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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2012

Securities Act File No. 333-179433

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-2

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  x

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

  Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2   x
  Post-Effective Amendment No.      ¨

 

 

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

500 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code: (212) 993-1670

 

Michael S. Gross

Chief Executive Officer

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

500 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

 

COPIES TO:

Steven B. Boehm

John J. Mahon

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004

(202) 383-0100

 

 

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering:     From time to time 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.   x

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

¨     when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c).

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Title of Securities Being Registered  

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

 

Amount of

Registration

Fee(1)

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share(2)

       

Debt Securities(3)

       

Total(4)

  $150,000,000(4)  

$17,190(5)

 

 

(1)   Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee. The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined, from time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the sale by the Registrant of the securities registered under this Registration Statement.
(2)   Subject to Note 4 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may be sold, from time to time.
(3)   Subject to Note 4 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of debt securities as may be sold, from time to time. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate price to investors not to exceed $150,000,000.
(4)   In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities issued from time to time pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $150,000,000.
(5)   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.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This 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.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED                     , 2012

PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

$150,000,000

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

Common Stock

Debt Securities

 

 

We are an externally managed finance company. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We will seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Securities rated below investment grade, including the senior loans we intend to target, are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

We were formed in December 2010 as a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. We will be managed by Solar Capital Partners, LLC. Solar Capital Management, LLC will provide the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $150,000,000 of our common stock or debt securities, which we refer to, collectively, as the “securities.” The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

In the event we offer common stock, the offering price per share of our common stock less any underwriting commissions or discounts will generally not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering. However, we may issue shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus at a price per share that is less than our net asset value per share (a) with the prior approval of the majority of our common stockholders or (b) under such other circumstances as the SEC may permit.

The securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of the securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNS.” On May 10, 2012, the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $17.15 per share.

This prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, contains important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in our common stock. Please read this prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, before investing, and keep it for future reference. We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670 or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com . The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

 

An investment in our common stock is very risky and highly speculative. Shares of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the companies in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 17 to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of shares of common stock unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

 

                    , 2012


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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement to this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained in this prospectus or any such supplements as if we had authorized it. This prospectus and any such supplements do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus and any such supplements is accurate as of the dates on their covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since then.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       Page  

Summary

     1   

Fees and Expenses

     13   

Selected Financial and Other Data

     15   

Risk Factors

     17   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     35   

Use of Proceeds

     36   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     37   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     39   

Senior Securities

     49   

Business

     50   

Portfolio Companies

     65   

Management

     68   

Portfolio Management

     77   

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

     78   

Administration Agreement

     84   

License Agreement

     84   

Certain Relationships and Transactions

     85   

Control Persons and Principal Stockholders

     86   

Regulation as a Business Development Company

     87   

Determination of Net Asset Value

     92   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     94   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     96   

Sale of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value

     103   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     109   

Description of Our Debt Securities

     116   

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     129   

Plan of Distribution

     130   

Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar

     132   

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     132   

Legal Matters

     132   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     132   

Available Information

     133   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, which constitutes a delayed offering in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, we may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $150,000,000 of our common stock or debt securities on the terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Please carefully read this prospectus and any such supplements together with any exhibits and the additional information described under “Available Information” and in the “Summary” and “Risk Factors” sections before you make an investment decision.


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SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus and the documents to which we have referred.

 

Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Solar Senior Capital” refer to Solar Senior Capital Ltd. In addition, the terms “Solar Capital Partners” and the “investment adviser” refer to Solar Capital Partners, LLC, and “Solar Capital Management” and the “administrator” refer to Solar Capital Management, LLC.

 

In this prospectus, we use the term “leveraged” to refer to companies of any size with non-investment grade debt outstanding or, if not explicitly rated, those which we believe would be rated as non-investment grade based on their leverage levels and other terms. In addition, we use the term “middle-market” to refer to companies with annual revenues between $50 million and $1 billion. We also use the term “unitranche” to refer to debt instruments that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one debt instrument. Unitranche debt instruments typically pay a higher rate of interest than traditional senior debt instruments, but also pose greater risk associated with a lesser amount of asset coverage.

 

Solar Senior Capital

 

Solar Senior Capital, a Maryland corporation formed in December 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

On February 24, 2011, we priced our initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through a private placement transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act (the “Concurrent Private Placement”), also at $20.00 per share.

 

On August 26, 2011, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with the Credit Facility, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC (the “SPV”) was formed. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle - market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We

 

 

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may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we expect to invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

We expect to invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $60 million of EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. We expect that our investments will generally range between $5 million and $30 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners. Solar Capital Management provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

As of March 31, 2012, our-long term investments totaled approximately $215.0 million and our net asset value was $175.3 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt investments in 26 portfolio companies and our income producing assets, which represented 100% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 8.2%.

 

About Solar Capital Partners

 

Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is controlled and led by Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer. They are supported by a team of dedicated investment professionals, including senior team members Brian Gerson, Cedric Henley, David Mait and Suhail Shaikh. We refer to Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh as Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals. Solar Capital Partners’ investment team has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries, as well as significant contacts with financial sponsors operating in those industries.

 

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital Ltd., or “Solar Capital,” a publicly traded business development company with approximately $1.3 billion of investable capital that invests in mezzanine debt and equity securities of leveraged middle-market companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. The investment team led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler has invested in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for both Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012. Since Solar Senior Capital’s inception, these investment professionals have used their relationships in the middle-market financial sponsor and financial intermediary community to generate deal flow. As of May 10, 2012, Mr. Gross and Mr. Spohler beneficially owned, either directly or indirectly, approximately 6.24% and 5.26%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock.

 

Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in the mezzanine lending, private equity and distressed debt businesses and has been involved in originating, structuring, negotiating, consummating and managing

 

 

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mezzanine lending, private equity and distressed debt transactions. We also rely on the 25 years of experience of Mr. Spohler, who currently serves as our chief operating officer and as the chief operating officer of Solar Capital and has been a partner of Solar Capital Partners since its inception. In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we intend to target.

 

Market Opportunity

 

Solar Senior Capital intends to invest primarily in senior loans of private middle-market leveraged companies organized and located in the United States. We believe that the size of this market, coupled with the demands of these companies for flexible sources of capital at attractive terms and rates, creates an attractive investment environment for us. See “Business—Market Opportunity.”

 

   

Disruptions within the credit markets have reduced middle-market companies’ access to the capital markets for senior debt. While many middle-market companies were previously able to raise senior debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will become more difficult as implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel 3, are expected to limit the capacity of large financial institutions to hold non-investment grade leveraged loans on their balance sheets. In addition, we believe that the recent decline in the formation of new collateralized loan obligation, or CLO, vehicles, coupled with the expiration of the investment periods of the majority of existing CLOs, have and will continue to restrict available capital for new middle-market senior loan originations. Moreover, consolidation and the illiquid nature of investments have resulted in fewer middle-market lenders and market participants.

 

   

There is a large pool of uninvested private equity capital likely to seek additional senior debt capital to finance strategic transactions. There is currently over $520 billion of uninvested private equity seeking debt financing to support acquisitions. We expect that middle-market private equity firms will continue to invest the over $185 billion raised since 2000 in middle-market companies and that these private equity firms will seek to support their investments with senior loans from other sources, such as Solar Senior Capital. Additionally, over $17.4 billion was raised by middle-market sponsors during 2011, which we believe demonstrates the continued appetite for middle-market acquisitions that will need senior debt financing.

 

   

The significant amount of leveraged loans maturing through 2018 will provide additional demand for senior debt capital. Although many companies were able to refinance or amend their senior debt obligations during 2010 and 2011, there remains approximately $500 billion of anticipated leveraged loans maturing before the end of 2018. We believe that the majority of the companies able to access the markets during 2010 and 2011 were larger companies and thus the need to refinance capital structures of middle-market companies will remain particularly robust.

 

   

Investing in private middle market senior secured debt provides an attractive risk reward profile. In general, terms for illiquid, middle-market leveraged loans have been more attractive than leveraged loans for larger corporations, which are typically more liquid. We believe this is because fewer institutions are able to invest in the illiquid asset class. In addition, we believe that the debt to EBITDA ratios for middle-market leveraged buyouts (“LBOs”) is lower than for large capitalization LBOs, that the average discounted spread between middle-market loans over large-cap loans is wider and that the default rate on middle-market loans is lower than on large-cap loans. Middle-market loans have also exhibited higher average recovery rates than all loans in the aggregate. We believe that middle-market companies in which we intend to invest will generally have loan tranches of less than $250 million. We also believe that the average new issue yield for leveraged loans made to middle-market companies is currently significantly higher than the yield for newly-issued loans made to companies with annual revenues above $1 billion.

 

 

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Therefore, we believe that there is an opportunity to invest in senior loans of leveraged companies and that we are well positioned to serve this market.

 

Competitive Advantages and Strategy

 

We believe that we have the following competitive advantages over other providers of financing to leveraged companies. See “Business — Competitive Advantages and Strategy.”

 

Management Expertise

 

As managing partner, Mr. Gross has principal management responsibility for Solar Capital Partners, to which he currently dedicates substantially all of his time. Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in leveraged finance, private equity and distressed debt investing. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer and a partner of Solar Capital Partners, has 25 years of experience in evaluating and executing leverage finance transactions. We believe that Messrs. Gross and Spohler have developed a strong reputation in the capital markets, and that this experience provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying and investing in leveraged companies with the potential to generate returns.

 

In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we currently target. Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

Our portfolio investments consist of portfolio companies that have strong cash flows and have maintained financial and operating performance despite the recent economic climate. As of March 31, 2012, 100% of our total portfolio value of income producing assets was comprised of performing assets. The majority of our assets have been seasoned, which has allowed us to gain a solid understanding of our borrowers and the industries in which they compete.

 

Investment Capacity

 

The proceeds from our initial public offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, and the expected repayments of existing investments provide us with a substantial amount of capital available for deployment into new investment opportunities. We believe we are well positioned for the current marketplace.

 

Proprietary Sourcing and Origination

 

We believe that Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals’ longstanding relationships with financial sponsors, commercial and investment banks, management teams and other financial intermediaries provide us with a strong pipeline of origination opportunities. We believe the broad expertise of Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals and their ability to draw upon their average of over 20 years of investment experience enable us to identify, assess and structure investments successfully. We expect to continue leveraging the over 100 relationships with middle-market sponsors that Solar Capital Partners’ investment team established while sourcing and originating investments for Solar Capital, which will give us access to deals that are not available through large syndication processes.

 

 

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Since its inception, Solar Capital Partners has sourced investments in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for both Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012.

 

Greater Flexibility of Capital Versus Many of Our Competitors

 

While we are subject to significant regulation as a business development company, we are not subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional lending institutions such as banks. As a result, we believe that we can be more flexible than such lending institutions in selecting and structuring investments, adjusting investment criteria and transaction structures. We believe financial sponsors, management teams and investment banks see this flexibility as a benefit, making us an attractive financing partner for senior debt. We believe that this approach enables us to procure attractive senior loan investment opportunities throughout the economic cycle so that we can make investments consistent with our stated investment objective even during turbulent periods in the capital markets.

 

Emphasis on Achieving Strong Risk-Adjusted Returns

 

Solar Capital Partners uses a disciplined investment and risk management process that emphasizes a fundamental research and analysis framework. Solar Capital Partners seeks to build our portfolio on a “bottom-up” basis, choosing and sizing individual positions based on their relative risk/reward profiles as a function of the associated downside risk, volatility, correlation with the existing portfolio and liquidity. At the same time, Solar Capital Partners takes into consideration a variety of factors in managing our portfolio and imposes portfolio-based risk constraints promoting a more diverse portfolio of investments and limiting issuer and industry concentration. Our value-oriented investment philosophy focuses on preserving capital and ensuring that our investments have an appropriate return profile in relation to risk. When market conditions make it difficult for us to invest according to our criteria, we are highly selective in deploying our capital and do not pursue short-term origination targets over our long-term strategies. We believe this approach enables us to build an attractive investment portfolio that meets our return and value criteria over the long term.

 

We believe it is critical to conduct extensive due diligence on investment targets. In evaluating new investments we, through Solar Capital Partners, conduct due diligence processes that draw upon the investment experience, industry expertise and network of contacts of our senior investment professionals, as well as the other members of our investment team.

 

Deep Industry Focus with Substantial Information Flow

 

We concentrate our investing activities in industries characterized by strong cash flow and in which Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals have deep investment experience. As a result of their investment experience, Messrs. Gross and Spohler, together with Solar Capital Partners’ other investment professionals, have long-term relationships with management consultants and management teams in the industries we target, as well as substantial information concerning those industries.

 

Longer Investment Horizon

 

Unlike private equity and venture capital funds, we are not subject to standard periodic capital return requirements. Such requirements typically stipulate that the capital of these funds, together with any capital gains on such invested funds, can only be invested once and must be returned to investors after a pre-agreed time period. We believe that our flexibility to make investments with a long-term view and without the capital return requirements of traditional private investment vehicles enables us to invest in private middle-market senior debt, which we believe provides a more attractive risk-return profile than the liquid senior debt market for larger companies. We also believe our longer investment horizon enables us to be a better long-term partner for our portfolio companies.

 

 

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Investment Strategy

 

Solar Senior Capital seeks to create a diverse portfolio of senior loans by investing approximately $5 million to $30 million of capital, on average, in the securities of leveraged companies, including middle-market companies. We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans.

 

Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade. Senior secured loans, however are generally less risky than subordinated debt, bearing lower leverage and higher recovery statistics.

 

In addition to senior secured loans, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus, but are intended to enhance our returns to stockholders. These investments may include similar direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a business development company under the 1940 Act. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

 

We may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in management fees payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be borne by our common stockholders.

 

Additionally, we may in the future seek to securitize our loans to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize loans, we may create a wholly owned subsidiary and contribute a pool of loans to the subsidiary. This could include the sale of interests in the subsidiary on a non-recourse basis to purchasers who we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment grade loan pools, and we would retain a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of loans.

 

Moreover, we may acquire investments in the secondary market and, in analyzing such investments, we will employ the same analytical process as we use for our primary investments.

 

We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

 

 

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Our principal focus is to provide senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien loans, to private middle-market companies in a variety of industries. We generally seek to target companies that generate positive cash flows. We generally seek to invest in companies from the broad variety of industries in which our investment adviser has direct expertise. The following is a representative list of the industries in which we may invest.

 

•Aerospace & Defense

  

•     Healthcare, Education & Childcare

•Automobile

  

•     Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds

•Banking

  

•     Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

•Beverage, Food & Tobacco

  

•     Insurance

•Buildings & Real Estate

  

•     Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment

•Broadcasting & Entertainment

  

•     Machinery

•Cargo Transport

  

•     Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals

•Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

  

•     Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

•Containers, Packaging & Glass

  

•     Personal, Food & Misc. Services

•Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing

  

•     Personal Transportation

•Diversified/Conglomerate Services

  

•     Printing & Publishing

•Electronics

  

•     Retail Stores

•Farming & Agriculture

  

•     Telecommunications

•Finance

  

•     Textiles & Leather

•Grocery

  

•     Utilities

 

We may invest in other industries if we are presented with attractive opportunities.

 

 

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Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of shares of our common stock, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Solar Senior Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

   

There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including Solar Capital Partners’ management of Solar Capital, which could impact our investment return; you will not be purchasing an investment in Solar Capital;

 

   

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities;

 

   

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business;

 

   

We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

   

To the extent we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income;

 

   

There will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

   

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

   

We are dependent upon Solar Capital Partners’ key personnel for our future success;

 

   

We will become subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance;

 

   

We cannot assure you that shares of our common stock will not trade at a market price below our net asset value per share;

 

   

The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock;

 

   

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

   

There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time;

 

   

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock; and

 

   

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 and the other information included in this prospectus, for additional discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

 

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

 

Solar Senior Capital is a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. As a business development company, we are required to meet regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets.” Qualifying assets generally include, among other things, securities of “eligible portfolio companies.” “Eligible portfolio companies” generally include U.S. companies that are not investment companies and that do not have securities listed on a national exchange. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Our investment activities are managed by Solar Capital Partners and supervised by our board of directors. Solar Capital Partners is an investment adviser that is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Under our investment advisory and management agreement, which we refer to as the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, we have agreed to pay Solar Capital Partners an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

Our Corporate Information

 

Our offices are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and our telephone number is (212) 993-1670.

 

 

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OFFERINGS

 

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $150,000,000 of our common stock or debt securities on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

 

At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2013 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013. However, notwithstanding such stockholder approval, since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, we have not sold any shares of our common stock at a price below our then current net asset value per share. Any such issuance of shares of our common stock below net asset value will be dilutive to the net asset value of our common stock. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Securities” and “Sales of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value.”

 

The securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of the securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

 

Set forth below is additional information regarding offerings of our common stock:

 

Use of Proceeds

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities for general corporate purposes, which includes, among other things, (a) investing in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and market conditions and (b) repaying indebtedness. Each supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from such offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

NASDAQ Global Select Market symbol

“SUNS”

 

Distributions

To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute monthly dividends to our stockholders. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends will be reported to shareholders after the end of each calendar year. We may issue preferred stock from time to time, although we have no immediate intention to do so. If we issue shares of preferred stock, holders of such preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate that will be fixed or will vary for the

 

 

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successive dividend periods for each series. In general, the dividend periods for fixed rate preferred stock will be quarterly.

 

Taxation

We intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To obtain and maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. See “Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in this prospectus.

 

Leverage

We may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in the management fee payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be borne by our common stockholders.

 

Investment Advisory Fees

We pay Solar Capital Partners a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of our gross assets, which includes any borrowings for investment purposes. The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part 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. The second part is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement) in an amount equal to 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” in this prospectus.

 

Administration Agreement

We reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. In addition, we reimburse Solar Capital Management for the fees and expenses

 

 

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associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer and any administrative support staff. See “Administration Agreement” in this prospectus.

 

Trading

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. The risk that our shares may trade at a discount to our net asset value is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below net asset value.

 

License Agreement

We have entered into a license agreement with Solar Capital Partners, pursuant to which Solar Capital Partners has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive license to use the name “Solar Senior Capital.” See “License Agreement” in this prospectus.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan. If your shares of common stock are registered in your own name, your distributions will automatically be reinvested under our dividend reinvestment plan in additional whole and fractional shares of common stock, unless you “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash dividends by delivering a written notice to our plan administrator. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you should contact the broker or nominee for details regarding opting out of our dividend reinvestment plan. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in this prospectus.

 

Certain Anti-Takeover Measures

Our charter and bylaws, as well as certain statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for our common stock. See “Description of Our Capital Stock” in this prospectus.

