of the related obligor, and thus, the ability of the CLO issuer to exercise remedies after a second lien loan becomes a defaulted obligation is subordinated to, and limited by, the rights of the senior creditors holding such other classes of obligations. In many circumstances, the CLO issuer may be prevented from foreclosing on the collateral securing a second lien loan until the related first lien loan is paid in full. Moreover, any amounts that might be realized as a result of collection efforts or in connection with a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding involving a second lien loan must generally be turned over to the first lien secured lender until the first lien secured lender has realized the full value of its own claims. In addition, certain of the second lien loans contain provisions requiring the CLO issuers interest in the collateral to be released in certain circumstances. These lien and payment obligation subordination provisions may materially and adversely affect the ability of the CLO issuer to realize value from second lien loans and adversely affect our investment in the CLOs securities.
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We, or the CLOs in which we invest, may acquire interests in loans either directly (by way of assignment, or Assignments) or indirectly (by way of participation, or Participations). The purchaser by an Assignment of a loan obligation typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the selling institution and becomes a lender under the loan or credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation. In contrast, Participations acquired by us in a portion of a debt obligation held by a selling institution, or the Selling Institution, typically result in a contractual relationship only with such Selling Institution, not with the obligor. We would have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled under the Participation only from the Selling Institution and only upon receipt by the Selling Institution of such payments from the obligor. In purchasing a Participation, we generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the obligor with the terms of the loan or credit agreement or other instrument evidencing such debt obligation, nor any rights of setoff against the obligor, and we may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, we would assume the credit risk of both the obligor and the Selling Institution. In the event of the insolvency of the Selling Institution, we will be treated as a general creditor of the Selling Institution in respect of the Participation and may not benefit from any setoff between the Selling Institution and the obligor.
The holder of a Participation in a debt obligation may not have the right to vote to waive enforcement of any default by an obligor. Selling Institutions commonly reserve the right to administer the debt obligations sold by them as they see fit and to amend the documentation evidencing such debt obligations in all respects. However, most participation agreements with respect to senior secured loans provide that the Selling Institution may not vote in favor of any amendment, modification or waiver that (1) forgives principal, interest or fees, (2) reduces principal, interest or fees that are payable, (3) postpones any payment of principal (whether a scheduled payment or a mandatory prepayment), interest or fees or (4) releases any material guarantee or security without the consent of the participant (at least to the extent the participant would be affected by any such amendment, modification or waiver).
A Selling Institution voting in connection with a potential waiver of a default by an obligor may have interests different from ours, and the Selling Institution might not consider our interests in connection with its vote. In addition, many participation agreements with respect to senior secured loans that provide voting rights to the participant further provide that, if the participant does not vote in favor of amendments, modifications or waivers, the Selling Institution may repurchase such Participation at par. An investment by us in a synthetic security related to a loan involves many of the same considerations relevant to Participations.
High-yield investments, including collateral held by CLOs in which we invest, generally have limited liquidity. As a result, prices of high-yield investments have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a substantial number of holders (or a few holders of a significantly large block of the securities) decided to sell. In addition, we (or the CLOs in which we invest) may have difficulty disposing of certain high-yield investments because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To the extent that a secondary trading market for non-investment grade high-yield investments does exist, it would not be as liquid as the secondary market for highly rated investments. Reduced secondary market liquidity would have an adverse impact on our direct or indirect ability to dispose of particular securities in response to a specific economic event such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer of such securities.
As secondary market trading volumes increase, new loans frequently contain standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading that may improve market liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity or that the current level of liquidity will continue. Because holders of such loans are offered confidential information relating to the borrower, the unique and customized nature of the loan agreement, and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as publicly traded securities are purchased or sold. Although a secondary market may exist, risks similar to those described above in connection with an investment in high-yield debt investments are also applicable to investments in lower rated loans.
The securities issued by CLOs generally offer less liquidity than other investment grade or high-yield corporate debt, and are subject to certain transfer restrictions that impose certain financial and other eligibility
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requirements on prospective transferees. Other investments that we may purchase in privately negotiated transactions may also be illiquid or subject to legal restrictions on their transfer. As a result of this illiquidity, our ability to sell certain investments quickly, or at all, in response to changes in economic and other conditions and to receive a fair price when selling such investments may be limited, which could prevent us from making sales to mitigate losses on such investments. In addition, CLOs are subject to the possibility of liquidation upon an event of default, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which could make it difficult for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on the obligations represented by investments and result in significant losses.
We may hold investments (including synthetic securities) that would expose us to the credit risk of our counterparties or the counterparties of the CLOs in which it invests. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of such a counterparty, we or a CLO in which such an investment is held could suffer significant losses, including the loss of that part of our or the CLOs portfolio financed through such a transaction, declines in the value of our investment, including declines that may occur during an applicable stay period, the inability to realize any gains on our investment during such period and fees and expenses incurred in enforcing our rights. If the CLO enters into or owns synthetic securities, the CLO may fall within the definition of commodity pool under new CFTC rules, and the collateral manager of the CLO may be required to register as a commodity pool operator with the CFTC, which could increase costs for the CLO and reduce amounts available to pay to the residual tranche.
In addition, with respect to certain swaps and synthetic securities, neither the CLOs nor we usually have a contractual relationship with the entities, referred to as Reference Entities whose payment obligations are the subject of the relevant swap agreement or security. Therefore, neither the CLOs nor we generally have a right to directly enforce compliance by the Reference Entity with the terms of this kind of underlying obligation, any rights of set-off against the Reference Entity or any voting rights with respect to the underlying obligation. Neither the CLOs nor we will directly benefit from the collateral supporting the underlying obligation and will not have the benefit of the remedies that would normally be available to a holder of such underlying obligation.
A default and any resulting loss as well as other losses on an underlying asset held by a CLO may reduce the fair value of our corresponding CLO investment. A wide range of factors could adversely affect the ability of the borrower of an underlying asset to make interest or other payments on that asset. To the extent that actual defaults and losses on the collateral of an investment exceed the level of defaults and losses factored into its purchase price, the value of the anticipated return from the investment will be reduced. The more deeply subordinated the tranche of securities in which we invest, the greater the risk of loss upon a default. For example, CLO equity is the most subordinated tranche within a CLO and is therefore subject to the greatest risk of loss resulting from defaults on the CLOs collateral, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise. Any defaults and losses in excess of expected default rates and loss model inputs will have a negative impact on the fair value of our investments, will reduce the cash flows that we receive from our investments, adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could adversely impact our ability to pay dividends. In addition, the collateral of CLOs may require substantial workout negotiations or restructuring in the event of a default or liquidation. Any such workout or restructuring is likely to lead to a substantial reduction in the interest rate of such asset and/or a substantial write-down or write-off of all or a portion the principal of such asset. Any such reduction in interest rates or principal will negatively affect the fair value of our portfolio.
We may invest capital in loan accumulation facilities to acquire loans on an interim basis that are expected to form part of the portfolio of a future CLO. Investments in loan accumulation facilities have risks that are similar to those applicable to investments in CLOs as described in this prospectus. In addition, there
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typically will be no assurance that the future CLO will be consummated or that the loans held in such a facility are eligible for purchase by the CLO. Furthermore, we likely will have no consent rights in respect of the loans to be acquired in such a facility and in the event we do have any consent rights, they will be limited. In the event a planned CLO is not consummated, or the loans are not eligible for purchase by the CLO, we may be responsible for either holding or disposing of the loans. This could expose us primarily to credit and/or mark-to-market losses, and other risks. Leverage is typically utilized in such a facility and as such the potential risk of loss will be increased for such facilities that employ leverage.
In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO or other vehicle in which we invest, a court or other governmental entity may determine that our claims or those of the relevant CLO are not valid or not entitled to the treatment we expected when making our initial investment decision.
Various laws enacted for the protection of debtors may apply to the underlying assets in our investment portfolio. The information in this and the following paragraph represents a brief summary of certain points only, is not intended to be an extensive summary of the relevant issues and is applicable with respect to U.S. issuers and borrowers only. The following is not intended to be a summary of all relevant risks. Similar avoidance provisions to those described below are sometimes available with respect to non-U.S. issuers or borrowers, and there is no assurance that this will be the case, which may result in a much greater risk of partial or total loss of value in that underlying asset.
If a court in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor or representative of creditors of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, such as a trustee in bankruptcy, were to find that such issuer or borrower did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness constituting such underlying assets and, after giving effect to such indebtedness, the issuer or borrower: (1) was insolvent; (2) was engaged in a business for which the remaining assets of such issuer or borrower constituted unreasonably small capital; or (3) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond our ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could decide to invalidate, in whole or in part, the indebtedness constituting the underlying assets as a fraudulent conveyance, to subordinate such indebtedness to existing or future creditors of the issuer or borrower or to recover amounts previously paid by the issuer or borrower in satisfaction of such indebtedness. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, payments made on such underlying assets could be subject to avoidance as a preference if made within a certain period of time (which may be as long as one year under U.S. Federal bankruptcy law or even longer under state laws) before insolvency.
Our underlying assets may be subject to various laws for the protection of debtors in other jurisdictions, including the jurisdiction of incorporation of the issuer or borrower of such underlying assets and, if different, the jurisdiction from which it conducts business and in which it holds assets, any of which may adversely affect such issuers or borrowers ability to make, or a creditors ability to enforce, payment in full, on a timely basis or at all. These insolvency considerations will differ depending on the jurisdiction in which an issuer or borrower or the related underlying assets are located and may differ depending on the legal status of the issuer or borrower.
We may purchase and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and over-the-counter options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and credit transactions and credit default swaps. We also may purchase and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments. We intend to use such Derivative Transactions primarily for hedging and risk management purposes although we may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems appropriate to do so. When investing in Derivative Transactions we will seek to manage our risk exposure to interest rates, credit spreads and corporate credit events. Derivative Transactions may be volatile and involve various risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by more
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traditional instruments. The risks related to Derivative Transactions include imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, possible default of the other party to the transaction, illiquidity, leverage, market risk and regulatory risk. A small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on our performance, effecting a form of investment leverage on our portfolio. In certain types of Derivative Transactions, we could lose the entire amount of our investment. In other types of Derivative Transactions, such as short sales, the potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
The following is a general discussion of primary risk considerations concerning the use of Derivative Transactions that investors should understand before investing in our securities.
Counterparty risk . Counterparty risk is the risk that a counterparty in a Derivative Transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to us, or the risk that the reference entity in a credit default swap or similar derivative will not be able to honor its financial obligations. Certain participants in the derivatives market, including larger financial institutions, have experienced significant financial hardship and deteriorating credit conditions. If our counterparty to a Derivative Transaction experiences a loss of capital, or is perceived to lack adequate capital or access to capital, it may experience margin calls or other regulatory requirements to increase equity. Under such circumstances, the risk that a counterparty will be unable to honor its obligations may increase substantially. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, we may experience significant delays in obtaining recovery (if at all) under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding; if our claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such prime broker or counterparty and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivatives since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative and, in effect, guarantees the parties performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the clearing house, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to us.
Market risk . Market risk is a general risk, attendant to all investments, that the value of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to our interests.
Management risk . Derivative Transactions are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with assets such as equities and bonds. The use of a derivative instrument requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to our portfolio and the ability to forecast price or interest rate movements correctly.
Correlation risk . When used for hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying investment sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative and our underlying assets may result in losses on the Derivative Transaction that are greater than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio. The Adviser may not hedge against a particular risk because it does not regard the probability of the risk occurring to be sufficiently high as to justify the cost of the hedge, or because it does not foresee the occurrence of the risk. These factors may have a significant negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities.
Liquidity risk . Derivative Transactions, especially when traded in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we would not be able to close out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity, OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable supplies, the participation of speculators, government regulation and intervention, and technical and operational or system failures. In addition, daily limits on price fluctuations and speculative
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position limits on exchanges on which we may conduct transactions in derivative instruments may prevent prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses.
Leverage risk . Trading in Derivative Transactions can result in significant leverage and risk of loss. Thus, the leverage offered by trading in derivative instruments will magnify the gains and losses we experience and could cause our NAV to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if we did not use the leverage feature in derivative instruments.
Volatility risk. The prices of many derivative instruments, including many options and swaps, are highly volatile. Price movements of options contracts and payments pursuant to swap agreements are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies. The value of options and swap agreements also depends upon the price of the securities or currencies underlying them.
OTC trading . Derivative Transactions that may be purchased or sold may include instruments not traded on an organized market. The risk of non-performance by the counterparty to such Derivative Transaction may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between bid and asked prices for derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Such instruments are often valued subjectively and may result in mispricings or improper valuations. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value, or both. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily market-to-market pricing and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. This exposes us to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing us to suffer a loss. Such counterparty risk is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where we have concentrated our transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. OTC trades submitted for clearing will be subject to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearinghouse, as well as possible SEC or CFTC mandated margin requirements. The regulators also have broad discretion to impose margin requirements on non-cleared OTC derivatives. OTC derivatives dealers have also become subject to new business conduct standards, disclosure requirements, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, transparency requirements, position limits, limitations on conflicts of interest, and other regulatory burdens. These new margin and regulatory requirements will increase the overall costs for OTC derivatives dealers. Dealers can be expected to try to pass those increased costs along, at least partially, to market participants such as us in the form of higher fees or less advantageous dealer marks. The overall impact of the Dodd-Frank Act is highly uncertain and it is unclear how the OTC derivatives markets will adapt to this new regulatory regime.
Historically, swap transactions have been individually negotiated non-standardized transactions entered into in OTC markets and have not been subject to the same type of government regulation as exchange-traded instruments. As a result, many of the protections afforded to participants on organized exchanges and in a regulated environment have not been available in connection with these transactions. However, the OTC derivatives markets have recently become subject to comprehensive statutes and regulations. In particular, in the United States, the Dodd-Frank Act requires that certain derivatives with U.S. persons must be executed on a regulated market and a substantial portion of OTC derivatives must be submitted for clearing to regulated clearinghouses. As a result, swap transactions may become subject to various requirements applicable to swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act, including clearing, exchange-execution, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, which may make it more difficult and costly for us to enter into swap transactions and may also render certain strategies in which we might otherwise engage impossible or so costly that they will no longer be economical to implement. Furthermore, the number of counterparties that may be willing to enter into swap transactions with us may also be limited if the swap transactions with us are subject to the swap regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act.
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Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing Organizations . We may deposit funds required to margin open positions in the derivative instruments subject to the CEA with a clearing broker registered as a futures commission merchant, or FCM. The CEA requires an FCM to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the FCMs proprietary assets. Similarly, the CEA requires each FCM to hold in a separate secure account all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account and may be freely accessed by the clearing broker, which may also invest any such funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by us with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for futures contracts or cleared swaps may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of our clearing broker. In addition, our assets may not be fully protected in the event of the clearing brokers bankruptcy, as we would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing brokers combined domestic customer accounts.
Similarly, the CEA requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing members clients in connection with domestic futures, swaps and options contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing members proprietary trading. Nevertheless, with respect to futures and options contracts, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. As a result, in the event of a default or the clearing brokers other clients or the clearing brokers failure to extend own funds in connection with any such default, we would not be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited by the clearing broker on our behalf with the clearing organization.
As part of the ordinary management of its portfolio, a CLO will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales and reinvest those proceeds in substitute assets, subject to compliance with its investment tests and certain other conditions. The earnings with respect to such substitute assets will depend on the quality of reinvestment opportunities available at the time. The need to satisfy the CLOs covenants and identify acceptable assets may require the CLO collateral manager to purchase substitute assets at a lower yield than those initially acquired or require that the sale proceeds be maintained temporarily in cash. Either such action by the CLO collateral manager may reduce the yield that the CLO collateral manager is able to achieve. The investment tests may incentivize a CLO collateral manager to buy riskier assets than it otherwise would, which could result in additional losses. These factors could reduce our return on investment and may have a negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early, which may cause the holders of the CLOs securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable return relative to the credit risk assumed.
While we invest primarily in CLOs that hold underlying U.S. assets, these CLOs may be organized outside the United States and we may also invest in CLOs that hold collateral that are non-U.S. assets. Investing in foreign entities may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, restrictions on the types or amounts of investment, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, currency fluctuations and greater price volatility. Further, we, and the CLOs in which we invest, may have difficulty enforcing creditors rights in foreign jurisdictions.
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Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in periods when our assets are uninvested. Our inability to make intended investments due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause it to miss investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of an investment due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Funds due to subsequent declines in the value of such investment or, if we have entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Transaction costs of buying and selling foreign securities also are generally higher than those involved in domestic transactions. Furthermore, foreign financial markets have, for the most part, substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies.
The economies of individual non-U.S. countries may also differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, volatility of currency exchange rates, depreciation, capital reinvestment, resources self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Currency Risk. Any of our investments that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in relation to the U.S. dollar. Although we will consider hedging any non-U.S. dollar exposures back to U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which we make investments would otherwise reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the prices of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments in their local markets. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates will similarly affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of any interest, dividends or other payments made that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars.
As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of an issuers inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income available for distribution in future periods.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize will not satisfy the qualifying income test applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such test, we may be required to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income and fees.
The prices of fixed income investments, such as the Series A Term Preferred Stock, vary inversely with changes in market yields. The market yields on securities comparable to the Series A Term Preferred Stock may increase, which would result in a decline in the secondary market price of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Dividends .
We intend to apply to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE so that trading on the exchange will begin within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, subject to notice of issuance. During a
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period of up to 30 days from the date of this prospectus, the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not be listed on any securities exchange. Prior to the expected commencement of trading, the underwriters may, but are not obligated, to make a market in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Consequently, an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock during this period will be illiquid, and the holders may not be able to sell such securities. If a secondary market does develop during this period, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from liquidation preference.
If we are unable to list the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on a national securities exchange, the holders of such securities may be unable to sell them at all, or if they are able to, only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. Even if shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are listed on the NYSE as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for such shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and features.
We do not intend to have the Series A Term Preferred Stock rated by any rating agency. Unrated securities typically trade at a discount to similar, rated securities, depending on the rating of the rated securities. As a result, there is a risk that the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock may trade at a price that is lower than what they might otherwise trade at if rated by a rating agency.
While holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will have equal liquidation and distribution rights to any other preferred stock that might be issued by us in the future, they will be subordinated to the rights of holders of our other senior indebtedness, if any. Therefore, dividends, distributions and other payments to holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in liquidation or otherwise may be subject to prior payments due to the holders of senior indebtedness. In addition, the 1940 Act may provide debt holders with voting rights that are superior to the voting rights of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
We may voluntarily redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on or after June 29, 2018. We also may be forced to redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to meet regulatory requirements and the asset coverage requirements of such shares. Any such redemption may occur at a time that is unfavorable to holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. We may have an incentive to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock voluntarily before the Mandatory Redemption Date if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the Dividend Rate on the Series A Term Preferred Stock. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock Redemption Optional Redemption .
If we redeem shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock before the Mandatory Redemption Date, the holders of such redeemed shares face the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from such redemption may be lower than the return previously obtained from the investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock.
We may be unable to pay dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock under some circumstances. The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, under certain conditions.
We generally make investments in CLO vehicles whose securities are not traded in any public market. Substantially all of the investments we presently hold and the investments we expect to acquire in the future are, and will be, subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and will otherwise be less liquid than publicly
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traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to obtain cash equal to the value at which we record our investments quickly if a need arises. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date, we may be forced to engage in a partial redemption or to delay a required redemption. If such a partial redemption or delay were to occur, the market price of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock might be adversely affected.
Given the risks described above, an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock may not be appropriate for all investors. You should carefully consider your ability to assume these risks before making an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
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The net proceeds of this offering are expected to be approximately $33.3 million (or approximately $38.4 million if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full) after deducting the payment of underwriting discounts and commissions of $1.4 million (or approximately $1.6 million if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option in full) and estimated offering expenses of $277,000 payable by us.
We intend to use the proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. We currently anticipate that it will take approximately two to six months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objectives and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace, which may negatively impact our returns. During this period, we will invest in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will have returns substantially lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments. Investors should expect, therefore, that before we have fully invested the proceeds of the offering in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, assets invested in these instruments would earn interest income at a modest rate, which may not exceed our expenses during this period.
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The following table contains our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends for the periods indicated, computed as set forth below. You should read these ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and pro forma preferred dividends in connection with our financial statements, including the notes to those statements, included in this prospectus.
For The
Period Ended December 31, 2014 (2) |
||||
Earnings to Fixed Charges and Pro Forma Preferred Dividends (1) | 30.08 |
(1) | Earnings include net realized and unrealized gains or losses. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses can vary substantially from period to period. These pro forma rates are calculated as if this offering was completed during the period shown and the proceeds thereof were invested pro rata across all of our investments during such period. |
(2) | Reflects the period of October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014 comprising the period from our conversion into a corporation to the period end, inclusive of our initial public offering. |
For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends, earnings represent net increase in net assets resulting from operations plus (or minus) income tax expense (benefit) including excise tax expense plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include pro forma preferred dividends.
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The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2014:
| on an actual basis; |
| on an adjusted basis to give effect to the completion of this offering and the application of the estimated net proceeds of this offering (as described under Use of Proceeds ), assuming the overallotment option is not exercised. |
Actual | As Adjusted (1) | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets:
|
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 63,734 | $ | 97,334 | ||||
Investments at fair value | 216,990 | 216,990 | ||||||
Other Assets | 19,115 | 20,515 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 299,839 | $ | 334,839 | ||||
Liabilities:
|
||||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized, actual and as adjusted; 0 and 1,400,000 shares issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted, respectively | $ | 0 | $ | 35,000 | ||||
Other liabilities | 36,279 | 36,556 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 36,279 | 71,556 | ||||||
Net Assets applicable to 13,811,358 shares of common stock | $ | 263,560 | $ | 263,283 | ||||
Net Assets consist of:
|
||||||||
Paid in capital | $ | 270,148 | $ | 269,871 | ||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investment | 531 | 531 | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (3,783 | ) | (3,783 | ) | ||||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | (3,336 | ) | (3,336 | ) | ||||
Total net assets | 263,560 | 263,283 |
(1) | The adjusted capitalization reflects the sale of shares of preferred stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $25 per share, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $1,400,000 and estimated offering expenses of approximately 277,000 payable by us, and further assumes that the aggregate underwriting discounts and commissions will be capitalized and amortized over the life of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
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Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. is an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act.
We were organized as Eagle Point Credit Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on March 24, 2014 and converted into a Delaware corporation on October 6, 2014. We have two wholly owned subsidiaries: (1) Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC and (2) the Cayman Subsidiary. We expect to gain access to certain newly issued Regulation S securities through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary. Regulation S securities are securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued through offerings made pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act. Both of our subsidiaries are advised by the Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The following chart reflects our organizational structure and our relationship with our investment adviser and administrator as of the date of this prospectus:
Our primary investment objective is to generate high current income, with a secondary objective to generate capital appreciation. We seek to achieve our investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs that are collateralized by a portfolio consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with large numbers of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. We may also invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the Adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives, including, among other investments, senior debt tranches of CLOs and loan accumulation facilities. The amount that we invest in these other securities and instruments may vary from time to time and, as such, may constitute a material part of our portfolio on any given date, all as based on the Advisers assessment of prevailing market conditions. The CLO securities in which we primarily seek to invest are unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as junk securities. These investment objectives may be changed by our board of directors without prior approval of our common stockholders.
In the primary CLO market ( i.e. , acquiring securities at the inception of a CLO), we seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and to outperform other similar CLO securities issued within the respective vintage period. In the secondary CLO market ( i.e. , acquiring existing CLO securities), we seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.
The Adviser pursues a differentiated strategy within the CLO market focused on:
| proactive sourcing and identification of investment opportunities; |
| utilization of our methodical and rigorous investment analysis and due diligence process; |
| active involvement at the CLO structuring and formation stage; and |
| taking, in many instances, significant stakes in CLO equity and junior debt tranches. |
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We believe that the Advisers direct and often longstanding relationships with CLO collateral managers, its CLO structural expertise and its relative scale in the CLO market will enable us to source and execute investments with attractive economics and terms relative to other CLO opportunities.
When we make a significant primary market investment in a particular CLO tranche, we generally expect to be able to influence the CLOs key terms and conditions. In particular, the Adviser believes that, although typically exercised only a minority of the time in the Advisers experience, the protective rights associated with holding a majority position in a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain CLO debt tranches after a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents that may arise) may reduce our risk in these investments. We may acquire a majority position in a CLO tranche directly or we may benefit from the advantages of a majority position where both we and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a majority position, subject to any restrictions on our ability to invest alongside such other accounts. See Other Investment Techniques Co-Investment with Affiliates .
We seek to construct a portfolio of CLO securities that provides varied exposure across a number of key categories, including:
| number of borrowers underlying each CLO; |
| industry type of a CLOs underlying borrowers; |
| number and investment style of CLO collateral managers; and |
| CLO vintage period. |
The Adviser has a long-term investment horizon and invests primarily with a buy-and-hold mentality. However, on an ongoing basis, the Adviser actively monitors each investment and may sell positions if circumstances change from the time of investment or if the Adviser believes it is in our best interest to do so.
Our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of investments in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs. The CLOs that we target are securitization vehicles that pool portfolios of primarily below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans. Such pools of underlying assets are often referred to as a CLOs collateral. While the vast majority of the portfolio of most CLOs consists of senior secured loans, many CLOs enable the CLO collateral manager to invest up to 10% of the portfolio in assets that are not first lien senior secured loans, including second lien loans, unsecured loans, senior secured bonds and senior unsecured bonds.
CLOs are generally required to hold a portfolio of assets that is highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and is subject to a variety of asset concentration limitations. Most CLOs are revolving structures that generally allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time (typically 3 to 5 years). In cash flow CLOs, which are the type of CLOs we target, the terms and covenants of the structure are, with certain exceptions, based primarily on the cash flow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of, the CLO collateral. These covenants include collateral coverage tests, interest coverage tests and collateral quality tests.
A CLO funds the purchase of a portfolio of primarily senior secured loans via the issuance of CLO equity and debt instruments in the form of multiple, primarily floating-rate debt, tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically are rated AAA (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to BB or B (or its equivalent), which is below investment grade, at the most junior level by Moodys, S&P and/or Fitch. The CLO equity tranche is unrated and typically represents approximately 8% to 11% of a CLOs capital structure. Below investment grade and unrated securities are sometimes referred to as junk securities. A CLOs equity tranche represents the first loss position in the CLO.
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The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is a hypothetical structure, and the structure of CLOs in which we invest may vary substantially from the example set forth below.
Since a CLOs indenture requires that the maturity dates of a CLOs assets (typically 5 to 8 years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter than the maturity date of the CLOs liabilities (typically 11 to 12 years from the date of issuance), CLOs generally do not face refinancing risk on the CLO debt.
CLOs have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly called waterfalls), which are detailed in a CLOs indenture, that govern how cash generated from a CLOs underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO debt and equity investors. One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest payments received on a CLOs underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and sales.
Through the interest waterfall, any excess interest-related cash flow available after the required quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain CLO expenses (such as administration and management fees) are paid is then distributed to the CLOs equity investors each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The Adviser believes that excess interest-related cash flow is an important driver of CLO equity returns. In addition, relative to certain other high-yielding credit investments such as mezzanine or subordinated debt, CLO equity is expected to have a shorter payback period with higher front-end loaded quarterly cash flows (often in excess of 20% per annum of face value) during the early years of a CLOs life if there is no disruption in the interest waterfall due to a failure to remain in compliance with certain tests.
Most CLOs are revolving structures that generally allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time (typically 3 to 5 years). Specifically, a CLOs collateral manager normally has broad latitude within a specified set of asset eligibility and diversity criteria to manage and modify a CLOs portfolio over time. We believe that skilled CLO collateral managers can add significant value through a combination of (1) their credit expertise and (2) a strong understanding of how to manage effectively within the rules-based structure of a CLO and optimize CLO equity returns.
After the CLOs reinvestment period has ended, in accordance with the CLOs principal waterfall, cash generated from principal payments or other proceeds are generally distributed to repay CLO debt investors in order of seniority. That is, the AAA tranche investors are repaid first, the AA tranche investors second and so on, with any remaining principal being distributed to the equity tranche investors. In certain instances, principal may be reinvested after the end of the reinvestment period. The Adviser believes this is generally beneficial to holders of the CLOs equity.
CLOs contain a variety of covenants that are designed to enhance the credit protection of CLO debt investors, including overcollateralization tests and interest coverage tests. The overcollateralization tests and interest coverage tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of overcollateralization (measured as par value of assets to liabilities subject to certain adjustments) and interest coverage, respectively. If a CLO breaches an
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overcollateralization test or interest coverage test, excess cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to prepay CLO debt investors in order of seniority until such time as the covenant breach is cured. If the covenant breach is not or cannot be cured, the CLO equity investors (and potentially other debt tranche investors) may experience a partial or total loss of their investment. For this reason, CLO equity investors are often referred to as being in a first loss position.
Some CLOs also have interest diversion tests, which also act to ensure that CLOs maintain adequate overcollateralization. If a CLO beaches an interest coverage test, excess interest cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to acquire new collateral obligations until the coverage test is satisfied. Such diversion would lead to payments to the equity investors being delayed and/or reduced.
Cash flow CLOs do not have mark-to-market triggers and, with limited exceptions (such as the proportion of assets rated CCC+ or lower (or their equivalent) by which such assets exceed a specified concentration limit, discounted purchases and defaulted assets), CLO covenants are calculated using the par value of collateral, not the market value or purchase price. As a result, a decrease in the market price of a CLOs performing portfolio does not generally result in a requirement for the CLO collateral manager to sell assets ( i.e. , no forced sales) or for CLO equity investors to contribute additional capital ( i.e. , no margin calls).
Senior secured loans represent a large and mature segment of the U.S. corporate credit market. According to S&P Capital IQ, as of December 31, 2014, the amount of institutional senior secured loans outstanding reached a new high of $832 billion.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically originated and structured by banks on behalf of corporate borrowers with proceeds often used for leveraged buyout transactions, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and financing capital expenditures. Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically distributed by the arranging bank to a diverse group of investors primarily consisting of: CLOs, senior secured loan and high yield bond mutual funds and closed-end funds, hedge funds, banks, insurance companies, and finance companies. CLOs represent the largest source of capital for institutional senior secured loans, representing a range of approximately 33% to 55% of the demand for newly issued highly leveraged loans from 2002 to 2014, according to S&P Capital IQ.
Senior secured loans are floating rate instruments, typically making quarterly interest payments based on a spread over LIBOR. LIBOR is based on rates that contributor banks in London charge each other for interbank deposits and is typically used to set coupon rates on floating-rate debt securities. Today, many senior secured loans have a LIBOR floor, which is currently set above the current market level for LIBOR.
We believe that senior secured loans represent an attractive and stable base of collateral for CLOs. In particular, the primary attributes of senior secured loans include:
| Senior: Senior position in a companys capital structure |
| Secured: First lien security interest in a companys assets |
| Floating Rate: Reduces interest rate risk associated with fixed rate bonds |
| Low LTV: On average, senior secured loans have a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 40% to 60% at the time of origination |
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The table below depicts a representative capital structure for a company issuing a senior secured loan and illustrates the cushion provided by subordinated debt and equity capital.
We believe that the attractive historical performance of CLO securities is attributable, in part, to the relatively low historical average default rate and relatively high historical average recovery rate on senior secured loans, which comprise the vast majority of most CLO portfolios. The graph below illustrates the lagging 12-month default rate on by principal amount on the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index from December 31, 2000 to December 31, 2014. The average lagging 12-month default rate during this period of time was 3.1% and the lagging 12-month default rate as of December 31, 2014 was 3.2%.
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Over time, the senior secured loan market has experienced relatively consistent total returns for the senior secured loan market. Specifically, from a total return perspective, since 2001 the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index experienced only one down year (2008) yet still delivered a positive total return for the two-year period ended December 31, 2009.
We believe that CLO securities represent a large and attractive market. According to Thomson Reuters LPC, as of December 31, 2014, the aggregate principal balance of the U.S. CLO market was approximately $371 billion based on a universe of 868 CLOs. The chart below illustrates annual CLO issuance according to S&P Capital IQ. In 2014, according to S&P Capital IQ, CLO issuance reached $124 billion, the highest level of issuance since 2007.
As CLO securities are somewhat complex and because most investors do not have the requisite experience, skills and resources in-house to devote to fully understanding the asset class, many investors have little to no exposure to CLO securities. We believe knowledgeable and experienced investors with specialized experienced in CLO securities can earn an attractive risk-adjusted return and outperform the CLO market generally.
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Based on the Advisers analysis of available market data, the Adviser believes that only approximately 4% of U.S. cash flow CLOs issued between 2002 and 2011 will have a negative internal rate of return, or IRR, whereas nearly half of such CLOs are projected to have IRRs over 15%.
Depending on the Advisers assessment of market conditions, our investment focus may vary from time to time between CLO equity and CLO debt investments.
We believe that CLO equity has the following attractive fundamental attributes:
| Potential for strong absolute and risk-adjusted returns : We believe that CLO equity offers a potential total return profile that is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis compared to U.S. public equity markets. |
| Expected shorter duration high-yielding credit investment with the potential for high quarterly cash distributions : Relative to certain other high-yielding credit investments such as mezzanine or subordinated debt, CLO equity is expected to have a shorter payback period with higher front-end loaded quarterly cash flows (often in excess of 20% per annum of face value) during the early years of a CLOs life. |
| Expected protection against rising interest rates : Since a CLOs asset portfolio is typically comprised principally of floating rate loans and the CLOs liabilities are also generally floating rate instruments, we expect CLO equity to provide potential protection against rising interest rates after LIBOR has increased above the average LIBOR floor on a CLOs assets. However, CLO equity is still subject to other forms of interest rate risk. For a discussion of the interest rate risks associated with CLO equity, see Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk and Business CLO Overview. |
| Expected low-to-moderate correlation with fixed income and equity markets : Given that CLO assets and liabilities are primarily floating rate, we expect CLO equity investments to have a low-to-moderate correlation with U.S. fixed income securities. In addition, because CLOs generally allow for the reinvestment of principal during the reinvestment period regardless of the market price of the underlying collateral if the respective CLO remains in compliance with its covenants, we expect CLO equity investments to have a low-to-moderate correlation with the U.S. equity markets. |
CLO securities are also subject to a number of risks as discussed in the Risk Factors section of this prospectus. Among our primary targeted investments, the risks associated with CLO equity are generally greater than those associated with CLO debt.
We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities in CLO securities and related investments due to the following competitive advantages:
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| Specialist in CLO securities with a proven track record . The Adviser focuses exclusively on CLO securities and related investments. Each member of the Senior Investment Team is a CLO specialist who has been involved with the CLO market for the majority of his career and brings a distinct and complementary skill set that the Adviser believes is necessary for our success. We believe that the combination of the Advisers broad and often longstanding relationships with CLO collateral managers and our relative scale in the CLO market will enable us to source and execute investments with attractive economics and terms relative to other CLO market opportunities. |
| Deep CLO structural experience and expertise . Members of the Senior Investment Team have significant experience structuring, valuing and investing in CLOs throughout their careers. The Adviser believes that the initial structuring of a CLO is an important contributor to the ultimate risk-adjusted returns, and that experienced and knowledgeable investors can add meaningful value relative to other market participants by selecting those investments with the most advantageous structures. |
| Methodical and rigorous investment process . The objective of the Advisers investment process is to source, evaluate and execute investments in CLO securities and related investments that the Adviser believes have the potential to outperform the CLO market generally. This process, augmented by the first-hand CLO industry experience of the Senior Investment Team, is designed to be repeatable and is focused on key areas for analysis that the Adviser believes are most relevant to potential future performance. The Adviser believes that its investment and security selection process, with its strong emphasis on assessing the skill of the CLO collateral manager and analyzing the structure of the CLO, differentiates its approach to investing in CLO securities. See Investment Process . |
| Efficient vehicle for gaining exposure to CLO equity . We believe that we are structured as an efficient vehicle for investors to gain exposure to CLO securities and related investments. Based on our long-term stable capital, the Adviser can focus principally on managing the portfolio and maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns. We believe that our closed-end structure enables the Adviser to effectively implement our primarily long-term buy-and-hold investment philosophy. |
| Alignment of Interests . As of March 31, 2015, the Trident V Funds, which are managed by Stone Point (an affiliate of the Adviser), held 62.3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and the Adviser and the Senior Investment Team held an aggregate of 1.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. See Control Persons and Principal Stockholders. Their significant holdings in our common stock align the interests of the Adviser and the Senior Investment Team with ours. In addition, our fee structure includes an incentive fee component whereby we pay the Adviser an incentive fee only if our net income exceeds a hurdle rate. See The Adviser and the Administrator Investment Advisory Agreement Management Fee and Incentive Fee. |
The objective of the Advisers investment process is to source, evaluate and execute investments in CLO securities and related investments that the Adviser believes have the potential to outperform the CLO market generally. This process, augmented by the first-hand CLO industry experience of the Senior Investment Team, is designed to be repeatable and is focused on key areas for analysis that the Adviser believes are most relevant to potential future performance. The Adviser seeks to implement its investment process, described below, in a methodical and disciplined fashion.