 

Available Information

We are required to file periodic reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information is available at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Solar Senior Capital Ltd., 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670 or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com .

 

 

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FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Solar Senior Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:

  

Sales load borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

   —%(1)

Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

   —%(2)

Dividend reinvestment plan expenses

   None(3)
  

 

Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)

   —%(2)

Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):

  

Base management fee

   1.14%(4)

Incentive fees payable under our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

   0.11%(5)

Interest payments on borrowed funds

   0.56%(6)

Other expenses (estimated)

   1.12%(7)
  

 

Total annual expenses

   2.93%     

 

Example

 

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above and have excluded performance-based incentive fees. See Note 6 below for additional information regarding certain assumptions regarding our level of leverage. In the event that shares to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate this example to reflect the applicable sales load.

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return

   $ 28       $ 86       $ 147       $ 311   

 

(1)   In the event that the shares of common stock to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load and the “Example” will be updated accordingly.
(2)   The prospectus supplement corresponding to each offering will disclose the applicable offering expenses and total stockholder transaction expenses.
(3)   The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”
(4)   Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Solar Senior Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes, and assumes the base management fee remains consistent with fees incurred for three months ended March 31, 2012. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.”
(5)   Assumes that annual incentive fees earned by our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, remain consistent with the incentive fees earned by Solar Capital Partners for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The incentive fee consists of two parts:

 

The first part, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20% of the excess, if any, of our “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.00% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a “catch-up” provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The first part of the incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the first part of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

   

no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;

 

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50% 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 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.9167%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter; and

 

   

20% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

 

The second part of the incentive fee equals 20% of our “Incentive Fee Capital Gains,” if any, which equals our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. The second part of the incentive fee is payable, in arrears, at the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date). For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.”

 

(6)   We may borrow funds from time to time to make investments to the extent we determine that the economic situation is conducive to doing so. The costs associated with our outstanding borrowings are indirectly born by our investors. For purposes of this section, we have computed interest expense using the average balance outstanding for all borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2012. We used the LIBOR rate on March 31, 2012 and the interest rate on the Credit Facility. We have also included the estimated amortization of fees incurred in establishing the Credit Facility. Additionally, we included the estimated cost of commitment fees for unused balances on the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2012, we had $18.2 million outstanding and $181.8 million remaining available to us under the Credit Facility. We may also issue preferred stock, subject to our compliance with applicable requirements under the 1940 Act, although we have no immediate intention to do so.
(7)   “Other expenses” are based on the amounts incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and include our overhead expenses, including payments under our Administration Agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. This illustration assumes that we will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses and returns to our investors would be higher. For example, if we assumed that we received our 5% annual return completely in the form of net realized capital gains on our investments, computed net of all cumulative unrealized depreciation on our investments, the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses set forth in the above illustration would be as follows:

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return

   $ 38       $ 116       $ 195       $ 403   

 

In addition, the example assumes no sales load. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

 

The selected financial and other data below should be read in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and notes thereto. Financial information is presented for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 28, 2011 (inception) through December 31, 2011. Financial information for the period ended December 31, 2011 has been derived from our financial statements that were audited by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), an independent registered public accounting firm. The financial information at and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was derived from our unaudited financial statements and related notes. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the interim periods, have been included. Our results for the interim period may not be indicative of our results for the full year. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Senior Securities” below for more information.

 

     Three
months ended
March 31, 2012 (4)

(unaudited)
    Period from
January 28, 2011 (3)  to
December 31, 2011
 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

            

Income statement data:

    

Total investment income

   $ 3,909      $ 7,890   

Total expenses

   $ 1,283      $ 5,290   

Net investment income

   $ 2,626      $ 2,600   

Net realized gain (loss)

   $ 42      $ (576

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

   $ 3,049      $ (2,274

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 5,717      $ (250

Other data (unaudited):

    

Weighted average annualized yield on income producing investments:

    

On fair value(1)(4)

     8.2     8.5

On cost(2)(4)

     8.2     8.4

Number of portfolio companies at
period end(4)

     26        21   
     As of
March 31, 2012 (4)

(unaudited)
    As of
December 31, 2011 (5)
 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

            

Balance sheet data:

    

Total investment portfolio

   $ 215,008      $ 177,749   

Total cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,820      $ 2,934   

Total assets

   $ 218,719      $ 187,395   

Credit facility payable

   $ 18,150      $ 8,600   

Net assets

   $ 175,302      $ 172,435   

Per share data:

    

Net asset value per share

   $ 18.45      $ 18.15   

Net investment income

   $ 0.28      $ 0.30   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

   $ 0.32      $ (0.33

Dividends and distributions declared

   $ 0.30      $ 0.55   

 

(1)  

Throughout this document, the weighted average yield on income producing investments is computed as the (a) annual stated interest on accruing loans and debt securities plus the annual amortization of loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discount on accruing loans and debt securities, plus the effective interest yield on preferred shares divided by (b) total income producing investments at fair value.

 

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The weighted average yield is computed as of the balance sheet date and excludes assets on non-accrual status or on a cost recovery basis as of such date.

(2)   For this calculation, the weighted average yield on income producing investments is computed as the (a) annual stated interest on accruing loans and debt securities plus the annual amortization of loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discount on accruing loans and debt securities, plus the effective interest yield on preferred shares divided by (b) total income producing investments at cost. The weighted average yield is computed as of the balance sheet date and excludes assets on non-accrual status or on a cost recovery basis as of such date.
(3)   Commencement of Operations.
(4)   Unaudited.
(5)   For the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011.

 

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     2012  
     Q1  

Total investment income

   $ 3,909   

Net investment income

   $ 2,626   

Net realized and unrealized gain

   $ 3,091   

Earnings per share(1)

   $ 0.60   

Net asset value per share at the end of the quarter(2)

   $ 18.45   

 

    2011  
    Q4      Q3     Q2      Q1  

Total investment income

  $ 3,554       $ 2,874      $ 1,405       $ 57   

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,570       $ (644   $ 794       $ (120

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

  $ 1,676       $ (4,844   $ 180       $ 138   

Earnings per share(3)

  $ 0.45       $ (0.58   $ 0.10       $ —   (5) 

Net asset value per share at the end of the quarter(4)

  $ 18.15       $ 17.97      $ 18.78       $ 18.73   

 

(1)   Based on 9,500,100 weighted average shares of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. outstanding during the first quarter of 2012.
(2)   Based on 9,500,100 shares of Solar Capital Ltd. outstanding as of the end of the first quarter of 2012.
(3)   Based on 4,758,110, 9,500,100, 9,500,100 and 9,500,100 weighted average shares of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. outstanding during each of the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2011, respectively.
(4)   Based on 9,500,100 shares of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. outstanding as of the end of the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2011.
(5)   Less than $0.005 per share.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline or the value of our debt securities may decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Investments

 

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

 

A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we target in leveraged companies. We compete with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Many of our potential competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we do, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our potential competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.

 

We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that may be comparable to or lower than the rates we may offer. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. However, if we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss.

 

Our investments are very risky and highly speculative.

 

We invest primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, made to middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

When we make a senior secured term loan investment in a portfolio company, we generally take a security interest in the available assets of the portfolio company, including the equity interests of its subsidiaries, which we expect to help mitigate the risk that we will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

 

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In addition, investing in middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:

 

   

these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;

 

   

they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;

 

   

they are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;

 

   

they generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, our executive officers, directors and our investment adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies; and

 

   

they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.

 

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

 

We generally make investments in private companies. Substantially all of these securities are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. In addition, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.

 

Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

 

Although we do not intend to focus our investments in any specific industries, our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, we will not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we will not target any specific industries, our investments may be concentrated in relatively few industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we will 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. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize.

 

Capital markets have recently been in a period of disruption and instability. These market conditions have materially and adversely affected debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which may in the future have a negative impact on our business and operations.

 

The global capital markets have recently been in a period of disruption as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of certain major financial institutions. Despite actions of the

 

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United States federal government and foreign governments, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. These conditions could continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. While these conditions persist, we and other companies in the financial services sector may have to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital. Equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions which apply to us, as a BDC we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than net asset value without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013. However, notwithstanding such stockholder approval, since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, we have not sold any shares of our common stock at a price below our then current net asset value per share. In addition, our ability to incur indebtedness (including by issued preferred stock) is limited by applicable regulations such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, must equal at least 200% immediately after each time we incur indebtedness. The debt capital that will be available, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions in the future. Any inability to raise capital could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if required. As a result, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we will have recorded our investments. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets may have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. An inability to raise capital, and any required sale of our investments for liquidity purposes, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and the economic crisis in Europe could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Recent U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe, have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States from “AAA” to “AA+” in August 2011. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating, or its perceived creditworthiness, and the impact of the current crisis in Europe with respect to the ability of certain European Union countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations is inherently unpredictable and could adversely effect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that governmental or other measures to aid economic recovery will be effective. These developments, and the government’s credit concerns in general, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the capital markets on favorable terms. In addition, the decreased credit rating could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which may weigh heavily on our stock price. Continued adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

 

Many of our potential portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease during these periods as we will be required to record the values of our investments. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans

 

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and the value of our equity investments at fair value. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

 

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we will hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we will actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.

 

Price declines and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our net asset value through increased net unrealized depreciation.

 

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our board of directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation. The unprecedented declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets from 2008 through mid-2010 have resulted in significant net unrealized depreciation in the portfolios of many existing BDCs, reducing their net asset value. Depending on market conditions, we may face similar losses, which could reduce our net asset value and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The effect of global climate change may impact the operations of our portfolio companies.

 

There may be evidence of global climate change. Climate change creates physical and financial risk and some of our portfolio companies may be adversely affected by climate change. For example, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect some of our portfolio companies’ financial condition, through decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions.

 

Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.

 

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to: (i) increase or maintain in whole or in part our ownership percentage; (ii) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or (iii) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We will have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, either because we will prefer other opportunities or because we will be subject to BDC requirements that would prevent such follow-on investments, or because of the desire to maintain our RIC tax status.

 

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Because we generally will not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

 

Although we may do so in the future, initially we do not intend to hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. As a result, we will be subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that will be adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the investments that we will typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.

 

An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.

 

We invest primarily in privately held companies. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we will be required to rely on the ability of Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we will be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors. These factors could adversely affect our investment returns as compared to companies investing primarily in the securities of public companies.

 

Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies.

 

We invest primarily in senior secured loans, including unitranche, second lien, as well as unsecured debt instruments issued by our portfolio companies. If we invest in unitranche, second lien, or unsecured debt instruments, our portfolio companies typically may be permitted to incur other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, such debt instruments. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we will be entitled to receive payments in respect of the debt securities in which we will invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. In such cases, after repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt securities in which we will invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company. Any such limitations on the ability of our portfolio companies to make principal or interest payments to us, if at all, may reduce our net asset value and have a negative material adverse impact to our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

Our investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

 

Our investment strategy contemplates potential investments in debt securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, 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 and greater price volatility.

 

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Although most of our investments will be U.S. dollar-denominated, any investments denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk, or that if we do, such strategies will be effective.

 

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

 

If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. To the extent we engage in hedging transactions, we also face the risk that counterparties to the derivative instruments we hold may default, which may expose us to unexpected losses from positions where we believed that our risk had been appropriately hedged.

 

Our investment adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns as those achieved by our senior investment professionals while they were employed at prior positions.

 

Although in the past Mr. Gross held senior positions at a number of investment firms, including Solar Capital, Apollo Investment Corporation and Apollo Management, L.P., Mr. Gross’ track record and achievements are not necessarily indicative of future results that will be achieved by our investment adviser. In his role at such other firms, Mr. Gross was part of an investment team, and he was not solely responsible for generating investment ideas. In addition, such investment teams arrived at investment decisions by consensus.

 

Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Securities

 

Our shares may trade at a substantial discount from net asset value and may continue to do so over the long term.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies have frequently traded at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a substantial discount from net asset value over the long term is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our net asset value. If our common stock trades below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares or sell our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share

 

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during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013. However, notwithstanding such stockholder approval, since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, we have not sold any shares of our common stock at a price below our then current net asset value per share. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease our new lending and investment activities, and our net asset value could decrease and our level of distributions could be impacted.

 

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially.

 

The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock that will prevail in the market may be higher or lower than the price you pay, depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;

 

   

investor demand for our shares;

 

   

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of business development companies or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;

 

   

changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to RICs or business development companies;

 

   

failure to qualify as a RIC, or the loss of RIC status;

 

   

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;

 

   

changes, or perceived changes, in the value of our portfolio investments;

 

   

departures of Solar Capital Partners’ key personnel;

 

   

operating performance of companies comparable to us; or

 

   

general economic conditions and trends and other external factors.

 

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to the potential volatility of our stock price once a market for our stock is established, we may become the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

 

There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.

 

We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a business development company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions.

 

We may choose to pay dividends in our own common stock, in which case our stockholders may be required to pay federal income taxes in excess of the cash dividends they receive.

 

In order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement (as described under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”), we may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under certain applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury

 

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regulations, distributions payable in cash or in shares of stock at the election of stockholders are treated as taxable dividends. The Internal Revenue Service has issued private rulings indicating that this rule will apply even where the total amount of cash that may be distributed is limited to no more than 20% of the total distribution. Under these rulings, if too many stockholders elect to receive their distributions in cash, each such stockholder would receive a pro rata share of the total cash to be distributed and would receive the remainder of their distribution in shares of stock. If we decide to make any distributions consistent with these rulings that are payable in part in our stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend (whether received in cash, our stock, or a combination thereof) as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock. For a more detailed discussion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

 

The 500,000 shares of our common stock that were issued to Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC in the Concurrent Private Placement, pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, including any shares that are attributable to such shares issued pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan, are no longer subject to lock-up restrictions that Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC agreed to in connection with the Concurrent Private Placement, and are generally available for resale without restriction, subject to the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.

 

We have also committed to file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares of common stock that were issued in the Concurrent Private Placement to Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC within 60 days of receiving a request from Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC to do so. We have committed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to obtain effectiveness of such registration statement as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing of such registration statement. Assuming effectiveness of such registration statement, Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC will generally be able to resell its shares of common stock without restriction.

 

We will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus, to the extent it is successful.

 

We will have significant flexibility in applying the proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus. We will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from net proceeds. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that the net proceeds of the offering, pending full investment, are used to pay operating expenses. In addition, we can provide you no assurance that the current offering will be successful, or that by increasing the size of our available equity capital our aggregate expenses, and correspondingly, our expense ratio, will be lowered.

 

The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock.

 

At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock,

 

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not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2013 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013. However, notwithstanding such stockholder approval, since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, we have not sold any shares of our common stock at a price below our then current net asset value per share.

 

To the extent we receive the necessary stockholder approval, any decision to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share would be subject to the determination by our board of directors that such issuance is in our and our stockholders’ best interests.

 

To the extent we receive the necessary stockholder approval, if we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share of our common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted.

 

Further, if our current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value per share, their voting power will be diluted. For example, if we sell an additional 10% of our common shares at a 5% discount from net asset value, a stockholder who does not participate in that offering for its proportionate interest will suffer net asset value dilution of up to 0.5% or $5 per $1000 of net asset value. For additional information and hypothetical examples of these risks, see “Sale of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value” and the prospectus supplement pursuant to which such sale is made.

 

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

 

We have a limited operating history.

 

We were formed and commenced operations in December 2010. As a result of a lack of operating history, we are subject to many of the business risks and uncertainties associated with recently formed businesses, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.

 

We are dependent upon Solar Capital Partners’ key personnel for our future success.

 

We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Messrs. Gross and Spohler, who serve as the managing member and a partner of Solar Capital Partners, respectively, and who lead Solar Capital Partners’ investment team. Messrs. Gross and Spohler, together with the other dedicated investment professionals available to Solar Capital Partners, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. Our future success will depend on the continued service of Messrs. Gross and Spohler and the other investment professionals available to Solar Capital Partners. We cannot assure you that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead any such individual to terminate his relationship with us. The loss of Mr. Gross or Mr. Spohler, or any of the other senior investment professionals who serve on Solar Capital Partners’ investment team, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we can offer no assurance that Solar Capital Partners will remain our investment adviser.

 

The senior investment professionals of Solar Capital Partners are and may in the future become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us, and may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time. We expect that Messrs. Gross and Spohler will dedicate a significant

 

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portion of their time to the activities of Solar Senior Capital; however, they may be engaged in other business activities which could divert their time and attention in the future. Specifically, each of Messrs. Gross and Spohler serve as chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively, of Solar Capital.

 

Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships with financial sponsors, and the inability of the senior investment professionals of our investment adviser to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

 

We expect that the principals of our investment adviser will maintain and develop their relationships with financial sponsors, and we will rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment opportunities. If the senior investment professionals of our investment adviser fail to maintain their existing relationships or develop new relationships with other sponsors or sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom the senior investment professionals of our investment adviser have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us.

 

A disruption in the capital markets and the credit markets could negatively affect our business.

 

As a BDC, we have to maintain our ability to raise additional capital for investment purposes. Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities. Disruptive conditions in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those conditions could restrict our business operations and could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

If the fair value of our assets declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios imposed upon us by the 1940 Act and the Credit Facility. Any such failure could result in an event of default and all of our debt being declared immediately due and payable and would affect our ability to issue 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. For example, we cannot be certain that we will be able to consummate new borrowing facilities to provide capital for normal operations, including new originations. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally.

 

If we are unable to consummate new facilities on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be reduced significantly. If we consummate new facilities but are then unable to repay amounts outstanding under such facilities, and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these facilities, we would not be able to initiate significant originations 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.

 

Our financial condition and results of operations will depend on our ability to manage future growth effectively.

 

Our ability to achieve our investment objective and to grow depends on Solar Capital Partners’ ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria.

 

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Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of Solar Capital Partners’ structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and its ability to access financing for us on acceptable terms. The investment team of Solar Capital Partners has substantial responsibilities under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, and they may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies as the principals of our administrator. In addition, the members of Solar Capital Partners’ investment team have similar responsibilities with respect to the management of Solar Capital’s investment portfolio. Such demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. In order to grow, we and Solar Capital Partners will need to retain, train, supervise and manage new investment professionals. However, we can offer no assurance that any such investment professionals will contribute effectively to the work of the investment adviser. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may need to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income.

 

We may need additional capital to fund growth in our investments. We expect to issue equity securities and expect to borrow from financial institutions in the future. A reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. We must distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to our stockholders to maintain our regulated investment company status. As a result, any such cash earnings may not be available to fund investment originations. We expect to borrow from financial institutions and issue additional debt and equity securities. If we fail to obtain funds from such sources or from other sources to fund our investments, it could limit our ability to grow, which may have an adverse effect on the value of our securities. In addition, as a BDC, our ability to borrow or issue additional preferred stock may be restricted if our total assets are less than 200% of our total borrowings and preferred stock.

 

Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility and we may be limited in our investment choices as a BDC.

 

The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets in specified types of “qualifying assets”, primarily in private companies or thinly-traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national exchange may be treated as a qualifying asset only if such issuer has a market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the 1940 Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants. In addition, upon approval of a majority of our stockholders, we may elect to withdraw our status as a BDC. If we decide to withdraw our election, or if we otherwise fail to qualify, or maintain our qualification, as a BDC, we may be subject to the substantially greater regulation under the 1940 Act as a closed-end investment company. Compliance with such regulations would significantly decrease our operating flexibility, and could significantly increase our costs of doing business.

 

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. 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 at a

 

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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 common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had $18.2 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in your best interest.

 

We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in the best interests of Solar Senior Capital and its stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If our common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect our ability to raise capital. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and you might experience dilution.

 

At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2013 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013.

 

We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.

 

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. As of December 31, 2011, we had $8.6 million outstanding under the Cedit Facility. We may borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders in the future. Lenders of these senior securities, including the Credit Facility, 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. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, 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 on our common stock. 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. Moreover, as the management fee payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be payable based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, Solar Capital Partners will have a financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of leverage, including any increase in the management fee payable to Solar Capital Partners.

 

As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of

 

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at least 200%. Additionally, the Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial and other restriction covenant including maintaining an asset coverage ratio of less than 200% at any time. Failure to maintain compliance with these covenants could result in an event of default and all of our debt being declared immediately due and payable. If this ratio declines below 200%, we may not be able to incur additional debt and could be required by law to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our investment adviser’s 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, the Credit Facility, and any other 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.

 

The debt securities that we may issue will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. We, and indirectly our stockholders, bear the cost of issuing and servicing such debt securities. Any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock.

 

Illustration.     The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns on the portfolio, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.

 

     Assumed total return on our portfolio
(net of expenses)
 
     (10 )%       (5 )%       0      5      10

Corresponding return to stockholder(1)

     (12.74 )%      (6.51 )%      (0.27 )%      5.97 %      12.21 %

 

(1)   Assumes $218.7 million in total assets and $18.2 million in total debt outstanding, which reflects our total assets and total debt outstanding as of March 31, 2012, and a cost of funds of 2.59%. Excludes non-leverage related liabilities.

 

To the extent we use debt or preferred stock to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

 

To the extent we borrow money, or issue preferred stock, to make investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay dividends on preferred stock and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we use debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, except to the extent we issue fixed rate debt or preferred stock, which could reduce our net investment income. We expect that our long-term fixed-rate investments will be financed primarily with equity and long-term debt. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

You should also be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt 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 our investment adviser with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income.

 

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As of March 31, 2012, we had $18.2 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

 

We may in the future determine to fund a portion of our investments with preferred stock, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss and the risks of investing in us in the same way as our borrowings.

 

Preferred stock, which is another form of leverage, has the same risks to our common stockholders as borrowings because the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of such dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of such preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and preferred stockholders are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference.

 

There will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

 

A large percentage of our portfolio investments are in the form of securities that are not publicly traded. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these securities and the Credit Facility on a quarterly basis in accordance with our valuation policy, which is at all times consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting policies (“GAAP”). Our board of directors may utilize the services of third-party valuation firms to aid it in determining the fair value of these securities and the Credit Facility. The board of directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value in good faith based on the input of our investment adviser and the respective third-party valuation firms. The factors that may be considered in fair value pricing our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, 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 a ready market for these securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such securities.

 

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

 

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such securities, 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, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

 

There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including Solar Capital Partners’ management of Solar Capital, which could impact our investment returns; you will not be purchasing an investment in Solar Capital.

 

Our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future partners of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Currently, the executive officers and directors, as well as the current partners of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, serve as officers and directors of Solar Capital, a publicly-traded BDC. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, including to investors of Solar Capital, the fulfillment of which obligations might not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. In addition, we note that any affiliated investment vehicle currently existing, or formed in the future, and managed by our investment adviser or its affiliates may, notwithstanding different stated investment objectives, have overlapping investment objectives with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, Solar Capital Partners may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. Although Solar Capital Partners will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity

 

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to participate in investments made by investment funds managed by our investment adviser or an investment manager affiliated with our investment adviser. In any such case, when Solar Capital Partners identifies an investment, it will be forced to choose which investment fund should make the investment.

 

We may co-invest on a concurrent basis with Solar Capital, and any other affiliates that our investment adviser forms in the future, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our allocation procedures. In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments may be made only if we receive an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. There can be no assurance that any such order will be obtained.

 

In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to Solar Capital Partners and reimburse Solar Capital Partners for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments. Accordingly, there may be times when the management team of Solar Capital Partners has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.

 

We have entered into a royalty-free license agreement with our investment adviser, pursuant to which our investment adviser has granted us a non-exclusive license to use the name “Solar Senior Capital.” Under the License Agreement, we have the right to use the “Solar Senior Capital” name for so long as Solar Capital Partners or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. In addition, we pay Solar Capital Management, an affiliate of Solar Capital Partners, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management 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 any administrative support staff. These arrangements create conflicts of interest that our board of directors must monitor.

 

We may be obligated to pay our investment adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a loss.

 

Our investment adviser will be entitled to incentive compensation for each fiscal quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting incentive compensation) above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of our net asset value, decreases in our net asset value 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 Solar Capital Partners 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.

 

Our incentive fee may induce Solar Capital Partners to pursue speculative investments.

 

The incentive fee payable by us to Solar Capital Partners may create an incentive for Solar Capital Partners to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fee payable to our investment adviser is calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. This may encourage our investment adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In addition, the investment adviser receives the incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, the investment adviser may have a tendency to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. 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.

 

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The incentive fee payable by us to our investment adviser also may induce Solar Capital Partners to invest on our behalf in instruments that have a deferred interest feature, even if such deferred payments would not provide cash necessary to enable us to pay current distributions to our shareholders. Under these investments, we would accrue interest over the life of the investment but would not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income portion of our investment fee, however, includes accrued interest. Thus, a portion of this incentive fee would be based on income that we have not yet received in cash. In addition, the “catch-up” portion of the incentive fee may encourage Solar Capital Partners to accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in fluctuations in timing and dividend amounts.

 

We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to Solar Capital Partners with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders will bear his or her share of the management and incentive fee of Solar Capital Partners as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.

 

We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify and maintain our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

Although we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for 2011 and succeeding tax years, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following 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 “investment company taxable income,” which generally is our ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses. Because we may use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and 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 stock or 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 dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, 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-level income tax, the resulting corporate-level taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.

 

We may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirement in order to qualify and maintain RIC status if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise, for example, if we receive warrants in

 

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connection with the making of a loan, or “payment in kind,” or PIK, interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.

 

Because in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investments to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus be subject to corporate-level income tax. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Our board of directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.

 

Under Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter, our board of directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of stock into one or more classes of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the board of directors is required by Maryland law and our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our existing common stockholders. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote separately from holders of common stock to elect two preferred stock directors. We have no immediate plans to issue preferred stock. The issuance of preferred shares convertible into shares of common stock might also reduce the net income and net asset value per share of our common stock upon conversion, provided, that we will only be permitted to issue such convertible preferred stock to the extent we comply with the requirements of Section 61 of the 1940 Act, including obtaining common stockholder approval. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on your investment in our common stock.

 

Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Solar Senior Capital or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Maryland Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our board, including approval by a majority of our disinterested directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our board does not approve a business combination, the Maryland Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction. However, we will amend our bylaws to be subject to the Maryland Control Share Act only if our board of directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Maryland Control Share Act does not conflict with the 1940 Act. The SEC staff has issued informal guidance setting forth its position that certain provisions of the Maryland Control Share Act would, if implemented, violate Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act.

 

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We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our board of directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing our board of directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, to amend our charter without stockholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.

 

Our board of directors has the authority to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice (except as required by the 1940 Act) and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and value of our stock. Nevertheless, the effects may adversely affect our business and impact our ability to make distributions.

 

The impact of recent financial reform legislation on us is uncertain.

 

In light of recent conditions in the U.S. and global financial markets and the U.S. and global economy, legislators, the presidential administration and regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Reform Act”) became effective on July 21, 2010, although many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act have delayed effectiveness or will not become effective until the relevant federal agencies issue new rules to implement the Dodd-Frank Reform Act. Nevertheless, the Dodd-Frank Reform Act may have a material adverse impact on the financial services industry as a whole and on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect the Dodd-Frank Act or its implementing regulations will have on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business.

 

We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws at the local, state and federal levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse affect on our business.

 

Our investment adviser can resign upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

 

Our investment adviser has the right, under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, to resign at any time upon 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our investment 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 60 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 our investment 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 objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Solar Senior Capital, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

our expected financings and investments;

 

   

our breach of any of the convenants or other provisions in our debt agreements;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

   

an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

   

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

   

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

   

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

   

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements and projections contained in this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include investing in debt or equity securities consistent with our investment objective, repayment of outstanding indebtedness, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. We are continuously identifying, reviewing and, to the extent consistent with our investment objective, funding new investments. As a result, we typically raise capital as we deem appropriate to fund such new investments. The supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from such offering.

 

We estimate that it will take three to six months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities and market conditions. However, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to achieve this goal. We expect that it may take more than three months to invest all of the proceeds of this offering, in part because investments in private companies often require substantial prior research and due diligence.

 

Pending these uses, we will invest such net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us to our investment adviser will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNS”. The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of our common stock, the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.

 

     NAV(1)      Price Range      High Sales
Price as a
Percentage
of NAV(2)
    Low Sales
Price as a
Percentage
of NAV(2)
    Cash
Distributions
Per Share(3)
 
              
              
        High      Low         

Fiscal 2012

               

Second Quarter (through May 10, 2012)

     *       $ 17.31       $ 15.57                     $ 0.20   

First Quarter

   $ 18.45       $ 17.43       $ 15.40         94.5     83.5   $ 0.30   

Fiscal 2011

               

Fourth Quarter

   $ 18.15       $ 16.58       $ 13.50         91.3     74.4   $ 0.27   

Third Quarter

   $ 17.97       $ 18.49       $ 14.14         102.9     78.7   $ 0.23   

Second Quarter

   $ 18.78       $ 19.17       $ 16.95         102.1     90.3   $ 0.05   

First Quarter (from February 24, 2011 through March 31, 2011)

   $ 18.73       $ 19.80       $ 18.52         105.7     98.9     —     

 

(1)   Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
(2)   Calculated as the respective high or low intraday sales price divided by NAV.
(3)   Represents the cash distribution declared in the specified quarter.
*   Not determinable at the time of filing.

 

On May 10, 2012, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $17.15 per share. As of May 10, 2012, we had 3 shareholders of record.

 

Shares of business development companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. Since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, our shares of common stock have traded at both a discount and a premium to the net assets attributable to those shares. As of May 10, 2012, our shares of common stock traded at a discount equal to approximately 7.0% of the net assets attributable to those shares based upon our net asset value as of March 31, 2012. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

 

We intend to distribute monthly dividends to our stockholders. Our monthly dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.

 

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The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock since our initial public offering.:

 

Date Declared

   Record Date    Payment Date    Amount  

Fiscal 2012

        

May 1, 2012

   May 18, 2012    June 4, 2012    $ 0.10   

April 5, 2012

   April 18, 2012    May 2, 2012      0.10   

February 22, 2012

   March 20, 2012    April 3, 2012      0.10   

February 3, 2012

   February 17, 2012    March 2, 2012      0.10   

January 6, 2012

   January 19, 2012    February 2, 2012      0.10   
        

 

 

 

Total (2012)

         $ 0.50   
        

 

 

 

Fiscal 2011

        

December 6, 2011

   December 15, 2011    December 29, 2011    $ 0.10   

November 1, 2011

   November 18, 2011    December 2, 2011      0.09   

October 7, 2011

   October 19, 2011    November 18, 2011      0.08   

September 12, 2011

   September 20, 2011    October 4, 2011      0.08   

August 2, 2011

   August 19, 2011    September 2, 2011      0.08   

July 7, 2011

   July 18, 2011    August 1, 2011      0.07   

June 6, 2011

   June 16, 2011    June 30, 2011      0.05   
        

 

 

 

Total (2011)

         $ 0.55   
        

 

 

 

 

Tax characteristics of all dividends will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Our monthly dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.

 

We intend to elect to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To obtain and maintain our RIC status, we must distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains ( i.e. , net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually, out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment.

 

We maintain an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a dividend, then stockholders’ cash dividends will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash dividends.

 

We may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make dividends and distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of these dividends and distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make dividends and distributions due to the asset coverage test for borrowings when applicable to us as a BDC under the 1940 Act and due to provisions in current and future credit facilities. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of our RIC status. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any dividends and distributions or dividends and distributions at a particular level.

 

All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are generally automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, stockholders that do not participate in the dividend reinvestment plan may experience dilution over time. Stockholders who do not elect to receive dividends in shares of common stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their shares if our shares are trading at a premium and dilution if our shares are trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would depend on various factors, including the proportion of our stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of the dividend payable to a stockholder.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial and Other Data and our Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

Solar Senior Capital Ltd., a Maryland corporation formed in December 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

On February 24, 2011, we priced our IPO, selling 9.0 million shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through a Concurrent Private Placement, also at $20.00 per share.

 

On August 26, 2011, we established the $200 million Credit Facility with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with the Credit Facility, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC was formed. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

We invest primarily in U.S. middle market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we expect to invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

We expect to invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle-market companies with approximately $20 million to $60 million of EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. We expect that our investments will generally range between $5 million and $30 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act.

 

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As of March 31, 2012, our long-term investments totaled approximately $215.0 million and our net asset value was approximately $175.3 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt investments in 26 portfolio companies and our income producing assets, which represented 100% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 8.2%.

 

Recent Developments

 

On May 1, 2012, our board of directors declared a monthly dividend of $0.10 per share payable on June 4, 2012 to holders of record as of May 18, 2012. We expect the dividend to be paid from taxable earnings with specific tax characteristics reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies.

 

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

 

We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value is determined, at all times consistent with GAAP, and the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail below:

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at the closing price on the valuation date. We may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, we determine whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, we use the quote obtained.

 

Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing sources do not provide a valuation or methodology or provide a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of Solar Capital Partners, or our board of directors, does not represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the board of directors will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for (a) each portfolio investment that, when taken together with all other investments in the same portfolio company, exceeds 10% of total assets, plus available borrowings, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter, and (b) each portfolio investment that is presently in default; and (iv) the board of directors will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the investment adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

 

The recommendation of fair value will generally be based on the following factors, as relevant:

 

   

the nature and realizable value of any collateral;

 

   

the portfolio company’s ability to make payments;

 

   

the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow;

 

   

the markets in which the issuer does business; and

 

   

comparisons to publicly traded securities.

 

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Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which a pricing source is not sufficient may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market;

 

   

securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available;

 

   

debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market;

 

   

securities whose prices are stale;

 

   

securities affected by significant events; and

 

   

securities that the investment adviser believes were priced incorrectly.

 

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our financial statements express the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.

 

GAAP fair value measurement guidance classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities and exchange-traded derivatives).

 

Level 2.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

  a)   Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

  b)   Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

 

  c)   Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts); and

 

  d)   Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain of our private debt and equity investments) and long-dated or complex derivatives (including certain equity and currency derivatives).

 

The following table shows the level of our investments and Credit Facility as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011;

 

Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2012

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $ —         $ 21,155       $ 187,229       $ 208,384   

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

     —           6,624         —           6,624   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ —         $ 27,779       $ 187,229       $ 215,008   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Facility

   $ —         $ —         $ 18,150       $ 18,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2011

(in thousands)

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $ —         $ 13,725       $ 160,976       $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bonds

     —           3,048         —           3,048   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

     —           16,773         160,976         177,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Facility

   $ —         $ —         $ 8,600       $ 8,600   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

There were no investments transferred into or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the period January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

 

The significant unobservable quantitative inputs typically used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 investments include current market yields as indicated by comparable publicly traded investments and loan indices, EBITDA multiples as indicated by current, comparable market transactions and quotes from brokers (see table below).

 

The ranges of unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 investments as of March 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

Market Yields

   6.5% to 11.5%

 

Significant increases or decreases in any of the above inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

 

Credit Facility

 

The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. Accounting for the Credit Facility at fair value will better align the measurement methodologies of assets and liabilities, which may mitigate certain earnings volatility. As a result of this election, approximately $2.82 million of costs related to the establishment of the Credit Facility have been expensed through March 31, 2012, rather than being deferred and amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, and the period from February 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, the Credit Facility had no net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation. We use an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the fair value of the Credit Facility.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Our revenue recognition policies are as follows:

 

Sales: Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

 

Interest Income: Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties and unamortized loan origination, closing and commitment fees are recorded as part of interest income. We may have loans in our portfolio that contain a PIK provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to the loan principal on the reset dates.

 

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Non-accrual: Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment about ultimate collectability of principal. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

 

Payment-in-Kind Interest

 

We may have investments in our portfolio which contain a PIK interest provision. Over time, PIK interest increases the principal balance of the investment, but is recorded as interest income. For us to maintain our status as a RIC, substantially all of this income must be paid out to stockholders in the form of dividends, even though we have not currently collected cash with respect to the PIK interest.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Standards Updates

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 13 (“IFRS 13”), Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as is currently required under ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820). The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or GAAP. For GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the ASU requires that our disclosure include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in the unobservable inputs and the interrelationship between inputs, and a description of our valuation process. Public companies are required to apply ASU 2011-04 prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements or its disclosures.

 

Portfolio Investments

 

The total value of our investments was approximately $215.0 million and $177.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we originated approximately $40.3 million of new investments in one existing and five new portfolio companies. We had sales of approximately $4.5 million from one portfolio company and had principal repayments of approximately $1.3 million from 15 portfolio companies. During the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, we originated approximately $219.1 million of new investments in 23 portfolio companies. We received approximately $32.0 million in sales from seven portfolio companies and approximately $2.2 million of principal repayments from 11 portfolio companies.

 

At March 31, 2012, we had investments in debt securities of 26 portfolio companies, totaling approximately $215.0 million. At December 31, 2011, we had investments in debt securities of 21 portfolio companies, totaling approximately $177.7 million.