The Senior Investment Team maintains regular dialogue with many CLO collateral managers and the investment banks active in the CLO market. The Adviser believes that there are in excess of 75 active CLO collateral managers. The Adviser has met or conducted calls with the majority of these firms. In addition, members of the Senior Investment Team have longstanding relationships with many CLO collateral managers, some dating back over a decade.
The Adviser takes a partnership approach with CLO collateral managers, seeking to serve as a knowledgeable, value-added and stable long-term capital provider that will invest, in many instances, in scale.
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The Senior Investment Teams first-hand relationships with, and knowledge of, CLO collateral managers and their past investment activities and behavior is supplemented by utilizing the Advisers customized database of performance statistics on over 650 U.S. cash flow CLOs issued since 1999.
The Adviser employs a methodical and rigorous investment analysis and due diligence process that we believe is more akin to a private equity style investment approach than to the typical process used by many investors in freely tradable fixed income securities, such as CLO equity and debt. The Adviser views its investment analysis and due diligence process as broadly being comprised of four key areas for evaluation: (1) analysis of a CLO collateral managers investment strategy and approach, (2) analysis of the quality of a CLO collateral manager and its investment team, (3) analysis of a CLO collateral managers historical investment performance across both CLO and total return strategies, and (4) analysis of the particular CLOs structure, including the negotiation of terms and protections where appropriate.
In its intensive investment analysis and due diligence, the Adviser has a minimize surprises/trust but verify philosophy which typically includes requesting that prospective CLO collateral managers complete an extensive questionnaire, the Adviser recalculating historical investment returns based on data provided by third parties and the CLO collateral manager and the utilization of a third-party firm to conduct background checks on the key entities and professionals associated with the CLO collateral manager.
Members of the Senior Investment Team have significant experience structuring, valuing and investing in CLOs throughout their careers and the Adviser believes that its first-hand experience with and knowledge of CLO structures is a core competency. The Adviser believes that the initial structuring of a CLO is an important factor in the ultimate risk-adjusted returns, and that experienced and knowledgeable investors can add meaningful value relative to other market participants by selecting those investments with the most advantageous structures.
When we make a significant primary market investment in a particular CLO tranche, we generally expect to be able to influence the CLOs key terms and conditions. In particular, the Adviser believes that the protective rights associated with holding a majority position in a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain CLO debt tranches after a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents that may arise) may reduce our risk in these investments. We may acquire a majority position in a CLO tranche directly or we may benefit from the advantages of a majority position where both we and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a majority position, subject to any restrictions on our ability to invest alongside such other accounts. See Other Investment Techniques Co-Investment with Affiliates.
Active investment monitoring is a critical component of the Advisers risk management and mitigation objectives. Such monitoring also contributes to the ongoing due diligence of the CLO collateral managers in the context of existing and potential future investments.
From data contained primarily within the CLO trustee reports (which detail each asset in the CLO portfolio as well as any purchases and sales that the CLO collateral manager made during the period), the Adviser updates its internal portfolio monitoring report. This report contains a summary of key metrics we analyze for each CLO security as well as a listing of watch list credits within each CLO that out Adviser has identified based on its screens and general market intelligence as well as from communications with the CLO collateral managers. The Adviser then typically holds regular monthly calls with the CLO collateral managers to discuss the watch list credits and portfolio activity as well as loan market and CLO market developments. Additional factors that the Adviser actively monitors, which these regular calls help to illuminate, include any shifts in investment strategy, personnel changes or other organizational developments at the CLO collateral manager which may impact future performance.
In addition, the Adviser reviews the quarterly CLO cash distributions received and analyzes the reason for any deviations from the Advisers projections. The Adviser has a long-term oriented investment philosophy
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and seeks to invest primarily with a buy-and-hold mentality, however, the Adviser may sell positions if circumstances have changed from the time of underwriting or if the Adviser deems doing so is in our best interest.
As of December 31, 2014, 85% of our investments were in equity tranches of CLOs, 14% in loan accumulation facilities and 1% in debt tranches of CLOs. These investments had 17 different CLO collateral managers and an aggregate fair value of $217.0 million. Below is a summary description of our portfolio investments as of December 31, 2014:
Number of unique underlying borrowers | 1,019 | |||
Largest exposure to any individual borrower | 1.00 | % | ||
Average individual borrower exposure | 0.10 | % | ||
Top 10 largest borrowers | 6.98 | % | ||
Aggregate exposure to senior secured loans | 95.90 | % | ||
Weighted average stated spread | 3.94 | % | ||
Weighted average LIBOR floor | 0.97 | % | ||
Weighted average percentage of floating rate loans with LIBOR Floors | 98.53 | % | ||
Weighted average credit rating of underlying collateral | B+/B | |||
Weighted average maturity of underlying collateral | 5.6 years | |||
U.S. dollar currency exposure | 100 | % |
Leverage . The Series A Term Preferred Stock represent leverage in our capital structure. We may also incur additional leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes or preferred stock and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. We anticipate incurring leverage of approximately 12% of our total assets (as determined immediately before the leverage is incurred) through the issuance of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering. We may further increase our leverage through entry into a credit facility or other leveraging instruments. Instruments that create leverage are generally considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing or deemed borrowing), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. See Description of our Capital Stock Preferred Stock.
Subject to the limitations under the 1940 Act, we may incur additional leverage opportunistically or not at all and may choose to increase or decrease our leverage. We may use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments at any time based on the Advisers assessment of market conditions and the investment environment, including forms of leverage other than the Series A Term Preferred Stock. In addition, we may borrow for temporary or other purposes as permitted under the 1940 Act, which indebtedness would be in addition to the asset coverage requirements described above. By leveraging our investment portfolio, we may create an opportunity for increased net income and capital appreciation. However, the use of leverage also involves significant risks and expenses and our leverage strategy may not be successful. Any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. Accordingly, the more leverage is employed, the more likely a substantial change will occur in our NAV. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify
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the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us. The Adviser intends to leverage our portfolio only when it believes that the potential return on the additional investments acquired through the use of leverage is likely to exceed the costs incurred in connection with the use of leverage. There can be no assurance that we will borrow in order to leverage our assets or, if it does borrow, what percentage of our assets such borrowings will represent.
To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, our return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage or if we incur capital losses, our return will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to holders of our capital stock as dividends and other distributions will be reduced or potentially eliminated. The Adviser may determine to maintain our leveraged position if it expects that the long-term benefits of maintaining the leveraged position will outweigh the current reduced return. We may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Either of these requirements will increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. In addition, capital raised through the issuance of preferred stock, such as the Series A Term Preferred Stock, or borrowing will be subject to dividend payments or interest costs that may or may not exceed the income and appreciation on the assets purchased.
In connection with any credit facility, the lender may impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. The credit facility fees may include up front structuring fees and ongoing commitment fees (including fees on amounts undrawn on the facility) in addition to the traditional interest expense on amounts borrowed. The credit facility may involve a lien on our assets. Similarly, to the extent we issue preferred shares or notes, we may be subject to fees, covenants and investment restrictions required by a national securities rating agency, as a result. Such covenants and restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on us by the 1940 Act. While it is not anticipated that these covenants or restrictions will significantly impede the Adviser in managing our portfolio in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, if these covenants or guidelines are more restrictive than those imposed by the 1940 Act, we would not be able to utilize as much leverage as it otherwise could have, which could reduce our investment returns. In addition, we expect that any notes it issues or credit facility it enters into would contain covenants that, among other things, may impose geographic exposure limitations, credit quality minimums, liquidity minimums, concentration limitations and currency hedging requirements on us. These covenants would also likely limit our ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations. Such restrictions could cause the Adviser to make different investment decisions than if there were no such restrictions and could limit the ability of the board of directors and our stockholders to change fundamental investment policies.
Our willingness to utilize leverage, and the amount of leverage we will assume, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on our ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Any leveraging cannot be achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with our investment objectives and policies. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us.
Preferred Stock . We are authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The costs of this offering and any other offering of preferred stock will be borne immediately at such time by the holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share of common stock at that time. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, we must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred stock, including the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in connection with this offering, have an asset coverage of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio by 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 our indebtedness, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred stock. If we seek a rating of preferred stock, which we do not intend to seek for the Series A Term
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Preferred Stock, additional asset coverage requirements, which may be more restrictive than those imposed by the 1940 Act, may be imposed. See Description of our Capital Stock Preferred Stock.
Leverage Effects. The extent that we employ leverage, if any, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are investment outlook, market conditions and interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy depends on the Advisers ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to this offering and assuming that leverage we incur in connection with this offering represents 12% of our total assets at a projected annual preferred dividend rate of , the rate or return on our investments as of December 31, 2014 would have needed to exceed in order to cover the costs of dividend payments on the Series A Term Preferred Stock. We may incur additional leverage, including through entry into a credit facility, opportunistically or not at all and may choose to increase or decrease our leverage.
Derivative Transactions. We may engage in Derivative Transactions, as described below. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes, although we may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In particular, we may use Derivative Transactions to hedge against interest rate and/or credit risks. No assurance can be given that our hedging strategy and our use of derivatives will be successful. Successful use of Derivatives Transactions is subject to the ability of the Adviser, among other things, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the derivatives. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of default risks, liquidity risk, counterparty risk, market spreads or other applicable factors, our investment performance would diminish compared with what it would have been if these hedging techniques were not used. Moreover, even if the Adviser is correct in its forecasts, there is a risk that a derivative position may fail to correlate or correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being protected. We may purchase and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and over-the-counter options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and credit transactions and credit default swaps. We also may purchase and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments. Collectively, we refer to these financial management techniques as Derivative Transactions. Our use of Derivative Transactions, if any, will generally be deemed to create leverage for us and involves significant risks.
We generally expect to use Derivative Transactions as a portfolio management or hedging technique to seek to protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for our portfolio, protect the value of our portfolio, facilitate the sale of certain securities for investment purposes, manage our effective interest rate exposure, manage the effective maturity or duration of our portfolio or establish positions in the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. We have claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator under the CEA pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5 under the CEA promulgated by the CFTC and CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012, and we currently intend to operate in a manner that would permit us to continue to claim such exclusion. See Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure We are subject to the risk of legislative and regulatory changes impacting our business or the markets in which we invest and Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Investments We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or derivative transactions in which we participate.
Illiquid Transactions. Generally, investments will be purchased or sold by us in private markets, including securities that are not publicly traded or that are otherwise illiquid and securities acquired directly from the issuer.
Temporary Defensive Position. We may take a temporary defensive position and invest all or a substantial portion of our total assets in cash or cash equivalents, government securities or short-term fixed income securities. To the extent that we invest defensively, we likely will not achieve our investment objectives.
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Co-Investment with Affiliates. In certain instances, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with affiliates of the Adviser, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. We have been granted an order by the SEC that permits us to participate in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser, subject to certain conditions including (i) that a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction and a majority of our directors who are not interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of ours approve the co-investment and (ii) the price, terms and conditions of the co-investment will be the same for each participant. A copy of our application for exemptive relief, including all of the conditions, and the related order are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov .
We compete for investments in CLO securities with other investment funds (including business development companies, mutual funds, pension funds, private equity funds and hedge funds) as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies and insurance companies.
Additionally, because competition for higher yielding investment opportunities generally has increased, many new investors have entered the CLO market over the past few years. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in CLO securities may intensify. Many of these entities have greater financial and managerial resources than we do. We believe we are able to compete with these entities on the basis of the Advisers deep and highly-specialized CLO market experience, longstanding relationships with many CLO collateral managers and a willingness to commit to a significant portion of a CLO tranche.
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Our board of directors is responsible for the overall management and supervision of our business and affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, our board of directors has appointed Eagle Point Credit Management as our investment adviser.
The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and, as of March 31, 2015, had approximately $827 million of assets under management for investment in CLO securities and related investments. The Adviser was established in November 2012 by Thomas P. Majewski and Stone Point, as investment manager of the Trident V Funds. Stone Point, an investment adviser registered with the SEC, is a specialized private equity firm focused exclusively on the financial services industry. Since its inception, Stone Point (including a predecessor entity) has raised six private equity funds with aggregate committed capital of approximately $13 billion. The Trident V Funds are a group of private equity funds managed by Stone Point. The Adviser is primarily owned by the Trident V Funds through intermediary holding companies. In addition, the Senior Investment Team holds an indirect ownership interest in the Adviser. The Adviser is governed by a board of directors, which is comprised of Mr. Majewski and certain principals of Stone Point. See Board of Managers. The Adviser is located at 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830.
In addition to managing our investments, the Adviser manages investment accounts for other clients, including a privately offered pooled investment vehicle that pursues many of the same investment opportunities that we pursue. A ratable portion of each investment held by Eagle Point Credit Partners LP, or EPCP, a private fund managed by the Adviser, was indirectly contributed to us on June 6, 2014 in connection with our formation and initial public offering. The Advisers affiliation with Stone Point and the Trident V Funds, and the Advisers management of EPCP, give rise to certain conflicts of interest. See Conflicts of Interest.
We are managed by members of the Senior Investment Team. The Senior Investment Team is led by Mr. Majewski, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and is also comprised of Daniel W. Ko, Portfolio Manager, and Daniel M. Spinner, Portfolio Manager. The Senior Investment Team is primarily responsible for our day-to-day management and the implementation of our investment strategy and process.
Each member of the Senior Investment Team is a CLO industry specialist who has been directly involved in the CLO market for the majority of his career and has built relationships with key market participants, including CLO collateral managers, investment banks and investors. Collectively, members of the Senior Investment Team have been involved in the CLO market as:
| the head of the CLO business at various investment banks; |
| a lead CLO structurer and collateralized debt obligation workout specialist at an investment bank; |
| a CLO equity and debt investor; |
| a principal investor in CLO collateral management firms; and |
| a lender and mergers and acquisitions adviser to CLO collateral management firms. |
We believe that the complementary, yet highly specialized, skill set of each member of the Senior Investment Team provides the Adviser with a competitive advantage in its CLO-focused investment strategy.
Biographical information on the Senior Investment Team, each of whom has served as a portfolio manager since our inception, is set forth below:
Thomas P. Majewski, Managing Partner (Since November 2012). Mr. Majewski is a Managing Partner and founder of Eagle Point Credit Management. Mr. Majewski has been involved in the formation and/or monetization of many CLO transactions across multiple market cycles. Mr. Majewski led the creation of some of the earliest refinancing CLOs, introducing techniques that are now commonplace in the market. He has spent his entire career in the structured finance and credit markets. Mr. Majewski is a member of the Advisers board of managers. Mr. Majewskis experience in the CLO market dates back to the 1990s.
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Prior to joining Eagle Point Credit Management in September 2012, Mr. Majewski was a Managing Director and U.S. Head of CLO Banking at RBS Securities Inc., or RBS, from September 2011 through September 2012, where he was responsible for all aspects of RBSs new-issue CLO platform. Prior to joining RBS, Mr. Majewski was the U.S. country head at AMP Capital Investors (US) Ltd., from August 2010 through September 2011, and AE Capital Advisers (US) LLC, from April 2008 through August 2010, where he was responsible for investing in credit, structured products and other private assets on behalf of several Australian investors. Prior to this, Mr. Majewski was a Managing Director and head of CLO Banking at Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith Inc. Mr. Majewski also has held leadership positions within the CLO groups at JPMorgan Securities Inc. and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Mr. Majewski has a B.S. in accounting from Binghamton University and has been a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Daniel W. Ko, Portfolio Manager (Since December 2012). Mr. Ko is a Portfolio Manager of Eagle Point Credit Management. He is responsible for manager evaluation and structuring investment opportunities in the primary CLO market, analyzing secondary CLO market opportunities, executing trades and monitoring investments. Mr. Ko has specialized in structured finance throughout his entire career.
Prior to joining Eagle Point Credit Management in December 2012, Mr. Ko was with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, or BAML, for the previous six years, most recently as Vice President of the CLO structuring group, where he was responsible for modeling the projected deal cash flows, negotiating deal terms with both debt and equity investors and coordinating the rating process. In addition, he was responsible for exploring non-standard structuring initiatives such as financing trades with dynamic leverage, emerging market collateralized bond obligations and European CLOs. Prior to joining the CLO structuring group, Mr. Ko managed BAMLs legacy CLO, trust-preferred securities CDO and asset-backed securities CDO portfolios. Prior to Bank of Americas merger with Merrill Lynch, Mr. Ko was an associate in Merrill Lynchs CDO structuring group, Mr. Ko graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School with a B.S. in finance and accounting.
Daniel M. Spinner (CAIA), Portfolio Manager (Since February 2013). Mr. Spinner is a Portfolio Manager of Eagle Point Credit Management. He is primarily responsible for manager evaluation and due diligence and for monitoring investments. Mr. Spinner is also actively involved with investor relations and communications. Mr. Spinner is an alternative asset management industry specialist with 17 years of experience advising, financing and investing in alternative asset management firms and funds. Mr. Spinners experience in the CLO market dates back to the late 1990s.
Prior to joining Eagle Point Credit Management in February 2013, Mr. Spinner was an Investment Analyst at the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, from June 2009 to February 2013, where he oversaw the private equity, special opportunities credit and real estate allocations. The 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds are collectively among the largest Taft-Hartley plans in the United States. Prior to this, Mr. Spinner was a Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. focused on alternative asset managers. Prior to Bear Stearns, Mr. Spinner was the co-founder and president of Structured Capital Partners, Inc., a financial holding company formed to invest in structured credit managers. Mr. Spinner began his career as an investment banker in the Financial Institutions Group at JPMorgan Securities Inc., where he had coverage responsibility for asset management firms including CLO collateral managers. Mr. Spinner earned a B.A., summa cum laude, from Gettysburg College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.
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The following table sets forth other accounts within each category listed for which members of the Senior Investment Team are jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day portfolio management as of December 31, 2014. Each of the accounts is subject to a performance fee, except one account listed under other accounts with total assets of $41.0 million as of December 31, 2014.
Registered
Investment Companies |
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicle |
Other
Accounts |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of
Accounts |
Total Assets
(in millions) |
Number of
Accounts |
Total Assets
(in millions) |
Number of
Accounts |
Total Assets
(in millions) |
||||||||||||||||||
Thomas P. Majewski | 1 | $ | 263.6 | 1 | $ | 413.0 | 3 | $ | 149.3 | |||||||||||||||
Daniel W. Ko | 1 | 263.6 | 1 | 413.0 | 3 | 149.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Daniel M. Spinner | 1 | 263.6 | 1 | 413.0 | 3 | 149.3 |
Compensation of Portfolio Managers. The Adviser pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the advisory fees earned with respect to providing advisory services to us. Professional compensation at the Adviser is structured so that key professionals benefit from strong investment performance generated on the accounts that the Adviser manages and from their longevity with the Adviser. Each member of the Senior Investment Team has indirect equity ownership interests in the Adviser and related long-term incentives. Members of the Senior Investment Team also receive a fixed base salary and an annual market and performance-based cash bonus. The bonus is determined by the Advisers board of directors, and is based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of several factors, including the profitability of the Adviser and the contribution of the individual employee. Many of the factors considered by management in reaching its compensation determinations will be impacted by our long-term performance and the value of our assets as well as the portfolios managed for the Advisers other clients.
Securities Owned in the Company by Portfolio Managers. The table below sets forth the dollar range of the value of the shares of our common stock that are owned beneficially by each portfolio manager as of December 31, 2014. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is defined to mean a direct or indirect pecuniary interest.
Name of Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in the Company (1) |
|||
Thomas P. Majewski | over $1,000,000 | |||
Daniel W. Ko | $ | 500,001 $1,000,000 | ||
Daniel M. Spinner | $ | 500,001 $1,000,000 |
(1) | Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 $10,000, $10,001 $50,000, $50,001 $100,000, $100,001 $500,000, $500,001 $1,000,000 and over $1,000,000. |
The Adviser has a board of managers comprised of Mr. Majewski, Mr. James Carey, Ms. Meryl Hartzband and Mr. James Matthews. The board of managers is responsible for the overall activities of the Adviser. Mr. Majewskis biographical information is included above under Portfolio Managers and Mr. Matthews biographical information is included under Management Biographical Information about each Director below. Biographical information regarding each other member of the Advisers board of managers is summarized below:
James D. Carey. Mr. Carey is a Senior Principal of Stone Point and a member of the investment committees of the Trident family of funds managed by Stone Point, or the Trident Funds. He joined Stone Point in 1997 from Merrill Lynch & Co. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch & Co., Mr. Carey was a corporate attorney with Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. He is also a director of companies in which the Trident Funds have invested, including Enstar Group Limited, Citco III Limited, Merchant Capital Solutions LLC, Pierpont Capital Holdings LLC, Privilege Underwriters, Inc. and Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.
Mr. Carey holds a B.S. from Boston College, a J.D. from Boston College Law School and an M.B.A. from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business.
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Meryl D. Hartzband. Ms. Hartzband is the Chief Investment Officer of Stone Point and a member of the investment committees of the Trident Funds. Before joining Stone Point in 1999, Ms. Hartzband was a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan & Co., where, during a 16-year career, she specialized in managing private equity investments in the financial services industry. Ms. Hartzband worked closely with Stone Point and its predecessor operations during her tenure at J.P. Morgan & Co. in connection with that firms role as co-sponsor of Trident I and of most of the platforms pre-Trident investments. She is also a director of companies in which the Trident Funds have invested, including SKY Harbor Capital Holdings LLC, and is a former director of several portfolio companies of the Trident Funds, including Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and AXIS Capital Holdings Limited. She also previously served as a director of ACE Limited and St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.
Ms. Hartzband holds a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Services. Subject to the overall supervision of our board of directors, the Adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory and management services to, us. Under the terms of our Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser:
| determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes; |
| identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective investments); |
| closes and monitors the investments we make; and |
| provides us with other investment advisory, research and related services as we may from time to time require. |
Eagle Point Credit Managements services under the Investment Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and both it and its members, officers and employees are free to furnish similar services to other persons and entities so long as its services to us are not impaired.
A discussion regarding the basis for the board of directors approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is available in our semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2014.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect if approved annually (after the initial two-year period) by our board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not interested persons of any party to such agreement, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by us without penalty upon not less than 60 days written notice to the Adviser and by the Adviser upon not less than 90 days written notice to us.
Indemnification. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from us for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of the Advisers services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as our investment adviser.
Management Fee and Incentive Fee. We pay the Adviser a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components a base management fee and an incentive fee.
The base management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals an annual rate of 1.75% of our Total Equity Base. Total Equity Base means the NAV of our common stockholders and the paid-in capital of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock. These management fees
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are paid by our common stockholders and are not paid by holders of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, or the holders of any other types of securities that we may issue. Base management fees for any partial calendar quarter will be appropriately pro-rated. The base management fee does not increase when we borrow funds, but will increase if we issue preferred stock, which we may do within the first twelve months following the completion of this offering.
In addition, we pay the Adviser an incentive fee based on our performance. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 20% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a preferred return, or hurdle, and a catch up feature. No incentive fees are payable to our investment adviser in respect of any capital gains. For this purpose, Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to Eagle Point Administration, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes accrued income that we have not yet received in cash, such as the amount of any market discount we may accrue on debt instruments we purchase below par value, as well as any such amounts received (or accrued) in kind. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any capital gains.
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a hurdle of 2.00% of our NAV per quarter (8.00% annualized). For such purposes, our quarterly rate of return is determined by dividing our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income by our reported net assets as of the prior period end. Our net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the calculation of the Total Equity Base which is used to calculate the 1.75% base management fee.
The incentive fee is paid to the Adviser as follows:
| no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the hurdle of 2.00% of our NAV; |
| 100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.50% of our NAV in any calendar quarter (10.00% annualized). We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.50% of our NAV) as the catch-up. The catch-up is meant to provide the Adviser with 20% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income as if a hurdle did not apply if this net investment income meets or exceeds 2.50% of our NAV in any calendar quarter; and |
| 20% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.50% of our NAV in any calendar quarter (10.00% annualized) is payable to the Adviser (that is, once the hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income thereafter is paid to the Adviser). |
You should be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees payable to the Adviser with respect to Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.
The portion of such incentive fee that is attributable to deferred interest (such as PIK interest or original issue discount) will be paid to the Adviser, without interest, only if and to the extent we actually receive such interest in cash, and any accrual will be reversed if and to the extent such interest is reversed in connection with any write-off or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to any deferred interest accrual. Any reversal of such amounts would reduce net income for the quarter by the net amount of the reversal (after taking into account the reversal of incentive fees payable) and would result in a reduction of the incentive fees for such quarter.
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No incentive fee is payable to the Adviser on capital gains, whether realized or unrealized. In addition, the amount of the incentive fee is not affected by any realized or unrealized losses that we may suffer.
The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the incentive fee as well as examples of its application.
Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees, etc.) = 1.25%
Hurdle rate (1) = 2.00%
Base management fee (2) = 0.4375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income (base management fee + other expenses)) = 0.5625%
Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees, etc.) = 2.70%
Hurdle rate (1) = 2.00%
Base management fee (2) = 0.4375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income (base management fee + other expenses)) = 2.0125%
Incentive fee = (100% × Catch-Up) + (the greater of 0% AND (20% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income 2.50%)))
= (100.0% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income 2.00%)) + 0%
= 100.0% × (2.0125% 2.00%)
= 100.0% × 0.0125%
= 0.0125%
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Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees, etc.) = 3.25%
Hurdle rate (1) = 2.00%
Base management fee (2) = 0.4375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income (base management fee + other expenses)) = 2.5625%
Incentive fee = (100% × Catch-Up) + (the greater of 0% AND (20% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income 2.50%)))
= (100.0% × (2.50% 2.00%)) + (20% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income 2.50%))
= (100.0% × (2.50% 2.00%)) + (20% × (2.5625% 2.50%))
= 0.5000% + .0125%
= 0.5125%
(*) | The hypothetical amount of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income shown is based on a percentage of net assets. |
(1) | Represents 8.00% annualized hurdle rate. |
(2) | Represents 1.75% annualized base management fee. |
(3) | Excludes organizational and offering expenses. |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we accrued $1.1 million in fees payable to the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement, all of which remained payable as of December 31, 2014.
Payment of Expenses. The Advisers investment team, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser. We will bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation): (1) the cost of calculating our NAV (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (2) interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments; (3) fees and expenses incurred by the Adviser or payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making or disposing of investments, including legal fees and expenses, travel expenses and other fees and expenses incurred by the Adviser or payable to third parties in performing due diligence on prospective investments, monitoring our investments and, if necessary, enforcing our rights; (4) brokerage fees and commissions; (5) federal and state registration fees and exchange listing fees; (6) federal, state and local taxes; (7) costs of offerings or repurchases of our common stock and other securities; (8) the base management fee and any incentive fee; (9) distributions on our shares; (10) administration fees payable to Eagle Point Administrator under the Administration Agreement; (11) direct costs and expenses of administration and operation, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff; (12) transfer agent and custody fees and expenses; (13) independent director fees and expenses; (14) the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing costs; (15) costs of holding stockholder meetings; (16) litigation, indemnification and other non-recurring or extraordinary expenses; (17) fees and expenses associated with marketing and investor relations efforts; (18) dues, fees and charges of any trade association of which we are a member; (19) fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs; (20) fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; (21) costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; and (22) all other expenses reasonably incurred by us or the Administrator in connection with administering our business, such as the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its
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obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer and any support staff.
We have entered into the License Agreement with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the Eagle Point Credit name and logo. Under the License Agreement, we have a right to use the Eagle Point Credit name and logo, for so long as the Adviser or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. The License Agreement is terminable by either party at any time in its sole discretion upon 60 days prior written notice and is also terminable by the Adviser in the case of certain events of non-compliance. Other than with respect to this license, we have no legal right to the Eagle Point Credit name and logo.
We have entered into an Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Eagle Point Administration furnishes us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record-keeping services at such facilities. Under the Administration Agreement, Eagle Point Administration performs, or arranges for the performance of, our required administrative services, which include being responsible for the financial records which we are required to maintain and preparing reports to our stockholders. In addition, Eagle Point Administration provides us with accounting services; assists us in determining and publishing our NAV; oversees the preparation and filing of our tax returns; monitors our compliance with tax laws and regulations; and prepares, and assists us with any audits by an independent public accounting firm of, our financial statements. The Administrator is also responsible for the printing and dissemination of reports to our stockholders and the maintenance of our website; provides support for our investor relations; generally oversees the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others; and provides such other administrative services as we may from time to time designate. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of Eagle Point Administrations overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and our allocable portion of the compensation of any administrative support staff. To the extent the Administrator outsources any of its functions, we pay the fees on a direct basis, without profit to the Administrator. Certain accounting and other administrative services have been delegated by the Administrator to SS&C Technologies, Inc. for which the fee is calculated based on our net assets (subject to a monthly minimum). The Administration Agreement may be terminated by us without penalty upon not less than 60 days written notice to Eagle Point Administration and by Eagle Point Administration upon not less than 90 days written notice to us. The Administration Agreement will be approved by the board of directors, including by a majority of our independent directors, on an annual basis, subject to an initial two-year term.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification. The Administration Agreement provides that Eagle Point Administration and its officers, directors, employees agents, control persons and affiliates are not liable to us or any of our stockholders for any act or omission by it or its employees in the supervision or management of our investment activities or for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) or losses sustained by us or our stockholders, except that the foregoing exculpation does not extend to any act or omission constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Administration Agreement also provides for indemnification by us of Eagle Point Administrations members, directors, officers, employees, agents, control persons and affiliates for liabilities incurred by them in connection with their services to us, subject to the same limitations and to certain conditions.
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Our board of directors is responsible for the overall management and supervision of our business and affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. Our directors may appoint officers who assist in managing our day-to-day affairs.
The board of directors currently consists of six members, four of whom are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of us. We refer to these directors as our independent directors.
Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws our board of directors is divided into three classes. The initial term of one class will expire at each of the first three annual meetings of our stockholders following our initial public offering, at which directors for such class will be elected for staggered three-year terms. Such classification may prevent replacement of a majority of the directors for up to a two-year period.
Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is responsible for managing our affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. The board of directors appoints officers who assist in managing our day-to-day affairs.
The board of directors has appointed Mr. Matthews as Chairperson. The Chairperson presides at meetings of the board of directors and may call meetings of the board and any committee whenever he deems necessary. The Chairperson participates in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the board of directors and the identification of information to be presented to the board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the directors. The Chairperson also acts as a liaison with our management, officers and attorneys and the other directors generally between meetings. The Chairperson may perform such other functions as may be requested by the board of directors from time to time. Except for any duties specified in this prospectus or pursuant to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or as assigned by the board of directors, the designation of a director as Chairperson does not impose on that director any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on any other director, generally.
The board of directors has designated Mr. Weiss as Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director generally acts as a liaison between the other independent directors and our management, officers and attorneys in between meetings of the board of directors. The Lead Independent Director may perform such other functions as may be requested by the board of directors from time to time. Except for any duties specified in this prospectus or pursuant to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or as assigned by the board of directors, the designation of a director as Lead Independent Director does not impose on that director any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on any other director, generally.
The board of directors believes that this leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the board of directors to exercise informed judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees or working groups of directors and the full board of directors in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The board of directors also believes that having a majority of independent directors is appropriate and in the best interest of our stockholders. Nevertheless, the board of directors also believes that having interested persons serve on the board of directors brings corporate and financial viewpoints that are, in the board of directorss view, crucial elements in its decision-making process. In addition, the board of directors believes that Mr. Majewski, Managing Partner of the Adviser, provides the board of directors with the Advisers perspective in managing and sponsoring us. The leadership structure of the board of directors may be changed, at any time and in the discretion of the board of directors, including in response to changes in circumstances or our characteristics.
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The board of directors has established two standing committees: the audit committee and the nominating committee. The current membership of each committee is set forth below. Interested directors are generally able to attend and participate in any committee meeting, as appropriate.
Audit | Nominating | |
Scott W. Appleby | Scott W. Appleby, Chair | |
Kevin F. McDonald | Kevin F. McDonald | |
Paul E. Tramontano | Paul E. Tramontano | |
Jeffrey L. Weiss, Chair | Jeffrey L. Weiss |
All of the members of the audit committee are independent directors, and each member is financially literate with at least one having accounting or financial management expertise. The board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee. The audit committee recommends to the full board of directors the independent registered public accounting firm for us, oversees the work of the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with our audit, communicates with the independent registered public accounting firm on a regular basis and provides a forum for the independent registered public accounting firm to report and discuss any matters it deems appropriate at any time. The audit committee is also responsible for establishing guidelines and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the valuation of our investments, which are considered when the board of directors accepts the value of our investments as described under Determination of Net Asset Value. Mr. Weiss serves as Chairperson of the audit committee. The audit committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
The nominating committee is comprised of all of the independent directors. The nominating committee periodically reviews the committee structure, conducts an annual self-assessment and makes the final selection and nomination of candidates to serve as independent directors. Our interested directors and the officers are nominated and selected by the board of directors. Mr. Appleby serves as Chairperson of the nominating committee. The nominating committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
In reviewing a potential nominee and in evaluating the renomination of current independent directors, the nominating committee will generally apply the following criteria: (i) the nominees reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards; (ii) the nominees business acumen, experience and ability to exercise sound judgment; (iii) a commitment to understand the Company and the responsibilities of a director of an investment company; (iv) a commitment to regularly attend and participate in meetings of the board of directors and its committees; (v) the ability to understand potential conflicts of interest involving management of the Company and to act in the interests of all stockholders; and (vi) the absence of a real or apparent conflict of interest that would impair the nominees ability to represent the interests of all the stockholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of an independent director. The nominating committee does not necessarily place the same emphasis on each criteria and each nominee may not have each of these qualities.
As long as an existing independent director continues, in the opinion of the nominating committee, to satisfy these criteria, we anticipate that the nominating committee would favor the renomination of an existing independent director rather than a new candidate. Consequently, while the nominating committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders to serve as independent directors, the nominating committee may only act upon such recommendations if there is a vacancy on the board of directors or a committee determines that the selection of a new or additional independent director is in our best interests. In the event that a vacancy arises or a change in membership is determined to be advisable, the nominating committee will, in addition to any stockholder recommendations, consider candidates identified by other means, including candidates proposed by members of the nominating committee. The nominating committee may retain a consultant to assist it in a search for a qualified candidate. The nominating committee has adopted procedures for the selection of independent directors.
Any stockholder recommendation for independent director must be submitted in compliance with all of the pertinent provisions of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, to be considered by the nominating
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committee. In evaluating a nominee recommended by a stockholder, the nominating committee, in addition to the criteria discussed above, may consider the objectives of the stockholder in submitting that nomination and whether such objectives are consistent with the interests of all stockholders. If the board of directors determines to include a stockholders candidate among the slate of nominees, the candidates name will be placed on our proxy card. If the nominating committee or the board of directors determines not to include such candidate among the board of directorss designated nominees and the stockholder has satisfied the requirements of Rule 14a-8, the stockholders candidate will be treated as a nominee of the stockholder who originally nominated the candidate. In that case, the candidate will not be named on the proxy card distributed with our proxy statement.
Stockholders may communicate with the directors as a group or individually. Any such communication should be sent to the board of directors or an individual director c/o The Secretary of the Company at the following address: 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. The Secretary may determine not to forward any letter to directors that does not relate to the business of the Company.
As a registered investment company, we are subject to a variety of risks, including investment risks, financial risks, compliance risks and operational risks. As part of its overall activities, the board of directors oversees the management of our risk management structure by various departments of the Adviser and the Administrator, as well as by our chief compliance officer. The responsibility to manage our risk management structure on a day-to-day basis is subsumed within the Advisers overall investment management responsibilities. The Adviser has its own, independent interest in risk management.
The board of directors recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect us or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The board of directors discharges risk oversight as part of its overall activities. In addressing issues regarding our risk management between meetings, appropriate representatives of the Adviser communicate with the Chairperson of the board of directors, the relevant committee chair or our chief compliance officer, who is directly accountable to the board of directors. As appropriate, the Chairperson of the board of directors and the committee chair confer among themselves, with our chief compliance officer, the Adviser, other service providers, external fund counsel and counsel to the independent directors, to identify and review risk management issues that may be placed on the boards agenda and/or that of an appropriate committee for review and discussion with management.
We have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. The chief compliance officer is responsible for administering the policies and procedures.
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Information about our directors is as follows:
Name, Address
(1)
and Age |
Position(s) held with the Company | Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past
5 Years |
|||
Interested Directors
|
||||||
Thomas P. Majewski
Age: 40 |
Class III Director and
Chief Executive Officer |
Since inception;
Term expires 2017 |
Managing Partner of the Adviser since September 2012; Managing Director and U.S. Head of CLO Banking at RBS Securities Inc. from September 2011 to September 2012; President of AMP Capital Investors (US) Ltd. from August 2010 to September 2011; Partner at AE Capital Advisers (US) LLC from April 2008 to August 2010. | |||
James R. Matthews
Age: 48 |
Class II Director and Chairperson of the
Board |
Since inception;
Term expires 2016 |
Principal of Stone Point since October 2011; Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity for Evercore Partners Inc. from January 2007 to October 2011. | |||
Independent Directors
|
||||||
Scott W. Appleby
Age: 50 |
Class I Director |
Since inception;
Term expires 2015 |
President of Appleby Capital, Inc. since April 2009. | |||
Kevin F. McDonald
Age: 49 |
Class III Director |
Since inception;
Term expires 2017 |
Director of Business Development of Folger Hill Asset Management, LP since December 2014; Principal of Taylor Investment Advisors, LP since 2002; Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Investment Advisors, LP from 2002 to December 2014. | |||
Paul E. Tramontano
Age: 53 |
Class II Director |
Since inception;
Term expires 2016 |
Co-Chief Executive Officer of Constellation Wealth Advisors LLC since April 2007. | |||
Jeffrey L. Weiss
Age: 54 |
Class I Director |
Since inception;
Term expires 2015 |
Private Investor since June 2012; Global Head of Financial Institutions at Barclays from August 2008 to June 2012. |
(1) | The business address of each our directors is c/o Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. |
None of our directors serves, nor have they served during the last five years, on the board of directors of another company registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (or subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act), or registered under the 1940 Act (including any other companies in a fund complex with us).
In addition to the description of each directors Principal Occupation(s) set forth above, the following provides further information about each directors specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills. The information in this section should not be understood to mean that any of the directors is an expert within the meaning of the federal securities laws.
Although the nominating committee has general criteria that guides its choice of candidates to serve on the board of directors (as discussed above under Committees of the Board of Directors) , there are no
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specific required qualifications for membership on the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the different perspectives, viewpoints, professional experience, education and individual qualities of each director represent a diversity of experiences and a variety of complementary skills. When considering potential nominees to fill vacancies on the board of directors, and as part of its annual self-evaluation, the board of directors reviews the mix of skills and other relevant experiences of the directors.
Scott W. Appleby. Mr. Appleby is the President of Appleby Capital, Inc. and has more than 20 years of banking experience at Appleby Capital, Deutsche Bank, Robertson Stephens, ABN Amro and Paine Webber. As a senior equity analyst, he has written on global exchanges, alternative asset managers and financial technology. He was also one of the first Internet analysts and, in 1997, the first analyst to cover the electronic brokerage industry. Mr. Appleby remains an active writer and speaker on financial technology and Wall Street trends. Mr. Appleby serves on a number of private company and community boards. Mr. Appleby holds an M.B.A. from Cornell University and a B.S. from the University of Vermont.
Kevin F. McDonald. Mr. McDonald has served as Director of Business Development of Folger Hill Asset Management, LP since December 2014. Mr. McDonald is also a Principal of Taylor Investment Advisors, LP and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Investment Advisors from 2002 to December 2014. Prior to co-founding Taylor Investment Advisors, Mr. McDonald was a Director at Larch Lane Advisors LLC, an alternative asset management firm specializing in multi-manager hedge fund portfolios, from 1999 to 2001. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. McDonald was a Vice President in the futures and options group at JP Morgan Securities. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. McDonald was an Assistant Treasurer and proprietary fixed-income trader at BSI Bank (subsidiary of Generali S.P.A.). Mr. McDonald began his career at Chemical Bank where he was a credit analyst in the corporate finance group. Mr. McDonald holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia.
Paul E. Tramontano. Mr. Tramontano is the Co-Chief Executive Officer and a founding member of Constellation Wealth Advisors LLC since 2007. In that role, Mr. Tramontano is instrumental in crafting the strategic direction of the firm, and he serves on both the investment and executive management committees. In addition to his management responsibilities, Mr. Tramontano is directly engaged with the firms most important client relationships. Prior to forming Constellation, Mr. Tramontano spent 17 years at Citi Smith Barney, most recently as a Managing Director and Senior Advisor of Citi Family Office. Mr. Tramontano holds a B.S. from Villanova University and also holds a Certified Investment Management Analyst designation.
Jeffrey L. Weiss. Mr. Weiss is a former Managing Director at Lehman Brothers and Barclays, where he also held a number of senior leadership positions. Mr. Weiss is currently a private investor (since 2012). From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Weiss served as Global Head of Financial Institutions at Barclays. Prior to joining Barclays, Mr. Weiss spent 25 years with Lehman Brothers, most recently as a Managing Director. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Weiss served on Lehmans management committee. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Weiss was responsible for the financial institutions group businesses. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Weiss had global responsibility for all new issue origination. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Weiss was responsible for all global debt capital markets and also served on the investment banking committee. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Weiss had global responsibility for all new issue risk and also served on the fixed-income executive committee. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Weiss was responsible for the U.S. fixed-income syndicate business. From 1984 to 1992, Mr. Weiss served as a credit trader focusing on a number of different sectors. Mr. Weiss holds a B.S. in economics from the University of Wisconsin.
Thomas P. Majewski. Information regarding Mr. Majewski is included under The Adviser and the Administrator Portfolio Managers above.
James R. Matthews. Mr. Matthews was appointed to the board of directors as a representative of Trident V Funds. Mr. Matthews is currently a Principal of Stone Point. He joined Stone Point from Evercore Partners Inc., where he was a Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity. From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Matthews was with Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, where he was a General Partner and focused on
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investments in the information services and business services sectors. Previously, Mr. Matthews was a General Partner of J.H. Whitney & Co. and started his career as an Analyst in the mergers and acquisitions group of Salomon Brothers Inc. Mr. Matthews serves as a director of Eagle Point Credit Management. He is a director of Frenkel & Company and of the Trident Fund portfolio companies Black Mountain Systems, LLC, Enhanced Capital Partners, LLC, NEBCO Insurance Services, LLC and Tree Line Capital Partners, LLC. Mr. Matthews holds a B.S. from Boston College and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
Information regarding our executive officers who are not directors is as follows:
Name, Address
(1)
and Age |
Positions Held
with the Company |
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s)
During the Last Five Years |
|||
Kenneth P. Onorio
Age: 47 |
Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary |
Since July 2014 | Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser since July 2014; Executive Director of Private Equity and Hedge Fund Administration at JPMorgan Alternative Investment Services from September 2008 to July 2014; Chief Financial Officer of Sailfish Capital, from December 2006 to August 2008. |
(1) | The address for each of our officers is c/o Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. All of our officers are also officers or employees of the Adviser or affiliated companies. |
Kenneth P. Onorio. Mr. Onorio is the Companys Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since July 2014. Mr. Onorio also serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Director for Eagle Point Credit Partners LP. Prior to joining Eagle Point in 2014, Mr. Onorio was an Executive Director within Private Equity and Hedge Fund Administration at JPMorgan Alternative Investment Services from September 2008 to July 2014. During his tenure at JPMorgan, his responsibilities included managing Hedge Fund and Private Equity Fund Administration. Prior to JPMorgan, Mr. Onorio was the Chief Financial Officer at Sailfish Capital LLC, a multi-strategy credit fund from 2006 to 2008. Mr. Onorio received his BS in accounting from Fordham University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Our independent directors received the amounts set forth in the following table from us for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Name |
Aggregate
Compensation from the Company (1) |
|||
Independent Directors
|
||||
Scott W. Appleby | $ | 21,750 | ||
Kevin F. McDonald | $ | 20,500 | ||
Paul E. Tramontano | $ | 20,500 | ||
Jeffrey L. Weiss | $ | 23,625 |
(1) | We do not maintain a pension plan or retirement plan for any of our directors. |
As compensation for serving on our board of directors, each of our independent directors receives an annual fee of $75,000. The chairman of the audit committee receives an additional annual fee of $12,500 and the chairman of the nominating committee receives an additional annual fee of $5,000 for their additional services in these capacities. In addition, each of our independent directors receives $1,250 for each in-person
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meeting of the board of directors attended and $500 per each committee meeting attended that is not held in conjunction with a meeting of the board of directors, as well as reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending our board of directors and committee meetings. No compensation is, or is expected to be, paid to directors who are interested persons of us, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
The table below sets forth the dollar range of the value of our common stock that is owned beneficially by each director as of December 31, 2014. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is defined to mean a direct or indirect pecuniary interest.
Name of Director | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Company (1) | |||
Interested Directors
|
||||
Thomas P. Majewski | over $100,000 | |||
James R. Matthews | None | |||
Independent Directors
|
||||
Scott W. Appleby | over $100,000 | |||
Kevin F. McDonald | $ | 50,001 $100,000 | ||
Paul E. Tramontano | over $100,000 | |||
Jeffrey L. Weiss | over $100,000 |
(1) | Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 $10,000, $10,001 $50,000, $50,001 $100,000 and over $100,000. |
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We determine the NAV per share of our common stock by dividing the value of our portfolio investments, cash and other assets (including interest accrued but not collected) less all of our liabilities (including accrued expenses, borrowings and interest payables) by the total number of outstanding shares of our common stock on a quarterly basis. The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. We are required to specifically fair value each individual investment on at least a quarterly basis (with certain exceptions for investments that represent a de minimis percentage of our portfolio, which are fair valued by the Adviser), and may fair value such investments on a more frequent basis as necessary.
Our investment portfolio is valued at least each quarter, after the board of directors has considered the recommendation(s) of the audit committee. The audit committee considers the Advisers recommendation of fair value as determined in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures. In support of the board of directors, the audit committee reviews information compiled by the Adviser, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review and recent trading activity in the security, if known, as well as valuations generated by one or more third party models that take into account various market inputs. Available information, including non-binding indicative bids which may not be considered reliable, is presented to the audit committee to consider when determining that the fair value has been determined in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures and when making its recommendation to accept the fair value to the board of directors, which the board of directors then considers when accepting the fair value of the investment portfolio.
In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the audit committee considers the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in making its determination of fair value. As noted above, valuation of certain investments is also based upon one or more third party valuation models. Our board of directors has also engaged third-party valuation firms to provide assistance to the audit committee and our board of directors in valuing certain of our investments. The audit committee and board of directors evaluate the impact of such additional information, and factor it into their consideration of fair value.
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The Adviser and Administrator are affiliated with other entities engaged in the financial services business. In particular, the Adviser and Administrator are affiliated with Stone Point, and certain members of the Advisers board of managers are principals of Stone Point. Pursuant to certain management agreements, Stone Point has received delegated authority to act as the investment manager of the Trident V Funds. The Trident V Funds are direct holders of our common stock. The Trident V Funds also hold a controlling interest in the Adviser (and therefore, indirectly the Administrator, which is wholly owned by the Adviser). The Trident V Funds and other private equity funds managed by Stone Point invest in financial services companies. These relationships may cause the Advisers, Administrators or certain of their affiliates interests to diverge from our interests and may result in conflicts of interest that may not be foreseen or resolved in a manner that is always or exclusively in our best interest.
The Adviser is responsible for the investment decisions made on our behalf. There are no restrictions on the ability of the Adviser and certain of its affiliates (including Stone Point) to manage accounts for multiple clients, including accounts for affiliates of the Adviser or their directors, officers or employees, following the same, similar or different investment objectives, philosophies and strategies as those used by the Adviser for our account. In those situations, the Adviser and its affiliates may have conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities between us and any other account managed by such person. See below Allocations of Opportunities. Such conflicts of interest would be expected to be heightened where the Adviser manages an account for an affiliate or its directors, officers or employees. Additionally, accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates may hold certain investments in CLOs, such as debt tranches, which conflict with the positions held by other accounts in such CLOs, such as us. In these cases, when exercising the rights of each account with respect to such investments, the Adviser and/or its affiliate will have a conflict of interest as actions on behalf of one account may have an adverse effect on another account managed by the Adviser or such affiliate, including us.
In addition, Stone Point and its affiliates, and the investment funds managed by Stone Point and such affiliates, may also invest in companies that compete with the Adviser and that therefore manage other accounts and funds that compete for investment opportunities with us.
Our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future members of the Adviser, may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders.
Further, the professional staff of the Adviser will devote as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement. However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory and other services for other clients and engage in other business ventures in which we have no interest. As a result of these separate business activities, the Adviser may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, services and functions among us and its affiliates and other business ventures or clients.
As a fiduciary, the Adviser owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When the Adviser purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. To this end, the Adviser has adopted policies and procedures pursuant to which it allocates investment opportunities appropriate for more than one client account in a manner deemed appropriate in its sole discretion to achieve a fair and equitable result over time. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, when allocating investment opportunities, the Adviser may take into account regulatory, tax or legal requirements applicable to an account. In allocating investment opportunities, the Adviser may use rotational, percentage or other allocation methods provided that doing so is consistent with the Advisers internal conflict of interest and allocation policies and the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and other applicable laws. There is no assurance that investment
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opportunities will be allocated to any particular account equitably in the short-term or that any such account will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for it.
Portfolio companies of investment funds managed by Stone Point and other affiliates of Stone Point may engage in lending activities, which could result in us investing in CLOs that include loans underwritten by such a portfolio company or affiliate. In addition, the CLOs in which we expect to invest consist principally of senior secured loans, which in many cases may be issued to operating companies that are primarily owned by private equity funds, including funds that may be managed by Stone Point or its affiliates. In addition to the above, because portfolio companies of such investment funds engage in a wide range of businesses, such entities may engage in other activities now or in the future that create a conflict of interest for the Adviser with respect to its management of us. Any of these potential transactions and activities may result in the Adviser having a conflict of interest that may not be resolved in a manner that is always or exclusively in our best interest or in the best interest of our stockholders.
By reason of the advisory and/or other activities of the Adviser and its affiliates, the Adviser and its affiliates may acquire confidential or material non-public information or be restricted from initiating transactions in certain securities. The Adviser will not be free to divulge, or to act upon, any such confidential or material non-public information and, due to these restrictions, it may not be able to initiate a transaction for our account that it otherwise might have initiated. As a result, we may be frozen in an investment position that we otherwise might have liquidated or closed out or may not be able to acquire a position that we might otherwise have acquired.
In the ordinary course of business, we may enter into transactions with persons who are affiliated with us by reason of being under common control of the Adviser or its affiliates, including Stone Point (for example, the Administrator is wholly owned by the Adviser). In order to ensure that we do not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with us, we have implemented certain policies and procedures whereby our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between us, the Adviser and its affiliates and our employees and directors. We will not enter into any such transactions unless and until we are satisfied that doing so will not raise concerns under the 1940 Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek review and approval of our board of directors or exemptive relief for such transaction. Our affiliations may require us to forgo attractive investment opportunities.
We may co-invest on a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. We have received exemptive relief from the SEC that permits us to participate in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser, subject to certain conditions including (i) that a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction and a majority of our directors who are not interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of ours approve the co-investment and (ii) the price, terms and conditions of the co-investment are the same for each participant. A copy of our application for exemptive relief, including all of the conditions, and the related order are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov .
In order to address the conflicts of interest described above, we have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-l of the 1940 Act. Similarly, the Adviser has separately adopted the Adviser Code of Ethics. The Adviser Code of Ethics requires the officers and employees of the Adviser to act in the best interests of the Adviser and its client accounts (including us), act in good faith and in an ethical manner, avoid conflicts of interests with the client accounts to the extent reasonably possible and identify and manage conflicts of interest to the extent that they arise. Personnel subject to each code of ethics may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the codes requirements. You may read and copy our code of ethics
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at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. In addition, each code of ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and is available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of each code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov , or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.
Our directors and officers, and the officers and employees of the Adviser, are also required to comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and make prompt reports to supervisory personnel of any actual or suspected violations of law.
In addition, the Adviser has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time.
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The following is a description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock and of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting us. The discussion below provides general tax information related to an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock, but this discussion does not purport to be a complete description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. For example, we have not described tax consequences that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elects to use a market-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, pension plans and trusts, and financial institutions. This summary assumes that investors hold the Series A Term Preferred Stock as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code). The discussion is based upon the Code, regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury under the Code, or the Treasury Regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. We have not sought and will not seek any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding this offering. This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax.
We have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify each year, as a RIC under the Code, commencing with our tax year ended November 30, 2014. Accordingly, we must satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of our income and diversification of our total assets and to satisfy certain distribution requirements, so as to maintain our RIC status and to avoid paying U.S. federal income or excise tax thereon. To the extent we qualify for treatment as a RIC and satisfy the applicable distribution requirements, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income paid to our stockholders in the form of dividends or capital gains distributions.
To qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must derive at least 90% of our annual gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities and currencies. A qualified publicly traded partnership is a publicly traded partnership that meets certain requirements with respect to the nature of its income. To qualify as a RIC, we must also satisfy certain requirements with respect to the diversification of our assets. We must have, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year, at least 50% of the value of our total assets represented by cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities that, in respect of any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets nor more than 10% of the voting securities of that issuer. In addition, at those times, not more than 25% of the value of our assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, or of two or more issuers, which we control and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. If we fail to satisfy the 90% gross income test described above, or the Income Test, we will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test if (i) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (b) we report the failure pursuant to Treasury Regulations to be adopted, and (ii) we pay an excise tax equal to the excess non-qualifying income. If we fail to meet the asset diversification test described above with respect to any quarter, we will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the requirements for such quarter if we cure such failure within 6 months and either (i) such failure is de minimis or (ii) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (b) we report the failure under Treasury Regulations to be adopted and pay an excise tax.
As a RIC, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on our investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deductions for dividend paid) and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss), if any, that we distribute in each taxable year to stockholders, provided that we distribute an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of our investment company taxable income and 90% of our net tax-exempt interest income for such taxable year. We intend to distribute to our stockholders, at least annually, substantially all of our investment
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company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gains. In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that we generally distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for such year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gains net income, generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year and (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gains net income from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out during such year and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax.
If we do not qualify as a RIC or fail to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement for any taxable year, our taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gains (if any), will be taxable to holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as ordinary income. Such distributions generally would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of individual and other non-corporate holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock s and (ii) for the dividends received deduction, or the DRD, in the case of corporate holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, we may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
For purposes of the Income Test, income that we earn from equity interests in certain entities that are not treated as corporations or as qualified publicly traded partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes ( e.g. , certain CLOs that are treated as partnerships) will generally have the same character for us as in the hands of such an entity; consequently, we may be required to limit our equity investments in any such entities that earn fee income, rental income, or other nonqualifying income.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize will not satisfy the Income Test. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such test, we may be required to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income and fees.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual PIK interest (which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term) and deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Distribution Requirements, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.
We may invest (directly or indirectly through an investment in an equity interest in a CLO treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) a portion of our net assets in below investment grade, or junk, instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by us to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that we distribute sufficient income that we do not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute PFICs. Because we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in PFICs (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a
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taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distributions or gains. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund under the Code, or a QEF, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed to us. Alternatively, we can elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent it does not exceed prior increases included in our income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of our distributions from PFICs and our proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and we must distribute such income to satisfy the Distribution Requirements.
If we hold more than 10% of the interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC), we may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporations income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the corporation makes an actual distribution during such year. This deemed distribution is required to be included in the income of a U.S. Shareholder of a CFC regardless of whether the shareholder has made a QEF election with respect to such CFC. In general, a foreign corporation will be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of the shares of the corporation, measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. Shareholders. A U.S. Shareholder, for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation. If we are treated as receiving a deemed distribution from a CFC, we will be required to include such distribution in our investment company taxable income regardless of whether we receive any actual distributions from such CFC, and we must distribute such income to satisfy the Distribution Requirements.
Legislation enacted in 2010 imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and dividends paid after June 30, 2014, or gross proceeds from the disposition of an instrument that produces U.S. source interest or dividends paid after December 31, 2016, to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its United States account holders and its United States owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time we accrue income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such income or pay such expenses or liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt obligations denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.
Gain or loss realized by us from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. The treatment of such gain or loss as long-term or short-term will depend on how long we held a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by us, our tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike price paid on the exercise of the warrant.
Certain of our investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) convert dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income into ordinary income, (ii) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate DRD as ineligible for such treatment, (iii) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions,
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(iv) convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (v) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (vi) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (vii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (viii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the income requirement that applies to RICs. While we may not always be successful in doing so, we will seek to avoid or minimize the adverse tax consequences of our investment practices.
We may recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of certain appreciated financial positions if we enter into a short sale, offsetting notional principal contract, or forward contract transaction with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property. Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment include interests (including options and forward contracts and short sales) in stock and certain other instruments. Constructive sale treatment does not apply if the transaction is closed out not later than thirty days after the end of the taxable year in which the transaction was initiated, and the underlying appreciated securities position is held unhedged for at least the next sixty days after the hedging transaction is closed.
Gain or loss from a short sale of property is generally considered as capital gains or loss to the extent the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in our hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date the short sale is entered into, gains on short sales generally are short-term capital gains. A loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, substantially identical property has been held by us for more than one year. In addition, entering into a short sale may result in suspension of the holding period of substantially identical property held by us.
Gain or loss on a short sale will generally not be realized until such time as the short sale is closed. However, as described above in the discussion of constructive sales, if we holds a short sale position with respect to securities that have appreciated in value, and we then acquire property that is the same as or substantially identical to the property sold short, we generally will recognize gain on the date we acquire such property as if the short sale were closed on such date with such property. Similarly, if we hold an appreciated financial position with respect to securities and then enter into a short sale with respect to the same or substantially identical property, we generally will recognize gain as if the appreciated financial position were sold at its fair market value on the date we enter into the short sale. The subsequent holding period for any appreciated financial position that is subject to these constructive sale rules will be determined as if such position were acquired on the date of the constructive sale.
At least annually, we intend to distribute any net capital gains (which is the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) or, alternatively, to retain all or a portion of the years net capital gains and pay U.S. federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under U.S. federal tax law, if we so elect, holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock of record as of the end of our taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as long-term capital gains (regardless of their holding period in our Series A Term Preferred Stock), and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax paid on their behalf by us. Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock of record for the retained capital gains will also be entitled to increase their tax basis in their Series A Term Preferred Stock by 65% of the allocated gain. Distributions of our net capital gains (capital gains distributions), if any, are taxable to holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as long-term capital gains, regardless of their holding period in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. Distributions of our net realized short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income.
If, for any calendar year, our total distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to each holder of Series A Term Preferred Stock (up to the amount of the holder of Series A Term Preferred Stocks basis in his or her Series A Term Preferred Stock) and thereafter as gain from the sale of Series A Term Preferred Stock (assuming our Series A Term Preferred Stock is held as a capital asset). The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce the holder of Series A Term Preferred Stocks adjusted basis in his or her Series A Term Preferred Stock, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale or other disposition of his or her Series A Term Preferred Stock. See below for a summary of the current maximum tax
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rates applicable to long-term capital gains (including capital gains distributions). A corporation that owns Series A Term Preferred Stock may be eligible for the DRD with respect to a portion of the distributions it receives from us, provided we designate the eligible portion and the corporate stockholder satisfies certain holding period requirements. Our distributions that are attributable to qualified dividend income received by us from certain domestic corporations may be designated by us as being eligible for the DRD. Given our investment strategies, it is not anticipated that a significant portion of our dividends will be eligible for the DRD.
Certain dividend distributions paid by us to individual taxpayers may be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the stockholders income exceeds certain threshold amounts. This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied by the holder of Series A Term Preferred Stock and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by us. For this purpose, qualified dividend income means dividends received by us from United States corporations and qualified foreign corporations, provided that we satisfy certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. Given our investment strategies, it is not anticipated that a significant portion of our dividends will be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.
The Internal Revenue Service currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, dividends treated as qualified dividend income and dividends qualifying for the dividends-received deduction) based upon the percentage of total dividends paid to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, we will allocate capital gain dividends, dividends treated as qualified dividend income and dividends qualifying for the dividends-received deduction, if any, between our shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and our common shares in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such tax year.
We (or the applicable withholding agent) will inform holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. Certain distributions declared in October, November or December and paid in the following January will be taxed to holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as if received on December 31 of the year in which they were declared.
Selling holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the holder of Series A Term Preferred Stocks adjusted tax basis in our Series A Term Preferred Stock sold. If our Series A Term Preferred Stock is held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gains or loss. The maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as the maximum ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less, or (ii) generally 15% or 20% (depending on whether the stockholders income exceeds certain threshold amounts) for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well as any capital gains distributions). Any loss on a disposition of Series A Term Preferred Stock held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gains distributions received with respect to such Series A Term Preferred Stock. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be disallowed to the extent those shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are replaced by other shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of our Series A Term Preferred Stock (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise). In that event, the basis of the replacement Series A Term Preferred Stock will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Gain or loss, if any, resulting from our redemption of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will generally be taxed as gain or loss from a sale or exchange of the Series A Term Preferred Stock rather than as a dividend, but only if the redemption distribution (a) is deemed not to be essentially equivalent to a dividend, (b) is in complete redemption of a holder of Series A Term Preferred Stocks interest in us, (c) is substantially disproportionate with respect to the holder, or (d) with respect to non-corporate holders, is in partial liquidation of us. For purposes of (a), (b) and (c) above, a holder of Series A Term Preferred Stocks ownership of our common stock will be taken into account.
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A portion of the amount received by a holder of Series A Term Preferred Stock on either the sale, or redemption, of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be characterized as dividend income to the extent it is attributable to declared but unpaid dividends.
Adjusted cost basis information is required for covered securities, which generally include shares of a RIC, to the Internal Revenue Service and to taxpayers. Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gains distributions received from us and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of our shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such persons modified adjusted gross income (in the case of an individual) or adjusted gross income (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
An investor should be aware that, if shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable distribution (including a capital gains distribution), the purchase price likely will reflect the value of the distribution and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution that is likely to reduce the trading value of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price.
Taxable distributions to certain individuals and certain other holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, including those who have not provided their correct taxpayer identification number and other required certifications, may be subject to backup U.S. federal income tax withholding (at a rate of 28%). Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against such stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Dividends and interest received, and gains realized, by us on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and United States possessions (collectively, foreign taxes) that would reduce the return on our securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States, however, may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors. Stockholders will generally not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by us.
In general, distributions (other than capital gains dividends) to a non-U.S. stockholder (an investor that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation, or a foreign estate or trust) will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. stockholder will be required to provide an applicable Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (or substitute form) certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty.
For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2015 (unless further extended by Congress), properly designated dividends received by non-U.S. stockholder are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax when they (a) are paid in respect of our qualified net interest income (generally, our U.S. source interest income, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income), or (b) are paid in connection with our qualified short-term capital gains (generally, the excess of our net short-term capital gain over our long-term capital loss for such taxable year). There can be no assurance as to whether or not legislation will be enacted to extend this exemption. Even if legislation is enacted to extend this exemption, depending on the circumstances, we may designate all, some or none of our potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and a portion of our distributions ( e.g. , interest from non-U.S. sources or any foreign currency gains) would be ineligible for this potential exemption from withholding.
Effective July 1, 2014, we are required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of dividends and, effective January 1, 2017 will be required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the
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U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock may be requested to provide additional information to enable us to determine whether withholding is required.
An investment in share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock by a non-U.S. stockholder may also be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.
If a holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock realizes a loss on disposition of our shares of $2 million or more for an individual stockholder or $10 million or more for a corporate stockholder, the stockholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, stockholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to stockholders of most or all RICs.
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The following description is based on relevant portions of the DGCL and on our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the DGCL and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws (when in effect) for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.
Our authorized stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Delaware law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.
The following are our authorized classes of securities as of March 31, 2015:
(1)
Title of Class |
(2)
Amount Authorized |
(3)
Amount Held by Us or for Our Account |
(4)
Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amounts Shown Under (3) |
|||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share | 100,000,000 | | 13,811,358 | |||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share | 20,000,000 | | | (1) |
(1) | Upon the closing of this offering, shares of our preferred stock will be issued and outstanding. |
All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by the board of directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefrom. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, exchange, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by U.S. 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 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, 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 common stock can elect all of our directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will not be able to elect any directors.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. We have established an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, or the DRIP. Each holder of at least one full share of our common stock will be automatically enrolled in the DRIP. Under the DRIP, distributions on shares of our common stock are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, or the DRIP Agent. Holders of our common stock who receive distributions in the form of additional shares of our common stock are nonetheless required to pay applicable federal, state or local taxes on the reinvested distribution but will not receive a corresponding cash distribution with which to pay any applicable tax. Holders of shares of our common stock who opt-out of participation in the DRIP (including those holders whose shares are held through a broker who has opted out of participation in the DRIP) will receive all distributions in cash. Reinvested distributions increase our stockholders equity on which a management fee is payable to the Adviser.
If we declare a distribution payable either in cash or in shares of common stock, we will issue shares of common stock to participants at a value equal to 95% of the market price per share of common stock at the close of regular trading on the payment date for such distribution. The number of additional shares of common stock to be credited to each participants account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by 95% of the market price. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open
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market in connection with our implementation of the DRIP. If we declare a distribution to holders of our common stock, the DRIP Agent may be instructed not to credit accounts with newly issued shares and instead to buy shares in the open market if (i) the price at which newly issued shares are to be credited does not exceed 110% of the last determined NAV of the shares; or (ii) we have advised the DRIP Agent that since such NAV was last determined, we have become aware of events that indicate the possibility of a material change in per share NAV as a result of which the NAV of the shares on the payment date might be higher than the price at which the DRIP Agent would credit newly issued shares to stockholders.
There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares of common stock issued directly by us. However, whenever shares are purchased or sold on the NYSE or otherwise on the open market, each participant will pay a pro rata portion of brokerage trading fees, currently $0.10 per share purchased or sold. Brokerage trading fees will be deducted from amounts to be invested.
Holders of our common stock can also sell shares held in the DRIP account at any time by contacting the DRIP Agent in writing at American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, P.O. Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560. The DRIP Agent will mail a check to such holder (less applicable brokerage trading fees) on the settlement date, which is three business days after the shares have been sold. If a stockholder chooses to sell its shares through a broker, the holder will need to request that the DRIP Agent electronically transfer their shares to the broker through the Direct Registration System.
Stockholders participating in the DRIP may withdraw from the DRIP at any time by contacting the DRIP Agent in writing at American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, P.O. Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560. Such termination will be effective immediately if the notice is received by the DRIP Agent prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise, such termination will be effective on the first trading day after the payment date for such dividend or distribution, with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. If a holder of our common stock withdraws, full shares will be credited to their account, and the stockholder will be sent a check for the cash adjustment of any fractional share at the market value per share of our common stock as of the close of business on the day the termination is effective, less any applicable fees. Alternatively, if the stockholder wishes, the DRIP Agent will sell their full and fractional shares and send them the proceeds, less a transaction fee of $15.00 and less brokerage trading fees of $0.10 per share. If a stockholder does not maintain at least one whole share of common stock in the DRIP account, the DRIP Agent may terminate such stockholders participation in the DRIP Plan after written notice. Upon termination, stockholders will be sent a check for the cash value of any fractional share in the DRIP account, less any applicable broker commissions and taxes.
Stockholders who are not participants in the DRIP, but hold at least one full share of our common stock, may join the DRIP by notifying the DRIP Agent in writing at American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, P.O. Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560. If received in proper form by the DRIP Agent before the record date of a dividend, the election will be effective with respect to all dividends paid after such record date. If a stockholders wishes to participate in the DRIP and their shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, the stockholder should contact their nominee to see if it will participate in the DRIP. If a stockholder wishes to participate in the DRIP Plan, but the brokerage firm, bank or other nominee is unable to participate on their behalf, the stockholder will need to request that their shares be re-registered in their own name, or the stockholder will not be able to participate. The DRIP Agent will administer the DRIP on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the stockholder as representing the total amount registered in their name and held for their account by their nominee.
Experience under the DRIP Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, we and the DRIP Agent reserve the right to amend or terminate the DRIP upon written notice to each participant at least 30 days before the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by us.
All correspondence or additional information about the DRIP should be directed to American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219.
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Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of preferred stock into other classes or series of preferred stock without stockholder approval. Any time that we issue preferred stock, costs of such offering (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) will be borne immediately at such time by the holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share of common stock at that time. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of directors is required by Delaware law and by our certificate of incorporation 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, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that 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. See Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock .
Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses . The indemnification of our officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Subsection (a) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the persons conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (b) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper.
DGCL Section 145 further provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person will be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. In all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court), it will be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct has been met by the party to be indemnified. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no such
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directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (4) by the stockholders. The statute authorizes the corporation to pay expenses incurred by an officer or director in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advance will be made, to repay the advances if it is ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification. DGCL Section 145 also provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses permitted under such Section are not to be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. DGCL Section 145 also authorizes the corporation to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents regardless of whether the corporation would have the statutory power to indemnify such persons against the liabilities insured.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended. DGCL Section 102(b)(7) provides that the personal liability of a director to a corporation or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated except for liability (1) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.
Our certificate of incorporation provides for the indemnification of any person to the full extent permitted, and in the manner provided, by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers in order to effect the foregoing.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Law. The DGCL and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our board of directors. These measures may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. These provisions could have the effect of depriving stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over us. Such attempts could have the effect of increasing our expenses and disrupting our normal operations. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms. Our board of directors has considered these provisions and has determined that the provisions are in the best interests of us and our stockholders generally.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. In general, these provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
| prior to such time, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or |
| on or after the date the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:
| any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
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| any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; |
| subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; |
| any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation owned by the interested stockholder; or |
| the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. |
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.
The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
Election of Directors. Our bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of a plurality of all votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote thereat will be sufficient to elect a director. Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
Upon the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and for so long as any series of our preferred stock are outstanding, the holders of our preferred stock, voting as a class, will be entitled to elect two of our directors.
Classified Board of Directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms, with the term of office of only one of the three classes expiring each year. 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 helps to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.
Number of Directors; Removal; Vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation 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 four nor more than eight. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise (which our certificate of incorporation does not), directors on an unclassified board such as our board of directors may be removed, with our without cause, by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally for the election of directors. Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, any vacancy on the board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the board of directors, may be filled only by vote of a majority of the directors then in office. The limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or discourage a third-party from seeking to acquire, control of us.
Action by Stockholders. Under our certificate of incorporation, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. This 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) by or at the direction of the board of directors, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting 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. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (2) provided that the board of directors has determined that
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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.
The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our board of directors a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our board of directors, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our board of directors any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
Stockholder Meetings. Our bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that, in lieu of a meeting, any such action may be taken by unanimous written consent of our stockholders. In addition, our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates for election to the board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to the secretary of the stockholders intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our bylaws provide that, except as required by law, special meetings of stockholders may be called by our board of directors, the chairperson of the board and our chief executive officer.