 

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The following table shows the fair value of our portfolio of investments by asset class as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Cost      Fair Value      Cost      Fair Value  

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

   $ 208,114       $ 208,384       $ 176,839       $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

     6,119         6,624         3,184         3,048   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 214,233       $ 215,008       $ 180,023       $ 177,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the weighted average yield on income producing investments in our portfolio was approximately 8.2% compared to 8.5% at December 31, 2011. The decrease in yield during the first three months of 2012 was primarily due to an increase in the fair value of portfolio assets. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no investments on non-accrual status.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the Period January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2011

 

Revenue

 

Investment income of approximately $3.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was primarily attributable to interest earned from investments in the 26 portfolio companies. Interest income is increasing on a quarterly basis due to growth in the size of the portfolio.

 

Investment income of approximately $0.1 million for the period ended March 31, 2011 was primarily attributable to interest earned from investments in three portfolio companies and from interest earned on cash and cash equivalents.

 

Expenses

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012 investment advisory and management fees of approximately $0.5 million were calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of gross assets. Interest and other credit facility expenses of approximately $0.2 million were based upon balances drawn from the Credit Facility. Investment advisory and management fees, interest, and other credit facility expenses are increasing due to growth in the size of the portfolio. Remaining expenses of approximately $0.5 million are mostly for recurring general and administrative expenses.

 

For the period ended March 31, 2011, the majority of expenses were based upon estimated accruals for recurring general and administrative expenses. For the period ended March 31, 2011, investment advisory and management fees were waived and the Credit Facility was not established.

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, net realized and unrealized gains of approximately $3.1 million were attributable to the tightening of credit spreads in the secondary market and the strong financial health of our portfolio companies.

 

For the period ended March 31, 2011, net unrealized gains were mostly attributable to our investment in STHI Holding Corp.

 

Results of Operations for the Period January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011

 

Solar Senior Capital was formed in December 2010 and commenced operations on January 28, 2011. As a result, there is no comparable period to compare results of operations for the period January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

 

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Revenue

 

Investment income of approximately $7.89 million for the period ended December 31, 2011 was primarily attributable to interest earned from investments in the 21 portfolio companies and from interest earned on cash and cash equivalents.

 

Expenses

 

The largest expense component was for debt issuance costs of approximately $2.80 million which were incurred for upfront commitment and legal fees related to the establishment of the Credit Facility on August 26, 2011. Investment advisory and management fees of approximately $0.94 million were calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of gross assets. Remaining expenses of approximately $1.55 million were mostly for recurring general and administrative expenses.

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments

 

Net realized and unrealized losses of approximately $2.85 million were attributable to general weakness in fixed income prices and widening of credit market spreads, which occurred mostly during the third quarter of 2011.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our liquidity and capital resources were generated and are generally available through the Credit Facility, the proceeds of the IPO and Concurrent Private Placement, cash flows from operations, investment sales of liquid assets, repayments of loans, income earned on investments and cash equivalents, and we expect through periodic follow-on equity and/or debt offerings. We may from time to time issue securities in either public or private offerings. The issuance of debt or equity securities will depend on future market conditions, funding needs and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such issuance will occur or be successful.

 

The primary use of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our shareholders or for other general corporate purposes.

 

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Cash used in operating activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and the period ended December 31, 2011 was approximately $8.7 million and $175.6 million, respectively. We expect that all current liquidity needs will be met with cash flows from operations, borrowings, and other activities. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $181.8 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility.

 

Credit Facility

 

On August 26, 2011, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations are as follows:

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(in millions)    Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More Than
5 Years
 

Senior secured revolving credit facility(1)

   $ 18.2       $ —         $ —         $ 18.2       $ —     

 

(1)   As of March 31, 2012, we had $181.8 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility.

 

We have certain commitments pursuant to our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement entered into with Solar Capital Partners. We have agreed to pay a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. Payments under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement are equal to (1) a percentage of the value of our average gross assets and (2) a two-part incentive fee. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” We have also entered into a contract with Solar Capital Management to serve as our administrator. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of Solar Capital Management’s overhead in performing its obligation under the agreement, including rent, fees, and other expenses inclusive of our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer and any administrative staff. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

In the normal course of our business, we trade various financial instruments and may enter into various investment activities with off-balance sheet risk, which include forward foreign currency contracts. Generally, these financial instruments represent future commitments to purchase or sell other financial instruments at specific terms at future dates. These financial instruments contain varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk whereby changes in the market value or our satisfaction of the obligations may exceed the amount recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Borrowings

 

We had borrowings of approximately $18.2 million and $8.6 million outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, under the Credit Facility.

 

Distributions and Dividends

 

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock since our initial public offering:

 

 

Date Declared

   Record Date    Payment    Amount  

Fiscal 2012

        

May 1, 2012

   May 18, 2012    June 4, 2012    $ 0.10   

April 5, 2012

   April 18, 2012    May 2, 2012      0.10   

February 22, 2012

   March 20, 2012    April 3, 2012      0.10   

February 3, 2012

   February 17, 2012    March 2, 2012      0.10   

January 9, 2012

   January 19, 2012    February 2, 2012      0.10   
        

 

 

 

Total 2012

         $ 0.50   
        

 

 

 

 

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Date Declared

   Record Date    Payment    Amount  

Fiscal 2011

        

December 6, 2011

   December 15, 2011    December 29, 2011    $ 0.10   

November 1, 2011

   November 18, 2011    December 2, 2011      0.09   

October 7, 2011

   October 19, 2011    November 2, 2011      0.08   

September 12, 2011

   September 20, 2011    October 4, 2011      0.08   

August 2, 2011

   August 19, 2011    September 2, 2011      0.08   

July 7, 2011

   July 18, 2011    August 1, 2011      0.07   

June 6, 2011

   June 16, 2011    June 30, 2011      0.05   
        

 

 

 

Total 2011

         $ 0.55   
        

 

 

 

Tax characteristics of all dividends will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Our monthly dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.

 

We intend to elect to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our RIC status, we must distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute net realized capital gains (net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually, out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment.

 

We maintain an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a dividend, then stockholders’ cash dividends will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash dividends.

 

Related Parties

 

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

 

   

We have entered into an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with Solar Capital Partners. Mr. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the managing member and a senior investment professional of, and has financial and controlling interests in, Solar Capital Partners. In addition, Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer is a partner and a senior investment professional of, and has financial interests in, Solar Capital Partners.

 

   

Solar Capital Management provides us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations pursuant to our Administration Agreement. We reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and the compensation of our chief compliance officer, our chief financial officer and any administrative support staff. Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is the sole member of and controls Solar Capital Management.

 

   

We have entered into a license agreement with Solar Capital Partners, pursuant to which Solar Capital Partners has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Solar Senior Capital.”

 

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital Ltd., a publicly-traded BDC with investable capital in excess of $1.3 billion that invests primarily in the mezzanine debt and equity securities of middle-market leveraged companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. In addition, Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer, and Nicholas Radesca, our chief financial officer, serve in similar capacities for Solar Capital Ltd. Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are

 

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similar, in whole and in part, with ours. Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for Solar Capital Ltd. or one or more of those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, Solar Capital Partners or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with Solar Capital Partners’ allocation procedures.

 

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SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Information about our senior securities is shown in the following tables as of December 31, 2011. The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the senior securities table as of December 31, 2011 is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

(in thousands)

Class and Year

   Total Amount
Outstanding
Exclusive of
Treasury
Securities(1)
     Asset Coverage
Ratio Per
Unit(2)
     Involuntary
Liquidation
Preference
Per Unit(3)
     Average Market
Value Per
Unit(4)
 

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

           

2011

   $ 8,600       $ 21,051                N/A   

 

(1)   Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented.
(2)   Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.
(3)   The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the voluntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it. The “—” in this column indicates that the Securities and Exchange Commission expressly does not require this information to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
(4)   Not applicable because senior securities are not registered for public trading.

 

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BUSINESS

 

Solar Senior Capital

 

Solar Senior Capital, a Maryland corporation formed in December 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

On February 24, 2011, we priced our initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through the Concurrent Private Placement, also at $20.00 per share.

 

On August 26, 2011, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we expect to invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

We expect to invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $60 million of EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. We expect that our investments will generally range between $5 million and $30 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners. Solar Capital Management provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

As of March 31, 2012, our long-term investments totaled approximately $215.0 million and our net asset value was $175.3 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt investments in 26 portfolio companies and our

 

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income producing assets, which represented 100% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 8.2%.

 

About Solar Capital Partners

 

Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is controlled and led by Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer. They are supported by a team of dedicated investment professionals, including senior team members Brian Gerson, Cedric Henley, David Mait and Suhail Shaikh. We refer to Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh as Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals. Solar Capital Partners’ investment team has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries, as well as significant contacts with financial sponsors operating in those industries.

 

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as the investment adviser for Solar Capital, a publicly traded business development company with approximately $1.3 billion of investable capital that invests in the senior debt securities, mezzanine loans and equity securities of leveraged middle market companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. The investment team led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler has invested in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012. Since Solar Senior Capital’s inception, these investment professionals have used their relationships in the middle-market financial sponsor and financial intermediary community to generate deal flow. As of May 10, 2012, Mr. Gross and Mr. Spohler beneficially owned, either directly or indirectly, approximately 6.24% and 5.26%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock.

 

Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in the mezzanine lending, private equity and distressed debt businesses and has been involved in originating, structuring, negotiating, consummating and managing mezzanine lending, private equity and distressed debt transactions. Prior to his current role as chairman and chief executive officer of Solar Capital, Mr. Gross founded Apollo Investment Corporation, a publicly traded business development company. He served as its chairman from February 2004 to July 2006 and its chief executive officer from February 2004 to February 2006. Under his management, Apollo Investment Corporation raised approximately $930 million in gross proceeds in an initial public offering in April 2004, built a dedicated investment team and infrastructure and invested approximately $2.3 billion in over 65 companies in conjunction with 50 different private equity sponsors. Mr. Gross is also a founder and a former senior partner of Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private equity firm. During his tenure at Apollo Management, L.P., Mr. Gross was a member of the investment committee that was responsible for overseeing more than $13 billion of investments in over 150 companies.

 

Mr. Gross also currently serves on the boards of directors of four public companies, and in the past has served on the boards of directors of more than 20 public and private companies. As a result, Mr. Gross has developed an extensive network of private equity sponsor relationships as well as relationships with management teams of public and private companies, investment bankers, attorneys and accountants that we believe should provide us with significant business opportunities.

 

We also rely on the 25 years of experience of Mr. Spohler, who currently serves as our chief operating officer and as the chief operating officer of Solar Capital and has been a partner of Solar Capital Partners since its inception. Previously, Mr. Spohler was a managing director and a former co-head of U.S. Leveraged Finance for CIBC World Markets. He held numerous senior roles at CIBC World Markets, including serving on the U.S. Management Committee, Global Executive Committee and the Deals Committee, which approves all of CIBC World Markets’ U.S. corporate finance debt capital decisions. During Mr. Spohler’s tenure, he was responsible for senior loan, high yield and mezzanine origination and execution, as well as CIBC World Markets’ below investment grade loan portfolio in the United States. As a co-head of U.S. Leveraged Finance, Mr. Spohler oversaw over 300 capital raising and merger and acquisition transactions, comprising over $40 billion in market capitalization.

 

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In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we intend to target. Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries.

 

Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have been active participants in the primary and secondary leveraged credit markets throughout their careers. They have effectively managed portfolios of senior loans and mezzanine debt as well as other investment types. The depth of their experience and credit market expertise has led them through various stages of the economic cycle as well as several market disruptions.

 

Market Opportunity

 

Solar Senior Capital intends to invest primarily in senior loans of private middle-market leveraged companies organized and located in the United States. We believe that the size of this market, coupled with the demands of these companies for flexible sources of capital at attractive terms and rates, creates an attractive investment environment for us.

 

   

Disruptions within the credit markets have reduced middle-market companies’ access to the capital markets for senior debt. While many middle-market companies were previously able to raise senior debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will become more difficult as implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel 3, are expected to limit the capacity of large financial institutions to hold non-investment grade leveraged loans on their balance sheets. We believe that many of these financial institutions have de-emphasized their service and product offerings to middle-market companies in particular. In addition, we believe that the recent decline in the formation of new collateralized loan obligation, or CLO, vehicles coupled with the expiration of the investment periods of the majority of existing CLOs, have and will continue to restrict available capital for new middle-market senior loan originations. Moreover, consolidation and the illiquid nature of investments have resulted in fewer middle-market lenders and market participants.

 

   

There is a large pool of uninvested private equity capital likely to seek additional senior debt capital to finance strategic transactions. There is currently over $520 billion of uninvested private equity seeking debt financing to support acquisitions. We expect that middle-market private equity firms will continue to invest the over $185 billion raised since 2000 in middle-market companies and that these private equity firms will seek to support their investments with senior loans from other sources, such as Solar Senior Capital. Additionally, over $17.4 billion was raised by middle-market sponsors during 2011, which we believe demonstrates the continued appetite for middle-market acquisitions that will need senior debt financing.

 

   

The significant amount of leveraged loans maturing through 2018 will provide additional demand for senior debt capital. Although many companies were able to refinance or amend their senior debt obligations during 2010 and 2011, there remains approximately $500 billion of anticipated leveraged loans maturing before the end of 2018. We believe that the majority of the companies able to access the markets during 2010 and 2011 were larger companies and thus the need to refinance capital structures of middle-market companies will remain particularly robust.

 

   

Investing in private middle market senior secured debt provides an attractive risk reward profile. In general, terms for illiquid, middle-market leveraged loans have been more attractive than leveraged loans for larger corporations which are typically more liquid. We believe this is because fewer institutions are able to invest in the illiquid asset class. In addition, we believe that the debt to EBITDA ratios for middle-market LBOs is lower than for large capitalization LBOs, that the average discounted spread between middle-market loans over large-cap loans is wider and that the default rate on middle-market loans is lower than on large-cap loans. Middle-market loans have also exhibited higher average recovery rates than all loans in the aggregate. We believe that middle-market companies in which we intend to invest will

 

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generally have loan tranches of less than $250 million. We also believe that the average new issue yield for leveraged loans made to middle-market companies is currently significantly higher than the yield for newly-issued loans made to companies with annual revenues above $1 billion.

 

   

The decrease in competition and continued robust supply provide us with significant leverage in negotiating terms for private middle-market senior debt financings. Due to the factors listed above, we believe we will be able to negotiate favorable terms. Such favorable terms may include higher debt yields with LIBOR floors and lower leverage levels with more significant covenant protection than typical transactions involving larger companies.

 

Therefore, we believe that there is an attractive opportunity to invest in senior loans of leveraged companies and that we are well positioned to serve this market.

 

Competitive Advantages and Strategy

 

We believe that we have the following competitive advantages over other providers of financing to leveraged companies:

 

Management Expertise

 

As managing partner, Mr. Gross has principal management responsibility for Solar Capital Partners, to which he currently dedicates substantially all of his time. Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in leveraged finance, private equity and distressed debt investing. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer and a partner of Solar Capital Partners, has 25 years of experience in evaluating and executing leverage finance transactions. We believe that Messrs. Gross and Spohler have developed a strong reputation in the capital markets, and that this experience provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying and investing in leveraged companies with the potential to generate returns. We believe that our investment team has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries, as well as significant contacts with financial sponsors operating in those industries. We believe that our investment team has a proven track record of valuing companies and assets and negotiating transactions.

 

In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we currently target. Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries.

 

Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have been active participants in the primary and secondary leveraged credit markets throughout their careers. They have effectively managed portfolios of distressed and mezzanine debt as well as other investment types. The depth of their experience and credit market expertise has led them through various stages of the economic cycle as well as several market disruptions.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

Our portfolio investments consist of portfolio companies that have strong cash flows and have maintained financial and operating performance despite the recent economic climate. As of March 31, 2012, 100% of our total portfolio value of income producing assets was comprised of performing assets. The majority of our assets have been seasoned, which has allowed us to gain a solid understanding of our borrowers and the industries in which they compete. Additionally, over time, we have established productive relationships with our portfolio companies.

 

Investment Capacity

 

The proceeds from our initial public offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, and the expected repayments of existing investments provide us with a substantial

 

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amount of capital available for deployment into new investment opportunities. We believe we are well positioned for the current marketplace. We believe that in the current economic environment financing needs of many companies will increase while funding options are limited, allowing us to capitalize on favorable investment opportunities.

 

Proprietary Sourcing and Origination

 

We believe that Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals’ longstanding relationships with financial sponsors, commercial and investment banks, management teams and other financial intermediaries provide us with a strong pipeline of origination opportunities. We believe the broad expertise of Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals and their ability to draw upon their average of over 20 years of investment experience enable us to identify, assess and structure investments successfully. We expect to continue leveraging the over 100 relationships with middle-market sponsors that Solar Capital Partners’ investment team established while sourcing and originating investments for Solar Capital, which will give us access to deals that are not available through large syndication processes.

 

We believe our investment team’s strong relationship network will be enhanced by the collaborative role both Solar Senior Capital intends to play in the private equity industry, similar to our investment team’s efforts on behalf of Solar Capital. Similar to Solar Capital, we will offer tailored solutions to our portfolio companies, and we believe that this role will provide us with greater deal flow as opposed to being viewed as a competitor bidding for control stakes. Because Solar Senior Capital is not associated with a private equity firm, we will not be precluded from partnering with most of the top tier financial sponsors.

 

These direct investments will enable us to perform more in-depth due diligence and play an active role in structuring financings. We believe that effectuating the transaction terms and having greater insight into a portfolio company’s operations and financial picture will assist Solar Senior Capital in minimizing downside potential, while reinforcing Solar Senior Capital as a trusted partner who delivers comprehensive financing solutions. For example, Solar Capital Partners has sourced investments in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for both Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012.

 

Greater Flexibility of Capital Versus Many of Our Competitors

 

While we are subject to significant regulation as a business development company, we are not subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional lending institutions such as banks. As a result, we believe that we can be more flexible than such lending institutions in selecting and structuring investments, adjusting investment criteria and transaction structures. We believe financial sponsors, management teams and investment banks see this flexibility as a benefit, making us an attractive financing partner for senior debt. We believe that this approach enables us to procure attractive senior loan investment opportunities throughout the economic cycle so that we can make investments consistent with our stated investment objective even during turbulent periods in the capital markets.