Conflict with the 1940 Act. Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.
We may be converted to an open-end management investment company at any time if approved by each of the following: (i) a majority of our directors then in office, (ii) the holders of not less than 75% of our outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon and (iii) such vote or votes of the holders of any class or classes or series of shares as may be required by the 1940 Act. The composition of our portfolio likely could prohibit us from complying with regulations of the SEC applicable to open-end management investment companies. Accordingly, conversion likely would require significant changes in our investment policies and may require liquidation of a substantial portion of relatively illiquid portions of its portfolio, to the extent such positions are held. In the event of conversion, the shares of our common stock would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. Any shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock would be redeemed by us prior to such conversion. Our board of directors believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given our investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the board of directors would vote to convert us to an open-end management investment company. Stockholders of an open-end management investment company may require the open-end management investment company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their NAV, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. We would expect to pay all such redemption requests in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such
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partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If we were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new shares of our common stock would be sold at NAV plus a sales load.
Because shares of common stock of closed-end management investment companies that are listed on an exchange frequently trade at a discount to their NAVs, the board of directors may from time to time determine that it may be in the interest of the holders of our common stock to take certain actions intended to reduce such discount. The board of directors, in consultation with the Adviser, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for shares our common stock and will consider such factors as the market price of shares of our common stock, the NAV per share of our common stock, the liquidity of our assets, the effect on our expenses, whether such transactions would impair our status as a RIC or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions, which may have a material effect on our ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the board of directors will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or, if undertaken, that such actions will result in share of our common stock trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their NAV.
In recognition of the possibility that shares of our common stock might trade at a discount to the NAV of such shares and that any such discount may not be in the interest of the holders of our common stock, the board of directors, in consultation with the Adviser, from time to time may review the possible actions to reduce any such discount.
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The following is a brief description of the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock offered by this prospectus. This is not a complete description and is subject to, and entirely qualified by reference to, our certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designation setting forth the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. The certificate of designation is attached as Appendix B to this prospectus. You may obtain copies of these documents using the methods described in Additional Information .
We are authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, and we have designated 1,610,000 shares as Series A Term Preferred Stock. At the time of issuance the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be fully paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will rank equally in right with all other preferred stock that we may issue from time to time in accordance with the 1940 Act, if any, as to payment of dividends and the distribution of our assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our affairs. The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, together with all other preferred stock that we may issue from time to time in accordance with the 1940 Act, if any, will rank senior to our common stock as to payment of dividends and the distribution of our assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our affairs and subordinate to the rights of holders of any future senior indebtedness.
General. Holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends and distributions at the Dividend Rate of % of the Liquidation Preference, or $ per share per year (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as described below), when, as and if declared by, or under authority granted by, our board of directors out of funds legally available for payment and in preference to dividends and distributions on shares of our common stock. Dividends will be payable monthly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar month, or the Dividend Payment Date, commencing on June 30, 2015. Dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of dividends payable on the Series A Term Preferred Stock on any date prior to the end of a dividend period, and for the initial dividend period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and actual days elapsed over a 30-day month.
Dividend Periods. The first period for which dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be calculated (each such period, a Dividend Period) will commence on the Date of Original Issue and will end June 30, 2015, and each subsequent Dividend Period will be a calendar month (or the portion thereof occurring prior to the redemption of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock). Dividends will be payable monthly in arrears on the Dividend Payment Date and upon redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Except for the first Dividend Period, dividends with respect to any monthly Dividend Period will be declared and paid to holders of record of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books at the close of business on the applicable record date, which will be a date designated by the board of directors that is not more than twenty (20) nor less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date. We expect that dividends with respect to the first Dividend Period of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be declared in May 2015 and paid on June 30, 2015 to holders of record of such Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books at the close of business on June 15, 2015.
Only holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the record date for a Dividend Period will be entitled to receive dividends and distributions payable with respect to such Dividend Period, and holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock who sell shares before such a record date and purchasers of Series A Term Preferred Stock who purchase shares after such a record date should take the effect of the foregoing provisions into account in evaluating the price to be received or paid for such Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Mechanics of Payment of Dividends. Not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Dividend Payment Date, we are required to deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent sufficient funds for the payment of dividends in the form of Deposit Securities. Deposit Securities will generally consist of (1) cash or cash equivalents; (2) direct obligations of the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities that are
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entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, which we refer to as the U.S. Government Obligations; (3) short-term money market instruments; (4) investments in money market funds registered under the 1940 Act that qualify under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act and certain similar investment vehicles that invest principally in U.S. Government Obligations, short-term money market instruments or any combination thereof; or (5) any letter of credit from a bank or other financial institution that has a credit rating from at least one ratings agency that is the highest applicable rating generally ascribed by such ratings agency to bank deposits or short-term debt of similar banks or other financial institutions, in each case either that is a demand obligation payable to the holder on any business day or that has a maturity date, mandatory redemption date or mandatory payment date, preceding the relevant Redemption Date (as defined below), Dividend Payment Date or other payment date. We do not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends.
All Deposit Securities paid to the Redemption and Payment Agent for the payment of dividends will be held in trust for the payment of such dividends to the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock. Dividends will be paid by the Redemption and Payment Agent to the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books on the applicable record date. Dividends that are in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date. Such payments are made to holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books on such date, not exceeding 20 nor less than 7 calendar days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by our board of directors. Any payment of dividends in arrears will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends. No interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on any Series A Term Preferred Stock which may be in arrears. See Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate Default Period .
Upon our failure to pay dividends for at least two years, the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will acquire certain additional voting rights. See Voting Rights below. Such rights will be the exclusive remedy of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock upon any failure to pay dividends on Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate Default Period. Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to Series A Term Preferred Stock will commence on a date we fail to deposit the Deposit Securities as required in connection with a Dividend Payment Date or a Redemption Date. A Default Period will end on the business day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and any unpaid redemption price has have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Redemption and Paying Agent. The applicable dividend rate for each day during the Default Period will be equal to the Dividend Rate in effect on such day plus two percent (2%) per annum, or the Default Rate.
No Default Period will be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any redemption price due (if such default is not solely due to our willful failure) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Redemption and Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a business day that is not later than 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 and period of such non-payment based on the actual number of calendar days comprising such period divided by 360.
Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption, Other Payments and Issuance of Debt. No full dividends and distributions will be declared or paid on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock for any Dividend Period, or a part of a Dividend Period, unless the full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates for all outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series have been, or contemporaneously are, declared and paid through the most recent dividend payment dates for each share of preferred stock. If full cumulative dividends and distributions due have not been paid on all outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series, any dividends and distributions being declared and paid on Series A Term Preferred Stock will be declared and paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends and distributions accumulated but unpaid on the shares of each such series of preferred
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stock on the relevant dividend payment date. No holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to any dividends and distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends and distributions as provided in the certificate of designation.
For so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not: (x) declare any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common stock) in respect of the common stock, (y) call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any such common stock, or (z) pay any proceeds of our liquidation in respect of such common stock, unless, in each case, (A) immediately thereafter, we will be in compliance with the 200% asset coverage limitations set forth under the 1940 Act with respect to a class of senior security which is stock, after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution or redemption or purchasing price or liquidation proceeds, as described below, (B) all cumulative dividends and distributions of shares of all series of preferred stock ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock due on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition have been declared and paid (or have been declared and sufficient funds or Deposit Securities as permitted by the terms of such preferred stock for the payment thereof have been deposited irrevocably with the applicable paying agent) and (C) we have deposited Deposit Securities with the Redemption and Paying Agent in accordance with the requirements described herein with respect to outstanding Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed pursuant to a mandatory term redemption or mandatory redemption resulting from the failure to comply with the asset coverage requirements as described below for which a Notice of Redemption has been given or has been required to be given in accordance with the terms described herein on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
Except as required by law, we will not redeem any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions on all outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and distributions for all applicable past dividend periods (whether or not earned or declared by us) (x) will have been or are contemporaneously paid or (y) will have been or are contemporaneously declared and Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of such preferred stock) for the payment of such dividends and distributions will have been or are contemporaneously deposited with the applicable paying agent, provided, however, that the foregoing will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of any other series of preferred stock for which all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions have not been paid.
1940 Act Asset Coverage. Under the 1940 Act, we may not (1) declare any dividend with respect to any preferred stock if, at the time of such declaration (and after giving effect thereto), our asset coverage with respect to any of our borrowings that are senior securities representing indebtedness (as determined in accordance with Section 18(h) under the 1940 Act), would be less than 300% or (2) declare any other distribution on the preferred stock or purchase or redeem preferred stock if at the time of the declaration or redemption (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to such borrowings that are senior securities representing indebtedness would be less than 200%. Senior securities representing indebtedness generally means any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security (other than shares of capital stock) and evidencing indebtedness and could include our obligations under any borrowings. For purposes of determining our asset coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness in connection with the payment of dividends or other distributions on or purchases or redemptions of stock, the term senior security does not include any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed. The term senior security also does not include any such promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness in any case where such a loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of our total assets at the time when the loan is made; a loan is presumed under the 1940 Act to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 calendar days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise such loan is presumed not to be for temporary purposes.
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In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders, after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment will be made in respect of the common stock, a liquidation distribution equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions accumulated to, but excluding, the date fixed for such distribution or payment (whether or not earned or declared by us, but excluding interest thereon), and such holders will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, our assets available for distribution among the holders of all Series A Term Preferred Stock, and any other outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any, will be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock of the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other shares of preferred stock, then the available assets will be distributed among the holders of such Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock ratably in proportion to the respective preferential liquidation amounts to which they are entitled. In connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs whether voluntary or involuntary, unless and until the Liquidation Preference on each outstanding share of Series A Term Preferred Stock plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions has been paid in full to the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, no dividends, distributions or other payments will be made on, and no redemption, repurchase or other acquisition by us will be made by us in respect of, our common stock.
Neither the sale of all or substantially all of the property or business of the Company, nor the merger, consolidation or our reorganization into or with any other business or corporation, statutory trust or other entity, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of any other business or corporation, statutory trust or other entity into or with us will be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for purposes of the provisions relating to liquidation set forth in the certificate of designation.
Mandatory Term Redemption. We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Redemption Date, at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the Mandatory Redemption Date. If the Mandatory Redemption Date occurs after the applicable record date for a dividend but on or prior to the related Dividend Payment Date, the dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date in respect of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the holders of record of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable Dividend Record Date, and will not be payable as part of the redemption price for such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Redemption for Failure to Maintain Asset Coverage. If we fail to maintain asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% as provided in the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, we will fix a redemption date and proceed to redeem the number of shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, as described below at a price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared but excluding interest thereon) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption by our board of directors. We will redeem out of funds legally available the number of shares of outstanding preferred stock equal to the lesser of (i) the minimum number of shares of preferred stock, the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in us having asset coverage of at least 200% and (ii) the maximum number of shares of preferred stock that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be legally available in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, provided further, that in connection with any such redemption for failure to maintain the asset coverage required by the 1940 Act, we may, at our sole option, redeem such additional number of shares of preferred stock that will result in our having asset coverage of up to and including 285%. We will effect a
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redemption on the date fixed by us, which date will not be later than 90 calendar days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date, except that if we do not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the required number of shares of preferred stock which have been designated to be redeemed or we otherwise are unable to effect such redemption on or prior to 90 calendar days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date, we will redeem those shares of preferred stock which we were unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which we are able to effect such redemption.
Optional Redemption. The Series A Term Preferred Stock may, at our sole option, be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 29, 2018, upon giving notice of redemption at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption.
Subject to the provisions of the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and applicable law, our board of directors will have the full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be redeemed from time to time.
We may not on any date deliver a notice of redemption to redeem any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to the optional redemption provisions described above unless on such date we have available Deposit Securities for the redemption contemplated by such notice having a value not less than the amount due to holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock by reason of the redemption of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on such redemption date.
Redemption Procedures. We will file a notice of our intention to redeem with the SEC so as to provide the 30 calendar day notice period contemplated by Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, or such shorter notice period as may be permitted by the SEC or its staff.
If we determine to or are required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, we will deliver a notice of redemption, or a Notice of Redemption, by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or by electronic means to the holders of record of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed, or request the Redemption and Paying Agent, on our behalf, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail or by electronic means. A Notice of Redemption will be provided not more than 45 calendar days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such Notice of Redemption, or the Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to either the mandatory redemption provisions triggered by our failure to maintain the required asset coverage or the optional redemption provisions, the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed will be selected either (1) pro rata among Series A Term Preferred Stock, (2) by lot or (3) in such other manner as our board of directors may determine to be fair and equitable. If fewer than all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption mailed to such holder will also specify the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any Notice of Redemption relating to a redemption contemplated to be effected pursuant to the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that we will not be required to effect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied. No defect in any Notice of Redemption or delivery thereof will affect the validity of redemption proceedings except as required by applicable law.
If we give a Notice of Redemption, then at any time from and after the giving of such Notice of Redemption and prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption Date (so long as any conditions precedent to such redemption have been met or waived by us), we will (i) deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities having an aggregate market value at the time of deposit not less than the redemption price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Redemption Date and (ii) give the Redemption and Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the applicable redemption price to the holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Redemption Date is the Mandatory Redemption Date, then such deposit of Deposit Securities will be made no later than 15 calendar days prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date.
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Upon the date of the deposit of Deposit Securities by us for purposes of redemption of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, all rights of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall cease and terminate except the right of the holders thereof to receive the applicable redemption price and such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding for any purpose whatsoever (other than the transfer thereof prior to the applicable Redemption Date and other than the accumulation of dividends on such stock in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock up to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date). We will be entitled to receive, promptly after the Redemption Date, any Deposit Securities in excess of the aggregate redemption price of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Any Deposit Securities so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of 90 calendar days from the Redemption Date will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to us, after which the holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall look only to us for payment of the Redemption Price. We will be entitled to receive, from time to time after the Redemption Date, any interest on the Deposit Securities so deposited.
If any redemption for which a Notice of Redemption has been provided is not made by reason of the absence of our legally available funds in accordance with the certificate of designation and applicable law, such redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become available. No default will be deemed to have occurred if we have failed to deposit in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent the applicable redemption price with respect to any shares where (1) the Notice of Redemption relating to such redemption provided that such redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent and (2) any such condition precedent has not been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. Notwithstanding the fact that a Notice of Redemption has been provided with respect to any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in accordance with their terms if Deposit Securities for the payment of the redemption price of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose.
We may, in our sole discretion and without a stockholder vote, modify the redemption procedures with respect to notification of redemption for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, provided that such modification does not materially and adversely affect the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock or cause us to violate any applicable law, rule or regulation.
Except for matters that do not require the vote of holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock under the 1940 Act and except as otherwise provided in our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, in the certificate of designation or as otherwise required by applicable law, each holder of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders and the holders of outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and shares of our common stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders.
In addition, the holders of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, will have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times (regardless of the number of directors serving on the board of directors), such directors are referred to as our Preferred Directors. The holders of outstanding shares of our common stock together with the holders of outstanding shares of our preferred stock, voting together as a single class, will elect the remaining members of the board of directors. Under our certificate of incorporation, our directors are divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of our stockholders. One of our preferred directors will be up for election at the annual meeting of our stockholders held in 2016 and the other preferred director will be up for election at the annual meeting of our stockholders held in 2017.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date for dividends on any outstanding share of any preferred stock, including any outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on the shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, equal to at least two full years dividends shall be due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities shall not have been deposited with the Redemption and
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Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or (2) at any time holders of any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of our directors (a period when either of the foregoing conditions exists, a Voting Period), then the number of members constituting our board of directors will automatically be increased by the smallest number of directors (each, a New Preferred Director) that, when added to the two Preferred Directors, would constitute a majority of our board of directors as so increased by such smallest number. The terms of office of the persons who are directors at the time of that election will not be affected by the election of the New Preferred Directors. If we thereafter shall pay, or declare and set apart for payment, in full all dividends payable on all outstanding shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, for all past dividend periods, or the Voting Period is otherwise terminated, (1) the voting rights stated above shall cease, subject always, however, to the re-vesting of such voting rights in the holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock upon the further occurrence of any of the events described herein, and (2) the terms of office of all of the New Preferred Directors will terminate automatically. Any preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, issued after the date hereof will vote with the Series A Term Preferred Stock as a single class on the matters described above, and the issuance of any other preferred stock by us may reduce the voting power of the holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the holders of shares of preferred stock to elect New Preferred Directors, we will call a special meeting of such holders and notify the Redemption and Paying Agent and/or such other person as is specified in the terms of such preferred stock to receive notice, (i) by mailing or delivery by electronic means or (ii) in such other manner and by such other means as are specified in the terms of such preferred stock, 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 the delivery by electronic means or mailing of such notice. If we fail to call such a special meeting, it may be called at our expense by any such holder on like notice. The record date for determining the holders of shares of preferred stock entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on the business day preceding the calendar day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of shares of preferred stock 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 our other securities and classes of capital stock), will be entitled to elect the number of New Preferred Directors prescribed above on a one-vote-per-share basis.
Except as otherwise permitted by the terms of the certificate of designation, so long as any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our certificate of incorporation or the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or the holders thereof; provided, however, that (i) a change in our capitalization as described under the heading Issuance of Additional Preferred Stock will not be considered to materially and adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and (ii) a division of a share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be deemed to affect such preferences, rights or powers only if the terms of such division materially and adversely affect the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any preference, right or power of a share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock of such series or the holder thereof unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, or (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (other than as a result of a division of the Series A Term Preferred Stock). So long as any shares of preferred stock are outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the preferred stock outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, file a voluntary application for relief under federal bankruptcy law or any similar application under state law for so long as we are solvent and does not foresee becoming insolvent.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of our preferred stock, including the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, will be required (i) to approve any action requiring a vote of our security holders pursuant to Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, or (ii) to approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(33) of the
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1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares of preferred stock. For purposes of the foregoing, the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock means the vote at an annual or special meeting duly called (a) of 67% or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (b) of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, whichever is less.
For purposes of determining any rights of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created by our certificate of incorporation, by the provisions of the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, by statute or otherwise, no holder of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock and no share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of voting or determining the number of shares required to constitute a quorum if, prior to or concurrently with the time of determination of shares entitled to vote or the time of the actual vote on the matter, as the case may be, the requisite Notice of Redemption with respect to such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock will have been given in accordance with the certificate of designation, and the price for the redemption of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will have been irrevocably deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose. No shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by us will have any voting rights or be deemed to be outstanding for voting or for calculating the voting percentage required on any other matter or other purposes.
Unless otherwise required by law or our certificate of incorporation, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights with respect to voting other than those specifically set forth in the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock. The holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will have no rights to cumulative voting. In the event that we fail to declare or pay any dividends on share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the exclusive remedy of the holders will be the right to vote for additional directors as discussed above; provided that the foregoing does not affect our obligation to accumulate and, if permitted by applicable law and the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, pay dividends at the Default Rate as discussed above.
So long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we may, without the vote or consent of the holders thereof, authorize, establish and create and issue and sell shares of one or more series of a class of our senior securities representing stock under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding up of our affairs, including additional series of preferred stock, and authorize, issue and sell additional shares of any such series of preferred stock then outstanding or so established and created, in each case in accordance with applicable law, provided that we will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof, including to the redemption of preferred stock with such proceeds, have asset coverage of at least 200%.
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if the date for making any payment, performing any act or exercising any right is not a business day (i .e. , a calendar day on which the NYSE is open for trading), such payment will be made, act performed or right exercised on the next succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if made or done on the nominal date provided therefor, and, with respect to any payment so made, no dividends, interest or other amount will accrue for the period between such nominal date and the date of payment.
Without the consent of any holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, our board of directors may amend or modify these terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision in our certificate of incorporation or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under these terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock that are not inconsistent with the provisions in our certificate of incorporation.
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Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. are acting as representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock set forth opposite the underwriters name.
Underwriter | Shares | |||
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. | ||||
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. | ||||
Wunderlich Securities, Inc. | ||||
Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (USA), Inc. | ||||
Compass Point Research & Trading LLC | ||||
Incapital LLC | ||||
Total |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if they purchase any of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The underwriters propose to initially offer some shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and some shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $ per share of Series A Term Preferred Stock. The sales load of $1.00 per share of Series A Term Preferred Stock is equal to 4% of the public offering price. If all of the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are not sold at the public offering price, the representatives may change the public offering price and other selling terms. Investors must pay for any shares purchased on or before , 2015. The representatives have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to confirm any sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
The underwriters hold an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase from us up to 210,000 additional shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock at the public offering price less the sales load. The underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent such option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional shares approximately proportionate to that underwriters initial purchase commitment.
Each of our directors and officers has agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus, or the Lock-up Period, such party will not, without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., on behalf of the underwriters, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of or agree to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly or hedge any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or our common stock, provided, however, that we may issue and sell shares pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan and other limited exceptions. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. in their sole discretion may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time.
We intend to apply to list the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ECCA.
As part of our payment of our offering expenses, we have agreed to pay expenses related to the fees and disbursements of counsel to the underwriters, in an amount not to exceed $5,000 in the aggregate, in connection with the review by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, of the terms of the sale of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
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The following table shows the sales load to be paid to the underwriters solely by the Adviser in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. This offering will conform with the requirements set forth in FINRA Rule 2310. The sum of all compensation to the underwriters in connection with this offering of shares, including the sales load, will not exceed 9% of the total public offering price of the shares sold in this offering.
No Exercise | Full Exercise | |||||||
Per share | $ | $ | ||||||
Total | $ | $ |
We, the Adviser and the Administrator have each agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.
Certain underwriters may make a market in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. No underwriter is, however, obligated to conduct market-making activities and any such activities may be discontinued at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of the underwriter. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock as a result of any market-making activities undertaken by any underwriter. This prospectus is to be used by any underwriter in connection with the offering and, during the period in which a prospectus must be delivered, with offers and sales of the shares in market-making transactions in the over-the-counter market at negotiated prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of the sale.
In connection with the offering, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of shares in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Covered short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short position involve either purchases of shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make naked short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. repurchases of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of shares. They may also cause the price of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding the sales load, will be approximately $ million.
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The representatives will allocate
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shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell shares to online brokerage account holders.
We anticipate that, from time to time, certain underwriters may act as brokers or dealers in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they are underwriters.
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an affiliate of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., serves as our custodian. Certain underwriters may have performed investment banking and financial advisory services for us, the Adviser and our affiliates from time to time, for which they have received customary fees and expenses. Certain underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, our investment adviser and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
The principal business addresses of the representatives of the underwriters are: Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005; and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., 787 Seventh Avenue, 4 th Floor, New York, New York 10104.
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As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, unless authorized by vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, we may not:
| change our classification to an open-end management investment company; |
| alter any of our fundamental policies, which are set forth below in Investment Restrictions ; or |
| change the nature of our business so as to cease to be an investment company. |
A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such companys voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company.
As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a registered closed-end management investment company must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our directors must be persons who are not interested persons of us, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. We will be required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the closed-end management investment company. Furthermore, as a registered closed-end management investment company, we will be prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such persons office. We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates absent exemptive relief or other prior approval by the SEC.
We will generally not be able to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). See Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage . We may, however, sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock, approves such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below NAV in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.
As a registered closed-end management investment company, we may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes or preferred stock and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. We currently anticipate incurring leverage of approximately 12% of our total assets (as determined immediately before the leverage is incurred) through the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering. Instruments that create leverage are generally considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. We may further increase our leverage through entry into a credit facility or other leveraging instruments. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness ( i.e. , borrowing or deemed borrowing), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities that are stocks ( i.e. , shares of preferred stock), we are required to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or 200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law to sell a portion of our
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investments to repay some debt or redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we would not be able to make certain distributions or pay dividends. In addition, we may borrow for temporary or other purposes as permitted under the 1940 Act, which indebtedness would be in addition to the asset coverage requirements described above.
Asset Segregation and Coverage. We may set aside liquid assets (often referred to as asset segregation), or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, to cover open positions with respect to certain portfolio management techniques, such as entering into certain Derivative Transactions, or purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, that may be considered senior securities under the 1940 Act. We intend to cover our derivative positions by segregating an amount of cash and/or liquid securities as required by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC interpretations and guidance from time to time. Covered positions that would otherwise be deemed to create leverage are not counted as senior securities for the purposes of calculating asset coverage under the 1940 Act. We may not cover an applicable derivative transaction if it is not necessary to do so to comply with the 1940 Act limitations on the issuance of senior securities and, in the view of the Adviser, the assets that would have been used to cover could be better used for a different purpose. However, these transactions, even if covered, may represent a form of economic leverage and will create risks. The potential loss on derivative instruments may be substantial relative to the initial investment therein. In addition, these segregation and coverage requirements could result in us maintaining securities positions that we would otherwise liquidate, segregating assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restricting portfolio management. Such segregation and cover requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
Our investment objectives and our investment policies and strategies described in this prospectus, except for the seven investment restrictions designated as fundamental policies under this caption, are not fundamental and may be changed by the board of directors without stockholder approval.
As referred to above, the following seven investment restrictions are designated as fundamental policies and, as such, cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities:
(1) | We may not borrow money, except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction; |
(2) | We may not engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that we may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities; |
(3) | We may not purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities. Physical commodities do not include futures contracts with respect to securities, securities indices, currency or other financial instruments; |
(4) | We may not purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured by real estate or interests therein, except that we reserve freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of our ownership of securities; |
(5) | We may not make loans, except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction. For purposes of this investment restriction, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) shall not constitute loans by us; |
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(6) | We may not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, the SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction; and |
(7) | We may not invest in any security if as a result of such investment, 25% or more of the value of our total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, are in the securities of issuers in any particular industry except (a) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or tax-exempt securities of state and municipal governments or their political subdivisions (however, not including private purpose industrial development bonds issued on behalf of non-government issuers), or (b) as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, and as modified or supplemented from time to time by (i) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, and (ii) any exemption or other relief applicable to us from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. For purposes of this restriction, in the case of investments in loan participations between us and a bank or other lending institution participating out the loan, we will treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as issuers. For purposes of this restriction, an investment in a CLO, collateralized bond obligation, collateralized debt obligation or a swap or other derivative will be considered to be an investment in the industry (if any) of the underlying or reference security, instrument or asset. |
The latter part of certain of our fundamental investment restrictions ( i.e. , the references to except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, the SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction) provides us with flexibility to change our limitations in connection with changes in applicable law, rules, regulations or exemptive relief. The language used in these restrictions provides the necessary flexibility to allow our board of directors to respond efficiently to these kinds of developments without the delay and expense of a stockholder meeting.
Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction set forth in this prospectus states a maximum percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other asset or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after and as a result of our acquisition of such security or asset. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, assets or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating agency (or as determined by the Adviser if the security is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel us to dispose of such security or other asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we must always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above.
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically by the Adviser and our independent directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change. For purposes of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures described below, we, our and us refers to Eagle Point Credit Management.
An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, we recognize that we must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of our clients.
These policies and procedures for voting proxies for our investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.
Based on the nature of our investment strategy, we do not expect to receive proxy proposals but may from time to time receive amendments, consents or resolutions applicable to investments held by us. It is our general policy to exercise our voting or consult authority in a manner that serves the interests of our
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stockholders. We may occasionally be subject to material conflicts of interest in voting proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. If at any time we becomes aware of a material conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, our chief compliance officer will review the proposal and determine how to vote the proxy in a manner consistent with interests of our stockholders.
Information regarding how we voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge: (1) upon request, by calling toll free (844) 810-6501; and (2) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov . You may also obtain information about how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy notice, which is required by federal law, explains privacy policies of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. and its affiliated companies. The terms of this notice apply to both current and former stockholders.
We will safeguard, according to strict standards of security and confidentiality, all information we receive about you. With regard to this information, we maintain procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards.
Our goal is to limit the collection and use of information about you. When you purchase shares of our common stock, our transfer agent collects personal information about you, such as your name, address, social security number or tax identification number.
This information is used only so that we can send you annual reports, proxy statements and other information required by law, and to send you information we believe may be of interest to you.
We do not share such information with any non-affiliated third party except as described below:
| It is our policy that only authorized employees of our investment adviser, Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, and its affiliates who need to know your personal information will have access to it. |
| We may disclose stockholder-related information to unaffiliated third party financial service providers (which may include a custodian, transfer agent, accountant or financial printer) who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or to the Company. These companies are required to protect your information and use it solely for the purpose for which they received it. These companies are required to protect your information and use it solely for the purpose for which they received it. |
If required by law, we may disclose stockholder-related information in accordance with a court order or at the request of government regulators. Only that information required by law, subpoena, or court order will be disclosed.
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Our primary investment strategies are described elsewhere in this prospectus. The following is a description of the various investment policies that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy, and a summary of certain attendant risks. The Adviser may not buy any of the following instruments or use any of the following techniques unless it believes that doing so will help to achieve our investment objectives.
Debt Securities. We may invest in debt securities, including debt securities rated below investment grade, or junk, securities. Debt securities of corporate and governmental issuers in which we may invest are subject to the risk of an issuers inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations (credit risk) and also may be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk).
Senior Secured Loans. This category of investments primarily includes Assignments of performing senior secured loans to corporate borrowers. Senior secured loans are typically acquired through both primary bank syndications and in the secondary market. In most cases, a senior secured loan will be secured by specific collateral of the issuer. Historically, many of these investments have traded at or near par ( i.e. , 100% of face value), although they more recently have traded at greater discounts on the current market environment, the Adviser may also purchase stressed and distressed senior secured loans at a material discount to par, if the Adviser believes that there are attractive opportunities to generate capital appreciation by making such investments.
Senior secured loans are loans that are typically made to business borrowers to finance leveraged buy-outs, recapitalizations, mergers, stock repurchases, or internal growth. Senior secured loans generally are negotiated between a borrower and several financial institution lenders represented by one or more lenders acting as agent of all the lenders. The agent is responsible for negotiating the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the senior secured loan and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. We will primarily purchase Assignments of portions of senior secured loans from third parties and may invest in participations in senior secured loans. Senior secured loans have the most senior position in a borrowers capital structure or share the senior position with other senior debt securities of the borrower. This capital structure position generally gives holders of senior secured loans a priority claim on some or all of the borrowers assets in the event of default and therefore the lenders will be paid before certain other creditors of the borrower.
Senior secured loans also have contractual terms designed to protect lenders. These covenants may include mandatory prepayment out of excess cash flows, restrictions on dividend payments, the maintenance of minimum financial ratios, limits on indebtedness and other financial tests. Breach of these covenants generally is an event of default and, if not waived by the lenders, may give lenders the right to accelerate principal and interest payments. Other senior secured loans may be issued with less restrictive covenants which are often referred to as covenant-lite transactions. In a covenant-lite loan, the covenants that require the borrower to maintain certain financial ratios are eliminated altogether, and the lenders are left to rely only on covenants that restrict a company from incurring or actively engaging certain action. But a covenant that only restricts a company from incurring new debt cannot be violated simply by a deteriorating financial condition, the company has to take affirmative action to breach it. The impact of these covenant-lite transactions may be to retard the speed with which lenders will be able to take control over troubled deals. We generally acquire senior secured loans of borrowers that, among other things, in the Advisers judgment, can make timely payments on their senior secured loans and that satisfy other credit standards established by the Adviser.
When we purchase first and second lien senior floating rate loans and other floating-rate debt securities, coupon rates are floating, not fixed and are tied to a benchmark lending rate, the most popular of which is LIBOR. The interest rates of these floating-rate debt securities vary periodically based upon a benchmark indicator of prevailing interest rates.
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When we purchase an Assignment, we succeed to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender. These rights include the ability to vote along with the other lenders on such matters as enforcing the terms of the loan agreement ( e.g. , declaring defaults, initiating collection action, etc.). Taking such actions typically requires a vote of the lenders holding at least a majority of the investment in the loan, and may require a vote by lenders holding two-thirds or more of the investment in the loan. Because we typically do not hold a majority of the investment in any loan, we will not be able by ourselves to control decisions that require a vote by the lenders.
High Yield Securities. We may invest in high yielding, fixed income securities rated below investment grade ( e.g. , rated below Baa3 by Moodys or below BBB- by S&P or Fitch). The Adviser anticipates that no more than 20% of our assets will be invested in securities that are rated CCC+ or below or their equivalent, or are unrated fixed-income securities. Below investment grade and unrated securities are also sometimes referred to as junk securities.
Ratings are based largely on the historical financial condition of the issuer. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuers current financial condition, which may be better or worse than the rating would indicate. We may invest in comparable quality unrated securities that, in the opinion of the Adviser, offer comparable yields and risks to those securities which are rated.
Debt obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated, involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in financial condition affecting the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal.
The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income securities generally respond to short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than do the price and liquidity of higher rated securities because such developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of an issuer of such lower rated securities to meet its ongoing debt obligations.
Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield bond market or the reduced availability of market quotations will make it more difficult to dispose of the bonds and to value accurately our assets. The reduced availability of reliable, objective data may increase our reliance on managements judgment in valuing high yield bonds. In addition, our investments in high yield securities may be susceptible to adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not justified by fundamental factors. Our investments, and consequently our NAV, will be subject to the market fluctuations and risks inherent in all securities.
Synthetic Securities Risk. We may acquire loans through investment in synthetic securities or interests in lease agreements that have the general characteristics of loans and are treated as loans for withholding tax purposes. In addition to the credit risks associated with directly or indirectly holding senior secured loans and high-yield debt securities, with respect to synthetic strategy, we will usually have a contractual relationship only with the counterparty of such synthetic security, and not with the reference obligor of the reference obligation. We generally will have no right to directly enforce compliance by the reference obligor with the terms of the reference obligation nor will it have any rights of setoff against the reference obligor or rights with respect to the reference obligation. We will not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the reference obligation and will not have the benefit of the remedies that would normally be available to a holder of such reference obligation. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of the counterparty, we may be treated as a general creditor of such counterparty, and will not have any claim with respect to the reference obligation. Consequently, we will be subject to the credit risk of the counterparty as well as that of the reference obligor. As a result, concentrations of synthetic securities in any one counterparty subject us to an additional degree of risk with respect to defaults by such counterparty as well as by the reference obligor.
Defaulted Securities. We may invest in defaulted securities. The risk of loss due to default may be considerably greater with lower-quality securities because they are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other debt of the issuer. Investing in defaulted debt securities involves risks such as the possibility of complete loss of the investment where the issuer does not restructure to enable it to resume
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principal and interest payments. If the issuer of a security in our portfolio defaults, we may have unrealized losses on the security, which may lower our NAV. Defaulted securities tend to lose much of their value before they default. Thus, our NAV may be adversely affected before an issuer defaults. In addition, we may incur additional expenses if it must try to recover principal or interest payments on a defaulted security.
Certificates of Deposit, Bankers Acceptances and Time Deposits. We may acquire certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and time deposits. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are accepted by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances acquired by us will be dollar-denominated obligations of domestic banks, savings and loan associations or financial institutions at the time of purchase, have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (including assets of both domestic and foreign branches), based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such bank obligations are fully insured by the U.S. government. In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances, to the extent permitted under our investment objectives and policies stated in this prospectus, we may make interest-bearing time or other interest-bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.
Commercial Paper and Short-Term Notes. We may invest a portion of our assets in commercial paper and short-term notes. Commercial paper consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations. Issues of commercial paper and short-term notes will normally have maturities of less than nine months and fixed rates of return, although such instruments may have maturities of up to one year. Commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at the time of purchase A-2 or higher by S&P, Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moodys, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, will be determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
CLO Class M Note, Fee Notes and Participation Agreements. We may acquire CLO Class M notes, fee notes and participation agreements with CLO collateral managers. There is not an active secondary market for CLO Class M notes, fee notes and participation agreements. Further, CLO Class M notes, fee notes and participation agreements may have significant restrictions on transfer and require continued ownership of certain amounts of CLO equity in the related CLO for the instrument to be valid. CLO Class M notes, fee notes and participation agreements are also subject to the risk of early call of the CLO, and may have no make-whole or other yield protection provisions.
Zero Coupon Securities. Among the debt securities in which we may invest are zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are debt obligations that do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the securities begin paying current interest. They are issued and traded at a discount from their face amount or par value, which discount varies depending on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically and in cash and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than do other types of debt securities having similar maturities and credit quality. Original issue discount earned on zero coupon securities must be included in our income. Thus, to quality for tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid a certain excise tax on undistributed income, we may be required to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash we actually receive. These distributions must be made from our cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. We will not be able to purchase additional income-producing securities with cash used to make such distributions, and our current income ultimately could be reduced as a result.
U.S. Government Securities. We may invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S. Government. Some U.S. government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and mortgage-related securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, or FHLBs, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC,
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are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, such as the FHLBs, FHLMC, FNMA and the Student Loan Marketing Association, may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury or supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and involve increased credit risks. Although legislation has been enacted to support certain government sponsored entities, including the FHLBs, FHLMC and FNMA, there is no assurance that the obligations of such entities will be satisfied in full, or that such obligations will not decrease in value or default. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict the future political, regulatory or economic changes that could impact the government sponsored entities and the values of their related securities or obligations. In addition, certain governmental entities, including FNMA and FHLMC, have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability or investment character of securities issued by these entities. U.S. Government debt securities generally involve lower levels of credit risk than other types of debt securities of similar maturities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. Government debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from such other securities. Like other debt securities, the values of U.S. government securities change as interest rates fluctuate. Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will not affect interest income on existing portfolio securities but will be reflected in our NAV.
We may invest in distressed investments including loans, loan participations, or bonds, many of which are not publicly traded and which may involve a substantial degree of risk. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities or instruments. In addition, the prices of such securities or instruments may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected. If the Advisers evaluation of the risks and anticipated outcome of an investment in a distressed security should prove incorrect, we may lose a substantial portion or all of our investment or we may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment.
We may hold long and short positions in common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. We also may invest in depositary receipts or shares relating to non-U.S. securities. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the fundamental economic condition of the issuer of the securities, including general economic and market conditions, and these fluctuations can be pronounced. We may purchase securities in all available securities trading markets and may invest in equity securities without restriction as to market capitalization, such as those issued by smaller capitalization companies, including micro cap companies.
We may invest in securities of other investment companies subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on us acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of our total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of our total assets in securities of all investment companies.
We will indirectly bear our proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies, in addition to the fees and expenses that we regularly bear. Although we do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, we are authorized to invest substantially all of our assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment objectives, policies and fundamental restrictions as us.
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We may invest in ETNs. ETNs are a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial institutions that combines both aspects of bonds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). An ETNs returns are based on the performance of a market index minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETNs maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs do not make periodic interest payments and principal is not protected. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of an ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuers credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuers credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When we invest in ETNs we will bear our proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. Our decision to sell our ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
Preferred securities in which we may invest include trust preferred securities, monthly income preferred securities, quarterly income bond securities, quarterly income debt securities, quarterly income preferred securities, corporate trust securities, traditional preferred stock, contingent-capital securities, hybrid securities (which have characteristics of both equity and fixed-income instruments) and public income notes. Preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature in that they have no maturity dates or have stated maturity dates.
We may invest in the securities of new issuers. Investments in relatively new issuers, i.e. , those having continuous operating histories of less than three years, may carry special risks and may be more speculative because such issuers are relatively unseasoned. Such issuers may also lack sufficient resources, may be unable to generate internally the funds necessary for growth and may find external financing to be unavailable on favorable terms or even totally unavailable. Certain issuers may be involved in the development or marketing of a new product with no established market, which could lead to significant losses. Securities of such issuers may have a limited trading market which may adversely affect their disposition and can result in their being priced lower than might otherwise be the case. If other investors who invest in such issuers seek to sell the same securities when we attempt to dispose of our holdings, we may receive lower prices than might otherwise be the case.
We may hold a significant portion of our cash assets in interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts (DDAs) at our custodian or another depository institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC is an independent agency of the U.S. government, and FDIC deposit insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. We expect to hold cash that exceeds the amounts insured by the FDIC for such accounts. As a result, in the event of a failure of a depository institution where we hold such cash, our cash is subject to the risk of loss.
Investment decisions, made by the Adviser on our behalf, are made independently from those of the other funds and accounts advised by the Adviser and its affiliates. If, however, such other accounts wish to invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as us, available investments will be allocated equitably between us and other accounts. This procedure may adversely affect the size of the position we obtain or disposed of or the price we pay.
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When we engage in a short sale of a security, it must, to the extent required by law, borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the counterparty. We may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and would often be obligated to pay over any payments received on such borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time that we replace the borrowed security, we will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, we will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above.
To the extent we engage in short sales, we will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and may maintain additional asset coverage in the form of segregated or earmarked liquid assets equal to the current market value of the securities sold short, or may ensure that such positions are covered by offsetting positions, until we replace the borrowed security. If we do not segregate liquid assets in such manner, then such securities will be considered senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act. A short sale is against the box to the extent that we contemporaneously own, or have the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. We may engage in short selling to the extent permitted by the federal securities laws and rules and interpretations thereunder. To the extent we engage in short selling in foreign (non-U.S.) jurisdictions, we will do so to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.
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As of April 25, 2015, there were 13,811,358 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth, as of that date, certain ownership information with respect to our shares of our common stock held by (1) those persons who directly or indirectly own, control or hold with the power to vote, 5% or more of our outstanding shares of our common stock and (2) our directors and officers as a group.
Name and Address |
Type of
ownership |
Number of
Shares (1) |
Percent of Total
Shares Outstanding |
|||||||||
Trident V, L.P. (2) | Record/Beneficial | 5,033,184 | 35.72 | % | ||||||||
Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. (3) | Record/Beneficial | 3,559,726 | 25.77 | |||||||||
Fitzwilliam Insurance Limited (4) | Beneficial | 1,275,278 | 9.23 | |||||||||
MYCIO Wealth Partners, LLC (5) | Beneficial | 710,143 | 5.14 | |||||||||
All officers and directors as a group (7 persons) (6) | Record/Beneficial | 82,300 | * |
* | Represents less than 1.0%. |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Ownership information for those persons who beneficially own 5% or more of our shares of common stock is based upon Schedule 13G or 13D filings by such persons with the SEC and other information obtained from such persons, if available. |
(2) | Trident V, L.P. is the sole direct owner of 4,933,184 shares of our common stock. Trident V, L.P. indirectly holds an ownership interest in the Adviser and, as such, may be deemed a beneficial owner of the 100,000 shares of our common stock directly owned by the Adviser due to its pecuniary interest in such shares. Although voting rights with regard to the shares held directly by Trident V, L.P. have been passed through to the ultimate limited partners of Trident V, L.P., Trident Capital V, L.P., as the general partner of Trident V, L.P., could be viewed as having dispositive power over all of the shares of our common stock directly owned by Trident V, L.P. In addition, Trident Capital V, L.P. may be deemed to have an indirect pecuniary interest in the shares of our common stock directly owned by the Adviser to the extent of Trident Capital V, L.P.s proportionate interest in the portfolio securities of Trident V, L.P. Trident Capital V, L.P. disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. Trident V, L.P. is a Cayman Islands limited partnership and its address is c/o Stone Point Capital LLC, 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. |
(3) | Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. is the sole direct owner of 3,459,726 shares of our common stock. Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. indirectly holds an ownership interest in the Adviser and, as such, may be deemed a beneficial owner of the 100,000 shares of our common stock directly owned by the Adviser due to its pecuniary interest in such shares. Although voting rights with regard to the shares held directly by Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. have been passed through to the ultimate limited partners of Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident Capital V-PF, L.P., as the general partner of Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P., could be viewed as having dispositive power over all of the shares of our common stock directly owned by Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. In addition, Trident Capital V-PF, L.P. may be deemed to have an indirect pecuniary interest in the shares of our common stock directly owned by the Adviser to the extent of Trident Capital V Parallel Fund, L.P.s proportionate interest in the portfolio securities of Trident V-PF, L.P. Trident Capital V-PF, L.P. disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. is a Cayman Islands limited partnership and its address is c/o Stone Point Capital LLC, 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. |
(4) | The principal business address of Fitzwilliam Insurance Limited is c/o Enstar Group Limited, P.O. Box HM 2267, Windsor Place 3rd Floor, 22 Queen Street, Hamilton HM JX, Bermuda. |
(5) | The address of MYCIO Wealth Partners, LLC is Circa Center, 2929 Arch Street, Suite 650, Philadelphia, PA 19104. |
(6) | The address of each of our officers and directors is c/o Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. |
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Since we will acquire and dispose of many of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, many of the transactions that we engage in will not require the use of broker-dealers or the payment of brokerage commissions or dealer spreads. Subject to policies established by our board of directors, the Adviser will be primarily responsible for selecting brokers and dealers to execute transactions with respect to the publicly traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. The Adviser does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer but will seek to obtain the best net results for us under the circumstances, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm and the firms risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. The Adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs but will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements and consistent with Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, The Adviser may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.
We have not paid brokerage commissions since the commencement of our operations.
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Certain legal matters in connection with the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be passed upon for us by Dechert LLP, Washington, D.C. and for the underwriters by Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, NY.
Our portfolio securities are held pursuant to a custodian agreement between us and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. The principal business address of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is 1761 East St. Andrews Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as our transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursement agent and stockholder servicing agent, as well as agent for our DRIP. The principal business address of American Stock & Transfer Company, LLC is 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154, provides audit services, tax return preparation, and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the SEC.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 (file numbers 333-202914 and 811-22974), together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock offered by this prospectus. Our registration statement may be obtained from the SEC at www.sec.gov .
We file with or submit to the SEC annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site ( http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC. Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. This information will also be available free of charge by writing us at Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attention: Investor Relations, by telephone at (844) 810-6501, or on our website at www.eaglepointcreditcompany.com.
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F-1
KPMG LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0102
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. and Subsidiary (formerly Eagle Point Credit Company, LLC) (the Fund), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and financial highlights for the period from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) through October 5, 2014 and the period from October 6, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the consolidated statements of changes in members equity for the period from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) through October 5, 2014, and the consolidated statement of changes in net assets for the period from October 6 through December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian or brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2014, and the results of its operations, cash flows, changes in its members equity, net assets and financial highlights for the periods described in the first paragraph above, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
February 26, 2015
KPMG LLP is a Delaware limited liability partnership,
the U.S. member firm of KPMG International
Cooperative (KPMG International), a Swiss entity
F-2
ASSETS
|
||||
Investments, at fair value (cost $220,772,973) | $ | 216,989,971 | ||
Cash | 63,734,284 | |||
Interest receivable | 4,543,692 | |||
Receivable for securities sold | 14,496,825 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 74,549 | |||
Total Assets | $ | 299,839,321 | ||
LIABILITIES
|
||||
Payable for securities purchased | $ | 27,488,200 | ||
Dividends payable | 7,596,246 | |||
Management fee payable | 1,075,714 | |||
Professional fees payable | 75,000 | |||
Directors' fees payable | 23,625 | |||
Administration fees payable | 20,076 | |||
Total Liabilities | $ | 36,278,861 | ||
NET ASSETS applicable to 13,811,358 shares of $0.001 par value common shares outstanding | $ | 263,560,460 | ||
NET ASSETS consist of:
|
||||
Paid in capital (Notes 5 & 6) | $ | 270,148,104 | ||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 531,013 | |||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (3,783,002 | ) | ||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | (3,335,655 | ) | ||
Total net assets | $ | 263,560,460 | ||
Net asset value per common share | $ | 19.08 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Industry | Investment |
Principal
Amount/ Number of Shares |
Cost |
Fair
Value (1) |
% of Net
Assets |
|||||||||||||||||||
CLO Debt
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marathon CLO VI Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Secured Note Class D
(2)
(3)
(5.28% due 5/13/25 |
) | $ | 1,275,000 | $ | 1,171,215 | $ | 1,113,266 | 0.42 | % | |||||||||||||
THL Credit Wind River 2014-1 CLO Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Secured Note Class E
(2)
(3)
(5.18% due 4/18/26 |
) | 2,125,000 | 1,939,063 | 1,849,919 | 0.70 | |||||||||||||||||
3,110,278 | 2,963,185 | 1.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
CLO Equity
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Apidos CLO XIV | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 15.34% due 4/15/25) |
11,177,500 | 9,445,126 | 10,040,411 | 3.81 | ||||||||||||||||||
Avery Point V CLO, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Income Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.57% due 7/17/26) |
10,875,000 | 9,298,125 | 8,896,527 | 3.38 | ||||||||||||||||||
Babson CLO Ltd. 2013-II | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 16.65% due 1/18/25) |
12,939,125 | 10,028,862 | 11,077,504 | 4.20 | ||||||||||||||||||
Blue Mountain CLO
2013-2, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.45% due 1/22/25) |
5,000,000 | 4,716,000 | 4,434,575 | 1.68 | ||||||||||||||||||
CIFC Funding 2013-I, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.85% due 4/16/25) |
4,000,000 | 3,709,000 | 3,510,279 | 1.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
CIFC Funding 2013-II, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 14.79% due 4/21/25) |
12,325,000 | 9,376,266 | 11,273,902 | 4.28 | ||||||||||||||||||
CIFC Funding 2014, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 15.89% due 4/18/25) |
13,387,500 | 10,985,184 | 10,946,802 | 4.15 | ||||||||||||||||||
CIFC Funding 2014, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Income Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.89% due 4/18/25) |
500,000 | 425,214 | 380,216 | 0.14 | ||||||||||||||||||
CIFC Funding 2014-IV, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Income Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.11% due 10/17/26 |
) | 7,000,000 | 6,230,000 | 5,886,668 | 2.23 | |||||||||||||||||
Flagship CLO VIII, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 14.82% due 1/16/26 |
) | 20,000,000 | 18,106,472 | 17,081,402 | 6.48 | |||||||||||||||||
Flagship CLO VIII, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Income Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.82% due 1/16/26 |
) | 7,360,000 | 6,186,473 | 5,847,714 | 2.22 | |||||||||||||||||
Galaxy XVIII CLO, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 13.12% due 10/15/26) |
5,000,000 | 4,325,000 | 3,535,514 | 1.34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding 2014-3, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 13.43% due 10/22/25) |
5,750,000 | 5,405,000 | 5,165,337 | 1.96 | ||||||||||||||||||
Marathon CLO VI Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.24% due 5/13/25) |
2,975,000 | 2,710,770 | 2,999,739 | 1.14 | ||||||||||||||||||
Marathon CLO VII Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.67% due 11/22/25) |
10,526,000 | 9,999,700 | 9,697,995 | 3.68 | ||||||||||||||||||
Octagon Investment
Partners XIV, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 18.17% due 1/15/24) |
12,325,000 | 10,308,873 | 9,076,989 | 3.44 | ||||||||||||||||||
Octagon Investment
Partners XIV, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Income Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 18.17% due 1/15/24) |
4,250,000 | 3,272,500 | 3,065,525 | 1.16 | ||||||||||||||||||
Octagon Investment
Partners XIX, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.76% due 4/15/26) |
3,000,000 | 2,587,500 | 2,514,857 | 0.95 | ||||||||||||||||||
Octagon Investment
Partners XVII Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.10% due 10/1/25) |
12,000,000 | 10,815,000 | 10,562,241 | 4.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
Octagon Investment
Partners XX, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 13.45% due 8/12/26) |
2,500,000 | 2,375,000 | 2,233,889 | 0.85 | ||||||||||||||||||
OHA Credit Partners IX, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 12.13% due 10/20/25) |
6,750,000 | 6,080,845 | 5,551,910 | 2.11 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regatta III Funding Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 12.29% due 4/15/26) |
2,500,000 | 2,074,487 | 1,959,470 | 0.74 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Industry | Investment |
Principal
Amount/ Number of Shares |
Cost |
Fair
Value (1) |
% of Net
Assets |
|||||||||||||||||||
Sheridan Square CLO, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(5)
(estimated yield of 17.31% due 4/15/25) |
$ | 5,517,775 | $ | 4,866,614 | $ | 4,612,764 | 1.75 | % | ||||||||||||||
Symphony CLO XII, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.61% due 10/15/25) |
4,000,000 | 3,540,000 | 3,529,401 | 1.34 | ||||||||||||||||||
THL Credit Wind River
2013-2 CLO Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 14.15% due 1/18/26) |
11,462,250 | 9,518,013 | 9,196,670 | 3.49 | ||||||||||||||||||
THL Credit Wind River
2013-2 CLO Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
Class M Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 7.68% due 1/18/26) |
1,275,000 | 349,421 | 481,840 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||
THL Credit Wind River
2014-3 CLO, Ltd. |
Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 17.63% due 1/22/27) |
13,000,000 | 11,677,250 | 11,677,250 | 4.43 | ||||||||||||||||||
Voya CLO 2014-4, Ltd. | Structured Finance |
CLO Subordinated Note
(4)
(estimated yield of 15.28% due 10/14/26) |
10,000,000 | 9,250,000 | 8,789,395 | 3.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
187,662,695 | 184,026,786 | 69.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loan Accumulation Facilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cutwater 2015-I, Ltd. | Structured Finance | (Class A Preference Shares) (6) | 30,000,000 | 30,000,000 | 30,000,000 | 11.38 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 220,772,973 | $ | 216,989,971 | 82.33 | % |
(1) | Fair value is determined in good faith in accordance with the Company's valuation policies and procedures as set forth by the Board of Directors. |
(2) | Notes bear interest at variable rates determined by a reference to LIBOR which resets quarterly. For each CLO secured note, the rate provided is as of December 31, 2014. |
(3) | Cost reflects accretion of discount or amortization of premium. |
(4) | CLO subordinated notes, income notes, and M notes are considered CLO equity positions. Equity payments are entitled to recurring distributions which are generally equal to the remaining cash flow of payments made by underlying securities less contractual payments to debt holders and fund expenses. The estimated yield indicated is based upon a current projection of the amount and timing of these recurring distributions in addition to the estimated amount of terminal principal payment. Such projections are periodically reviewed and adjusted. The estimated yield and investment cost may ultimately not be realized. |
(5) | Fair value includes the Company's interest in fee rebates on CLO subordinated notes. |
(6) | Cutwater 2015-I Ltd. Class A preference shares is a financing structure intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
For the period
from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) to October 5, 2014 |
For the period
from October 6 to December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME
|
||||||||
Interest income | $ | 7,599,893 | $ | 5,516,418 | ||||
Other income | 155,136 | 143,069 | ||||||
Total Investment Income | 7,755,029 | 5,659,487 | ||||||
EXPENSES
|
||||||||
Management fee | | 1,075,714 | ||||||
Professional fees | | 92,144 | ||||||
Directors' fees | | 86,375 | ||||||
Administration fees | | 64,655 | ||||||
Other expenses | | 80,008 | ||||||
Total Expenses | | 1,398,896 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 7,755,029 | 4,260,591 | ||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
|
||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 1,204,960 | 531,013 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 194,972 | (9,078,984 | ) | |||||
NET GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | 1,399,932 | (8,547,971 | ) | |||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) & NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
|
||||||||
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 9,154,961 | $ | (4,287,380 | ) |
The Consolidated Statement of Operations includes two periods. The first period, June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) to October 5, 2014, contains the period for which the Company was organized as a limited liability company, comprising the period from commencement of operations up to the Company's conversion into a corporation. The second period, October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014, contains the period for which the Company was organized as a corporation, comprising the period from the Company's conversion into a corporation up to the period end, inclusive of the Company's Initial Public Offering.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Members' equity at beginning of period | $ | | ||
Contributed securities at fair value | 148,926,566 | |||
Contributed cash | 15,256,539 | |||
Net investment income | 7,755,029 | |||
Net realized gain on investments | 1,204,960 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 194,972 | |||
Members' equity at end of period | $ | 173,338,066 | ||
Units issued and outstanding as October 5, 2014 (prior to conversion) (1) | 2,500,000 | |||
Net asset value per unit | $ | 69.34 |
(1) | Units were converted into 8,656,057 common shares effective October 6, 2014. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Total increase (decrease) in net assets from operations:
|
||||
Net investment income | $ | 4,260,591 | ||
Net realized gain on investments | 531,013 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (9,078,984 | ) | ||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | (4,287,380 | ) | ||
Distributions to shareholders:
|
||||
Distributions from net investment income | (4,260,591 | ) | ||
Distributions from net realized gains on investments | | |||
Distributions from return of capital | (3,335,655 | ) | ||
Total distributions to shareholders | (7,596,246 | ) | ||
Capital share transactions:
|
||||
Issuance of common shares upon conversion (inclusive of $5,295,981 unrealized appreciation from contributed securities) | 173,338,066 | |||
Issuance of common shares upon Initial Public Offering (net of $1,000,000
offering costs) |
102,106,020 | |||
Reinvestment of dividends | | |||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions | 275,444,086 | |||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | 263,560,460 | |||
Net assets at beginning of period | | |||
Net assets at end of period | $ | 263,560,460 | ||
Capital share activity:
|
||||
Shares issued upon conversion | 8,656,057 | |||
Shares sold upon Initial Public Offering | 5,155,301 | |||
Shares issued from reinvestment of dividends | | |||
Increase (decrease) in capital share activity | 13,811,358 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-8
For the period
from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) to October 5, 2014 |
For the period
from October 6 to December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
||||||||
Net income (loss) and net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations |
$ | 9,154,961 | $ | (4,287,380 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) and net increase (decrease)
in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of investments | (47,347,924 | ) | (145,087,438 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales of investments | 69,743,846 | 60,471,447 | ||||||
Net realized (gain) loss on investments | (1,204,960 | ) | (531,013 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments | (194,972 | ) | 9,078,984 | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||
Interest receivable | (2,770,940 | ) | (1,772,752 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses | (74,549 | ) | ||||||
Management fee payable | | 1,075,714 | ||||||
Professional fees payable | | 75,000 | ||||||
Directors' fees payable | | 23,625 | ||||||
Administration fees payable | | 20,076 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 27,380,011 | (81,008,286 | ) | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
||||||||
Cash contributions | 15,256,539 | | ||||||
Cash proceeds from issuance of common shares | | 102,106,020 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing actives | 15,256,539 | 102,106,020 | ||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | 42,636,550 | 21,097,734 | ||||||
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | | 42,636,550 | ||||||
CASH, END OF PERIOD | $ | 42,636,550 | $ | 63,734,284 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
|
||||||||
Contribution in kind, at fair value (cost $143,825,556) | $ | 148,926,566 | ||||||
Issuance of common shares upon conversion | $ | 173,338,066 | ||||||
Dividends declared, but not yet paid | $ | 7,596,246 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating activities:
|
||||||||
Securities sold, not settled | $ | 2,674,375 | $ | 14,496,825 | ||||
Securities purchased, not settled | $ | 30,237,194 | $ | 27,488,200 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. (the Company) is a non-diversified closed end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) with the symbol ECC.
The Company was initially formed on March 24, 2014 as Eagle Point Credit Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Point Credit Partners Sub, Ltd., a Cayman Island exempted company (the Member), which, in turn, is a subsidiary of Eagle Point Credit Partners LP (the Private Fund). The Private Fund is a master fund in a master feeder structure and has three feeder funds (the Feeder Funds) which invest substantially all of their assets in the Private Fund.
The Company commenced operations on June 6, 2014, the date the Member contributed, at fair value, a portfolio of cash and securities.
On October 6, 2014, the Company converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation (the Conversion). At the time of the Conversion, the sole member of Eagle Point Credit Company LLC became a stockholder of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. In connection with the Conversion, the Member converted 2,500,000 units for 8,656,057 shares at $20 per share for an effective conversion rate of 3.4668 common shares per unit. On October 7, 2014 the Company priced its Initial Public Offering (the IPO) and October 8, 2014 the Companys shares began trading on the NYSE.
See Note 6 Common Shares for further discussion relating to the Companys Conversion and IPO.
Eagle Point Credit Management LLC (the Adviser) is the investment adviser of the Company and the Private Fund, and manages the investments of the Company under the supervision of the Companys Board of Directors. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Effective June 6, 2014, Eagle Point Administration LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser, became the administrator of the Company (the Administrator).
The Companys primary investment objective is to generate high current income, with a secondary objective to generate capital appreciation. The Company seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations, or CLOs, which are collateralized by a diverse portfolio consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans. The CLO securities in which the Company will primarily seek to invest are unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. The Company may also invest in other securities and instruments related to these investments or that the Adviser believes are consistent with the Companys investment objectives, including, among other investments, senior debt tranches of CLOs and loan accumulation facilities. In connection with the acquisition of newly issued CLO equity, the Company may from time to time receive fee rebates from the CLO issuer. The Companys interests in fee rebates may be held in the name of Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Company is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 946 Financial Services Investment Companies (ASC 946). Items included in the consolidated financial statements are measured and presented in United States dollars.
F-10
Assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB ASC Topic 825, are carried at fair value or contractual amounts approximating fair value.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts included in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of the reporting date. Actual results may differ from those estimated.
The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of the Companys consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments. In the absence of readily determinable fair values, the Adviser estimates the fair value of the Companys investments in accordance with the Companys valuation policies. Due to the uncertainty of valuation, this estimate may differ significantly from the value that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material.
There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments held by the Company.
The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. Investments are reflected on the consolidated financial statements at fair value. Fair value is the estimated amount that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e. the exit price). The Companys fair valuation process is reviewed and approved by the Companys Board of Directors.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value. Market price observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment, the characteristics specific to the investment and the state of the marketplace (including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants). Investments with readily available actively quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in an orderly market, will generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories based on inputs:
| Level I Quoted prices (unadjusted) are available in active markets for identical investments the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date. |
| Level II Pricing inputs are observable for the investments, either directly or indirectly, as of the reporting date, but are not the same as those used in Level I. |
| Level III Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. Fair value inputs require significant judgment or estimation from the Adviser. |
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given investment is based on the lowest level of input, significant to that fair value measurement. The
F-11
assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment.
Investments for which observable market prices in active markets do not exist are reported at fair value based on Level III inputs. The amount determined to be fair value may incorporate the Advisers own assumptions (including assumptions the Adviser believes market participants would use in valuing the investments and assumptions relating to appropriate risk adjustments for nonperformance and lack of marketability).
Investments are valued at least monthly taking into account information available as of the reporting date. Valuations are approved by the Companys Board of Directors.
See Note 3 Investments for further discussion relating to the Companys investments.
In valuing its CLO debt, CLO equity and loan accumulation facility investments, the Adviser considers a variety of relevant factors including price indications from multiple dealers, recent trading prices for specific investments, recent purchases and sales known to the Adviser in similar securities and output from a third-party financial model.
The third-party financial model contains detailed information on the characteristics of each CLO including recent information about assets and liabilities, and is used to project future cash flows. Key inputs to the model, including assumptions for future loan default rates, recovery rates, prepayment rates, reinvestment rates and discount rates are determined by considering both observable and third-party data in the market and prevailing general market assumptions and conventions as well as those of the Adviser.
Interest income from debt positions in CLO investment vehicles is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. Amortization of premium or accretion of discount is recognized on the effective interest method.
Interest income from investments in CLO equity is recorded based upon an estimate of effective yield to maturity utilizing assumed cash flows. The Company monitors the expected cash flows from its CLO equity investments and effective yield is determined and updated as needed.
The Company records the purchases and sales of securities on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are recorded on the basis of the specific identification method.
The Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. The Company maintains its cash in bank accounts, which, at times, may exceed Federal insured limits. The Adviser monitors the performance of the financial institution where the accounts are held in order to manage any risk associated with such accounts. No cash equivalent balances were held at December 31, 2014.
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis of accounting using the effective interest method. Other income may include the Companys share of income under the terms of Class M notes and participation agreements and is recognized on the accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis.
The Adviser has paid all of the Companys organization expenses.
F-12
Prepaid expenses consist primarily of insurance premiums.
For the period June 6, 2014 through October 5, 2014, the Company was organized as a Delaware Limited Liability Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Member which, in turn, was a subsidiary of the Private Fund. The Private Fund is a master fund in a master feeder structure and has three feeder funds which invest substantially all of their assets in the Private Fund. Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, the Private Fund is generally not subject to income taxes. The Private Fund files a tax return in the US federal jurisdiction. No provisions for income taxes has been made in the Financial Statements as the partners are individually responsible for reporting their allocable share of income, expense, gain or loss for U.S. income tax purposes.
For the period October 6, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Company intends to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Company intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore no federal income or excise tax provision is required. The Company has adopted November 30 as its fiscal tax year end. The company intends to file federal income and excise returns as well as applicable state jurisdictions. The statute of limitations on the Companys tax return filings generally remain open for three years.
Because federal income tax regulations differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among the components of net assets in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. During the period ended December 31, 2014 there were no reclassifications made among the components of net assets. As of November 30, 2014, the estimated components of distributable earnings, on a tax basis, are as follows:
Distributable ordinary income | $ | 928,533 | ||
Capital loss carryforward (1) | $ | (46,084 | ) | |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | $ | 2,228,166 |
(1) | At tax period ended November 30, 2014, the fund had $34,304 of short-term capital losses and $11,780 of long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period. |
Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. The tax basis components of distributable earnings differ from the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities due to temporary book/tax differences primarily arising from partnerships and passive foreign investment company investments. These amounts will be finalized before filing the federal tax return.
At December 31, 2014, the tax cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $225,553,951. Accordingly, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investments was ($8,563,980), consisting of $586,720 gross unrealized appreciation and ($9,150,700) gross unrealized depreciation.
Dividends from net investment income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which differ from U.S. GAAP. Dividends from net investment income, if
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any, are expected to be declared and paid quarterly. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in full shares of the Company in accordance with the Companys dividend reinvestment plan unless the shareholder has elected to receive them in cash.
Amounts required to be distributed reflect estimates made by the Company. Dividends paid by the Company are subject to re-characterization for U.S. tax purposes.
The following tables summarize the valuation of the Companys investments measured and reported at fair value under the fair value hierarchy levels described in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as of December 31, 2014.
Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | |||||||||||||
CLO Debt | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,963,185 | $ | 2,963,185 | ||||||||
CLO Equity | | | 184,026,786 | 184,026,786 | ||||||||||||
Loan Accumulation Facilities | | | 30,000,000 | 30,000,000 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments at Fair Value | $ | | $ | | $ | 216,989,971 | $ | 216,989,971 |
The changes in investments classified as Level III are as follows for the period from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2014:
CLO Debt | CLO Equity | Loan Accumulation Facilities | Total | |||||||||||||
Beginning Balance at June 6, 2014 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Contributed Portfolio (1) | 6,632,450 | 83,219,961 | 59,074,155 | 148,926,566 | ||||||||||||
Purchase of investments | 61,023,945 | 116,755,740 | 42,143,877 | 219,923,562 | ||||||||||||
Sale of investments | (64,728,658 | ) | (9,487,500 | ) | (70,495,960 | ) | (144,712,118 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 35,448 | (6,461,415 | ) | (722,072 | ) | (7,148,039 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 2,963,185 | $ | 184,026,786 | $ | 30,000,000 | $ | 216,989,971 | ||||||||
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments still held at December 31, 2014 | $ | (65,646 | ) | $ | (2,540,964 | ) | $ | | $ | (2,606,609 | ) |
(1) | See Note 5 Members Equity for further discussion on contributed portfolio at June 6, 2014. |
The net realized gains and losses recorded for Level III investments are reported in realized gain or (loss) on investments, while changes in unrealized gains and losses are reported in net change in unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) of investments in the Statement of Operations.
The change in unrealized depreciation on positions still held at December 31, 2014 was $(2,606,609).
The Adviser gathers price indications from dealers, if available, as part of its valuation process to estimate fair value of each CLO subordinated note investment. Dealer price indications are not firm bids and may not be representative of the actual value where trades can be consummated.
F-14
In addition, the Adviser utilizes a third party valuation process to estimate the fair value of each CLO subordinated note investment. The model contains detailed information on the characteristics of each CLO, including recent information about assets and liabilities from data sources such as trustee reports, and is used to project future cash flows to the CLO note tranches, as well as management fees.
The following table summarizes the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for investments categorized in Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014. In addition to the techniques and inputs noted in the table below, according to the Companys valuation policy, the Adviser may use other valuation techniques and methodologies when determining the Companys fair value measurements as provided for in the valuation policy approved by the Board of Directors. The table below is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provides information on the significant Level III inputs as they relate to the Companys fair value measurements.
CLO Equity | $ | 184,026,786 | Discounted | Constant Default Rate |
0.00% - 2.00%
|
|||||||||||
Cash Flows | Constant Prepayment Rate |
25.00%
|
||||||||||||||
Reinvestment Spread |
3.40% - 3.95%
|
|||||||||||||||
Reinvestment Price |
99.50%
|
|||||||||||||||
Reinvestment Floor |
0.00% - 1.00%
|
|||||||||||||||
Recovery Rate |
70.00%
|
|||||||||||||||
Discount Rate to Maturity | 10.50% - 14.90 | % |
Increases (decreases) in the constant default rate, reinvestment price and discount rate in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Increases (decreases) in the reinvestment spread, reinvestment floor and recovery rate in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Changes in the constant prepayment rate may result in a higher or lower fair value, depending on the circumstances. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the constant default rate may be accompanied by a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for the constant prepayment rate and recovery rate.
The Companys CLO debt has been valued using unadjusted indicative broker dealer quotes. As a result, there were no unobservable inputs that have been internally developed by the Company in determining the fair values of these investments at December 31, 2014.
Loan accumulation facilities are typically medium term in nature and are entered into in contemplation of a specific CLO investment. Unless the loan accumulation facility documents contemplate transferring the underlying loans at a price other than original cost plus accrued interest or the Adviser determines the originally contemplated CLO is unlikely to be consummated, the fair value of the loan accumulation facility is based on the cost of the underlying loans plus accrued interest and realized gains reported by the trustee. In all other situations, the fair value of the CLO loan accumulation facility is based on the market value of the underlying loans plus accrued interest.
Market Risk. Certain events particular to each market in which the Companys investments conduct operations, as well as general economic and political conditions, may have a significant negative impact on the operations and profitability of the Companys investments and/or on the fair value of the Companys investments. Such events are beyond the Companys control, and the likelihood they may occur and the effect on the Company cannot be predicted.
Concentration Risk. The Company is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Company can invest a greater portion of its assets in obligations of a single issuer than a diversified
F-15
fund. The Company may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. In particular, because the Companys portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO securities and related investments, the Company is susceptible to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities and related investments experience a high level of defaults on the collateral they hold.
Liquidity Risk. The securities issued by CLOs generally offer less liquidity than other investment grade or high-yield corporate debt, and are subject to certain transfer restrictions imposed on certain financial and other eligibility requirements on prospective transferees. Other investments the Company may purchase through privately negotiated transactions may also be illiquid or subject to legal restrictions on their transfer. As a result of this illiquidity, the Companys ability to sell certain investments quickly, or at all, in response to changes in economic and other conditions and to receive a fair price when selling such investments may be limited, which could prevent the Company from making sales to mitigate losses on such investments. In addition, CLOs are subject to the possibility of liquidation upon an event of default, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
Risks of Investing in CLOs. The Companys investments consist in part of CLO securities and the Company may invest in other related structured finance securities. CLOs and structured finance securities are generally backed by an asset or a pool of assets (typically senior secured loans and other credit-related assets in the case of a CLO) which serve as collateral. The Company and other investors in CLO and structured finance securities ultimately bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. If there are defaults or the relevant collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches of such securities take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Therefore, CLO and other structured finance securities may present risks similar to those of the other types of debt obligations and, in fact, such risks may be of greater significance in the case of CLO and other structured finance securities. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO securities carry additional risks, including, but not limited to: (1) the possibility that distributions from collateral assets will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) the fact that investments in CLO equity and junior debt tranches will likely be subordinate to other senior classes of CLO debt; and (4) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Additionally, changes in the collateral held by a CLO may cause payments on the instruments we hold to be reduced, either temporarily or permanently. Structured investments, particularly the subordinated interests in which the Company invests, are less liquid than many other types of securities and may be more volatile than the assets underlying the CLOs we may target. In addition, CLO and other structured finance securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Risks of Investing in Loan Accumulation Facilities. The Company invests in loan accumulation facilities to acquire loans on an interim basis which are expected to form part of the portfolio of a future CLO. Investments in loan accumulation facilities have risks similar to those applicable to investments in CLOs. In addition, there typically will be no assurance future CLOs will be consummated or that loans held in such a facility are eligible for purchase by the CLO. Furthermore, the Company likely will have no consent rights in respect of the loans to be acquired in such a facility and in the event the Company does have any consent rights, they will be limited. In the event a planned CLO is not consummated, or the loans are not eligible for purchase by the CLO, the Company may be responsible for either holding or disposing of the loans. This could expose the Company primarily to credit and/or mark-to-market losses, and other risks. Leverage is typically utilized in such a facility and as such the potential risk of loss will be increased for such facilities employing leverage.