 

Emphasis on Achieving Strong Risk-Adjusted Returns

 

Solar Capital Partners uses a disciplined investment and risk management process that emphasizes a fundamental research and analysis framework. Solar Capital Partners seeks to build our portfolio on a “bottom-up” basis, choosing and sizing individual positions based on their relative risk/reward profiles as a function of the associated downside risk, volatility, correlation with the existing portfolio and liquidity. At the same time, Solar Capital Partners takes into consideration a variety of factors in managing our portfolio and impose portfolio-based risk constraints promoting a more diverse portfolio of investments and limiting issuer and industry concentration. Our value-oriented investment philosophy focuses on preserving capital and ensuring that our investments have an appropriate return profile in relation to risk. When market conditions make it difficult for us to invest according to

 

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our criteria, we are highly selective in deploying our capital and do not pursue short-term origination targets over our long-term strategies. We believe this approach will enable us to build an attractive investment portfolio that meets our return and value criteria over the long term.

 

We believe it is critical to conduct extensive due diligence on investment targets. In evaluating new investments we, through Solar Capital Partners, conduct due diligence processes that draw upon the investment experience, industry expertise and network of contacts of our senior investment professionals, as well as the other members of our investment team. Among other things, our due diligence focuses on asset coverage, as well as a prospective portfolio company’s ability to meet its debt service obligations. We also focus on downside protection and preservation of capital throughout the structuring process.

 

Deep Industry Focus with Substantial Information Flow

 

We concentrate our investing activities in industries characterized by strong cash flow and in which Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals have deep investment experience. As a result of their investment experience, Messrs. Gross and Spohler, together with Solar Capital Partners’ other investment professionals, have long-term relationships with management consultants and management teams in the industries we target, as well as substantial information concerning those industries. Solar Capital Partners’ investment team also has significant experience in evaluating and making investments in the industries we target. We believe that the in-depth experience of Solar Capital Partners’ investment team in investing throughout various stages of the economic cycle provides our investment adviser with access to ongoing market insights in addition to a powerful asset for investment sourcing.

 

Longer Investment Horizon

 

Unlike private equity and venture capital funds, we are not subject to standard periodic capital return requirements. Such requirements typically stipulate that the capital of these funds, together with any capital gains on such invested funds, can only be invested once and must be returned to investors after a pre-agreed time period. We believe that our flexibility to make investments with a long-term view and without the capital return requirements of traditional private investment vehicles enables us to invest in private middle-market senior debt, which we believe provides a more attractive risk-return profile than the liquid senior debt market for larger companies. We also believe our longer investment horizon enables us to be a better long-term partner for our portfolio companies.

 

Investment Strategy

 

Solar Senior Capital seeks to create a diverse portfolio of senior loans by investing approximately $5 million to $30 million of capital, on average, in the securities of leveraged companies, including middle-market companies. We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans.

 

Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade. Senior secured loans, however are generally less risky than subordinated debt, bearing lower leverage and higher recovery statistics.

 

In addition to senior secured loans, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus, but are intended to enhance our returns to stockholders. These investments may

 

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include similar direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a business development company under the 1940 Act. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

 

We may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in management fees payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be borne by our common stockholders.

 

Additionally, we may in the future seek to securitize our loans to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize loans, we may create a wholly owned subsidiary and contribute a pool of loans to the subsidiary. This could include the sale of interests in the subsidiary on a non-recourse basis to purchasers who we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment grade loan pools, and we would retain a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of loans.

 

Moreover, we may acquire investments in the secondary market and, in analyzing such investments, we will employ the same analytical process as we use for our primary investments.

 

We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

 

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Our principal focus is to provide senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien loans, to private middle-market companies in a variety of industries. We generally seek to target companies that generate positive cash flows. We generally seek to invest in companies from the broad variety of industries in which our investment adviser has direct expertise. The following is a representative list of the industries in which we may invest.

 

•Aerospace & Defense

  

•      Healthcare, Education & Childcare

•Automobile

  

•      Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds

•Banking

  

•      Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

•Beverage, Food & Tobacco

  

•      Insurance

•Buildings & Real Estate

  

•      Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment

•Broadcasting & Entertainment

  

•      Machinery

•Cargo Transport

  

•      Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals

•Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

  

•      Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

•Containers, Packaging & Glass

  

•      Personal, Food & Misc. Services

•Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing

  

•      Personal Transportation

•Diversified/Conglomerate Services

  

•      Printing & Publishing

•Electronics

  

•      Retail Stores

•Farming & Agriculture

  

•      Telecommunications

•Finance

  

•      Textiles & Leather

•Grocery

  

•      Utilities

 

We may invest in other industries if we are presented with attractive opportunities.

 

Set forth below is a list of our ten largest portfolio company investments as of March 31, 2012, as well as the top ten industries in which we were invested as of March 31, 2012, in each case calculated as a percentage of our total assets as of such date.

 

Portfolio Company

   % of Total
Assets
 

KIK Custom Products, Inc.

     8.9

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC

     8.4

Decision Resources, LLC

     7.2

Asurion, LLC

     6.4

AmeriQual Group, LLC

     5.7

Six3 Systems, Inc.

     4.6

SLT Environmental, Inc.

     4.5

Engineering Solutions & Products, LLC

     4.2

FleetPride Corporation

     3.7

EIG Investors Corp.

     3.6

 

Industry Classification

   % of Total
Assets
 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

     16.4

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

     15.9

Aerospace & Defense

     12.4

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     8.9

Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

     8.9

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

     7.5

Insurance

     6.4

Telecommunications

     5.5

Cargo Transport

     3.7

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

     3.6

 

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Investment Selection Process

 

Solar Capital Partners utilizes a value-oriented investment philosophy with a focus on the preservation of capital and a commitment to managing downside exposure.

 

Portfolio Company Characteristics

 

We have identified several criteria that we believe are important in identifying and investing in prospective portfolio companies. These criteria provide general guidelines for our investment decisions; however, not all of these criteria will be met by each prospective portfolio company in which we choose to invest.

 

Stable Earnings and Strong Free Cash Flow.     We seek to invest in companies who have demonstrated stable earnings through economic cycles. We target companies that can de-lever through consistent generation of cash flows rather than relying solely on growth to service and repay our loans.

 

Value Orientation.     Our investment philosophy places a premium on fundamental analysis from an investor’s perspective and has a distinct value orientation. We focus on companies in which we can invest at relatively low multiples of operating cash flow and that are profitable at the time of investment on an operating cash flow basis.

 

Value of Assets.     The prospective value of the assets, if any, that collateralizes the loans in which we invest, will be an important factor in our credit analysis. Our analysis emphasizes both tangible assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate, and intangible assets, such as intellectual property, customer lists, networks and databases. In some of our senior loan transactions, the company’s fundings may be derived from a borrowing base determined by the value of the company’s assets.

 

Strong Competitive Position in Industry.     We seek to invest in target companies that have developed leading market positions within their respective markets and are well positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities. We seek companies that demonstrate significant competitive advantages versus their competitors, which we believe should help to protect their market position and profitability. Typically, we would not invest in start-up companies or companies having speculative business plans.

 

Diversified Customer and Supplier Base.     We seek to acquire businesses that have a diversified customer and supplier base. We believe that companies with a diversified customer and supplier base are generally better able to endure economic downturns, industry consolidation, changing business preferences and other factors that may negatively impact their customers, suppliers and competitors.

 

Exit Strategy.     We seek to predominantly invest in companies which provide multiple alternatives for an eventual exit. We look for opportunities that provide an exit typically within three years of the initial capital commitment.

 

We seek companies that we believe will provide a steady stream of cash flow to repay our loans and reinvest in their respective businesses. We believe that such internally generated cash flow, leading to the payment of interest on, and the repayment of the principal of, our investments in portfolio companies represents a key means by which we will be able to exit from our investments over time.

 

In addition, we also seek to invest in companies whose business models and expected future cash flows offer attractive exit possibilities. These companies include candidates for strategic acquisition by other industry participants and companies that may repay our investments through an initial public offering of common stock or another capital market transaction. We underwrite our investments on a hold-to-maturity basis, but expensive capital is often repaid prior to stated maturity.

 

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Experienced and Committed Management.     We generally require that portfolio companies have an experienced management team. We also require that portfolio companies have in place proper incentives to induce management to succeed and to act in concert with our interests as investors, including having significant equity interests.

 

Strong Sponsorship.     We aim to invest alongside other sophisticated investors. We seek to partner with successful financial sponsors who have historically generated high returns. We believe that investing in these sponsors’ portfolio companies enables us to benefit from their direct involvement and due diligence.

 

The illustration below provides Solar Senior Capital’s target portfolio companies and the targeted position of its investment in a company’s capital structure.

 

LOGO

 

Solar Senior Capital’s senior investment team works in concert with sponsors to proactively manage investment opportunities by acting as a partner throughout the investment process. We actively focus on the middle-market financial sponsor community, with a particular focus on the upper-end of the middle-market (sponsors with equity funds of $800 million to $3 billion). We favor such sponsors because they typically:

 

   

buy larger companies with strong business franchises;

 

   

invest significant amounts of equity in their portfolio companies;

 

   

value flexibility and creativity in structuring their transactions;

 

   

possess longer track records over multiple investment funds;

 

   

have a deeper management bench;

 

   

have better ability to withstand downturns; and

 

   

possess the ability to support portfolio companies with additional capital

 

We divide our coverage of these sponsors among our investment professionals, who are responsible for day-to-day interaction with financial sponsors. We take a proactive approach, provide quick feedback, deliver on commitments, and are constructive throughout the life cycle of an investment.

 

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Due Diligence

 

Our “private equity” approach to credit investing incorporates extensive in-depth due diligence often alongside the private equity sponsor. In conducting due diligence, we use publicly available information as well as information from relationships with former and current management teams, consultants, competitors and investment bankers. We believe that our due diligence methodology allows us to screen a high volume of potential investment opportunities on a consistent and thorough basis.

 

Our due diligence typically includes:

 

   

review of historical and prospective financial information;

 

   

review and valuation of assets;

 

   

research relating to the company’s management, industry, markets, products and services and competitors;

 

   

on-site visits;

 

   

discussions with management, employees, customers or vendors of the potential portfolio company;

 

   

review of senior loan documents; and

 

   

background investigations.

 

We also expect to evaluate the private equity sponsor making the investment. Further, due to Solar Capital Partners’ considerable repeat business with sponsors, we have direct experience with the management teams of many sponsors. A private equity sponsor is typically the controlling shareholder upon completion of an investment and as such is considered critical to the success of the investment. The equity sponsor is evaluated along several key criteria, including:

 

   

Investment track record;

 

   

Industry experience;

 

   

Capacity and willingness to provide additional financial support to the company through additional capital contributions, if necessary; and

 

   

Reference checks.

 

Throughout the diligence process, a deal team is in constant dialogue with the management team of the company in which we are considering to invest to ensure that any concerns are addressed as early as possible through the process and that unsuitable investments are filtered out before considerable time has been invested.

 

Upon the completion of due diligence and a decision to proceed with an investment in a company, the investment professionals leading the investment present the investment opportunity to Solar Capital Partners’ investment committee, which then determines whether to pursue the potential investment. Additional due diligence with respect to any investment may be conducted on our behalf by attorneys and independent accountants prior to the closing of the investment, as well as other outside advisers, as appropriate.

 

The Investment Committee

 

All new investments are required to be approved by a consensus of the investment committee of Solar Capital Partners, which is led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler. The members of Solar Capital Partners’ investment committee receive no compensation from us. Such members may be employees or partners of Solar Capital Partners and may receive compensation or profit distributions from Solar Capital Partners.

 

Investment Structure

 

Once we determine that a prospective portfolio company is suitable for investment, we work with the management of that company and its other capital providers, including senior, junior and equity capital providers,

 

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to structure an investment. We negotiate among these parties to agree on how our investment is expected to perform relative to the other capital in the portfolio company’s capital structure.

 

We seek to invest in portfolio companies primarily in the form of senior loans. These senior loans typically have current cash pay interest with some amortization of principal. Interest is typically paid on a floating rate basis, often with a floor on the LIBOR rate. We generally seek to obtain security interests in the assets of our portfolio companies that serve as collateral in support of the repayment of these loans. This collateral may take the form of first or second priority liens on the assets of a portfolio company.

 

Typically, we expect that our senior loans will have final maturities of four to seven years. However, we expect that our portfolio companies often may repay these loans early, generally within three years from the date of initial investment.

 

We seek to tailor the terms of the investment to the facts and circumstances of the transaction and the prospective portfolio company, negotiating a structure that protects our rights and manages our risk while creating incentives for the portfolio company to achieve its business plan and improve its profitability. We seek to limit the downside potential of our investments by negotiating covenants in connection with our investments that afford our portfolio companies as much flexibility in managing their businesses as possible, consistent with preservation of our capital. Such restrictions may include affirmative and negative covenants, default penalties, lien protection, change of control provisions and board rights, including either observation or participation rights.

 

We seek to hold most of our investments to maturity or repayment, but have the ability to sell our investments earlier.

 

Ongoing Relationships with Portfolio Companies

 

Monitoring.     Solar Capital Partners monitors our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. Solar Capital Partners monitors the financial trends of each portfolio company to determine if it is meeting its business plan and to assess the appropriate course of action for each company.

 

Solar Capital Partners has several methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our investments, which include the following:

 

   

Assessment of success in adhering to each portfolio company’s business plan and compliance with covenants;

 

   

Periodic and regular contact with portfolio company management and, if appropriate, the financial or strategic sponsor, to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;

 

   

Comparisons to other Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital portfolio companies in the industry, if any;

 

   

Attendance at and participation in board meetings; and

 

   

Review of monthly and quarterly financial statements, asset valuations and financial projections for portfolio companies.

 

In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, Solar Capital Partners also uses an investment rating system to characterize and monitor our expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio.

 

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We use an investment rating scale of 1 to 4. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating:

 

Investment
Rating

  

Summary Description

1

   Involves the least amount of risk in our portfolio, the portfolio company is performing above expectations, and the trends and risk factors are generally favorable (including a potential exit)

2

   Risk that is similar to the risk at the time of origination, the portfolio company is performing as expected, and the risk factors are neutral to favorable; all new investments are initially assessed a grade of 2

3

   The portfolio company is performing below expectations, may be out of compliance with debt covenants, and requires procedures for closer monitoring

4

  

The investment is performing well below expectations and is not anticipated to be repaid in full

 

Solar Capital Partners monitors and, when appropriate, changes the investment ratings assigned to each investment in our portfolio. As of March 31, 2012, the weighted average investment rating on the fair market value of our portfolio was 1.9. In connection with our valuation process, Solar Capital Partners reviews these investment ratings on a quarterly basis, and our board of directors affirms such ratings.

 

Valuation Procedures

 

We will conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value shall be determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act. We will generally value our assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail below:

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange shall be valued at the closing price on the day of valuation. We may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, we determine whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, we use the quote obtained.

 

Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of our investment adviser or board of directors, does not represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with our senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the board of directors will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for (a) each portfolio investment that, when taken together with all other investments in the same portfolio company, exceeds 10% of our total assets, plus available borrowings, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter, and (b) each portfolio investment that is presently in default; and (iv) the board of directors will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the investment adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

 

The recommendation of fair value will generally be based on the following factors, as relevant:

 

   

the nature and realizable value of any collateral;

 

   

the portfolio company’s ability to make payments;

 

   

the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow;

 

   

the markets in which the issuer does business; and

 

   

comparisons to publicly traded securities.

 

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Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which a pricing source is not sufficient may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market;

 

   

securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available;

 

   

debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market;

 

   

securities whose prices are stale;

 

   

securities affected by significant events; and

 

   

securities that the investment adviser believes were priced incorrectly.

 

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our financial statements express the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.

 

Competition

 

Our primary competitors provide financing to middle-market companies and include other business development companies, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Additionally, alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, frequently invest in middle-market companies. As a result, competition for investment opportunities at middle-market companies can be intense. However, we believe that there has been a reduction in the amount of debt capital available since the downturn in the credit markets, which began in mid-2007, and that this has resulted in a less competitive environment for making new investments. While many middle-market companies were previously able to raise senior debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will become more difficult as implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel 3, will limit the capacity of large financial institutions to hold non-investment grade leveraged loans on their balance sheets. We believe that many of these financial institutions have de-emphasized their service and product offerings to middle-market companies in particular.

 

Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a business development company. We use the industry information available to Messrs. Gross and Spohler and the other investment professionals of Solar Capital Partners to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments in portfolio companies. In addition, we believe that the relationships of Messrs. Gross and Spohler and the other investment professionals of our investment adviser enable us to learn about, and compete effectively for, financing opportunities with attractive leveraged companies in the industries in which we seek to invest.

 

Staffing

 

We do not currently have any employees. Mr. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer, currently serve as the managing member and a partner, respectively, of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners. Nicholas Radesca, our chief financial officer and secretary, is an employee of Solar Capital Management, and performs his functions as chief financial officer under the terms of our Administration Agreement. Guy Talarico, our chief compliance officer, is the chief executive officer of Alaric Compliance Services, LLC, and performs his functions as our chief compliance officer under the terms of

 

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an agreement between Solar Capital Management and Alaric Compliance Services, LLC. Solar Capital Management has retained Mr. Talarico and Alaric Compliance Services, LLC pursuant to its obligations under our Administration Agreement.

 

Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by Solar Capital Partners. Solar Capital Partners’ investment personnel currently consists of its senior investment professionals, Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, and a team of additional experienced investment professionals. Based upon its needs, Solar Capital Partners may hire additional investment professionals. In addition, we will reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and the compensation of our chief financial officer and any administrative support staff.

 

Properties

 

Our executive offices are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and are provided by Solar Capital Management in accordance with the terms of the Administration Agreement. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and adequate for our business as it is contemplated to be conducted.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

None of us, our investment adviser or administrator, is currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us, or against our investment adviser or administrator. From time to time, we, our investment adviser or administrator, may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

 

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 2012 for each portfolio company in which we had an investment. The general terms of our investments are described in “Business — Investment Structure.” Other than these investments, our only formal relationships with our portfolio companies are the managerial assistance we may provide upon request and the board observer or participation rights we may receive in connection with our investment. We do not “control” and are not an “affiliate” of any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, we would “control” a portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its voting securities and would be an “affiliate” of a portfolio company if we owned more than 5% of its voting securities.

 

Name and Address of

Portfolio Company:

 

Industry

 

    Type of Investment    

 

Interest (1)

 

Maturity

 

% of
Class Held

  Fair Value
(in thousands)
 

AmeriQual Group, LLC

18200 Highway 41 North

Evansville, IN 47725

 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.50% (L+500/Q)  

3/28/2016

    $ 12,494   

Apollo Investment Corporation

9 West 57th Street

New York, NY 10019

 

Finance

 

Unsecured Bonds

  5.75%  

1/15/2016

    $ 3,577 (2) 

ATI Holdings, Inc.