F-16
Interest Rate Risk. The fair value of certain of the Companys investments may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, the Companys investments in senior secured loans through CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility. Although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be some difference between the timing of interest rate resets on the assets and liabilities of a CLO, which could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition, CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses which may adversely affect the Companys cash flow, fair value of its assets and operating results. In the event the Companys interest expense was to increase relative to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, return on investments and cash available for distribution would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry a greater exposure to interest rate risk.
LIBOR Floor Risk . An increase in LIBOR will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Since many of the senior secured loans within these CLOs have LIBOR floors, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income (if LIBOR increases but stays below the average LIBOR floor rate of such senior secured loans) resulting in smaller distribution payments to the equity investors in these CLOs.
LIBOR Risk . The CLOs in which the Company invests typically obtain financing at a floating rate based on LIBOR. Regulators and law-enforcement agencies from a number of governments, including entities in the United States, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom, have conducted or are conducting civil and criminal investigations into potential manipulation of LIBOR. Several financial institutions have reached settlements with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice Fraud Section and the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority in connection with investigations by such authorities into submissions made by such financial institutions to the bodies whom set LIBOR and other interbank offered rates. Additional investigations remain ongoing with respect to other major banks. There can be no assurance there will not be additional admissions or findings of rate-setting manipulation or manipulations of LIBOR or other similar interbank offered rates will not be shown to have occurred. ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (formerly NYSE Euronext Rate Administration Limited) assumed administration of LIBOR on February 1, 2014. Any new administrator of LIBOR may make methodological changes to the way in which LIBOR is calculated or may alter, discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of LIBOR. Any of such actions or other effects from the ongoing investigations could adversely affect the liquidity and value of the Companys investments. Further, additional admissions or findings of manipulation may decrease the confidence of the market in LIBOR and lead market participants to look for alternative, non-LIBOR based types of financing, such as fixed rate loans or bonds or floating rate loans based on non-LIBOR indices. An increase in alternative types of financing at the expense of LIBOR-based CLOs may impair the liquidity of the Companys investments. Additionally, it may make it more difficult for CLO issuers to satisfy certain conditions set forth in a CLOs offering documents.
Historically Low Interest Rate Environment . As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, interest rates in the United States are at, or near, historic lows, which may increase the Companys exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Moreover, interest rate levels are currently impacted by extraordinary monetary policy initiatives the effect of which is impossible to predict with certainty.
The Company may incur, directly or indirectly, through one or more special purpose vehicles, indebtedness for borrowed money, as well as leverage in the form of derivative transactions, preferred stock and other structures and instruments, in significant amounts and on terms the Adviser and the Companys Board deem appropriate, subject to applicable limitations under the 1940 Act. Any such borrowings do not include embedded or inherent leverage in CLO structures in which the Company invests or in derivative instruments in which the Company may invest. Moreover, CLOs by their very nature are leveraged vehicles.
F-17
Accordingly, there may be a layering of leverage in overall structure. The more leverage is employed, the more likely a substantial change will occur in the Companys NAV. Accordingly, any event adversely affecting the value of an investment would be magnified to the extent leverage is utilized.
Highly Subordinated and Leveraged Securities Risk. The Companys portfolio includes equity and junior debt investments in CLOs, which involve a number of significant risks. CLOs are typically very highly levered (9 13 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity tranches in which the Company is currently invested are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In particular, investors in CLO securities indirectly bear risks of the collateral held by such CLOs. The Company will generally have the right to receive payments only from the CLOs, and will generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO. While the CLOs the Company intends to initially target generally enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior secured loans without the expenses associated with directly holding the same investments, the Company will generally pay a proportionate share of the CLOs administrative, management and other expenses. In addition, the Company may have the option in certain CLOs to contribute additional amounts to the CLO issuer for purposes of acquiring additional assets or curing coverage tests, thereby increasing overall exposure and capital at risk to such CLO.
Credit Risk. If a CLO in which the Company invests, an underlying asset of any such CLO or any other type of credit investment in the Companys portfolio declines in price or fails to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer or debtor, as the case may be, experiences a decline in its financial status either or both the Companys income and NAV may be adversely impacted. Non-payment would result in a reduction of the Companys income, a reduction in the value of the applicable CLO security or other credit investment experiencing non-payment and, potentially, a decrease in the Companys NAV. With respect to investments in CLO securities and credit investments that are secured, there can be no assurance liquidation of collateral would satisfy the issuers obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled dividend, interest or principal or such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, the Company could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a CLO security or credit investment. To the extent the credit rating assigned to a security in the Companys portfolio is downgraded, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected. In addition, if a CLO triggers an event of default as a result of failing to make payments when due or for other reasons, the CLO would be subject to the possibility of liquidation, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
On June 6, 2014, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Company pays the Adviser, for its services, a management fee and an incentive fee, effective October 7, 2014, the date in which the Registration Statement of the Company was declared effective by the SEC.
The management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate equal to 1.75% of the Companys Total Equity Base. Total Equity Base means the net asset value attributable to the Common Stock and the paid-in or stated capital of the Companys preferred stock, if any. The management fee for any partial quarter is pro-rated (based on the number of days actually elapsed at the end of such partial quarter relative to the total number of days in such calendar quarter). The Company was charged a management fee of $1,075,714 for the period, all of which was payable as of December 31, 2014.
The Incentive Fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income of the Company for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose,
F-18
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees the Company receives from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Companys operating expenses for the quarter (including the Base Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement (as defined below) and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Incentive Fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income the Company has not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains or realized or unrealized losses.
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Companys net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a hurdle rate of 2.00% per quarter (8.00% annualized). The Company pays the Adviser an Incentive Fee with respect to the Companys Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in each calendar quarter as follows: (1) no Incentive Fee in any calendar quarter in which the Companys Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed 2.00%; (2) 100% of the Companys Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, exceeding the hurdle rate but less than 2.50% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount of the Companys Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, exceeding 2.50% in any calendar quarter. The company did not incur any incentive fee as of December 31, 2014.
Effective June 6, 2014, the Company entered into an administration agreement (the Administration Agreement) with the Administrator, an affiliated entity. Subject to the supervision and the overall control of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Administrator shall act as administrator of the Company, and furnish, or arrange for others to furnish, the administrative services, personnel and facilities necessary for the operation of the Company. The Company will reimburse the Administrator for the costs and expenses incurred in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Administrator has delegated to SS&C Technologies Inc. (SS&C) certain administrative and clerical services to perform on behalf of the Company.
For the period from October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014, the Company was charged a total of $64,655 in administration fees consisting of $26,644 and $38,011 from the Administrator and SS&C, respectively, which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and of which $20,076 was payable at December 31, 2014.
Certain directors, officers and other related parties, including members of the Companys management, hold 64% of the common stock of the Company at December 31, 2014.
On July 10, 2014, the Company filed an application with the SEC for an exemptive order under certain provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to permit the Company to engage in certain co-investment transactions with certain other investment vehicles managed by the Adviser. Subsequently, the Company amended its application with the SEC on November 20, 2014 and January 30, 2015 in response to comments from the SEC staff. On February 18, 2015 the SEC posted notice of ECCs application subject to a 25 day notice period.
F-19
For the period of June 6, 2014 to October 5, 2014, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Member, which in turn was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Private Fund. As of October 5, 2014 the Company had 2,500,000 units issued and outstanding all of which were held by the Member.
On June 6, 2014, the Member contributed $155,301,542 to the Company, consisting of cash of $6,374,976 and securities with a fair value of $148,926,566 (cost basis of $143,825,556) as detailed in the following table:
Cost at
June 6, 2014 |
Fair Value at
June 6, 2014 |
|||||||
CLO Debt | $ | 6,586,030 | $ | 6,632,450 | ||||
CLO Equity | 79,864,526 | 83,219,961 | ||||||
Loan Accumulation Facilities | 57,375,000 | 59,074,155 | ||||||
Total | $ | 143,825,556 | $ | 148,926,566 |
The contribution price represents fair value of the securities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of the contribution date and as approved by the Companys Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
On October 6, 2014, the Company converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation. At the time of the Conversion, the sole member of Eagle Point Credit Company LLC became a stockholder of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. and was issued an aggregate of 8,656,057 shares of common equity, par value $0.001 per share, which was distributed to the Advisers Senior Investment Team and Trident V Funds, an affiliate of the Adviser, as a redemption in kind from the Private Fund.
On October 7, 2014, the Company priced its IPO and sold an additional 5,155,301 shares of its common equity at a public offering price of $20.00 per share. The Company raised gross proceeds of $103,106,020. The Company paid $1,000,000 or $0.07 per share in offering costs associated with the successful listing. This cost was borne by all common stockholders of the Company as a charge to shareholders equity. The Company has used the net proceeds from the Offering to acquire investments in accordance with the Companys investment objectives and strategies and for general working capital purposes.
On October 8, 2014, the Companys shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ECC.
In connection with the IPO, the Company granted the underwriters a 45 day option to purchase up to an additional 773,295 of common equity to cover any overallotments, which was not exercised.
As of December 31, 2014, the Companys components of capital include $173,338,066 of contributed Members Equity from conversion of the limited liability company to the corporation. This includes paid-in capital of $168,042,084 and unrealized appreciation of $5,295,982 and the amount of initial public offering proceeds (net of offering costs) received in the amount of $102,106,020 as presented on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. At December 31, 2014 there are 100,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, of which 13,811,358 are issued and outstanding.
F-20
Under the Companys organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company. In addition, during the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts containing a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Companys maximum exposure under these agreements cannot be known; however, the Company expects any risk of loss to be remote.
As of December 31, 2014 the Company had no unfunded commitments.
The Company has recorded a distribution payable of $7,596,246 at December 31, 2014 for dividends declared as of December 31, 2014 which were paid to shareholders on January 26, 2015.
Management of the Company has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date of release of this report. Management has determined there are no events in addition to those described above which would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Companys consolidated financial statements and related Notes through this date.
F-21
Financial highlights for the period from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) through October 5, 2014 for the Member are as follows:
Per Unit Data |
For the period
from June 6, 2014 (commencement of operations) to October 5, 2014 |
|||
Net asset value beginning of period | $ | 62.12 | ||
Net investment income | 3.10 | |||
Net realized and unrealized capital gain (loss) on investments | 0.56 | |||
Total from investment operations | 3.66 | |||
Adjustment for additional cash contribution | 3.56 | |||
Net asset value, at end of period | $ | 69.34 | ||
Total return (1) | 5.89 | % | ||
Ratios:
|
||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (1) | 4.74 | % | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (1) | 0.00 | % | ||
Portfolio turnover rate (2) | 52.07 | % |
(1) | Total return and ratios for the period from June 6, 2014 to October 5, 2014 were not annualized. |
(2) | The portfolio turnover rate is calculated as the total of investment sales executed during the period from June 6, 2014 to October 5, 2014, divided by the average fair value of the investments for the same period. |
F-22
Financial highlights for the period from October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014 for the Company are as follows:
Per Share Data |
For the period
from October 6 to December 31, 2014 |
|||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 20.00 | ||
Offering costs associated with the Company's Initial Public Offering (3) | (0.07 | ) | ||
Net asset value, beginning of period net of offering costs | 19.93 | |||
Net investment income | 0.32 | |||
Net realized and unrealized capital gain (loss) on investments | (0.62 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (0.30 | ) | ||
Distributions from net investment income | (0.31 | ) | ||
Distributions from tax return of capital | (0.24 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.55 | ) | ||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 19.08 | ||
Per share market value at beginning of period | $ | 19.93 | ||
Per share market value at end of period | $ | 20.10 | ||
Total return (1) | 0.85 | % | ||
Shares outstanding at end of period | 13,811,358 | |||
Ratios
|
||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (1) | 6.84 | % | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (1) | 2.13 | % | ||
Portfolio turnover rate (2) | 37.11 | % |
(1) | Total return for the period from October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014 is not annualized. Ratios for the period from October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014 are annualized. |
(2) | The portfolio turnover rate is calculated as the total of investment sales executed during the period from October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014, divided by the average fair value of the investments for the same period. |
(3) | See Note 6 Common Shares within accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. |
F-23
Moodys Investors Service, Inc . A brief description of the applicable Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moodys) follows:
Moodys long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings use Moodys Global Scale and reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Aaa: | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. | |
Aa: | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. | |
A: | Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. | |
Baa: | Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. | |
Ba: | Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. | |
B: | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. | |
Caa: | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. | |
Ca: | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. | |
C: | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or 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 ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. |
There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels MIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
MIG 1. | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. | |
MIG 2. | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. | |
MIG 3. | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. | |
SG. | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moodys evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
A-1
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g. , Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issues specific structural or credit features.
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. |
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.
Moodys employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
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. | |
NOTE: | Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider. |
A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poors (S&P) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about 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 opinion reflects Standard & Poors view of the obligors capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
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
A-2
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.
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. |
Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
AAA: | An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. 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 to a 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. | |
BB, B, CCC, CC. and C: | Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. | |
BB: | An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. | |
B: | An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. | |
CCC: | An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. | |
CC: | An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. |
A-3
C: | A C rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the C rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instruments terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. | |
D: | An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, 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 similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligations rating is lowered to D upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. | |
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. | |
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. |
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. Ratings of B-1, B-2, and B-3 may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the B category. 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. | |
B-1: | A short-term obligation rated B-1 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. | |
B-2: | A short-term obligation rated B-2 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. | |
B-3: | A short-term obligation rated B-3 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meets its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. |
A-4
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, including a regulatory capital instrument, 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 brief description of the applicable Fitch, Inc. (Fitch) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:
AAA: | Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. | |
AA: | Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. | |
A: | High credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. | |
BBB: | Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. |
BB: | Speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. | |
B: | Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is present. | |
CCC: | Substantial credit risk. CCC ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. | |
CC: | Very high levels of credit risk. CC ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. | |
C: | Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. C indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. |
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned D ratings, but are instead rated in the B to C rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.
The subscript emr is appended to a rating to denote embedded market risk which is beyond the scope of the rating. The designation is intended to make clear that the rating solely addresses the counterparty risk of the issuing bank. It is not meant to indicate any limitation in the analysis of the counterparty risk, which in all other respects follows published Fitch criteria for analyzing the issuing financial institution. Fitch does not rate these instruments where the principal is to any degree subject to market risk.
A-5
Recovery Ratings are assigned to selected individual securities and obligations. These currently are published for most individual obligations of corporate issuers with IDRs in the B rating category and below.
Among the factors that affect recovery rates for securities are the collateral, the seniority relative to other obligations in the capital structure (where appropriate), and the expected value of the company or underlying collateral in distress.
The Recovery Rating scale is based upon the expected relative recovery characteristics of an obligation upon the curing of a default, emergence from insolvency or following the liquidation or termination of the obligor or its associated collateral.
Recovery Ratings are an ordinal scale and do not attempt to precisely predict a given level of recovery. As a guideline in developing the rating assessments, the agency employs broad theoretical recovery bands in its ratings approach based on historical averages, but actual recoveries for a given security may deviate materially from historical averages.
RR1: | Outstanding recovery prospects given default . RR1 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 91% 100% of current principal and related interest. | |
RR2: | Superior recovery prospects given default . RR2 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 71% 90% of current principal and related interest. | |
RR3: | Good recovery prospects given default . RR3 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 51% 70% of current principal and related interest. | |
RR4: | Average recovery prospects given default . RR4 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 31% 50% of current principal and related interest. | |
RR5: | Below average recovery prospects given default . RR5 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 11% 30% of current principal and related interest. | |
RR6: | Poor recovery prospects given default . RR6 rated securities have characteristics consistent with securities historically recovering 0% 10% of current principal and related interest. |
A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as short term based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: | Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. | |
F2: | Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. | |
F3: | Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. | |
B: | Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. |
A-6
C: | High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. | |
RD: | Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only. | |
D: | Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation. |
A-7
Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the Corporation ), certifies that pursuant to the authority contained in its certificate of incorporation (the Certificate of Incorporation ), and in accordance with the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL ), the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board of Directors , which term as used herein shall include any duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors) has duly approved and adopted the following resolution on May , 2015:
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors by the Certificate of Incorporation and as set forth in Section 151 of the DGCL, the Board of Directors does hereby approve the designation of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, without designation as to series as % Series A Term Preferred Stock due 2022 (the Series A Term Preferred Stock ), having the designations, preferences, relative, participating, optional and other special rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof that are set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation and in this resolution as follows:
1.1. A series of shares of the capital stock of the Corporation authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation (the Capital Stock ) classified as preferred stock are hereby designated as the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have such preferences, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law and those that are expressly set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, as are set forth in this Certificate of Designation. The Series A Term Preferred Stock shall constitute a separate series of Capital Stock and each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be identical. No fractional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be issued.
1.2. The Series A Term Preferred Stock shall rank on parity with shares of any other series of preferred stock, whether now or hereafter issued by the Corporation, and any other shares of Capital Stock hereafter authorized and issued by the Corporation of a class having priority over any other class as to distribution of assets or payments of dividends (together with the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the Preferred Stock ) as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. The Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have preference with respect to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation over the shares of common stock of the Corporation, par value $0.001 per share (the Common Stock ), as set forth herein.
1.3. No individual, partnership, trust, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof (each, a Person ) in whose name the Series A Term Preferred Stock or any other security issued by the Corporation is registered in the registration books of the Corporation maintained by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC and its successors, or any other redemption and paying agent appointed by the Corporation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock (the Redemption and Paying Agent ) or otherwise (such person, a Holder ) of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have, solely by reason of being such a Holder, any preemptive or other right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any share of Series A Term Preferred Stock, other Preferred Stock or shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation that it may hereafter issue or sell.
B-1
2.1. The Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by, or under authority granted by, the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available therefor and in preference to dividends and distributions on the Common Stock, cumulative cash dividends and distributions on each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock, calculated separately for each Dividend Period (as defined below) for the Series A Term Preferred Stock at, as of any date, % per annum (the Fixed Dividend Rate ) as adjusted, if a Default Period shall be in existence on such date, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.9 (the Dividend Rate ) in effect from time to time for the Series A Term Preferred Stock during such Dividend Period (as defined below), computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, on an amount equal to $25.00 (the Liquidation Preference ) for a share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and no more. Dividends and distributions on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall accumulate from May , 2015 (the Date of Original Issue ) and shall be payable monthly in arrears as provided in Section 2.6 . Dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of dividends payable on the Series A Term Preferred Stock on any date prior to the end of a dividend period, and for the initial dividend period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and actual days elapsed over a 30-day month.
Dividend Period means, with respect to each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock, in the case of the first Dividend Period, the period beginning on the Date of Original Issue and ending on and including June 30, 2015 and for each subsequent Dividend Period, the period beginning on and including the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the previous Dividend Period ended and ending on and including the last calendar day of such month.
2.2. Declaration and Payment; Dividends in Arrears .
(a) Dividends on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to any Dividend Period shall be declared to the Holders of record of such shares as their names shall appear on the registration books of the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be such date designated by the Board of Directors that is not more than twenty (20) nor less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Dividend Payment Date (as defined below) with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) Dividends declared pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be paid on the last Business Day of each Dividend Period (the Dividend Payment Date ) to the Holders of shares as their names appear on the registration books of the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable record date for such dividend; provided , however , that dividends with respect to the first Dividend Period of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be paid on June 30, 2015 to holders of record of such Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on the registration books of the Corporation at the close of business on , 2015.
(c) Dividends in arrears on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders of shares as their names appear on the registration books of the Corporation on such date, not exceeding twenty (20) nor less than seven (7) calendar days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
2.3. No full dividends and distributions shall be declared or paid on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock for any Dividend Period or part thereof unless full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor. If full cumulative dividends and distributions due have not been declared and paid on all outstanding Preferred Stock of any series, any dividends and distributions being declared and paid on the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be declared and paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends and distributions accumulated but unpaid on each such series of Preferred Stock on the relevant
B-2
dividend payment date for such series. No Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to any dividends and distributions, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of full cumulative dividends and distributions as provided in this Section 2.3 on the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
2.4. For so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding (as defined below), the Corporation shall not: (x) declare any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Common Stock) in respect of the Common Stock, (y) call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any Common Stock, or (z) pay any proceeds of the liquidation of the Corporation in respect of the Common Stock, unless, in each case,
(a) immediately thereafter, the Corporation shall have asset coverage, as defined for purposes of Section 18(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or any successor statute (the 1940 Act ), of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Corporation, including all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (or such other percentage as may in the future be specified in the 1940 Act or by rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission (the SEC ) as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities of a registered investment company), after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution or redemption or purchase price or liquidation proceeds;
(b) all cumulative dividends and distributions on all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and all other Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock due on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition shall have been either (i) declared and paid or (ii) declared and Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock) for the payment thereof shall have been deposited irrevocably with the paying agent for such Preferred Stock; and
(c) the Corporation shall have deposited Deposit Securities pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.4 hereof with respect to Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 hereof for which a Notice of Redemption (as defined below) shall have been given or shall have been required to be given in accordance with the terms hereof on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
Outstanding means, as of any date with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock theretofore issued by the Corporation except (without duplication): (A) any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock theretofore cancelled or redeemed or delivered to the Redemption and Paying Agent for cancellation or redemption in accordance with the terms hereof; (B) any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock as to which the Corporation shall have given a Notice of Redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent sufficient Deposit Securities to redeem such shares in accordance with ARTICLE V hereof; and (C) any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock as to which the Corporation shall be the Holder or the beneficial owner.
Deposit Securities means, as of any date, any United States dollar-denominated security or other investment of a type described below that either (i) is a demand obligation payable to the holder thereof on any Business Day or (ii) has a maturity date, mandatory redemption date or mandatory payment date, on its face or at the option of the holder, preceding the relevant Redemption Date, Dividend Payment Date or other payment date in respect of which such security or other investment has been deposited or set aside as a Deposit Security: (A) cash or any cash equivalent; (B) any U.S. Government Obligation; (C) any Short-Term Money Market Instrument; (D) any investment in any money market fund registered under the 1940 Act that qualifies under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, or similar investment vehicle described in Rule 12d1-1(b)(2) under the 1940 Act, that invests principally in Short-Term Money Market Instruments or U.S. Government Obligations or any combination thereof; or (E) any letter of credit from a bank or other financial institution that has a credit rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization that is the highest applicable rating generally ascribed by such rating agency to bank deposits or short-term debt of similar banks or other financial institutions as of the date of this Certificate of Designation (or such ratings future equivalent).
B-3
Short-Term Money Market Instruments means the following types of instruments if, on the date of purchase or other acquisition thereof by the Corporation, the remaining term to maturity thereof is not in excess of 180 days: (i) commercial paper rated A-1, if such commercial paper matures within 30 days, or A-1+, if such commercial paper matures in over 30 days; (ii) demand or time deposits in, and bankers acceptances and certificates of deposit of (A) a depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (B) a United States branch office or agency of a foreign depository institution (provided that such branch office or agency is subject to banking regulation under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia); and (iii) overnight funds.
U.S. Government Obligations means direct obligations of the United States or of its agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States and that, other than United States treasury bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and the full payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption.
2.5. Any dividend payment made on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the dividends and distributions accumulated with respect to the earliest Dividend Period for which dividends and distributions have not been paid.
2.6. Not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Dividend Payment Date, the Corporation shall deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities having an aggregate Market Value (as defined below) on such date sufficient to pay the dividends and distributions that are payable on such Dividend Payment Date. The Corporation may direct the Redemption and Paying Agent with respect to the investment or reinvestment of any such Deposit Securities prior to the Dividend Payment Date, provided , that such investment consists exclusively of Deposit Securities and provided , further , that the proceeds of any such investment will be available as same day funds at the opening of business on such Dividend Payment Date.
Market Value of any asset means, for securities for which market quotations are readily available, the market value thereof determined by an independent third-party pricing service designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Market Value of any asset shall include any interest accrued thereon. The pricing service values portfolio securities at the mean between the quoted bid and asked price or the yield equivalent when quotations are readily available. Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the pricing service using methods that include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating; indications as to value from dealers; and general market conditions. The pricing service may employ electronic data processing techniques or a matrix system, or both, to determine recommended valuations.
2.7. All Deposit Securities paid to the Redemption and Paying Agent for the payment of dividends payable on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be held in trust for the payment of such dividends by the Redemption and Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders entitled to the payment of such dividends pursuant to Section 2.6 . Any moneys paid to the Redemption and Paying Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Redemption and Paying Agent to the payment of dividends, including interest earned on such moneys while so held, will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Corporation as soon as possible after the date on which such moneys were to have been so applied, upon request of the Corporation.
2.8. Dividend Default .
(a) The Dividend Rate on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be adjusted, for any calendar day, to the Fixed Dividend Rate plus two percent (2.0%) per annum (the Default Rate ) in the following circumstances. Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall commence on any date the Corporation fails to deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on (A) a Dividend Payment Date, Deposit Securities that will provide funds available to the Redemption and Paying Agent on such Dividend Payment Date sufficient to pay the full amount of any dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date (a Dividend Default ) or (B) an applicable Redemption Date, Deposit Securities that will provide funds available to the Redemption and Paying Agent on such Redemption Date sufficient to pay the full amount
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of the Liquidation Preference for the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions on such shares accumulated to (but excluding) the date fixed for the redemption of such shares (whether or not earned or declared by the Corporation, but excluding interest thereon) (such amount, the Redemption Price ), payable in respect of such Series on such Redemption Date (a Redemption Default and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as Default ). Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2.8(b) below, a Default Period with respect to a Default on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall end on the calendar day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading ( Business Day ) on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and any unpaid Redemption Price, as applicable, shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Redemption and Paying Agent. In the case of any Default on the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the Dividend Rate for each calendar day during the Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate.
(b) No Default Period for the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to any Default on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due in respect of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (if such Default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Corporation) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds, with the Redemption and Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day that is not later than three (3) Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date with respect to which such Default occurred, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount and period of such non-payment based on the actual number of calendar days comprising such period divided by three hundred and sixty (360).
3.1. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to stockholders, after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment shall be made in respect of the Common Stock, a liquidation distribution of the Liquidation Preference for the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions on such shares accumulated to (but excluding) the date fixed for such distribution or payment on such shares (whether or not earned or declared by the Corporation, but excluding interest thereon), and such Holders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
3.2. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Corporation available for distribution among the Holders of all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and any other outstanding Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such Holders of the Liquidation Preference for the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions on such shares as provided in Section 3.1 above and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other Preferred Stock, then such available assets shall be distributed among the Holders of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Preferred Stock ratably in proportion to the respective preferential liquidation amounts to which they are entitled. In connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, unless and until the Liquidation Preference for the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions on such shares, as provided in Section 3.1 above has been paid in full to the Holders of such shares, no dividends, distributions or other payments will be made on, and no redemption, purchase or other acquisition by the Corporation will be made by the Corporation in respect of, shares of the Common Stock.
3.3. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of the property or business of the Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Corporation into or with any other business or statutory trust, corporation or other entity, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of any other business or statutory trust, corporation or other entity into or with the Corporation shall be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purpose of this ARTICLE III .
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4.1. Asset Coverage Requirement . For so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall have asset coverage of a class of senior security, as defined for purposes of Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act as in effect on the date hereof ( Asset Coverage ) of at least 200% as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any of the three month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31 of each year (each, a Calendar Quarter ). If the Corporation shall fail to maintain such Asset Coverage as of any time as of which such compliance is required to be determined as aforesaid, the provisions of Section 5.2(a) shall be applicable, which provisions shall constitute the sole remedy for the Corporations failure to comply with the provisions of this Section 4.1 .
4.2. Calculation of Asset Coverage . For purposes of determining whether the requirements of Section 4.1 are satisfied, (i) no Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be Outstanding for purposes of any computation required by Section 4.1 if, prior to or concurrently with such determination, either (x) sufficient Deposit Securities or other sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock) to pay the full Redemption Price for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed) shall have been deposited in trust with the paying agent for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock and the requisite notice of redemption for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed) shall have been given or (y) sufficient Deposit Securities or other sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock) to pay the full Redemption Price for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed) shall have been segregated by a bank, as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act, that has the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, or such other entity as shall be then providing custodian services to the Corporation as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder (the Custodian , which shall include any similarly qualified sub-custodian duly appointed by the Custodian) and the Corporation from the assets of the Corporation, by means of appropriate identification on the Custodians books and records or otherwise in accordance with the Custodians normal procedures, and (ii) the Deposit Securities or other sufficient funds that shall have been deposited with the applicable paying agent and/or segregated by the Custodian, as applicable, as provided in clause (i) of this sentence shall not be included as assets of the Corporation for purposes of such computation.
Shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation as provided below:
5.1. Term Redemption . The Corporation shall redeem all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on June 30, 2022 (the Term Redemption Date ) at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price.
5.2. Asset Coverage Mandatory Redemption .
(a) If the Corporation fails to comply with the Asset Coverage requirement as provided in Section 4.1 as of the last Business Day of any Calendar Quarter and such failure is not cured as of the date that is thirty (30) calendar days following the date of filing of the Corporations Annual Report on Form N-CSR, Semiannual Report on Form N-CSRS or Quarterly Report on Form N-Q (each, an SEC Report ) with the SEC with respect to such Calendar Quarter (such Business Day, the Asset Coverage Cure Date ), the Corporation shall, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and Delaware law, by the close of business on such Asset Coverage Cure Date, fix a redemption date and proceed to redeem in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock, a sufficient number of shares of Preferred Stock, which at the Corporations sole option (to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and Delaware law) may include any number or proportion of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, to enable it to meet the requirements of Section 5.2(b) . In the event that any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock then Outstanding are to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.2(a) , the Corporation shall redeem such shares at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price.
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(b) On the Redemption Date for a redemption contemplated by Section 5.2(a) , the Corporation shall redeem, out of funds legally available therefor, such number of shares of Preferred Stock (which may include at the sole option of the Corporation any number or proportion of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock) as shall be equal to the lesser of (x) the minimum number of shares of Preferred Stock, the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Corporation having Asset Coverage on such Asset Coverage Cure Date of at least 200% ( provided , however , that if there is no such minimum number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock the redemption or retirement of which would have such result, all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be redeemed), and (y) the maximum number of shares of Preferred Stock that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be legally available therefor in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, provided , further , that in connection with redemption for failure to maintain such Asset Coverage requirement, the Corporation may at its sole option, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 5.2 that, when aggregated with other shares of Preferred Stock redeemed by the Corporation, would result, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, in the Corporation having Asset Coverage on such Asset Coverage Cure Date of up to and including 285%. The Corporation shall effect such redemption on the date fixed by the Corporation therefor, which date shall not be later than ninety (90) calendar days after such Asset Coverage Cure Date, except that if the Corporation does not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the required number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock which have been designated to be redeemed or the Corporation otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to ninety (90) calendar days after such Asset Coverage Cure Date, the Corporation shall redeem those shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock which it was unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to effect such redemption. If fewer than all of the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.2 , the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be redeemed (A) pro rata among the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, (B) by lot or (C) in such other manner as the Board of Directors may determine to be fair and equitable.
5.3. Optional Redemption .
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 5.3(b) , on any Business Day following the expiration of the No-Call Period , which is the period beginning on the Date of Original of Issue and ending at the close of business on June 29, 2018, the Corporation may redeem in whole or from time to time in part the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price (any such Business Day referred to in this sentence, an Optional Redemption Date ).
(b) If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 5.3(a) , the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected either (A) pro rata, (B) by lot or (C) in such other manner as the Board of Directors may determine to be fair and equitable. Subject to the provisions of this Certificate of Designation and applicable law, the Board of Directors will have the full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.3 from time to time.
(c) The Corporation may not on any date deliver a Notice of Redemption pursuant to Section 5.4 in respect of a redemption contemplated to be effected pursuant to this Section 5.3 unless on such date the Corporation has available Deposit Securities for the Optional Redemption Date contemplated by such Notice of Redemption having a Market Value not less than the amount due to Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock by reason of the redemption of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on such Optional Redemption Date.
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5.4. Procedures for Redemption .
(a) If the Corporation shall determine or be required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5.1 , Section 5.2 , or Section 5.3 , the Corporation shall deliver a notice of redemption (the Notice of Redemption ), by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or by Electronic Means (as defined below) to Holders thereof, or request the Redemption and Paying Agent, on behalf of the Corporation, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or by Electronic Means. A Notice of Redemption shall be provided not more than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such Notice of Redemption (the Redemption Date ). Each such Notice of Redemption shall state: (A) the Redemption Date; (B) the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (C) the CUSIP number for shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock; (D) the applicable Redemption Price on a per share basis; (E) that dividends on the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such Redemption Date; and (F) the provision(s) of this Certificate of Designation under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption delivered to such Holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such Holder or the method of determining such number. The Corporation may provide in any Notice of Redemption relating to a redemption contemplated to be effected pursuant to this Certificate of Designation that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that the Corporation shall not be required to effect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or delivery thereof shall affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
Electronic Means means e-mail transmission, facsimile transmission or other similar electronic means of communication providing evidence of transmission (but excluding online communications systems covered by a separate agreement) acceptable to the sending party and the receiving party, in any case if operative as between any two parties, or, if not operative, by telephone (promptly confirmed by any other method set forth in this definition), which, in the case of notices to the Redemption and Paying Agent and the Custodian, shall be sent by such means to each of its representatives set forth in (i) the Redemption and Paying Agent Agreement, or other similarly titled agreement, by and among the Redemption and Paying Agent for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and the Corporation and (ii) the Custodian Agreement by and among the Custodian and the Corporation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock, respectively.
(b) If the Corporation shall give a Notice of Redemption, then at any time from and after the giving of such Notice of Redemption and prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption Date (so long as any conditions precedent to such redemption have been met or waived by the Corporation), the Corporation shall (A) deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities having an aggregate Market Value on the date thereof no less than the Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Redemption Date and (B) give the Redemption and Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the applicable Redemption Price to the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. The Corporation may direct the Redemption and Paying Agent with respect to the investment of any Deposit Securities consisting of cash so deposited prior to the Redemption Date, provided , that the proceeds of any such investment shall be available at the opening of business on the Redemption Date as same day funds.
(c) Upon the date of the deposit of such Deposit Securities, which in the case of term redemption pursuant to Section 5.1 , shall be no later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Term Redemption Date, all rights of the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall cease and terminate except the right of the Holders thereof to receive the Redemption Price thereof and such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed Outstanding for any purpose whatsoever (other than (A) the transfer thereof prior to the applicable Redemption Date and (B) the accumulation of dividends thereon in accordance with the terms hereof up to (but excluding) the applicable Redemption Date, which accumulated dividends, unless previously or contemporaneously declared and paid as contemplated by the last sentence of Section 5.4(d) below, shall be payable only as
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part of the applicable Redemption Price on the Redemption Date). The Corporation shall be entitled to receive, promptly after the Redemption Date, any Deposit Securities in excess of the aggregate Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Any Deposit Securities so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of ninety (90) calendar days from the Redemption Date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Corporation, after which the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall look only to the Corporation for payment of the Redemption Price thereof. The Corporation shall be entitled to receive, from time to time after the Term Redemption Date, any interest on the Deposit Securities so deposited.
(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this ARTICLE V , except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation shall not redeem any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions on all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and distributions for all applicable past dividend periods (whether or not earned or declared by the Corporation) (x) shall have been or are contemporaneously paid or (y) shall have been or are contemporaneously declared and Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock) for the payment of such dividends and distributions shall have been or are contemporaneously deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for such Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to Holders of all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and any other series of Preferred Stock for which all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions have not been paid.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been provided is not made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, such redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become available. No Redemption Default shall be deemed to have occurred if the Corporation shall fail to deposit in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent the Redemption Price with respect to any shares where (1) the Notice of Redemption relating to such redemption provided that such redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent and (2) any such condition precedent shall not have been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. Notwithstanding the fact that a Notice of Redemption has been provided with respect to any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in accordance with their terms if Deposit Securities for the payment of the Redemption Price of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose.
5.5. Redemption Date After Record Date and Before Dividend Payment Date . Notwithstanding Section 5.1 , Section 5.2 , and Section 5.3 , if any Redemption Date occurs after the applicable record date for a dividend, but on or prior to the related Dividend Payment Date, the dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date in respect of such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the holders of record of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable record date, and shall not be payable as part of the Redemption Price for such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
5.6. Redemption and Paying Agent as Trustee of Redemption Payments by Corporation . All Deposit Securities transferred to the Redemption and Paying Agent for payment of the Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Redemption and Paying Agent for the benefit of Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so to be redeemed until paid to such Holders in accordance with the terms hereof or returned to the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.4(c) above.
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5.7. Compliance with Applicable Law . In effecting any redemption pursuant to this ARTICLE V , the Corporation shall use its best efforts to comply with all applicable conditions precedent to effecting such redemption under the 1940 Act and any applicable Delaware law, but shall effect no redemption except in accordance with the 1940 Act and any applicable Delaware law.
5.8. Modification of Redemption Procedures . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE V , the Corporation may, in its sole discretion and without a stockholder vote, modify the procedures set forth above with respect to notification of redemption for the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, provided , that such modification does not materially and adversely affect the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock or cause the Corporation to violate any applicable law, rule or regulation; and provided , further , that no such modification shall in any way alter the rights or obligations of the Redemption and Paying Agent without its prior consent.
6.1. One Vote Per Share of Series A Term Preferred Stock . Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each Holder of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by such Holder on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation, and (ii) the holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, and of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class; provided , however , that the holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, shall be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the Holders of all other securities and classes of Capital Stock of the Corporation, to elect two Directors of the Corporation at all times. Subject to Section 6.2 , the Holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, including shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, shall elect the balance of the Directors.
6.2. Voting For Additional Directors .
(a) Voting Period . During any period in which any one or more of the conditions described in clauses (A) or (B) of this Section 6.2(a) shall exist (such period being referred to herein as a Voting Period ), the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be automatically increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the Holders of Preferred Stock, including shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, would constitute a majority of the Board of Directors as so increased by such smallest number; and the Holders of Preferred Stock, including Series A Term Preferred Stock, 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 capital stock of the Corporation), 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 for any outstanding Preferred Stock including any Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on such outstanding share of Preferred Stock equal to at least two (2) full years dividends shall be due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities shall not have been deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or |
(ii) | if at any time Holders of shares of Preferred Stock are otherwise entitled under the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the Board of Directors. |
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this Section 6.2(a) shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting rights in the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon the further occurrence of any of the events described in this Section 6.2(a) .
(b) Notice of Special Meeting . As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors as described in Section 6.2(a) , the Corporation shall call a special meeting of such Holders and notify the Redemption and Paying Agent and/or such other Person as is specified in the terms of such Preferred Stock to receive notice (i) by mailing or
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delivery by Electronic Means or (ii) in such other manner and by such other means as are specified in the terms of such Preferred Stock, a notice of such special meeting to such Holders, such meeting to be held not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the delivery by Electronic Means or mailing of such notice. If the Corporation fails to call such a special meeting, it may be called at the expense of the Corporation by any such Holder on like notice. The record date for determining the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on the Business Day preceding the calendar day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of Holders of shares of Preferred Stock 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 Corporation), shall be entitled to elect the number of Directors prescribed in Section 6.2(a) on a one-vote-per-share basis.
(c) Terms of Office of Existing Directors . The terms of office of the incumbent Directors of the Corporation at the time of a special meeting of Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors in accordance with Section 6.2(a) shall not be affected by the election at such meeting by the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Holders of shares of Preferred Stock of the number of Directors that they are entitled to elect, and the Directors so elected by the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Holders of shares of Preferred Stock, together with the two (2) Directors elected by the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 6.1 hereof and the remaining Directors elected by the holders of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, shall constitute the duly elected Directors of the Corporation.
(d) Terms of Office of Certain Directors to Terminate Upon Termination of Voting Period . Simultaneously with the termination of a Voting Period, the terms of office of the additional Directors elected by the Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall terminate, the remaining Directors shall constitute the Directors of the Corporation and the voting rights of the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall cease, subject to the provisions of the last sentence of Section 6.2(a) .
6.3. Holders of Shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to Vote on Certain Matters .
(a) Certain Amendments Requiring Approval of Preferred Stock . Except as otherwise permitted by the terms of this Certificate of Designation, so long as any shares of Preferred Stock of all series are Outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Preferred Stock of all series Outstanding at the time, voting together as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, or this Certificate of Designation, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of such shares of the Preferred Stock or the Holders thereof; provided , however , that (i) a change in the capitalization of the Corporation in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof shall not be considered to materially and adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock, and (ii) a division of a share of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to affect such preferences, rights or powers only if the terms of such division materially and adversely affect the Holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any preference, right or power of a share of Preferred Stock or the Holder thereof unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such share of Preferred Stock, or (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such share of Preferred Stock (other than as a result of a division of a share of Preferred Stock). So long as any shares of Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of at least two-thirds of the Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, file a voluntary application for relief under federal bankruptcy law or any similar application under state law for so long as the Corporation is solvent and does not foresee becoming insolvent.
(b) Certain Amendments Requiring Approval of Series A Term Preferred Stock . The Corporation cannot effect any amendment, alteration or repeal of the obligation to redeem all of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on June 30, 2022 without the prior unanimous consent of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
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(c) 1940 Act Matters . Unless a higher percentage is provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the Holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, shall be required (A) to approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or (B) any action requiring a vote of security holders of the Corporation pursuant to Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. For purposes of the foregoing, the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock means the vote at an annual or special meeting duly called of (i) sixty-seven percent (67%) or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the Holders of more than fifty percent (50%) of such shares are present or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (ii) more than fifty percent (50%) of such shares, whichever is less.
6.4. Voting Rights Set Forth Herein Are Sole Voting Rights . Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights with respect to voting other than those specifically set forth in this ARTICLE VI .
6.5. No Cumulative Voting . The Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have no rights to cumulative voting.
6.6. Voting for Directors Sole Remedy for Corporations Failure to Declare or Pay Dividends . In the event that the Corporation fails to declare or pay any dividends on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Dividend Payment Date therefor, the exclusive remedy of the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be the right to vote for Directors pursuant to the provisions of this ARTICLE VI . Nothing in this Section 6.6 shall be deemed to affect the obligation of the Corporation to accumulate and, if permitted by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and this Certificate of Designation, pay dividends at the Default Rate in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2.8 hereof.
6.7. Holders Entitled to Vote . For purposes of determining any rights of the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created by this Certificate of Designation, by the Certificate of Incorporation, by statute or otherwise, no Holder of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote any share of Series A Term Preferred Stock and no share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be Outstanding for the purpose of voting or determining the number of shares required to constitute a quorum if, prior to or concurrently with the time of determination of shares entitled to vote or the time of the actual vote on the matter, as the case may be, the requisite Notice of Redemption with respect to such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have been given in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and Deposit Securities for the payment of the Redemption Price of such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose. No share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by the Corporation shall have any voting rights or be deemed to be outstanding for voting or for calculating the voting percentage required on any other matter or other purposes.
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7.1. Issuance of Additional Preferred Stock . So long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation may, without the vote or consent of the Holders thereof, (a) authorize, establish and create and issue and sell shares of one or more series of a class of senior securities of the Corporation representing stock under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, ranking on a parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, in addition to then Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, and (b) authorize, issue and sell additional shares of any such series then outstanding or so established and created, including additional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, in each case in accordance with applicable law, provided that the Corporation shall, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional shares of Preferred Stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof, including to the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock with such proceeds, have Asset Coverage (calculated in the same manner as is contemplated by Section 4.2 hereof) of at least 200%.
7.2. Status of Redeemed or Repurchased Series A Term Preferred Stock . Shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock that at any time have been redeemed or purchased by the Corporation shall, after such redemption or purchase, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of Capital Stock.
7.3. Registered Name . Prior to the commencement of a Voting Period, (i) all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock Outstanding from time to time shall be registered in the name of the Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns, or any other securities depository selected by the Corporation that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by such securities depository as set forth in this Certificate of Designation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock (the Securities Depository ) or its nominee and (ii) no registration of transfer of shares of such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation to any Person other than the Securities Depository or its nominee.
7.4. Notice . All notices or communications hereunder, unless otherwise specified in this Certificate of Designation, shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person, by Electronic Means or by overnight mail or delivery or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notices delivered pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be deemed given on the date received or, if mailed by first class mail, on the date five (5) calendar days after which such notice is mailed.
7.5. Termination . In the event that no shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, all rights and preferences of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock established and designated hereunder shall cease and terminate, and all obligations of the Corporation under this Certificate of Designation with respect to such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall terminate.
7.6. Amendment . The Board of Directors may, by resolution duly adopted, without stockholder approval (except as otherwise provided by this Certificate of Designation or required by applicable law) amend this Certificate of Designation so as to reflect any amendments to the terms applicable to the Series A Term Preferred Stock, including an increase in the number of authorized shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
7.7. Actions on Other than Business Days . Unless otherwise provided herein, if the date for making any payment, performing any act or exercising any right, in each case as provided for in this Certificate of Designation, is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made, act performed or right exercised on the next succeeding Business Day, with the same force and effect as if made or done on the nominal date provided therefor, and, with respect to any payment so made, no dividends, interest or other amount shall accrue for the period between such nominal date and the date of payment.
7.8. Modification . The Board of Directors, without the vote of the Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, may interpret, supplement or amend the provisions of this Certificate of Designation to supply any omission, resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity or to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, including any provision that becomes defective after the date hereof because of impossibility of performance or any provision that is inconsistent with any provision of any other Capital Stock of the Corporation.
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7.9. Information Rights . During any period in which the Corporation is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act ) and any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation will provide holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, without cost, copies of SEC Reports that the Corporation would have been required to file pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the Corporation was subject to such provisions or, alternatively, the Corporation will voluntarily file SEC Reports as if the Corporation was subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
7.10. No Additional Rights . Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth in this Certificate of Designation.
7.11. Interpretation .
(a) The headings preceding the text of the Articles and Sections included in this Certificate of Designation are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part of this Certificate of Designation or be given any effect in interpreting this Certificate of Designation. The use of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender or the singular or plural form of words herein shall not limit any provision of this Certificate of Designation. The use of the terms including or include shall in all cases herein mean including, without limitation or include, without limitation, respectively. Reference to any Person includes such Persons successors and assigns to the extent such successors and assigns are permitted by the terms of any applicable agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually.
(b) Reference to any agreement (including this Certificate of Designation), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms hereof. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, reference to any law means such law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or re-enacted, in whole or in part, including rules, regulations, enforcement procedures and any interpretations promulgated thereunder. Underscored references to Articles and Sections shall refer to those portions of this Certificate of Designation. The use of the terms hereunder, hereof, hereto and words of similar import shall refer to this Certificate of Designation as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or clause of this Certificate of Designation.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Designation to be duly executed by its duly authorized officer as of this day of May, 2015.
EAGLE POINT CREDIT COMPANY INC.
By: |
Name: Thomas Majewski Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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Joint Book-Running Managers
Deutsche Bank Securities |
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
A Stifel Company |
Lead Managers
Wunderlich Securities |
MUFG
|
Compass Point | Incapital LLC |
The following financial statements of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. (the Company or the Registrant) are included in Part A of the Registration Statement:
(a)(1) | Form of Certification of Incorporation (3) | |
(a)(2) | Form of Certificate of Designation for the % Series A Term Preferred Stock (included in the prospectus as Appendix B) | |
(b) | Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws (5) | |
(c) | Not applicable | |
(d) | Not applicable | |
(e) | Dividend Reinvestment Plan (3) | |
(f) | Not applicable | |
(g) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement by and between Registrant and Eagle Point Credit Management LLC (1) | |
(h)(1) | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |
(h)(2) | Form of Master Agreement among Underwriters (4) | |
(i) | Not applicable | |
(j) | Form of Custodian Agreement (1) | |
(k)(1) | Form of Administration Agreement by and between Registrant and Eagle Point Administration LLC (1) | |
(k)(2) | Form of License Agreement between Registrant and Eagle Point Credit Management LLC (2) | |
(k)(3) | Form of Transfer Agency and Registrar Services Agreement between Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (3) | |
(k)(4) | Services Agreement, dated November 1, 2014 by and among SS&C Technologies, Inc., the Registrant, Eagle Point Administration LLC and Eagle Point Credit Management LLC | |
(l) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel | |
(m) | Not applicable | |
(n) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
(o) | Not applicable | |
(p) | Not applicable | |
(q) | Not applicable | |
(r)(1) | Code of Ethics of the Registrant (2) | |
(r)(2) | Code of Ethics of Eagle Point Credit Management LLC (3) |
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(1) | Previously filed on June 6, 2014 with the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-196590 and 811-22974) and incorporated by reference herein. |
(2) | Previously filed on July 7, 2014 with Amendment No. 1 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-196590 and 811-22974) and incorporated by reference herein. |
(3) | Previously filed on September 30, 2014 with Amendment No. 4 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-196590 and 811-22974) and incorporated by reference herein. |
(4) | Previously filed on October 6, 2014 with Amendment No. 5 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-196590 and 811-22974) and incorporated by reference herein. |
(5) | Previously filed on March 20, 2015 with the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-202914 and 811-22974) and incorporated by reference herein. |
See Form of Underwriting Agreement and Form of Master Agreement among Underwriters, filed as Exhibit (h)(1) and Exhibit (h)(2), respectively, to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 and incorporated by reference herein.
SEC registration fee | $ | 4,677 | ||
FINRA filing fee | $ | 6,538 | ||
NYSE listing fee | $ | 20,650 | ||
Printing and postage | $ | 50,000 | ||
Legal fees and expenses | $ | 120,000 | ||
Accounting fees and expenses | $ | 55,000 | ||
Miscellaneous | $ | 20,000 | ||
Total | $ | 276,865 |
Note: Except for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the NYSE listing fee, all listed amounts are estimates.
Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant.
Eagle Point Credit Company Sub (Cayman) Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant.
The following table sets forth the number of record holders of each class of the Registrants securities as of April 25, 2015:
Title of Class |
Number of
Record Holders |
|||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share | 8 | |||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share | 0 |
As permitted by Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, the Registrant has adopted provisions in its certificate of incorporation, as amended, that limit or eliminate the personal liability of its directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Consequently, a director will not be
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personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for: any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders; any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
The Registrants certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that all directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant shall be entitled to be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under Section 145 of the DGCL, the Registrant is permitted to offer indemnification to its directors, officers, employees and agents.
Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise. Such indemnity may be against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and if, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person did not have reasonable cause to believe the persons conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise, against any expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person in any such capacity, or arising out of the persons status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions of the law. We have obtained liability insurance for the benefit of our directors and officers.
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, Eagle Point Credit Management LLC (the Adviser) and its officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Registrant for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of the Advisers services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an Adviser of the Registrant.
The Administration Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, Eagle Point
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Administration LLC and its officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Registrant for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of Eagle Point Administration LLCs services under the Administration Agreement or otherwise as administrator for the Registrant.
The law also provides for comparable indemnification for corporate officers and agents. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors. The indemnification agreements are intended to provide the Registrants directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Delaware law and the 1940 Act. Each indemnification agreement provides that the Registrant shall indemnify the director who is a party to the agreement (an Indemnitee), including the advancement of legal expenses, if, by reason of his or her corporate status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to or a witness in any threatened, pending, or completed proceeding, other than a proceeding by or in the right of the Registrant.
A description of any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the Adviser, and each managing director, director or executive officer of the Adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in Part A of this Registration Statement in the sections entitled Management and The Adviser and the Administrator. Additional information regarding the Adviser and its officers and directors is set forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC File No. 801-77721), under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is incorporated herein by reference.
All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of:
(1) | the Registrant, Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830; | |
(2) | the Transfer Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219; | |
(3) | the Custodian, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1761 East St. Andrews Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705; and | |
(4) | the Adviser, Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. |
Not applicable.
(1) | Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of Series A Term Preferred Stock covered hereby until the prospectus contained herein is amended if (1) subsequent to the effective date of this Registration Statement, the Companys net asset value declines more than 10% from its net asset value as of the effective date of this Registration Statement, or (2) the Companys net asset value increases by an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus contained herein. |
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(2) | Not applicable. |
(3) | Not applicable. |
(4) | Not applicable. |
(5) | Registrant undertakes that: |
(a) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(b) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to a new registration statement relating to the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(6) | Not applicable. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of Greenwich, in the State of Connecticut, on the 11 th day of May 2015.
EAGLE POINT CREDIT COMPANY INC .
By: |
/s/ Thomas P. Majewski
Thomas P. Majewski Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities indicated, on the 11 th day of May 2015.
Signature | Title | |
/s/ Thomas P. Majewski
Thomas P. Majewski |
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
/s/ Kenneth P. Onorio
Kenneth P. Onorio |
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
*
James R. Matthews |
Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
*
Scott W. Appleby |
Director | |
*
Kevin F. McDonald |
Director | |
*
Paul E. Tramontano |
Director | |
*
Jeffrey L. Weiss |
Director | |
*By:
/s/ Thomas P. Majewski
|
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Exhibit (h)(1)
[ • ] Shares
Eagle point credit COMPANY Inc.
[•]% Series A Term Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per Share
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
DATED May [•], 2015
May [•], 2015
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule I attached hereto,
c/o Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware (the “ Company ”), is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ Investment Company Act ”). Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Investment Adviser ”), acts as the Company’s investment adviser. Eagle Point Administration LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Administrator ”), acts as the Company’s administrator.
The Company proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “ Underwriters ”) [•] shares (the “ Firm Shares ”) of [•]% Series A Term Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”). The Company also proposes to sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional [•] shares of Preferred Stock (the “ Additional Shares ”) if and to the extent that Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“ Deutsche Bank ”) and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“ KBW ”), as the representatives of the Underwriters in the offering (each, a “ Representative ,” and together, the “ Representatives ”), shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such Additional Shares granted to the Underwriters in Section 3 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Shares .”
The Company has entered into (i) an investment advisory agreement with the Investment Adviser dated as of June 6, 2014 (“ Investment Advisory Agreemen t”), (ii) a custody agreement with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas dated as of June 5, 2014 (the “ Custody Agreement ”), (iii) an Administration Agreement with the Administrator dated as of June 6, 2014 (the “ Administration Agreement ”), (iv) a transfer agency and registrar services agreement with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC dated as of September 16, 2014, as amended (the “ Transfer Agency Agreement ”) and (v) a license agreement with the Investment Adviser dated as of September 26, 2014 (the “ License Agreement ”). Collectively, the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Custody Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Transfer Agency Agreement and the License Agreement are herein referred to as the “ Company Agreements .”
The Investment Company Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Acts ,” and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) under the Acts and under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Rules and Regulations .”
Prior to the Closing Date (as defined below), the Company will file a statement of resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company establishing and designating the Preferred Stock (the “ Certificate of Designation ”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-202914 and 811-22974) covering the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act, including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses, and the Rules and Regulations. The registration statement as amended, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, at the time it became effective, including the information, if any, deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A of the Rules and Regulations is hereinafter referred to as the “ Registration Statement ”; the prospectus first used by the Company to confirm sales of the Shares in the form filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 497 of the Rules and Regulations is hereinafter referred to as the “ Prospectus ”; any prospectus delivered to any person by the Company, the Investment Adviser or at the direction of the Company or the Investment Adviser by any agent or affiliate thereof before such Registration Statement became effective, and any prospectus that omitted the information included in any such prospectus that was omitted from such Registration Statement at the time it became effective pursuant to paragraph (B) of Rule 430A of the Rules and Regulations that was delivered after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement is hereinafter referred to as a “ preliminary prospectus .” If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement to register additional shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules and Regulations (the “ Rule 462 Registration Statement ”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.
All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“ EDGAR ”) system.
For purposes of this Agreement, “ Omitting Prospectus ” means any written advertisement used with the written consent of the Company in the public offering of the Shares and filed pursuant to Rule 482 of the Rules and Regulations (“ Rule 482 ”). “ Time of Sale Prospectus ” means, as of the Applicable Time (as defined below), the preliminary prospectus, dated May [•], 2015 (the “ Preliminary Prospectus ”), together with the pricing information set forth on Schedule II hereto (which information the Underwriters have informed the Company is being conveyed orally by the Underwriters to prospective purchasers at or prior to the Underwriters’ confirmation of sales of the Shares in the offering) and each Omitting Prospectus identified on Schedule III hereto as a Retail Omitting Prospectus, all considered together. As used herein, the terms “ Registration Statement ,” “ Preliminary Prospectus ,” “ Time of Sale Prospectus ” and “ Prospectus ” shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein. As used herein, the “Effective Date” shall mean each date and time that the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement became or becomes effective.
2 |
“ Applicable Time ” means [•]:[•] [A.M./P.M.] (Eastern Time) on May [•], 2015 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representatives.
1. Representations and Warranties of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator. The Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to and agree with each of the Underwriters as of the date hereof, the Applicable Time and the Closing Date as follows:
(a) The Registration Statement has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission; no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been received by the Company; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission. The Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering were identical in all material respects to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto, and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations.
(b) At the respective times the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (filed before the Closing Date) became effective and at the Closing Date (and, if any Additional Shares are purchased, at the Option Closing Date), the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment thereto complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Acts and the Rules and Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective dates thereof and at the Closing Date (and, if any Additional Shares are purchased, at the Option Closing Date), contained or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Time of Sale Prospectus, at the Applicable Time, did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties in this paragraph do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus made solely in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf of any Underwriter for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or Prospectus.
3 |
(c) The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and to enter into this Agreement and is in good standing and is duly qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or to be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the prospects, earnings, business or operations of the Company (a “ Company Material Adverse Effect ”). The Company has no subsidiaries other than Eagle Point Credit Company Sub LLC and Eagle Point Credit Company Sub (Cayman) Ltd.
(d) The Company is, and at all times through the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby will be, in compliance in all material respects with the applicable terms and conditions of the Acts and the Rules and Regulations. To the Company’s knowledge, no person is serving or acting as an officer or director of, or investment adviser to, the Company except in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, including the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ Advisers Act ”). Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, to the Company’s knowledge, no director of the Company is an “interested person” of the Company or an “affiliated person” of any Underwriter (each as defined in the Investment Company Act).
(e) Each of this Agreement and the Company Agreements has been duly authorized by the Company. Each Company Agreement complies with all applicable provisions of the Acts, the Advisers Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations. Each Company Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) represents a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Company’s obligations thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (including without limitation the availability of specific performance or injunctive relief and the application of concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law; provided that neither the Company nor the Investment Adviser makes any representation or warranty as to the effect on the representations and warranties expressed herein of (i) the compliance and noncompliance of any other party (other than the Company and the Investment Adviser) to any of the foregoing Company Agreements with state, federal or other laws or regulations applicable to it or them or (ii) the legal or regulatory status or nature of the business of such other party.
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(f) None of (1) the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement and each Company Agreement, (2) the filing of the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or (3) the issue and sale by the Company of the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement conflicts with or will conflict with, result in, or constitute a violation, breach of, default under, (x) the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended to date (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”), or the amended and restated bylaws of the Company, as amended to date (the “ Bylaws ”), (y) any agreement, indenture, note, bond, license, lease or other instrument or obligation binding upon the Company that is material to the Company or (z) any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company, whether foreign or domestic; except, with respect to clauses (y) or (z), any contravention which would have neither (i) a Company Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that no representation or warranty is made with respect to compliance with the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares in such jurisdiction by any Underwriter.
(g) No consent, approval, authorization, order or permit of, license from, or qualification with, any governmental body, agency or authority, self-regulatory organization or court or other tribunal, whether foreign or domestic, is required to be obtained by the Company prior to the Closing Date for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the Company Agreements, except such as have been obtained and as may be required by (i) the Acts, the Advisers Act, the Exchange Act or the applicable Rules and Regulations, (ii) the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., including legacy NASD rules (“ FINRA ”), or of the New York Stock Exchange (the “ NYSE ”), (iii) the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or (iv) such as which the failure to obtain would have neither (x) a Company Material Adverse Effect or (y) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) The capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof under the heading “Description of Our Capital Stock” in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, and this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Company Agreements conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(i) This Agreement, the Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws comply with all applicable provisions of the Acts, the Advisers Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations, and all approvals of such documents required under the Investment Company Act by the Company’s shareholders and, to the extent applicable, Board of Directors have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
(j) The Company Agreements are in full force and effect and neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any other party to any such agreement is in default thereunder, and no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default by the Company thereunder, and the Company is not currently in breach of, or in default under, any other written agreement or instrument to which it or its property is bound or affected, the default under or breach of which could reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(k) The shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), outstanding prior to the issuance of the Firm Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company was issued in violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company. Other than as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Company are outstanding.
(l) The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of the Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The Shares conform to the description thereof under the heading “Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock” contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and such description conforms in all material respects to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same.
(m) An application for listing shares of Preferred Stock on the NYSE has been filed by the Company.
(n) The Shares conform to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation and the relative rights, preferences, interests and powers of such Shares are set forth in the Certificate of Designation. The Certificate of Designation has been, or by the Closing Date will be, duly authorized and executed by the Company in compliance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”) and filed by the Company with Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Certificate of Designation is, or by the Closing Date will be, in full force and effect.
(o) Each Omitting Prospectus (i) complies in all material respects with the requirements of Rule 482 and (ii) complied and will comply in all material respects with the Acts, the Rules and Regulations and the rules and regulations of FINRA. Except for the Omitting Prospectuses identified on Schedule III hereto, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to and will not, without the Underwriters’ prior consent, prepare, use or refer to any Omitting Prospectus.
(p) The questionnaires relating to FINRA Rule 5110 provided to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters in connection with letters, filings or other supplemental information provided to FINRA pursuant to FINRA’s conduct rules (Rules 5100, 5110 or 5121) are true and correct in all material respects.
(q) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development reasonably likely to involve a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the prospects, earnings, business or operations of the Company, and there have been no transactions entered into by the Company which are material to the Company, other than those in the ordinary course of its business or as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(r) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened to which the Company is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, or on the power or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus and are not so described. Each officer signing or delivering a certificate pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof may rely upon his or her knowledge as to legal or governmental proceedings threatened.
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(s) The statements in the Registration Statement and the Time of Sale Prospectus under the headings “Prospectus Summary—Operating and Regulatory Structure,” “The Adviser and the Administrator—Investment Advisory Agreement,” “The Adviser and the Administrator—The Administrator and the Administration Agreement,” “Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company,” “U.S. Federal Income Tax Matters,” “Description of Our Capital Stock” and “Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock” insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings discussed therein, are accurate and fair summaries of such legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings.
(t) The Company has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals, orders (including exemptive orders), licenses, certificates, permits, qualifications and registrations of and from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations and courts and other tribunals, whether foreign or domestic, to own and use its assets and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, except to the extent that the failure to obtain or file the foregoing would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(u) Each of the Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as of the respective dates thereof, and the Time of Sale Prospectus, as of the Applicable Time, complied in all material respects with the Acts and the applicable Rules and Regulations.
(v) The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related notes thereto (collectively, the “ Company Financial Statements ”), present fairly the financial condition of the Company as of the date indicated, comply as to form with the requirements of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”). The supporting schedules to such Company Financial Statements, if any, present fairly in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein. KPMG LLP, whose report appears in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and who have certified the Company Financial Statements and supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement, is an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of, and as required by, the Acts and the applicable Rules and Regulations.
(w) There are no material restrictions, limitations or regulations with respect to the ability of the Company to invest its assets as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, other than as described therein.
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(x) Neither the Company nor any of its agents or representatives (other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares other than (i) the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, and (ii) the Omitting Prospectuses, if any, identified on Schedule III hereto. All other promotional material (including “road show slides” or “road show scripts”) prepared by the Company or the Investment Adviser for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares (“ Road Show Material ”) is not inconsistent with the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and when taken together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, at the Applicable Time, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All advertisements authorized by the Company in writing for use in the offering of the Shares complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Acts, the applicable Rules and Regulations and the rules and regulations of FINRA, including legacy NASD rules, and there are no such advertisements other than (i) the Omitting Prospectuses identified in Schedule III hereto and (ii) any advertisement that complies with Rule 135a of the Rules and Regulations.
(y) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to require the Company to include such securities with the Shares registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.
(z) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (i) the Company has not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction, (ii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock, other than ordinary and customary dividends and (iii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company, except in each case as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.
(aa) The Company owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names currently employed by them in connection with the business now operated by it, and the Company has not received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(bb) The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ECC”. The Company has not received any notice that it is not in compliance with the listing or maintenance requirements of the NYSE with respect to the Common Stock. The Company believes that it is, and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in material compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements.
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(cc) To the extent that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission and NYSE thereunder (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”), have been applicable to the Company, there is and has been no failure on the part of the Company to comply with any applicable provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(dd) The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations and with the applicable requirements of the Acts, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability and compliance with the books and records requirements under the Acts, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements included in the Prospectus, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated), (ii) no fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or employees who have a role in the Company’s internal controls and (iii) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(ee) The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 30a-3 under the Investment Company Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are effective as required by the Investment Company Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations and the Company is not aware of any material weakness in such controls and procedures.
(ff) Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate.
(gg) There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (or the documents incorporated by reference therein) or to be filed as exhibits thereto by the Securities Act or the Investment Company Act which have not been so described and filed as required.
(hh) The operations of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the money laundering statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
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(ii) Neither the Company, the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corruption Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ FCPA ”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and to the knowledge of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, their affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
(jj) Neither the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“ OFAC ”) and none of the Company, the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator will directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
(kk) The Company is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which it is engaged; all policies of insurance insuring the Company or its business, assets, employees, officers and directors, including the Company’s directors and officers errors and omissions insurance policy and its fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 of the Rules and Regulations, are in full force and effect, and the Company is in compliance with the terms of such policies and fidelity bond in all material respects; and there are no claims by the Company under any such policies or fidelity bond as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; the Company has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage and fidelity bond as and when such coverage and fidelity bond expires or to obtain similar coverage and fidelity bond from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
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(ll) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of either Representative (the description of such arrangements and outstanding indebtedness thereunder is true, accurate and complete in all respects) and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares hereunder to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of either Representative.
(mm) There are no business relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus which have not been described as required, it being understood and agreed that the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator make no representation or warranty with respect to such relationships involving any Underwriter or any affiliate and any other person that have not been disclosed to the Company by the relevant Underwriter in connection with this offering.
(nn) None of the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator nor any of their affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.
(oo) The Company owns, leases or has rights to use all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted.
(pp) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, none of the persons who were officers or directors of the Company as of the date of the Preliminary Prospectus has given oral or written notice to the Company of his or her resignation (or otherwise indicated to the Company an intention to resign within the next 24 months), nor has any such officer or director been terminated by the Company or otherwise removed from his or her office or from the board of directors, as the case may be (including, without limitation, any such termination or removal which is to be effective as of a future date) nor is any such termination or removal under consideration by the Company or its board of directors.
(qq) There are no stock or other transfer taxes, stamp duties, capital duties or other similar duties, taxes or charges payable in connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement by the Company or the issuance or sale by the Company of the Shares to be sold by the Company to the Underwriters hereunder.
(rr) To the Company’s knowledge, no director or officer of the Company or Investment Adviser is subject to any non-competition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or prior employer which could materially affect his ability to be and act in his respective capacity of the Company or Investment Adviser or result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(ss) The Company operates in compliance in all material respects with the requirements to be taxed as, and has duly elected to be taxed as (which election has not been revoked), a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”). The Company intends to direct the investment of the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Shares in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds” and in such a manner as to continue to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code.
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(tt) Each investment held by the Company as of the date hereof, except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, is, to the Company’s knowledge, current, in all material respects, with all its obligations under the applicable terms of the investment, no event of default (or a default which with the giving of notice or the passage of time would become an event of default) has occurred in respect of such investment, except to the extent that any such failure to be current in any such obligations and any such default would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Any certificate signed by or on behalf of the Company and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to a representation and warranty by the Company as to the matters covered therein to each Underwriter.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator . The Investment Adviser and the Administrator represent and warrant to and agree with each of the Underwriters as of the date hereof as follows:
(a) Each of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator has been duly formed and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, respectively, with the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and enter into this Agreement and the other Company Agreements to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, as the case may be, and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the prospects, earnings, business or operations of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be (an “ Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect ”). Each of the Investment Adviser and Administrator has no subsidiaries.
(b) The Investment Adviser is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the Investment Company Act from acting under the Investment Advisory Agreement as an investment adviser to the Company as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, and no order of suspension or revocation of such registration has been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser, threatened by the Commission.
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(c) This Agreement and the Company Agreements to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, as the case may be, have been duly authorized by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable. This Agreement and each Company Agreement to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party comply with the applicable provisions of the Acts, the Advisers Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations. Each Company Agreement to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party has been duly executed and delivered by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, and (assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) represents a valid and binding agreement of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, enforceable against the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, except (a) as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Investment Adviser’s or the Administrator’s obligations thereunder, as applicable, may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (including without limitation the availability of specific performance or injunctive relief and the application of concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (b) in the case of the Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to termination under the Investment Company Act or the reasonableness or fairness of compensation payable thereunder.
(d) The execution and delivery by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of, and the performance by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of its obligations under, this Agreement does not conflict with or will conflict with, result in, or constitute a violation, breach of, default under, (x) the limited liability company operating agreement of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable (y) any agreement, indenture, note, bond, license, lease or other instrument or obligation binding upon the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, that is material to the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, or (z) any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, whether foreign or domestic; except, with respect to clauses (y) or (z), any contravention which would have neither (i) an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that no representation or warranty is made with respect to compliance with the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares in such jurisdiction by any Underwriter.
(e) No consent, approval, authorization, order or permit of, license from, or qualification or registration with any governmental body, agency or authority, self-regulatory organization or court or other tribunal, whether foreign or domestic, is required to be obtained by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, prior to the Closing Date for the performance by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of its obligations under this Agreement or any Company Agreement to which it is a party, except such as have been obtained and as may be required by (i) the Acts, the Advisers Act, the Exchange Act, or the applicable Rules and Regulations, (ii) the rules and regulations of FINRA or of the NYSE, (iii) by the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or (iv) such as which the failure to obtain would have neither (i) an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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(f) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, threatened to which the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator is a party or to which any of the properties of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and proceedings that would not have an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or have an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect on the power or ability of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus and are not so described.
(g) There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (or the documents incorporated by reference therein) or to be filed as exhibits thereto by the Securities Act or by the Rules and Regulations which have not been so described and filed as required.
(h) Each of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals, orders (including exemptive orders), licenses, certificates, permits, qualifications and registrations of and from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations and courts and other tribunals, whether foreign or domestic, to own and use its assets and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, except to the extent that the failure to obtain or file the foregoing would not result in an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Each of the Investment Adviser and Administrator has the financial resources available to it necessary for the performance of its services and obligations as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and by this Agreement and each Company Agreement to which it is a party.
(j) The Investment Advisory Agreement is in full force and effect and neither the Investment Adviser nor, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser, any other party to the Investment Advisory Agreement is in default thereunder, and no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default by the Investment Adviser under such document.
(k) Each of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; all policies of insurance and any fidelity or surety bonds insuring the Investment Adviser or the Administrator or their respective businesses, assets, employees, officers and directors are in full force and effect; the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are in compliance with the terms of such policies and instruments in all material respects; there are no claims by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; neither the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect
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(l) All information furnished by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus, including, without limitation, the description of the Investment Adviser (the “ Investment Adviser Information ” and the “ Administrator Information ” respectively) does not, and on the Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading (and in the case of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which such information is provided).