790 Remington Blvd

Bolingbrook , IL 60440

 

Healthcare, Education
& Childcare

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.50% (L+550/Q)  

3/12/2016

    $ 7,975   

Asurion, LLC

648 Grassmere Park Suite 402

Nashville, Tennessee 37211

 

Insurance

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans Subordinated Notes

  9.00% (L+750/Q) 11.00% (L+950/Q)  

5/24/2019

 

3/2/2019

    $

$

10,911

 

3,047

  

(3) 

Bellisio Foods

1201 Harmon Place, Suite 302

Minneapolis, MN 55403

 

Beverage, Food
& Tobacco

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.00% (L+550/M)  

12/16/2017

    $ 4,950   

Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc.

1600 Powis Court West

Chicago, IL 60185

 

Chemicals, Plastics
& Rubber

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.75% (L+525/Q)  

2/28/2018

    $ 4,950   

Decision Resources, LLC

8 New England Executive Park

Burlington, MA 01803

 

Healthcare, Education
& Childcare

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  9.50% (L+800/Q)  

5/6/2018

    $ 15,680   

EIG Investors Corp.

70 Blanchard Road

Burlington, MA 01803

 

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.75% (L+625/Q)  

12/22/2017

    $ 7,980   

Engineering Solutions & Products, LLC

4 Industrial Way West, 3 rd Floor

Eatontown, NJ 07724

 

Aerospace & Defense

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.75% (L+625/Q)  

4/21/2017

    $ 9,175   

Fleetpride Corporation

8708 Technology Forest Place,

Suite 125

The Woodlands, TX 77381

 

Cargo Transport

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.75% (L+550/Q)  

12/6/2017

    $ 8,000   

Genesys Telecommunications

2001 Juniper Serra Blvd.

Daly City, CA 94014

 

Telecommunications

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.75% (L+525/Q)  

1/31/2019

    $ 7,064   

Grocery Outlet Inc.

2000 Fifth Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

 

Grocery

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  10.50% (L+900/Q)  

12/15/2017

    $ 6,368   

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC

1901 Butterfield Road; Suite 530

Downers Grove IL, 60515

 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  8.00% (P+475/Q)  

5/10/2016

    $ 18,465   

 

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Name and Address of

Portfolio Company:

 

Industry

 

    Type of Investment    

 

Interest (1)

 

Maturity

 

% of
Class Held

  Fair Value
(in thousands)
 

Hoffmaster Group, Inc.

2920 North Main Street

Oshkosh, WI 54901

 

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.00% (L+550/Q)  

1/3/2018

    $ 4,938   

Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC

1170 Wheeler Way Suite 150

Langhorne, PA 19047-1749

 

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.50% (L+600/Q)  

8/26/2016

    $ 7,920   

KIK Custom Products, Inc.

101 MacIntosh Blvd.

Concord, Ontario Canada L4K 4R5

 

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  8.50% (L+700/Q)  

5/31/2014

    $ 19,552   

Marshall Retail Group, LLC

5385 Wynn Road

Las Vegas, NV 89118

 

Retail Stores

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  8.00% (L+650/Q)  

10/19/2016

    $ 5,000   

Porex Corporation

500 Bohannon Road

Fairburn, GA 30213 USA

 

Chemicals, Plastics
& Rubber

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.75% (L+525/Q)  

3/31/2015

    $ 4,678   

Renaissance Learning, Inc.

2911 Peach Street

Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

 

Healthcare, Education
& Childcare

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.75% (L+625/Q)  

10/19/2017

    $ 7,960   

Shield Finance Co. SARL

41, Boulevard Prince Henri

L-1724 Luxembourg

 

Telecommunications

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.63% (L+562.5/Q)  

6/15/2016

    $ 4,963 (2) 

Shoes for Crews, Inc.

250 South Australian Ave.

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

 

Textiles & Leather

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.50% (L+500/Q)  

3/27/2017

    $ 4,988   

Six3 Systems, Inc.

1430 Spring Hill Road

Suite 525

McLean, VA 22102

 

Aerospace & Defense

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.00% (L+400/Q)  

12/31/2014

    $ 9,997   

Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc.

1501 Farm Credit Drive

Suite 2300

McLean, VA 22102

 

Aerospace & Defense

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.00% (L+550/Q)  

4/22/2017

    $ 7,861   

SLT Environmental, Inc.

19103 Gundle Rd

Houston, TX 77073

 

Chemicals, Plastics
& Rubber

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  7.00% (L+550/Q)  

5/27/2016

    $ 9,875   

STHI Holding Corp.

2015 Spring Road

Suite 650

Oak Brook, IL 60523

 

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  8.00%  

3/18/2018

    $ 3,180   

Water Pik, Inc

1730 East Prospect Rd.

Fort Collins, CO 80553

 

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

 

Bank Debt / Senior Secured Loans

  6.75% (L+525/M)  

8/10/2017

    $ 3,460   
           

 

 

 
            $ 215,008   
           

 

 

 

 

(1)   All interest is payable in cash unless otherwise indicated. A majority of the variable rate debt investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR with a base rate floor and reset daily quarterly (Q), monthly (M), or semi-annually (S). For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2012.

 

(2)   Denotes an investment that we believe does not meet the requirements to be considered a “qualifying asset” under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, we may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets,” unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of our total assets.

 

(3)   All or a portion of interest may be deferred through a payment-in-kind interest option.

 

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Set forth below is a brief description of each portfolio company in which we have made an investment that represents greater than 5% of our total assets as of March 31, 2012.

 

AmeriQual Group, LLC

 

AmeriQual Group, LLC, engages in the production, packaging, assembly, and distribution of shelf stable food products for the Department of Defense and commercial branded food companies in the United States. It offers its products in shelf-stable pre-formed pillow and gusseted pouches, vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal pouches, heat-sealed microwavable bowls and trays, and semi-rigid double seamed plastic bowls.

 

Asurion, LLC

 

Asurion, LLC is the leading global provider of technology protection services to the wireless, retail, and home service provider industries. Asurion sells handset protection services through wireless carriers in North America, Asia and the U.K. Additionally, its majority-owned subsidiary, NEW, provides extended service contract administration for consumer electronics, appliances, jewelry and sporting equipment retailers, as well as home service providers.

 

Decision Resources, LLC

 

Decision Resources is the marker leader for high value information services across pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, managed care markets and medical technology markets.

 

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC

 

Hearthside Foods is one of the largest contract food manufacturing businesses in the U.S., producing a wide variety of items for leading branded packaged food companies. The Company focuses on the co-manufacturing of granola bars, snack mixes, croutons, cereals, cookies, crackers and other snack food items. Hearthside also manufactures private label cereal, snacks and bulk granola for sale in retail outlets.

 

KIK Custom Products, Inc

 

KIK Custom Products, Inc. is one of North America’s largest most diverse manufacturer of both National Branded and Retailer Branded consumer products. The National Branded segment is a contract manufacturer of consumer branded products for leading consumer products companies including Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Unilver, Alberto Culver, Sun Products, Playtex, SC Johnson and Dial. The retailer branded segment is a private label manufacturer of bleach based products for retailers including Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Kroeger, Loblaw, Supervalu, Sysco, Target, Publix and Safeway.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Our board of directors oversees our management. The board of directors currently consists of five members, three of whom are not “interested persons” of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We refer to these individuals as our independent directors. Our board of directors elects our officers, who serve at the discretion of the board of directors. The responsibilities of each director will include, among other things, the oversight of our investment activity, the quarterly valuation of our assets, and oversight of our financing arrangements. The board of directors has also established an audit committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee and may establish additional committees in the future.

 

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Directors

 

Information regarding the board of directors is as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Position

   Director
Since
     Expiration
of Term
 

Interested Director

           

Michael S. Gross

     50      

Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors

     2010         2014   

Bruce Spohler

     51       Chief Operating Officer and Director      2010         2013   

Independent Directors

           

Steven Hochberg

     50       Director      2011         2013   

David S. Wachter

     48       Director      2011         2015   

Leonard A. Potter

     50       Director      2011         2014   

 

The address for each of our directors is 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

 

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Nicholas Radesca

     46       Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Guy Talarico

     56       Chief Compliance Officer

 

The address for each of our executive officers is 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

 

Biographical Information

 

Directors

 

Our directors have been divided into two groups — interested directors and independent directors. An interested director is an “interested person” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. As described below under “Committees of the Board of Directors — Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,” the board of directors has identified certain desired attributes for director nominees. We believe each of our directors has demonstrated high character and integrity, superior credentials and recognition in his respective field and the relevant expertise and experience upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to our management. We believe each of our directors also has sufficient time available to devote to the affairs of Solar Senior Capital, is able to work with the other members of the board of directors and contribute to the success of Solar Senior Capital and can represent the long-term interests of Solar Senior Capital’s stockholders as a whole. Our directors have been selected such that the board of directors represents a range of backgrounds and experience. Set forth below is biographical information of each director, including a discussion of such director’s particular

 

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experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that lead us to conclude, as of the date of this prospectus, that such individual should serve as a director of Solar Capital, in light of Solar Senior Capital’s business and structure.

 

Interested Directors

 

Michael S. Gross has been the chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer and president of Solar Senior Capital since December 2010. In addition, Mr. Gross served as the managing member, the chairman of the board of directors and the chief executive officer of Solar Capital LLC since its inception in February 2007, and has been the chairman of the board of directors since December 2007, and chief executive officer and president since November 2007, of Solar Capital, its successor fund. Mr. Gross also currently serves as the managing member of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners. From July 2006 through approximately the first quarter of 2009, Mr. Gross was a partner in Magnetar Capital Partners, LP. Between February 2004 and February 2006, Mr. Gross was the president and chief executive officer of Apollo Investment Corporation, a publicly traded business development company that he founded and on whose board of directors and investment committee he served as chairman from February 2004 to July 2006, and was the managing partner of Apollo Investment Management, L.P., the investment adviser to Apollo Investment Corporation. Apollo Investment Corporation invests primarily in middle-market companies in the form of senior secured and mezzanine loans as well as by making direct equity investments in such companies. Under his management, Apollo Investment Corporation raised approximately $930 million in gross proceeds in an initial public offering in April 2004 and invested approximately $2.3 billion in over 65 companies in conjunction with 50 different private equity sponsors. From 1990 to February 2006, Mr. Gross was a senior partner at Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private equity firm which he founded in 1990 with five other persons. Since its inception, Apollo Management, L.P. has invested more than $13 billion in over 150 companies in the United States and Western Europe. During his tenure at Apollo Management, L.P., Mr. Gross was a member of an investment committee that was responsible for overseeing such investments. In addition, from 2003 to February 2006, Mr. Gross was the managing partner of Apollo Distressed Investment Fund, an investment fund he founded to invest principally in non-control oriented distressed debt and other investment securities of leveraged companies. Prior to his time at Apollo Management, L.P., Mr. Gross was employed by Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated. From June 2006 to August 2008, Mr. Gross served as the chief executive officer, chairman of the board of directors and secretary of Marathon Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. Mr. Gross currently serves on the boards of directors of Saks, Inc., Global Ship Lease Inc. and Jarden Corporation. From January 1999 to June 2008 Mr. Gross served on the board of directors of United Rentals, Inc., and in the past has served on the boards of directors, including in certain cases, in the capacity as a lead director, of more than 20 public and private companies. He is a founding member, and serves on the executive committee, of the Youth Renewal Fund, is the chairman of the board of Mt. Sinai Children’s Center Foundation, and serves on the Board of Trustees of The Trinity School and the Board of Directors of New York Road Runners. Mr. Gross holds a B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Michigan and an M.M. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Mr. Gross’ intimate knowledge of the business and operations of Solar Senior Capital, extensive familiarity with the financial industry and the investment management process in particular, and experience as a director of other public and private companies not only gives the board of directors valuable insight but also positions him well to continue to serve as the chairman of our board of directors.

 

Bruce Spohler has been the chief operating officer and a director of Solar Senior Capital since December 2010. In addition, Mr. Spohler served as a senior vice president of Solar Capital LLC from its inception in February 2007, and has been a director since September 2009, and the chief operating officer since December 2007, of Solar Capital, its successor fund. Mr. Spohler also currently serves as a partner of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners. Previously, Mr. Spohler was a managing director and a former co-head of U.S. Leveraged Finance for CIBC World Markets. He held numerous senior roles at CIBC World Markets, including serving on the U.S. Management Committee, Global Executive Committee and the Deals Committee, which approves all of CIBC World Markets’ U.S. corporate finance debt capital decisions. During his tenure, he was responsible for senior loan, high yield and mezzanine origination and execution, as well as CIBC World Markets’

 

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below investment grade loan portfolio in the U.S. As a co-head of U.S. Leveraged Finance, he oversaw over 300 capital raising and merger and acquisition transactions, comprising over $40 billion in market capitalization. He joined CIBC World Markets in 1995 when it acquired The Argosy Group, of which Mr. Spohler was a founding member and managing director. Founded in 1990, The Argosy Group was a middle-market financing business, in which Mr. Spohler and other principals of The Argosy Group raised third party capital as well as invested alongside their financial sponsor clients. Prior to The Argosy Group, Mr. Spohler was employed by Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated. Mr. Spohler earned a B.S. from Syracuse University and an M.M. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Mr. Spohler’s depth of experience in managerial positions in investment management, leveraged finance and financial services, as well as his intimate knowledge of Solar Senior Capital’s business and operations, gives the board of directors valuable industry-specific knowledge and expertise on these and other matters.

 

Independent Directors

 

Steven Hochberg has been a director of Solar Senior Capital since January 2011. Mr. Hochberg has been a director of Solar Capital LLC from its inception in February 2007, and has been a director of Solar Capital since November 2007, its successor entity. Mr. Hochberg is the founder of Ascent Biomedical Ventures, a New York based venture investor in biomedical technology companies including medical devices and drugs. Since 1992, Mr. Hochberg has also been an active founder of early-stage medical technology companies, including Biomerix Corporation, Eminent Research Systems Inc., Clinsights, Inc., Med-E-Systems/AHT Corporation, and Physicians Online. Mr. Hochberg is the chairman of the board of directors of Biomerix Corporation, Crosstrees Medical, Inc. and Ouroboros, Inc., and serves on the board of directors of Synecor, LLC and SpineView, Inc. Previously, Mr. Hochberg was an investment banker with Alex. Brown & Sons and a strategy consultant with Bain & Company in the technology and healthcare areas. Currently, Mr. Hochberg is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Continuum Health Partners, one of the largest non-profit hospital systems in New York City. Mr. Hochberg is also a member of the Board of Governors of the New York Academy of Sciences. Mr. Hochberg holds a B.B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Hochberg’s varied experience in investing in medical technology companies provides the board of directors with particular knowledge of this field, and his role as chairman of other companies’ board of directors brings the perspective of a knowledgeable corporate leader.

 

Leonard A. Potter has been a director of Solar Senior Capital since January 2011. Mr. Potter has been a director of Solar Capital since September 2009. Mr. Potter has served as the President of Wildcat Capital Management, LLC, a private family investment office, since September 2011. From August 2009 through August 2011, Mr. Potter served as the Chief Investment Officer of Salt Creek Hospitality, a private acquirer and owner of hospitality related assets. From December 2002 through July 2009, Mr. Potter was a Managing Director for Soros Private Equity at Soros Fund Management LLC (“SFM”) where, from May 2005 through July 2009, Mr. Potter served as co-head of the Private Equity group and a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. From September 1998 until joining SFM in 2002, Mr. Potter was a Managing Director of Alpine Consolidated LLC, a private merchant bank, and from April 1996 through September 1998, Mr. Potter founded and served as a Managing Director of Capstone Partners LLC, a private merchant bank. Prior to founding Capstone Partners, Mr. Potter was an attorney specializing in mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Mr. Potter is currently a member of the board of directors of GSV Capital Corp. a publicly-traded BDC, and Crumbs Bake Shop Inc., a neighborhood bakery and a retailer of cupcakes; and has previously served as a board member of several other public companies and currently serves on the boards of several private companies. Mr. Potter has a B.A. from Brandeis University and a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law. Mr. Potter’s experience practicing as a corporate lawyer provides valuable insight to the board of directors on regulatory and risk management issues. In addition, his tenure in private equity investing and service as a director of both public and private companies provide industry-specific knowledge and expertise to the board of directors.

 

David S. Wachter has been a director of Solar Senior Capital since January 2011. Mr. Wachter has been a director of Solar Capital LLC from its inception in February 2007, and has been a director of Solar Capital since

 

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November 2007, its successor entity. Mr. Wachter has been a founding partner, managing director and president of W Capital Partners since 2001. W Capital Partners is a private equity fund manager that acquires direct private equity portfolios in the secondary market. W Capital Partners manages over $1 billion of capital and is a leading participant in providing private equity firms, financial institutions and corporations with a liquidity alternative for their private equity investments. Prior to founding W Capital Partners, Mr. Wachter was a managing director at Jefferies & Co. from 1999 to 2001, a founding partner and managing director at C.E. Unterberg, Towbin from 1990 to 1999 and an investment banker at Lehman Brothers from 1986 to 1990. Mr. Wachter has a B.S. in Engineering, with a major in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from New York University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Wachter’s extensive knowledge of private equity and investment banking provides the board of directors with the valuable insight of an experienced financial manager.

 

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

 

Nicholas Radesca CPA has been the chief financial officer and secretary of Solar Senior Capital since December 2010. In addition, Mr. Radesca has served as the chief financial officer and secretary of Solar Capital Ltd. since March 2008 and October 2009, respectively, and was the chief financial officer of Solar Capital, LLC from March 2008 until Solar Capital LLC merged with Solar Capital Ltd. in February 2010. Mr. Radesca joined Solar Capital from iStar Financial Inc. where he served from 2006 to 2008 as the Chief Accounting Officer. His responsibilities at iStar Financial Inc., a publicly traded, diversified commercial real estate company, encompassed all aspects of accounting, tax and SEC reporting. Prior to iStar Financial Inc., Mr. Radesca was the Vice President of Financial Reporting at Fannie Mae from 2005 to 2006 where he oversaw SEC, regulatory and internal reporting. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Director of External Reporting at Del Monte Foods Company and from 1999 to 2002, served as the Vice President of Financial Reporting at Providian Financial. He began his financial services career at Bank of America. Mr. Radesca has more than 15 years of management experience and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Radesca has a B.S. in Accounting from New York Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from The California State University, East Bay.