(m) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development reasonably likely to involve a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the prospects, earnings, business or operations of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator from that set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, and there have been no transactions entered into by the Investment Adviser which are material to the Investment Adviser other than those in the ordinary course of its business or as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(n) Neither the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator, nor any of its respective affiliates, has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.
(o) The operations of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable Money Laundering Laws and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Investment Adviser or the Administrator with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, threatened.
(p) Neither the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator nor, to their knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the FCPA, including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, and the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
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(q) Neither the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator nor, to its knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC and neither the Investment Adviser or the Administrator will directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
(r) The Investment Adviser maintains a system of internal controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions effectuated by it under the Investment Advisory Agreement are executed in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization and (ii) access to the Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization.
(s) The Administrator maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions for which it has bookkeeping and record keeping responsibility for under the Administration Agreement are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for the Company’s assets and (ii) the recorded accountability for such assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
Any certificate signed by or on behalf of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to a representation and warranty by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, as to the matters covered therein to each Underwriter.
3. Agreements to Sell and Purchase . The Company hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective numbers of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite its name at $[•] per share (the “ Purchase Price ”).
On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares and the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, the Additional Shares at the Purchase Price. The Representatives may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from time to time in part by giving written notice to the Company not later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing date for the Firm Shares and not later than ten business days after the date of such notice. Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 5 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each Option Closing Date (as defined below), if any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.
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The Company hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period ending 90 days after the date of the Prospectus, (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock, Preferred Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or Preferred Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (3) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any Common Stock, Preferred Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the 90-day restricted period, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (2) prior to the expiration of the 90-day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period following the last day of the 90-day restricted period, then in each case the restrictions imposed by this Agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the release of the earnings results or the occurrence of material news or a material event relating to the Company, as the case may be, unless the Representatives waive, in writing, such extension. The agreements contained in this paragraph shall not apply to the Shares to be sold hereunder or any Common Stock issued pursuant to the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
4. Terms of Public Offering . The Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator each understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered. The Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator each further understands that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at $[•] per share (the “ Public Offering Price ”), and to certain dealers selected by the Representatives at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $[•] per share under the Public Offering Price.
5. Payment and Delivery . Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available to a bank account designated by the Company against delivery of such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time), on May [•], 2015, or at such other time on the same or such other date as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. The time and date of such payment are herein referred to as the “ Closing Date .”
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Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available to a bank account designated by the Company against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time), on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 3 or at such other time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than June [•], 2015, as shall be agreed by the Representatives and the Company. The time and date of any such payment for Additional Shares are herein referred to as the “ Option Closing Date .”
The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to Deutsche Bank through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.
6. Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations . The respective obligations of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and the several obligations of the Underwriters, hereunder are subject to the condition that the Registration Statement has become effective and at the Closing Date no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings with respect thereto shall have been initiated or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel to the Underwriters.
The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:
(a) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the prospects, earnings, business or operations of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus that, in the Representatives’ reasonable judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the Representatives’ reasonable judgment, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(b) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date. The Underwriters shall also have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Investment Adviser, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Investment Adviser contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Investment Adviser has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date. The Underwriters shall also have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Administrator, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Administrator contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Administrator has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date.
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(c) Each of the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Company shall have performed all of its respective obligations to be performed hereunder on or prior to the Closing Date.
(d) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Dechert LLP, counsel for the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, dated the Closing Date, satisfactory to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters in form and substance, to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto.
(e) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date the favorable opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date, and covering such matters as the Underwriters shall reasonably request.
(f) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from KPMG LLP, independent registered public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than the date hereof.
(g) All filings, applications and proceedings taken by the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator in connection with the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.
(h) No action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission which would adversely affect the Company’s standing as a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act or the standing of the Investment Adviser as a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
(i) The Company shall have applied to have the Shares listed for trading on the NYSE.
(j) The Underwriters shall have obtained a No Objections Letter from FINRA regarding the fairness and reasonableness of the Underwriting terms and arrangements.
The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to the Representatives on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents as the Representatives may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, the due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares, and officers’ certificates, opinions of Dechert LLP to the effect set forth above, and comfort letters of KPMG LLP to the effect set forth above, except that such certificates, opinions and comfort letters shall be dated as of the applicable Option Closing Date and statements and opinions above contemplated to be given as of the Closing Date shall instead be made and given as of such Option Closing Date.
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7. Covenants of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator . In further consideration of the agreements of the Underwriters herein contained, the Company covenants and agrees, and the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, covenant and agree with the Underwriters as follows:
(a) To notify the Underwriters as soon as practicable, and confirm such notice in writing, of the occurrence of any event during the period mentioned in Section 7(f) below which in the judgment of the Company makes any statement in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus or the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which requires the making of any change in or addition to the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading in any material respect. If at any time the Commission shall issue any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company will use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment.
(b) Prior to the termination of the offering of the Shares, to comply with the requirements of Rule 430A and to promptly notify the Representatives, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall be declared or become effective, or when any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Omitting Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement (and shall promptly furnish the Representatives with a copy of any comment letters and any transcript of oral comments, and shall furnish the Representatives with copies of any written responses thereto a reasonable amount of time prior to the proposed filing thereof with the Commission and will not file any such response to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object), (iii) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the offering of the Shares and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Omitting Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or any notice from the Commission objecting to the use of the form of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the loss or suspension of any purposes.
(c) To furnish to the Representatives in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Section 7(f) below, as many copies of the Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representatives may reasonably request.
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(d) Prior to the termination of the offering of the Shares, before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 497 under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant thereto.
(e) To furnish to the Representatives a copy of each proposed Omitting Prospectus to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and not to use or refer to any proposed Omitting Prospectus to which the Representatives reasonably object.
(f) If (i) the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and (ii) (A) any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading, or (B) any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus materially conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or (C) in the reasonable opinion of either counsel for the Underwriters or counsel for the Company, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer materially conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law, as applicable.
(g) The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Shares in the manner specified in the Registration Statement and the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(h) The Company and the Investment Adviser will not take any action designed to cause or result in the manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale of Shares in violation of the Acts or the Exchange Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations, or the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of Shares.
(i) If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the reasonable opinion of either counsel for the Underwriters or counsel for the Company, the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the reasonable opinion of either counsel for the Underwriters or counsel for the Company, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by you on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law, as applicable.
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(j) To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as the Underwriters shall reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent of service of process or to qualify as a foreign entity or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.
(k) Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company and the Investment Adviser under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company’s counsel and the Company’s accountants in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, and any Omitting Prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of printing or producing any “blue sky” memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 7(j) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the “blue sky” memorandum, (iv) all filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by FINRA in an amount not to exceed $5,000, (v) all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the NYSE, (vi) the cost of printing certificates representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary (viii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with production of road show slides and graphics, the reasonable fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, and the travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company and any such consultants, (ix) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this Agreement and (x) all other costs and expenses of the Company incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section 7(k). It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section, Section 8 entitled “Indemnity and Contribution” and the last paragraph of Section 10 below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale of any of the Shares by them, the travel and lodging expenses of the Representatives in connection with any road show presentations, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.
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If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Underwriters, severally, for all out-of-pocket accountable expenses (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of their counsel) actually incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.
(l) The Company will comply with all applicable securities and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and will use reasonable efforts to cause the Company’s directors and officers, in their capabilities, as such, to comply with such laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(m) The Company will use reasonable best efforts to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, with respect to any fiscal year in which the Company is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act.
(n) The Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator will use their reasonable efforts to perform all of the agreements required of them by this Agreement and discharge all conditions of theirs to closing as set forth in this Agreement.
(o) Before using, approving or referring to any Road Show Material, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel to the Underwriters a copy of such material for review and will not make, prepare, use authorize, approve or refer to any such material to which the Representatives reasonably object.
(p) As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an earnings statement or statements of the Company which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.
(q) The Company will use its best efforts to effect the listing of the Shares on the NYSE as and when required by this Agreement.
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8. Indemnity and Contribution .
(a) Each of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, each selling agent of any Underwriter and each director, officer, shareholder or affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Rules and Regulations (each, an “ Underwriter Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim), caused by, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus, any Road Show Material, the Time of Sale Prospectus, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf of any Underwriter expressly for use therein.
(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and each of their respective partners, directors, trustees, managers, members and shareholders (as the case may be), and each officer of the Company who signs the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each, a “ Company Indemnified Party ”) to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator to such Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf of any Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration Statement, as originally filed with the Commission, or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus, any Road Show Material or the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(c) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b), such person (the “ indemnified party ”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “ indemnifying party ”) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements reasonably incurred of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with an actual conflict of interest, or (iii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses reasonably incurred of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriter Indemnified Parties, collectively, and (ii) the fees and expenses reasonably incurred of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Company Indemnified Parties, collectively. In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriter Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. In the case of any such separate firm for the Company Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this Section 8(c), the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the material terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into, and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of the indemnified party.
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(d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 8(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 8(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.
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(e) The Company, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 8(d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 8 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.
(f) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 8 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter Indemnified Party or by or on behalf of any Company Indemnified Party and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.
(g) No party shall be entitled to indemnification under this Section 8 if such indemnification of such party would violate Section 17(i) of the Investment Company Act.
9. Termination . The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by the Representatives to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the NYSE, the NYSE MKT, the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any securities of the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the Representatives’ judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in the Representatives’ judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.
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10. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date (the “ Defaulted Shares ”), and the aggregate number of Defaulted Shares does not exceed one-tenth of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date. If the Defaulted Shares exceed one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter. In any such case either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be affected. If the Defaulted Shares exceed one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on an Option Closing Date, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
11. Entire Agreement .
(a) This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between and among the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Each of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) each of the Underwriters is acting solely as an underwriter in connection with the sale of the Shares and no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, on the one hand, and any of the Underwriters, on the other hand, has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether or not any of the Underwriters has advised or is advising the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator on other matters, (ii) the public offering price of the Shares and the price to be paid by the Underwriters for the Preferred Stock set forth in this Agreement were established by the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator following discussions and arms-length negotiations with the Representatives, (iii) it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) the Underwriters owe the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, (v) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and (vi) it waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against any of the Underwriters for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty and agrees that none of the Underwriters shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contact, tort or otherwise) to it in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person asserting a fiduciary duty claim on its behalf or in right of it or the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator or any stockholders, employees or creditors of the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator.
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12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
13. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.
14. Headings . The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
15. Notices . All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and (i) if to the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered, mailed or sent to the Representatives in care of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, 2 nd Floor, New York, New York 10005, Attention: Equity Capital Markets Syndicate Desk (facsimile no. [•], with a copy to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, 36 th Floor, New York, New York 10005, Attention: General Counsel, with a copy to Morrison & Foerster LLP, 250 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Anna T. Pinedo (facsimile no. (212) 468-7900) and (ii) if to the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered, mailed or sent to the Company, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, at the offices of the Company at 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, Attention: Thomas P. Majewski (facsimile no. ([•]), with a copy to Dechert LLP, 1900 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006, Attention: Thomas J. Friedmann (facsimile no. (202) 261-3333).
[ Signature page follows ]
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Very truly yours, | ||
EAGLE POINT CREDIT COMPANY INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Thomas P. Majewski | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
EAGLE POINT CREDIT MANAGEMENT LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: Thomas P. Majewski | ||
Title: Managing Partner | ||
EAGLE POINT ADMINISTRATION LLC | ||
By: |
Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, its sole member |
|
By: | ||
Name: Thomas P. Majewski | ||
Title: Managing Partner |
[Company Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
Accepted as of the date hereof | ||
DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC. | ||
Acting on behalf of itself and
the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto |
||
By: Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Deutsche Bank Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC. | ||
Acting on behalf of itself and
the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto |
||
By: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[KBW Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Underwriter |
Number of Firm
Shares To Be Purchased |
|
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
[ · ] | ||
Total | [ · ] |
Sch. I- 1 |
SCHEDULE II
PRICING INFORMATION
1. | Price per Share to the public: $[•] |
2. | Number of Shares sold: [•] |
3. | Proceeds to the Company per share: $[•] |
Sch. II- 1 |
SCHEDULE III
OMITTING PROSPECTUSES
[•]
Sch. III- 1 |
EXHIBIT A
OPINION OF DECHERT LLP
[•]
A- 1 |
Exhibit (k)(4)
Services Agreement
This Services Agreement (the “ Agreement ” ) is entered into and effective as of November 1, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and among:
1. | SS&C Technologies, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ SS&C ”); |
2. | Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., a corporation organized in the State of Delaware (“Company”); and |
3. | Eagle Point Administration LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in its capacity as administrator for the Company (“ Administrator ” ). |
4. | Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in connection with its investment services for the Company ( “ Management ” ). |
The Company, Management and Administrator may be referred to collectively as “Client.” SS&C and Client may be referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as “Parties.”
1. | Definitions; Interpretation |
1.1. | As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings: |
(a) “Action” means any civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative lawsuit, allegation, demand, claim, counterclaim, action, dispute, sanction, suit, request, inquiry, investigation, arbitration or proceeding, in each case, made, asserted, commenced or threatened by any person (including any Government Authority), regardless of the legal, equitable or other theory.
(b) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any person, any other person that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with such person and “control” of a person means: (i) ownership of, or possession of the right to vote, more than 25% of the outstanding voting equity of that person or (ii) the right to control the appointment of the board of directors or analogous governing body, management or executive officers of that person.
(c) “Business Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.
(d) “Claim” means any Action arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this
Agreement, its formation or the Services.
(e) “Client Data” means all data of Client, including data related to securities trades and other transaction data, investment returns, issue descriptions, Market Data and the like, and all output and derivatives thereof, necessary to enable SS&C to perform the Services.
(f) “Data Supplier” means a supplier of Market Data.
(g) “governing documents” means the constitutional documents of an entity and, with respect to Company, all minutes of meetings of the board of directors or analogous governing body and of Company investors, and any offering memorandum, subscription materials and other disclosure documents utilized by Company in connection with the offering of any of its securities to investors, all as amended from time to time.
(h) “Government Authority” means any relevant administrative, judicial, executive, legislative or other governmental entity, department, agency, commission, board, bureau or court, and any other regulatory or self-regulatory organizations, in any country or jurisdiction.
(i) “Losses” means any and all compensatory, direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, enhanced or other damages, settlement payments, attorneys’ fees, costs, damages, charges, expenses, interest, applicable taxes or other losses of any kind.
(j) “Market Data” means third party market and reference data, including pricing, valuation, security matter, corporate action and related data.
(k) “person” means any natural person or corporate or unincorporated entity or organization and that person’s personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
(l) “Services” means the services listed in Schedule A.
eagle point agreement 12 dec 2014
(m) “SS&C Associates” means SS&C and each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, successors or assigns.
(n) “SS&C Property” means all hardware, software, source code, data, report designs, spreadsheet formulas, information gathering or reporting techniques, know-how, technology and all other property commonly referred to as intellectual property used by SS&C in connection with its performance of the Services.
1.2. Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings ascribed thereto.
1.3. Section and Schedule headings shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement
1.4. Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. The words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include”, when used, are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of analogous import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “law” includes applicable statutes, rules, regulations, interpretations and orders of any Government Authority.
1.5. The Parties’ duties and obligations are governed by and limited to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall not be modified, supplemented, amended or interpreted in accordance with, any industry custom or practice, or any internal policies or procedures of any Party. The Parties have mutually negotiated the terms hereof and, accordingly, there shall be no presumption of law relating to the interpretation of contracts against the drafter.
2. | Services and Fees |
2.1. SS&C will perform the Services in consideration of the fees, expenses and related payment terms listed in Schedule B. SS&C shall be under no duty or obligation to perform any service or take any action except as specifically listed in Schedule A and no other obligations or duties (including, fiduciary or analogous duties) shall be implied.
2.2. In carrying out its duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement, some or all Services may be delegated by SS&C to one or more of its Affiliates or other persons selected by SS&C. If SS&C delegates any Services, such delegation shall not relieve SS&C of its duties and obligations hereunder.
3. | Client Responsibilities |
3.1. The management and control of Company is vested exclusively in Management and Company’s governing body (e.g., the board of directors for a company), subject to the terms and provisions of Company’s governing documents. Management will make all decisions, perform all management functions relating to the operation of Company and authorize all transactions. Without limiting the foregoing, Management and Administrator shall:
(a) Designate properly qualified individuals to oversee the Services;
(b) Establish and maintain internal controls, including monitoring the ongoing activities of Client;
(c) Evaluate and accept responsibility for the results of the Services. Review and approve all reports, analyses and books and records resulting from the Services and promptly inform SS&C of any errors it is in a position to identify;
(d) Evaluate the accuracy of the Services and promptly report any errors;
(e) Provide, or cause to be provided, and accept responsibility for, valuations of Company’s assets and liabilities in accordance with Client’s written valuation policies; and
(f) Provide SS&C with timely information including trading and Company investor records, valuations and any other items required by SS&C in order to perform the Services and its duties hereunder.
3.2. The Services, including any services that involve price comparison to vendors and other sources, model or analytical pricing or any other pricing functions, are provided by SS&C as a support function to Management and Administrator and do not limit or modify Management’s or Administrator’s responsibility for determining the value of Company’s assets and liabilities.
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3.3. Each Client is solely and exclusively responsible for ensuring that it complies with law and its governing documents. SS&C is not responsible for monitoring Client’s compliance with (i) law, (ii) their respective governing documents or (iii) any investment restrictions or compliance with the investment restrictions.
3.4. In the event that Market Data is supplied to or through SS&C and is used in connection with the Services, the Market Data is proprietary to Data Suppliers and is provided on a limited internal-use licensed basis. Market Data may: (i) only be used by Client in connection with the Services and (ii) not be disseminated by Client or used to populate internal systems in lieu of obtaining a data license. Access and delivery of Market Data is dependent on the Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither SS&C nor any Data Supplier shall be liable to Client or any other person for any Losses with respect to Market Data, reliance by SS&C or Client on Market Data or the provision of Market Data in connection with this Agreement.
3.5. Client shall promptly notify SS&C of any Action against it.
3.6. Client shall deliver, and procure that its agents, prime brokers, counterparties, brokers, counsel, advisors, auditors, clearing agents, and any other persons deliver, to SS&C, all Client Data and the then most current version of all Company governing documents and any agreement between Company and Management. Client shall arrange with each such person that SS&C will not have to enter any agreements with that person in order for SS&C to provide the Services.
3.7. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SS&C (i) shall be entitled, without further enquiry, for all purposes in relation to dealings with all persons, to rely on the authenticity, completeness and accuracy of any and all information and communications of whatever nature and howsoever received by SS&C in good faith, in connection with the performance of the Services and its duties hereunder, and (ii) shall not be responsible or liable to any person for any Losses arising by virtue of any such information or communication not being authentic and/or accurate.
4. | Term |
4.1. The initial term of this Agreement will be from the Effective Date through December 31, 2016. Thereafter, this Agreement will automatically renew for successive terms of one (1) year each unless either Party provides the other with a written notice of termination at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the commencement of any successive term. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, SS&C shall provide exit assistance by promptly supplying Client Data to the Client or any other party designated by the Client in formats already prepared in the course of providing the Services; provided that all fees and expenses have been paid. In the event that Client wishes to retain SS&C to perform additional transition services, including providing data and reports in new formats, Client and SS&C shall agree in writing to the additional services and related fees and expenses in advance.
5. | Termination |
5.1. In addition to the provisions of Section 4, either Party may, by written notice to the other Party, terminate this Agreement if any of the following events occur:
(a) The other Party breaches any material term, condition or provision of this Agreement, which breach, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) calendar days after the non-breaching Party gives the other Party written notice of such breach; or
(b) The other Party: (i) terminates or suspends its business, (ii) becomes insolvent, admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or becomes subject to direct control of a trustee, receiver or analogous authority, (iii) becomes subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency or analogous proceeding or (iv) where the other Party is a Company, Company becomes subject to a material Action or an Action that SS&C reasonably determines could cause SS&C reputational harm.
If any such event occurs, termination will become effective immediately or on the date stated in the written notice of termination, which date shall not be greater than ninety (90) days after the event. Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not affect: (i) any liabilities or obligations of either Party arising before such termination (including payment of fees and expenses) or (ii) any damages or other remedies to which a Party may be entitled for breach of this Agreement or otherwise.
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5.2. If more than one Company is subject to this Agreement, this Agreement will terminate with respect to a particular Company because the Company is ceasing operations or liquidating as of the cessation or liquidation, but Client will remain responsible for the greater of the minimum fees payable under this Agreement with respect to the Company through (i) the remainder of the initial term or then current successive term or (ii) ninety (90) days after termination, which fees shall be payable in a lump sum upon notice of the cessation or liquidation.
5.3. Sections 6, 8, 9,10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent any services that are Services are performed by SS&C for Client after the termination of this Agreement all of the provisions of this Agreement except Schedule A shall survive the termination of this Agreement for so long as those services are performed.
6. | Limitation of Liability and Indemnification |
6.1. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SS&C Associates shall not be liable to Client for any action or inaction of any SS&C Associate except to the extent of Losses resulting solely from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of SS&C in the performance of SS&C’s duties or obligations under this Agreement. Under no circumstances shall SS&C Associates be liable to Client for Losses that are indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, enhanced or similar (including lost profits, opportunity costs and diminution of value). Client shall indemnify and hold harmless SS&C Associates from and against Losses (including legal fees to enforce this provision) that SS&C Associates suffer, incur, or pay as a result of any Claim. Any expenses (including legal costs) incurred by SS&C Associates in defending or responding to any Claims (or in enforcing this provision) shall be paid by Client on a quarterly basis prior to the final disposition of such matter upon receipt by Client of an undertaking by SS&C to repay such amount if it shall be determined that an SS&C Associate is not entitled to be indemnified. The maximum amount of liability of SS&C Associates to Client for Losses arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement shall not exceed the fees paid by Client to SS&C under this Agreement for the most recent twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of the event giving rise to the Claim.
7. | Representations and Warranties |
7.1. Each Party represents and warrants to each other Party that:
(a) It is a legal entity duly created, validly existing and in good standing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is created, and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on its business or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) It has all necessary legal power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and as it will be conducted pursuant to this Agreement and will comply in all material respects with all law to which it may be subject;
(c) It has all necessary legal power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary actions on its part, and performance hereunder does not violate the terms of any contract, covenant or agreement between it and any third party;
(d) The person signing on its behalf has the authority to contractually bind it to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms;
(e) It is not a party to, and is not bound or affected by or subject to, any instrument, agreement, charter or by-law provision, law or judgment which would be contravened or breached as a result of the execution or performance of this Agreement; and
(f) To the best of its knowledge and belief, it is not the subject of any Action that would prevent it from performing its obligations under this Agreement.
7.2. Management represents and warrants to SS&C that it has actual authority to provide instructions and directions on behalf of Company and that all such instructions and directions are consistent with the governing documents of Client and other corporate actions of Client.
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7.3. The Company represents and warrants to SS&C that (i) it is not registered or required to be registered as an investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) its securities are not publicly registered or required to be publicly registered in the U.S. or the EU.
8. | Client Data |
8.1. Client will provide or ensure that other persons provide all Client Data to SS&C in an electronic format that is acceptable to SS&C (or as otherwise agreed in writing). SS&C shall not be responsible or liable for the accuracy, completeness, integrity or timeliness of any Client Data provided to SS&C by Client or any other person. All Client Data shall remain the property of the applicable Client. Client Data shall not be used or disclosed by SS&C other than in connection with providing the Services and as permitted under Section 11.4.
8.2. SS&C will provide data backup and shall maintain and store Client Data used in the accounting books and records of Company for a rolling period of five (5) years starting from the date the Services commenced for Client.
9. | Data Protection |
9.1. From time to time SS&C may obtain access to certain personal information or sensitive personal information of Client or of Company investors or prospective investors. Personal information or sensitive personal information relating to Client and its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees and agents and of Company investors or prospective investors will be processed by and on behalf of SS&C. Client consents to the transmission and processing of such data outside the jurisdiction governing this Agreement in accordance with applicable law.
10. | SS&C Property |
10.1. SS&C Property is and shall remain the property of SS&C or, when applicable, its Affiliates or suppliers. Neither Client nor any other person shall acquire any license or right to use, sell, disclose, or otherwise exploit or benefit in any manner from, any SS&C Property. Client shall not (unless required by law or pursuant to legal process or a request from any applicable Government Authority) either before or after the termination of this Agreement, disclose to any person not authorized by SS&C to receive the same, any information concerning the SS&C Property and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent any such disclosure by Client.
11. | Confidentiality |
11.1. Each Party undertakes that it shall not at any time disclose to any person any confidential information concerning the business, affairs, customers, clients or suppliers of the other Party or its Affiliates, except as permitted by this Section 11.
11.2. Each Party may disclose the other Party’s confidential information:
(a) In the case of Client, to each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees and agents, and in the case of SS&C, to each other SS&C Associate, in each case who need to know such information for the purposes of carrying out the Party’s obligations under this Agreement. Each Party shall ensure that all persons to whom the Party discloses the other Party’s confidential information comply with this Section 11; and
(b) As may be required by law or pursuant to legal process; provided that the disclosing Party (i) where reasonably practicable and to the extent legally permissible, provides the other Party with prompt written notice of the required disclosure so that the other Party may seek a protective order or take other analogous action, (ii) discloses no more of the other Party’s confidential information than reasonably necessary and (iii) reasonably cooperates with actions of the other Party in seeking to protect its confidential information at that Party’s expense.
11.3. Neither Party shall use the other Party’s confidential information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Each Party may retain a record of the other Party’s confidential information for the longer of seven (7) years or as required by law.
11.4. SS&C’s ultimate parent company is subject to U.S. federal and state securities laws and may make disclosures as it deems necessary to comply with such laws. Upon the prior consent of the applicable Client, SS&C shall have the right to identify such Client in connection with its marketing-related activities and in its marketing materials as a client of SS&C. Upon the prior consent of SS&C, Client shall have the right to identify SS&C and to describe the Services and the material terms of this Agreement in the offering documents of Company. This Agreement shall not prohibit SS&C from using any Client data (including Client Data) in tracking and reporting on SS&C’s clients generally or making public statements about such subjects as its business or industry; provided that Client is not named in such public statements without its prior written consent.
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12. | Notices |
12.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices required or permitted under this Agreement or required by law shall be effective only if in writing and delivered: (i) personally, (ii) by registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) by receipted prepaid courier, (iv) by any confirmed facsimile or (v) by any electronic mail, to the relevant address or number listed below (or to such other address or number as a Party shall hereafter provide by notice to the other Parties). Notices shall be deemed given when received by the Party to whom notice is required to be given.
13. | Miscellaneous |
13.1. Amendment; Modification . This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by an authorized representative of each Party.
13.2. Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any rights under this Agreement may be assigned or otherwise transferred by Client, in whole or in part, whether directly or by operation of law, without the prior written consent of SS&C. SS&C may assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement: (i) to a successor in the event of a change in control of SS&C, (ii) an Affiliate or (iii) in connection with an assignment or other transfer of a material part of SS&C’s business. Any attempted delegation, transfer or assignment prohibited by this Agreement shall be null and void.
13.3. Choice of Law; Choice of Forum . This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York. Each Party irrevocably agrees that the courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Claim. The Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive to the fullest extent permitted by law all rights to a trial by jury.
13.4. Counterparts; Signatures . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed will be deemed to be an original. Such counterparts together will constitute one agreement. Signatures may be exchanged via facsimile or electronic mail and shall be binding to the same extent as if original signatures were exchanged.
13.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including any schedules, attachments, amendments, and addenda hereto) contains the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings and agreements, either oral or written, between the Parties with respect thereto. No SS&C Associate has authority to bind SS&C in any way to any oral covenant, promise, representation or warranty concerning this Agreement, the Services or otherwise.
13.6. Force Majeure . SS&C will not be responsible for any Losses of Client or Client’s property in SS&C Associates’ possession or for any failure to fulfill its duties hereunder if such Loss or failure is caused, directly or indirectly, by war, terrorist or analogous action, the act of any Government Authority or other authority, riot, civil commotion, rebellion, storm, accident, fire, lockout, strike, power failure, computer error or failure, delay or breakdown in communications or electronic transmission systems, or other analogous events. SS&C shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the effects of any such event.
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13.7. Non-Exclusivity . The duties of SS&C hereunder shall not preclude SS&C from providing services of a comparable or different nature to any other person. Client understands that SS&C may have relationships with Data Suppliers and providers of technology, data or other services to Client and SS&C may receive economic or other benefits in connection with Client’s activities.
13.8. No Partnership . Nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be deemed to, constitute a partnership or joint venture of any kind between any of the Parties.
13.9. No Solicitation . Client agrees that, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, it will not directly or indirectly solicit the services of, or otherwise attempt to employ or engage any employee of SS&C or its Affiliates without the consent of SS&C; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent Client from soliciting employees through general advertising not targeted specifically at any or all SS&C Associates. If Client employs or engages any SS&C Associate during the term of this Agreement or the period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Client shall pay for any fees and expenses (including recruiters’ fees) incurred by SS&C or its Affiliates in hiring replacement personnel as well as any other remedies available to SS&C.
13.10. No Warranties . Except as expressly listed herein, SS&C and each Data Supplier make no warranties, whether express, implied, contractual or statutory with respect to the Services or Market Data. SS&C disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Services. All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by law are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from this Agreement.
13.11. Severance . If any provision (or part thereof) of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not practical, the relevant provision shall be deemed deleted. Any such modification or deletion of a provision shall not affect the validity, legality and enforceability of the rest of this Agreement. If a Party gives notice to another Party of the possibility that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate to amend such provision so that, as amended, it is legal, valid and enforceable and achieves the intended commercial result of the original provision.
13.12. Testimony . If SS&C is required by a third party subpoena or otherwise, to produce documents, testify or provide other evidence regarding the Services, this Agreement or the operations of Company in any Action to which Client is a party or otherwise related to Client, Client shall reimburse SS&C for all costs and expenses, including the time of its professional staff at SS&C’s standard rates and the cost of legal representation, that SS&C reasonably incurs in connection therewith.
13.13. Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is entered into for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties and will not be interpreted in such a manner as to give rise to or create any rights or benefits of or for any other person except as set forth with respect to SS&C Associates and Data Suppliers.
13.14. Waiver . No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any right or remedy provided under this Agreement or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No exercise (or partial exercise) of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
* * *
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This Agreement has been entered into by the Parties as of the Effective Date.
SS&C Technologies, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul G. Igoe | |
Name: | Paul G. Igoe | |
Title: | SVP, General Counsel & Secretary |
Eagle Point Credit Company, Inc. | Eagle Point Credit Management, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Kenneth Onorio | By: | /s/ Kenneth Onorio | |
Name: | Kenneth Onorio | Name: | Kenneth Onorio | |
Title: | CFO/CCO | Title: | CFO/CCO |
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Schedule A
Services
General
1. | As used in this Schedule A, the following additional terms have the following meanings: |
(i) “ AML ” means anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.
(ii) “ investor ” means an equity owner in the Company, whether a shareholder in a company, a partner in a partnership, a unitholder in a trust or otherwise. A “ prospective investor ” means an applicant to become an investor.
(iii) “ NAV ” means net asset value.
(iv) “ OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control, an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury.
2. | Any references to law are to be construed to the law as amended to the date of effectiveness of the relevant provision. |
3. | Client acknowledges that SS&C’s ability to perform the Services is subject to SS&C’s timely receipt of all Client Data and the then most current version of all Company governing documents and the receipt of such information in an accurate and complete form, and in electronic file format, acceptable to SS&C. |
4. | The following Services will be performed by SS&C and, as applicable, are contingent on the performance of Client of the duties and obligations listed. |
A. | Accounting - Monthly NAV Calculation |
5. | Reconcile portfolio transactions, positions and cash balances to prime brokers/custodian banks and statements from underlying investments on a monthly basis. Maintain Company books and records including general ledger accounts. |
6. | Calculate and accrue income, expenses, gains and loss. |
7. | Prepare financial, performance and other Management reporting as mutually agreed in writing. |
8. | Communicate with Management with respect to the Company’s accounting books and records and related matters. |
9. | Calculate the NAV following each month-end and each other date as may be agreed in writing. |
B. | Miscellaneous |
10. | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, SS&C: |
(i) | Does not maintain custody of any cash or securities. |
(ii) | Does not have the ability to authorize transactions. |
(iii) | Does not have the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the Company. |
(iv) | Is not responsible for determining the valuation of the Company’s assets and liabilities. |
(v) | Does not perform any management functions or make any management decisions with regard to the operation of the Company. |
(vi) | Is not responsible for effecting any U.S. federal or state regulatory filings which may be required or advisable as a result of the offering of interests in the Company. |
(vii) | Is not the Company’s tax advisor and does not provide any tax advice. |
(viii) | Is not obligated to perform any additional or materially different services due to changes in law or audit guidance. |
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11. | It is the responsibility of Client to safeguard all passwords and any other login credentials; for all purposes of this Agreement SS&C shall be entitled to assume that any user of such credentials is an authorized representative of the Client |
12. | Provide reasonable assistance to responding to due diligence and analogous requests for information from investors and prospective investors (or others representing them); provided, that SS&C may elect to provide these services only upon Client agreement in writing to separate fees in the event responding to such requests becomes, in SS&C’s absolute discretion, excessive. |
13. | Maintain books and records with respect to the Services. |
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Exhibit (l)
|
1900 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-1110 +1 202 261 3300 Main +1 202 261 3333 Fax www.dechert.com
|
May 11, 2015
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc.
20 Horseneck Lane
Greenwich, CT 06830
Re: | Registration Statement on Form N-2 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Eagle Point Credit Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement on Form N-2 (Registration Nos. 333-202914; 811-22974) as originally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) on March 20, 2015 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ Investment Company Act ”), and as subsequently amended on April 30, 2015 and on or about the date hereof (the “ Registration Statement ”), relating to the proposed issuance by the Company of shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Shares ”), to be sold to underwriters pursuant to an underwriting agreement substantially in the form filed as Exhibit (h) to the Registration Statement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”). This opinion letter is being furnished to the Company in accordance with the requirements of Item 25 of Form N-2 under the Investment Company Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter other than as to the legality of the Shares.
In rendering the opinion expressed below, we have examined and relied on originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for rendering this opinion, including the following documents:
(i) | the Registration Statement; |
(ii) | the form of the Underwriting Agreement; |
(iii) | the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company; |
May 11, 2015 Page 2 |
(iv) | the form of the Certificate of Designation for the preferred stock to be offered pursuant to the Registration Statement (the “ Certificate of Designation ”); |
(v) | the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company; |
(vi) | a certificate of good standing with respect to the Company issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of a recent date; and |
(vii) | resolutions of the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board of Directors ”) relating to, among other things, the authorization and issuance of the Shares. |
As to the facts upon which this opinion is based, we have relied, to the extent we deem proper, upon certificates of public officials and certificates and written statements of officers, directors, employees and representatives of the Company.
In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as original documents and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. In addition, we have assumed (i) the legal capacity of natural persons, (ii) the legal power and authority of all persons signing on behalf of the parties to all documents (other than the Company) and (iii) that the Certificate of Designation will have been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and will have become effective in substantially the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
On the basis of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that when (i) the Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and (ii) the Shares are (a) issued and delivered against receipt by the Company of payment therefor of such lawful consideration as the Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof) may lawfully determine and at a price per Share not less than the par value per Share as contemplated by the Registration Statement and the prospectus contained therein and in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and (b) if applicable, countersigned by the transfer agent, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The opinion expressed herein is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and judicial interpretations thereof. We are members of the bar of the State of New York.
We assume no obligation to advise you of any changes in the foregoing subsequent to the date of this opinion.
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We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP
Exhibit (n)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Eagle Point Credit Company Inc.:
We consent to use of our report dated February 26, 2015 with respect to the financial statements of Eagle Point Credit Company Inc. and Subsidiary (formerly Eagle Point Credit Company, LLC), as of and for the period ended December 31, 2014, included herein and to the references to our firm under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Prospectus.
New York, New York
May 11, 2015