 

Guy Talarico has been the chief compliance officer of Solar Senior Capital since December 2010. In addition, Mr. Talarico has been the chief compliance officer of Solar Capital since July 2008. Mr. Talarico founded and has served as chief executive officer of Alaric Compliance Services, LLC, (successor to EOS Compliance Services LLC) since June 2004. Mr. Talarico currently serves as chief compliance officer for a number of funds and investment advisers, including Keeley Funds Inc., The FBR Funds and PennantPark Investment Corporation. Prior to founding EOS Compliance Services LLC, Mr. Talarico served as the Senior Director of the Institutional Custody Division at Investors Bank & Trust Company from 2001 to 2004. Immediately prior to that, Mr. Talarico worked at JPMorgan Chase Bank where he was a Division Executive for Commercial Investment and Retirement Services in its Investment Services Group from 1995 to 2001. Mr. Talarico holds a B.S. ChE from Lehigh University, an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a J.D. from New York Law School.

 

Director Independence

 

In accordance with rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, our board of directors annually determines each director’s independence. We do not consider a director independent unless the board of directors has determined that he has no material relationship with us. We monitor the relationships of our directors and officers through a questionnaire each director completes no less frequently than annually and updates periodically as information provided in the most recent questionnaire changes.

 

Our governance guidelines require any director who has previously been determined to be independent to inform the Chairman of the board of directors, the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance committee and our secretary of any change in circumstance that may cause his or her status as an independent director to change. The board of directors limits membership on the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee to independent directors.

 

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In order to evaluate the materiality of any such relationship, the board of directors uses the definition of director independence set forth in the rules promulgated by the NASDAQ Stock Market. Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that a director of a BDC shall be considered to be independent if he or she is not an “interested person” of such BDC, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

The board of directors has determined that each of the directors is independent and has no relationship with us, except as a director and stockholder, with the exception of Michael S. Gross, as a result of his positions as the chief executive officer and president of Solar Senior Capital and the managing member of Solar Capital Partners, Solar Senior Capital’s investment adviser, and Bruce Spohler, as a result of his position as chief operating officer of Solar Senior Capital and a partner of Solar Capital Partners.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

Our board of directors monitors and performs an oversight role with respect to the business and affairs of Solar Senior Capital, including with respect to investment practices and performance, compliance with regulatory requirements and the services, expenses and performance of service providers to Solar Senior Capital. Among other things, our board of directors approves the appointment of our investment adviser and officers, reviews and monitors the services and activities performed by our investment adviser and executive officers and approves the engagement, and reviews the performance of, our independent public accounting firm.

 

Under Solar Senior Capital’s bylaws, our board of directors may designate a chairman to preside over the meetings of the board of directors and meetings of the stockholders and to perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the board. We do not have a fixed policy as to whether the chairman of the board should be an independent director and believe that we should maintain the flexibility to select the chairman and reorganize the leadership structure, from time to time, based on the criteria that is in the best interests of Solar Senior Capital and its stockholders at such times.

 

Presently, Mr. Gross serves as the chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Gross is an “interested person” of Solar Senior Capital as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act because he is the president and chief executive officer of Solar Senior Capital, serves on the investment committee of our investment adviser and is the managing member of our investment adviser. We believe that Mr. Gross’ history with Solar Senior Capital, familiarity with its investment platform, and extensive knowledge of the financial services industry and the investment valuation process in particular qualify him to serve as the chairman of our board of directors. We believe that Solar Senior Capital is best served through this existing leadership structure, as Mr. Gross’ relationship with Solar Senior Capital’s investment adviser provides an effective bridge and encourages an open dialogue between management and the board of directors, ensuring that both groups act with a common purpose.

 

Our board of directors does not currently have a designated lead independent director. We are aware of the potential conflicts that may arise when a non-independent director is chairman of the board, but believe these potential conflicts are offset by our strong corporate governance policies. Our corporate governance policies include regular meetings of the independent directors in executive session without the presence of interested directors and management, the establishment of audit and nominating and corporate governance committees comprised solely of independent directors and the appointment of a chief compliance officer, with whom the independent directors meet regularly without the presence of interested directors and other members of management, for administering our compliance policies and procedures.

 

We recognize that different board leadership structures are appropriate for companies in different situations. We re-examine our corporate governance policies on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet Solar Senior Capital’s needs.

 

Board’s Role In Risk Oversight

 

Our board of directors performs its risk oversight function primarily through (a) its two standing committees, which report to the entire board of directors and are comprised solely of independent directors, and (b) active monitoring of our chief compliance officer and our compliance policies and procedures.

 

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As described below in more detail under “Committees of the Board of Directors,” the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee assist the board of directors in fulfilling its risk oversight responsibilities. The audit committee’s risk oversight responsibilities include overseeing Solar Senior Capital’s accounting and financial reporting processes, Solar Senior Capital’s systems of internal controls regarding finance and accounting, and audits of Solar Senior Capital’s financial statements. The nominating and corporate governance committee’s risk oversight responsibilities include selecting, researching and nominating directors for election by our stockholders, developing and recommending to the board a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the board and our management.

 

Our board of directors also performs its risk oversight responsibilities with the assistance of the chief compliance officer. The board of directors annually reviews a written report from the chief compliance officer discussing the adequacy and effectiveness of the compliance policies and procedures of Solar Senior Capital and its service providers. The chief compliance officer’s annual report addresses at a minimum (a) the operation of the compliance policies and procedures of Solar Senior Capital and its service providers since the last report; (b) any material changes to such policies and procedures since the last report; (c) any recommendations for material changes to such policies and procedures as a result of the chief compliance officer’s annual review; and (d) any compliance matter that has occurred since the date of the last report about which the board of directors would reasonably need to know to oversee our compliance activities and risks. In addition, the chief compliance officer meets separately in executive session with the independent directors at least once each year.

 

We believe that our board’s role in risk oversight is effective, and appropriate given the extensive regulation to which we are already subject as a BDC. As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements that control the levels of risk in our business and operations. For example, our ability to incur indebtedness is limited such that our asset coverage must equal at least 200% immediately after each time we incur indebtedness, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets” and we are not generally permitted to invest in any portfolio company in which one of our affiliates currently has an investment. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

 

We recognize that different board roles in risk oversight are appropriate for companies in different situations. We re-examine the manners in which the board administers its oversight function on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet Solar Senior Capital’s needs.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

An audit committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee have been established by our board of directors. During 2011, our board of directors held nine board meetings and three audit committee meetings. All directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board of directors and of the respective committees on which they serve. We require each director to make a diligent effort to attend all board and committee meetings as well as each annual meeting of our stockholders.

 

Audit Committee

 

The audit committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by our board of directors, a copy of which is available on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com . The charter sets forth the responsibilities of the audit committee. The audit committee’s responsibilities include selecting the independent registered public accounting firm for Solar Senior Capital, reviewing with such independent registered public accounting firm the planning, scope and results of their audit of Solar Senior Capital’s financial statements, pre-approving the fees for services performed, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of internal control systems, reviewing Solar Senior Capital’s annual financial statements and periodic filings and receiving Solar Senior Capital’s audit reports and financial statements. The audit committee also establishes guidelines and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding the valuation of our investments. The audit committee is responsible for aiding our board of directors in determining the fair value of debt and equity

 

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securities that are not publicly traded or for which current market values are not readily available. The board of directors and audit committee may utilize the services of nationally recognized third-party valuation firms to help determine the fair value of these securities. The audit committee is currently composed of Messrs. Hochberg, Wachter and Potter, all of whom are considered independent under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market and are not “interested persons” of Solar Senior Capital as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Mr. Hochberg serves as chairman of the audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Hochberg is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K, as promulgated under the Exchange Act. Mr. Hochberg meets the current independence and experience requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The nominating and corporate governance committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by our board of directors, a copy of which is available on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com . The members of the nominating and corporate governance committee are Messrs. Hochberg, Wachter and Potter, all of whom are considered independent under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market and are not “interested persons” of Solar Senior Capital as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Mr. Wachter serves as chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for selecting, researching and nominating directors for election by our stockholders, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the board of directors or a committee thereof, developing and recommending to the board of directors a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the board of directors and our management. The nominating and corporate governance committee currently does not consider nominees recommended by our stockholders.

 

The nominating and corporate governance committee seeks candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the board of directors, Solar Senior Capital and its stockholders. In considering possible candidates for election as a director, the nominating and corporate governance committee takes into account, in addition to such other factors as it deems relevant, the desirability of selecting directors who:

 

   

are of high character and integrity;

 

   

are accomplished in their respective fields, with superior credentials and recognition;

 

   

have relevant expertise and experience upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management;

 

   

have sufficient time available to devote to the affairs of Solar Senior Capital;

 

   

are able to work with the other members of the board of directors and contribute to the success of Solar Senior Capital;

 

   

can represent the long-term interests of Solar Senior Capital’s stockholders as a whole; and

 

   

are selected such that the board of directors represents a range of backgrounds and experience.

 

The nominating and corporate governance committee has not adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. In determining whether to recommend a director nominee, the nominating and corporate governance committee considers and discusses diversity, among other factors, with a view toward the needs of the board of directors as a whole. The nominating and corporate governance committee generally conceptualizes diversity expansively to include, without limitation, concepts such as race, gender, national origin, differences of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skill and other qualities that contribute to the board of directors, when identifying and recommending director nominees. The nominating and corporate governance committee believes that the inclusion of diversity as one of many factors considered in selecting director nominees is consistent with the nominating and corporate governance committee’s goal of creating a board of directors that best serves the needs of Solar Senior Capital and the interest of its shareholders.

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Solar Senior Capital does not have a compensation committee because our executive officers do not receive any direct compensation from Solar Senior Capital.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The following table sets forth compensation of Solar Senior Capital’s directors, for the period ended December 31, 2011.

 

Name

   Fees Earned  or
Paid in Cash(1)
     Stock
Awards(2)
     All Other
Compensation
     Total  

Interested Directors

           

Michel S. Gross

     —           —           —           —     

Bruce Spohler

     —           —           —           —     

Independent Directors

           

Steven Hochberg

   $ 52,292         —           —         $ 52,292   

David S. Wachter

   $ 50,208         —           —         $ 50,208   

Leonard A. Potter

   $ 49,167         —           —         $ 49,167   

 

(1)   For a discussion of the independent directors’ compensation, see below.
(2)   We do not maintain a stock or option plan, non-equity incentive plan or pension plan for our directors. However, our independent directors have the option to receive all or a portion of the directors’ fees to which they would otherwise be entitled in the form of shares of our common stock issued at a price per share equal to the greater of our then-current net asset value per share or the market price at the time of payment. No shares were issued to any of our independent directors in lieu of cash during 2011.

 

Our independent directors’ annual fee is $50,000. The independent directors also receive $1,250 ($500 if participate telephonically) plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each board meeting and $500 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with each committee meeting attended. In addition, the chairman of the audit committee receives an annual fee of $3,750 and the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee receives an annual fee of $1,250. Further, we purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on behalf of our directors and officers. Our independent directors also have the option to receive all or a portion of the directors’ fees to which they would otherwise be entitled in the form of shares of our common stock issued at a price per share equal to the greater of our then-current net asset value per share or the market price at the time of payment. No shares were issued to any of our independent directors in lieu of cash during 2011. In addition, no compensation was paid to directors who are interested persons of Solar Capital as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Compensation of Executive Officers

 

None of our officers receives direct compensation from Solar Senior Capital. Mr. Gross, our chief executive officer and president, and Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer, through their ownership interest in Solar Senior Capital Partners, our investment adviser, are entitled to a portion of any profits earned by Solar Capital Partners, which includes any fees payable to Solar Capital Partners under the terms of our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, less expenses incurred by Solar Capital Partners in performing its services under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement. Messrs. Gross and Spohler do not receive any additional compensation from Solar Capital Partners in connection with the management of our portfolio.

 

Mr. Radesca, our chief financial officer and secretary and, through Alaric Compliance Services, LLC, Guy Talarico, our chief compliance officer, are paid by Solar Capital Management, our administrator, subject to reimbursement by us of an allocable portion of such compensation for services rendered by such persons to Solar Senior Capital. To the extent that Solar Capital Management outsources any of its functions we will pay the fees associated with such functions on a direct basis without profit to Solar Capital Management.

 

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Indemnification Agreements

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors. The indemnification agreements are intended to provide our directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland law and the 1940 Act. Each indemnification agreement provides that Solar Senior Capital shall indemnify the director who is a party to the agreement, or 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, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act.

 

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PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

 

The management of our investment portfolio is the responsibility of our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, and its investment committee, which is led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler. For more information regarding the business experience of Messrs. Gross and Spohler, see “Management — Board of Directors and Executive Officers — Interested Directors.” Solar Capital Partners’ investment committee must approve each new investment that we make. The members of Solar Capital Partners’ investment committee are not employed by us, and receive no compensation from us in connection with their portfolio management activities. However, Messrs. Gross and Spohler, through their financial interests in Solar Capital Partners, will be entitled to a portion of any investment advisory fees paid by Solar Senior Capital to Solar Capital Partners.

 

Investment Personnel

 

Solar Capital Partners’ investment team currently consists of its senior investment professionals, Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, and a team of additional experienced investment professionals. We consider Messrs. Gross and Spohler, who lead Solar Capital Partners’ investment committee, to be our portfolio managers.

 

In addition to managing our investments, our portfolio managers also currently manage the following entity:

 

Name

  

Entity

  

Investment Focus

   Gross Assets(1)  

Solar Capital Ltd.

   BDC   

Primarily mezzanine debt and equity investments in middle-market leveraged companies

   $ 1.06 billion (1) 

 

(1)   Gross assets are calculated as of March 31, 2012, and are rounded to the nearest million.

 

The table below shows the dollar range of shares of our common stock to be beneficially owned by each of our portfolio managers.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in Solar Capital(1)(2)
 

Michael S. Gross

     Over $1 million   

Bruce Spohler

     Over $1 million   

 

(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 or Over $1,000,000.
(2)   The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in us is based on the closing price for our common stock of $17.15 on May 10, 2012 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

Compensation

 

None of Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals receive any direct compensation from us in connection with the management of our portfolio. Messrs. Gross and Spohler, through their financial interests in Solar Capital Partners, are entitled to a portion of any profits earned by Solar Capital Partners, which includes any fees payable to Solar Capital Partners under the terms of our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, less expenses incurred by Solar Capital Partners in performing its services under our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

Management Services

 

Solar Capital Partners serves as our investment adviser. Solar Capital Partners is an investment adviser that is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. Subject to the overall supervision of our board of directors, our investment adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory and management services to, Solar Senior Capital. Under the terms of our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, Solar Capital Partners:

 

   

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 portfolio companies);

 

   

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.

 

Solar Capital Partners’ services under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement are not exclusive, and it is free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us are not impaired. For example, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital Ltd., a publicly-traded BDC which focuses on investing primarily in mezzanine debt and equity investments in middle-market leveraged companies.

 

Management Fee

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, we have agreed to pay Solar Capital Partners a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee.

 

The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of our gross assets. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

 

The incentive fee has two parts, as follows: one is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to Solar Capital Management, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with pay in kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, computed net of all realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. 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 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). Our net investment

 

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income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 1.00% base management fee. We pay Solar Capital Partners an incentive fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:

 

   

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle of 1.75%;

 

   

50% 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 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized). We refer to this portion of our pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.9167%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter; and

 

   

20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) is payable to Solar Capital Partners (once the hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all pre-incentive fee investment income thereafter is allocated to Solar Capital Partners).

 

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the income-related portion of the incentive fee:

 

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)

 

LOGO

 

Percentage of pre-incentive fee net investment income

allocated to Solar Capital Partners

 

These calculations are appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the relevant quarter. 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 debt 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 our investment adviser with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income.

 

The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees with respect to each of the investments in our portfolio, provided that, the incentive fee determined as of December 31, 2011 will be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation from the inception of Solar Senior Capital.

 

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Examples of Quarterly Incentive Fee Calculation

 

Example 1: Income Related Portion of Incentive Fee (*):

 

Alternative 1:

 

Assumptions

 

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 1.25%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.25%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 0.80%

Pre-incentive net investment income does not exceed hurdle rate, therefore there is no incentive fee.

 

Alternative 2:

 

Assumptions

 

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 2.70%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.50%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 2.25%

Incentive fee = 50% × pre-incentive fee net investment income, subject to the “catch-up” (4)

= 50% × (2.25% – 1.75%)

= 0.25%

 

Alternative 3:

 

Assumptions

 

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 4.00%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.25%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 3.55%

Incentive fee = 20% × pre-incentive fee net investment income, subject to “catch-up” (4)

Incentive fee = 50% × “catch-up” + (20% × (pre-incentive fee net investment income – 2.9167%))

 

Catch-up = 2.9167% – 1.75%

= 1.1667%

Incentive fee = (50% × 1.1667%) + (20% × (3.55% – 2.9167%))

= 0.58334% + (20% × 0.6333%)

= 0.58334% + 0.12667%

= 0.71001%

 

(*)   The hypothetical amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income shown is based on a percentage of total net assets.
(1)   Represents 7% annualized hurdle rate.
(2)   Represents 1% annualized management fee.
(3)   Excludes organizational and offering expenses.
(4)   The “catch-up” provision is intended to provide our investment adviser with an incentive fee of approximately 20% on all of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply when our net investment income exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter.

 

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Example 2: Capital Gains Portion of Incentive Fee:

 

Alternative 1:

 

Assumptions

 

   

Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A (“Investment A”), and $30 million investment made in Company B (“Investment B”)

 

   

Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million and fair market value (“FMV”) of Investment B determined to be $32 million

 

   

Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million

 

   

Year 4: Investment B sold for $31 million

 

The capital gains portion of the incentive fee would be:

 

   

Year 1: None

 

   

Year 2: Capital gains incentive fee of $6 million ($30 million realized capital gains on sale of Investment A multiplied by 20%)

 

   

Year 3: None

 

$5 million cumulative fee (20% multiplied by $25 million ($30 million cumulative capital gains less $5 million cumulative capital depreciation)) less $6 million (previous capital gains fee paid in Year 2)

 

   

Year 4: Capital gains incentive fee of $200,000

 

$6.2 million cumulative fee ($31 million cumulative realized capital gains multiplied by 20%) less $6 million (previous capital gains fee paid in Year 2)

 

Alternative 2:

 

Assumptions

 

   

Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A (“Investment A”), $30 million investment made in Company B (“Investment B”) and $25 million investment made in Company C (“Investment C”)

 

   

Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million, FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million and FMV of Investment C determined to be $25 million

 

   

Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $27 million and Investment C sold for $30 million

 

   

Year 4: FMV of Investment B determined to be $24 million

 

   

Year 5: Investment B sold for $20 million

 

The capital gains incentive fee, if any, would be:

 

   

Year 1: None

 

   

Year 2: $5 million capital gains incentive fee

 

20% multiplied by $25 million ($30 million realized capital gains on sale of Investment A less $5 million unrealized capital depreciation on Investment B)

 

   

Year 3: $1.4 million capital gains incentive fee (1)

 

$6.4 million cumulative fee (20% multiplied by $32 million ($35 million cumulative realized capital gains less $3 million unrealized capital depreciation)) less $5 million (previous capital gains fee paid in Year 2)

 

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Year 4: None

 

   

Year 5: None

 

$5 million cumulative fee (20% multiplied by $25 million (cumulative realized capital gains of $35 million less realized capital losses of $10 million)) less $6.4 million (previous cumulative capital gains fee paid in Year 2 and Year 3)

 

(1)   As illustrated in Year 3 of Alternative 1 above, if Solar Senior Capital were to be wound up on a date other than December 31 of any year, Solar Senior Capital may have paid aggregate capital gain incentive fees that are more than the amount of such fees that would be payable if Solar Senior Capital had been wound up on December 31 of such year.

 

Payment of Our Expenses

 

All investment professionals of the investment adviser and their respective staffs, 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 Solar Capital Partners. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation):

 

   

the cost of our organization and this offering;

 

   

the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;

 

   

the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of our shares and other securities;

 

   

interest payable on debt, if any, to finance our investments;

 

   

fees payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments, including fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments and advisory fees;

 

   

transfer agent and custodial fees;

 

   

fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;

 

   

federal and state registration fees, any stock exchange listing fees;

 

   

federal, state and local taxes;

 

   

independent directors’ fees and expenses;

 

   

brokerage commissions;

 

   

fidelity bond, directors and officers errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;

 

   

direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;

 

   

fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs;

 

   

costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws; and

 

   

all other expenses incurred by either Solar Capital Management or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management 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 costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance officer and our chief financial officer and any administrative support staff.

 

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Duration and Termination

 

The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement was initially approved by the board of directors of Solar Senior Capital on February 7, 2011. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years from the date it was approved by our board of directors and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually 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 parties to such agreement or who are not “interested persons” of Solar Senior Capital, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement may also be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Our investment adviser can resign upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.”

 

Indemnification

 

The Investment Advisory and Management 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, Solar Capital Partners and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from Solar Senior Capital for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of Solar Capital Partners’ services under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of Solar Senior Capital.

 

Organization of the Investment Adviser

 

Solar Capital Partners is a Delaware limited liability company. The principal executive offices of Solar Capital Partners are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

 

Board Approval of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

 

A discussion regarding the basis for our board of director’s approval of our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement will be included in our first annual report on Form 10-K filed subsequent to any such board approval, or incorporated by reference therein.

 

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ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

 

Solar Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as our administrator. The principal executive offices of Solar Capital Management are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022. Pursuant to an Administration Agreement, Solar Capital Management furnishes us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities. Under the Administration Agreement, Solar Capital Management also performs, or oversees the performance of, our required administrative services, which include, among other things, being responsible for the financial records which we are required to maintain and preparing reports to our stockholders. In addition, Solar Capital Management assists us in determining and publishing our net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of our tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our stockholder, and generally oversees the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of Solar Capital Management’s 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 any administrative support staff. Under the Administration Agreement, Solar Capital Management will also provide on our behalf managerial assistance to those portfolio companies that request such assistance. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.

 

The Administration Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, Solar Capital Management and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from Solar Capital for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of Solar Capital Management’s services under the Administration Agreement or otherwise as administrator for Solar Senior Capital.

 

LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

We have entered into a license agreement with Solar Capital Partners pursuant to which Solar Capital Partners has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Solar Senior Capital.” Under this agreement, we have a right to use the Solar Senior Capital name for so long as the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with our investment adviser is in effect. Other than with respect to this limited license, we will have no legal right to the “Solar Senior Capital” name.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS

 

We have entered into the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with Solar Capital Partners. Mr. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the managing member and a senior investment professional of, and has financial and controlling interests in, Solar Capital Partners. In addition, Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer and board member and Mr. Radesca, our chief financial officer and secretary, serve as a partner and chief financial officer, respectively, for Solar Capital Partners. Mr. Spohler also has financial interests in Solar Capital Partners.

 

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital, a publicly-traded business development company with approximately $1.3 billion of investable capital that investments primarily in the mezzanine debt and equity securities of middle-market leveraged companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. In addition, Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer, and Nicholas Radesca, our chief financial officer, serve in similar capacities for Solar Capital.

 

Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are similar, in whole and in part, with ours. Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for Solar Capital or one or more of those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, Solar Capital Partners or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with Solar Capital Partners’ allocation procedures. In addition, we have adopted a formal code of ethics that governs the conduct of our officers and directors. Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.

 

We have entered into a license agreement with Solar Capital Partners, pursuant to which Solar Capital Partners has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Solar Senior Capital.” In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Administration Agreement, Solar Capital Management provides us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. Solar Capital Partners is the sole member of and controls Solar Capital Management.

 

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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth certain ownership information as of May 10, 2012 with respect to Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s common stock for those persons who, directly or indirectly, own, control or hold with the power to vote, 5% or more of Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s common stock, and all officers and directors as a group.

 

Name

  

Type of
Ownership

   Shares
Owned(1)
     Percentage(2)  

Stephen Adams(3)

  

Direct

     830,000         8.74

Millennium International Management LP(4)

  

Indirect

     681,404         7.17

Clough Capital Partners L.P.(5)

  

Indirect

     634,296         6.68

Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC(6)

  

Direct

     500,000         5.26

Michael S. Gross(7)

  

Direct and Indirect

     592,640         6.24

Bruce J. Spohler(8)

  

Indirect

     500,000         5.26

All officers and directors as a group (7 persons)(9)

  

Direct and Indirect

     613,529           6.46 %

 

(1)   Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Assumes no other purchases or sales of our common stock since the most recently available SEC filings. This assumption has been made under the rules and regulations of the SEC and does not reflect any knowledge that we have with respect to the present intent of the beneficial owners of our common stock listed in this table.
(2)   Percentages are based on 9,500,100 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 10, 2012.
(3)   The address for Stephen Adams is 88 old Roxbury Road, Roxbury CT 06783.
(4)   Such securities are held by certain funds and other entities controlled and/or managed by Millennium International Management LP or its affiliates. The address for Millennium International Management LP is 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10103.
(5)  

Such securities are held by certain investment vehicles controlled and/or managed by Clough Capital Partners L.P. or its affiliates. The address for Clough Capital Partners L.P. is One Post Office Square, 40 th Floor, Boston, MA, 02109.

(6)   The address for Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC is 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
(7)   Includes shares held by Solar Capital Management, LLC and Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC. Michael S. Gross may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by each of Solar Capital Management, LLC and Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC as a result of his ownership of and control over each of Solar Capital Management, LLC and Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC. The address for each of Solar Capital Management, LLC and Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC is 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
(8)   Includes shares held by Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC. Bruce J. Spohler may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC as a result of his ownership and control over Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC. The address for Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC is 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
(9)  

The address for all officers and directors is 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directors as of May 10, 2012.

 

Name of Director

  

Dollar Range of Equity

Securities in Solar Senior Capital(1)(2)

Interested Directors

  

Michael S. Gross

   Over $100,000

Bruce Spohler

   Over $100,000

Independent Directors

  

Steven Hochberg

   Over $100,000

David S. Wachter

  

$50,001-$100,000

Leonard A. Potter

  

Over $100,000

 

(1)   The dollar ranges are: None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, or Over $100,000.
(2)   The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in us is based on the closing price for our common stock of $17.15 on May 10, 2012 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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REGULATION AS A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

 

General

 

A BDC is regulated by the 1940 Act. A BDC must be organized in the United States for the purpose of investing in or lending to primarily private companies and making significant managerial assistance available to them. A BDC may use capital provided by public stockholders and from other sources to make long-term, private investments in businesses. A business development company provides stockholders the ability to retain the liquidity of a publicly-traded stock while sharing in the possible benefits, if any, of investing in primarily privately owned companies.

 

We may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC unless authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as required by the 1940 Act. 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 company’s 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. We do not anticipate any substantial change in the nature of our business.

 

As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our directors must be persons who are not interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Additionally, we are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the BDC. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are 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 person’s office.

 

As a BDC, we are required to meet a coverage ratio of the value of total assets to total senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC.

 

We are generally not be able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.” As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.

 

As a BDC, we are generally limited in our ability to invest in any portfolio company in which our investment adviser or any of its affiliates currently have an investment or to make any co-investments with our investment adviser or its affiliates without an exemptive order from the SEC, subject to certain exceptions. We may seek an order from the SEC to permit us to co-invest with certain of our affiliates under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance when, or if, such an order may be obtained.

 

We are periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

 

As a BDC, we are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure.”

 

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Qualifying Assets

 

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the BDC’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:

 

(1) Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:

 

(a) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;

 

(b) is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and

 

(c) satisfies any of the following:

 

i. does not have any class of securities that is traded on a national securities exchange;

 

ii. has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, but has an aggregate market value of outstanding voting and non-voting common equity of less then $250 million;

 

iii. is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or

 

iv. is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4.0 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2.0 million.

 

(2) Securities of any eligible portfolio company which we control.

 

(3) Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.

 

(4) Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.

 

(5) Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.

 

(6) Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

 

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

 

In addition, a BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial

 

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assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

 

Temporary Investments

 

Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. The income we earn on such temporary investments will generally be significantly less than what we would expect to receive from investments in the types of senior loans we target for investment. Typically, we will invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

 

Senior Securities

 

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.”

 

Code of Ethics

 

We and Solar Capital Partners have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. Our codes of ethics generally do not permit investments by our employees in securities that may be purchased or held by us. You may read and copy these codes of ethics at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. In addition, each code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of the codes of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following Email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

Compliance Policies and Procedures

 

We and our investment adviser 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

 

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compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures. Guy Talarico currently serves as our chief compliance officer.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes a wide variety of new regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:

 

   

pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer must certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;

 

   

pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;

 

   

pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management is required to prepare an annual report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and, beginning with our 2012 fiscal year, will be required to obtain an audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; and

 

   

pursuant to Item 308 of Regulation S-K and Rule 13a-15 of the 1934 Act, our periodic reports must disclose whether there were significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our investment adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of our investment adviser are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically by our investment adviser and our non-interested directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change. For purposes of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures described below, “we,” “our” and “us” refers to our investment adviser.

 

Introduction

 

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.

 

Proxy Policies

 

We will vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what we perceive to be the best interest of our clients’ stockholders. We will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by our clients. Although we will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our clients’ portfolio securities, we may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.

 

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Our proxy voting decisions will be made by the senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of the clients’ investments. To ensure that our vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, we will require that: (1) anyone involved in the decision making process disclose to our managing member any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.

 

Proxy Voting Records

 

You may obtain information about how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Solar Capital Partners at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

 

Privacy Principles

 

We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our stockholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, we do not receive any non-public personal information relating to our stockholders, although certain non-public personal information of our stockholders may become available to us. We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our stockholders or former stockholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about our stockholders to employees of our investment adviser and its affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. We will maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of our stockholders.

 

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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

We determine the net asset value of our investment portfolio each quarter by subtracting our total liabilities from the fair value of our total assets.

 

We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value shall be determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act. We generally value our assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail below:

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange shall be valued at such price as of the closing price on the day of valuation. We may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, we determine whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, we use the quote obtained.

 

Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of our investment adviser or board of directors, does not represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with our senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the board of directors will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for (a) each portfolio investment that, when taken together with all other investments in the same portfolio company, exceeds 10% of our total assets, plus available borrowings, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter, and (b) each portfolio asset that is presently in default; and (iv) the board of directors will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the investment adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

 

The recommendation of fair value will generally be based on the following factors, as relevant:

 

   

the nature and realizable value of any collateral;

 

   

the portfolio company’s ability to make payments;

 

   

the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow;

 

   

the markets in which the issuer does business; and

 

   

comparisons to publicly traded securities.

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which a pricing source is not sufficient may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market;

 

   

securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available;

 

   

debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market;

 

   

securities whose prices are stale;

 

   

securities affected by significant events; and

 

   

securities that the investment adviser believes were priced incorrectly.

 

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our financial statements express the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.

 

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Determinations in Connection with Offerings

 

In connection with future offering of shares of our common stock, to the extent we do not have stockholder approval to sell below NAV, our board of directors or a committee thereof will be required to make the determination that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made. Our board of directors will consider the following factors, among others, in making such determination:

 

   

the net asset value of our common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the SEC;

 

   

our management’s assessment of whether any material change in the net asset value of our common stock has occurred (including through the realization of gains on the sale of our portfolio securities) during the period beginning on the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock and ending two days prior to the date of the sale of our common stock; and

 

   

the magnitude of the difference between (i) the net asset value of our common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the SEC and our management’s assessment of any material change in the net asset value of our common stock since the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock, and (ii) the offering price of the shares of our common stock in the proposed offering.

 

Importantly, this determination will not require that we calculate the net asset value of our common stock in connection with each offering of shares of our common stock, but instead it will involve the determination by our board of directors or a committee thereof that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made.

 

Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility that we may (i) issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made or (ii) trigger the undertaking (which we provide in certain registration statements we file with the SEC) to suspend the offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus if the net asset value of our common stock fluctuates by certain amounts in certain circumstances until the prospectus is amended, our board of directors will elect, in the case of clause (i) above, either to postpone the offering until such time that there is no longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such sale will not be below our then current net asset value, and, in the case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.

 

These processes and procedures are part of our compliance policies and procedures. Records will be made contemporaneously with all determinations described in this section and these records will be maintained with other records that we are required to maintain under the 1940 Act.

 

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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash as provided below. As a result, if our board of directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions.

 

No action will be required on the part of a registered stockholder to have his cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire distribution in cash by notifying American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in writing so that such notice is received by the plan administrator no later than the record date for distributions to stockholders. The plan administrator will set up an account for shares acquired through the plan for each stockholder who has not elected to receive distributions in cash and hold such shares in non-certificated form. Upon request by a stockholder participating in the plan, received in writing not less than 10 days prior to the record date, the plan administrator will, instead of crediting shares to the participant’s account, issue a certificate registered in the participant’s name for the number of whole shares of our common stock and a check for any fractional share.

 

Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary may receive distributions in cash by notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their election.

 

We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with our implementation of the plan. If we declare a distribution to stockholders, the plan administrator may be instructed not to credit accounts with newly-issued shares and instead to buy shares in the market if (i) the price at which newly-issued shares are to be credited does not exceed 110% of the last determined net asset value of the shares; or (ii) we have advised the plan administrator that since such net asset value was last determined, we have become aware of events that indicate the possibility of a material change in per share net asset value as a result of which the net asset value of the shares on the payment date might be higher than the price at which the plan administrator would credit newly-issued shares to stockholders. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to such stockholder by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on the valuation date for such distribution. Market price per share on that date will be the closing price for such shares on the national securities exchange on which our shares are then listed or, if no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of the distribution cannot be established until the value per share at which additional shares will be issued has been determined and elections of our stockholders have been tabulated.

 

There will be no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in the plan. The plan administrator’s fees under the plan will be paid by us. If a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of $15 plus a per share brokerage commissions from the proceeds.

 

Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as are stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. A stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of stock received in a distribution from us will be equal to the amount of cash they would have received if they had elected to receive the distribution in cash, or the fair market value of the distributed shares if such shares have a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value. Any stock

 

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received in a distribution will have a new holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. stockholder’s account.

 

The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed to each participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any distribution by us. All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed to the plan administrator by mail at 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 or by phone at (800) 937-5449.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and to an investment in our common stock. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to such an investment. For example, we have not described tax consequences that we assume to be generally known by investors or certain considerations that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities, pension plans and trusts, and financial institutions. This summary assumes that investors hold our common stock as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code). The discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as in effect as of the date of this registration statement 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. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if we invested in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets in which we do not currently intend to invest.

 

This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in shares of our preferred stock, debt securities or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.

 

A “U.S. stockholder” generally is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock who is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

a citizen or individual resident of the United States including an alien individual who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States or meets the “substantial presence” test under Section 7701(b) of the Code;

 

   

a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

 

   

a trust, if a court in the United States has primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or

 

   

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

 

A “non-U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. stockholder.

 

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective stockholder who is a partner of a partnership holding shares of our common stock should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to an investor of an investment in our shares will depend on the facts of its particular situation. We encourage investors to consult their own tax advisors regarding the specific consequences of such an investment, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.

 

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As a BDC, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, beginning with our 2011 taxable year. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to qualify for RIC tax treatment we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).

 

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If we:

 

   

qualify as a RIC; and

 

   

satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement;

 

then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) we distribute to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

 

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax, in preceding years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). We currently intend to make sufficient distributions each taxable year to satisfy the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

 

In order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

 

   

at all times during each taxable year, have in effect an election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act;

 

   

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of stock or other securities or currencies, or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership;” and

 

   

diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

   

at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

 

   

no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (i) the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, (ii) the securities of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships.”

 

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 (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments issued with warrants), 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

 

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taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

 

Because we may use debt financing, we will be subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources or are otherwise limited in our ability to make distributions, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

 

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things: (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions; (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income; (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited); (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash; (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of securities is deemed to occur; (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions; and (vii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. We will monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions.

 

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. Except as set forth below in “Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company,” the remainder of this discussion assumes we will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

 

Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

 

Distributions by us generally will be taxable to U.S. stockholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our investment company taxable income will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. Distributions of our net capital gains (that is, the excess of our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly reported by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. stockholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of the U.S. stockholder’s holding period for its common stock and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. For taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, distributions of investment company taxable income that are reported by us as being derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of non-corporate stockholders at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain, provided that holding period and other requirements are met by both the stockholders and us. Dividends distributed by us will generally not be attributable to qualified dividend income. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such U.S. stockholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. stockholder. For a summary of the tax rates applicable to capital gains, including capital gain dividends, see the discussion below.

 

Under the dividend reinvestment plan, if a U.S. stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless the U.S. stockholder opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Any distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain taxable to the U.S. stockholder. The U.S. stockholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares purchased

 

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through the plan equal to the amount of cash they would have received if they had elected to receive the distribution in cash, or the fair market value of the distributed shares if such shares have a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. stockholder’s account.

 

Although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain some or all of our net capital gains, but to designate the retained amount as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, we will pay corporate-level tax on the retained amount, each U.S. stockholder will be required to include its share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. stockholder, and the U.S. stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit or refund equal to its allocable share of the corporate-level tax we pay on the retained capital gain. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. stockholder’s cost basis for its common stock. Since we expect to pay tax on any retained capital gains at our regular corporate capital gain tax rate, and since that rate is in excess of the maximum rate currently payable by non-corporate U.S. stockholders on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that non-corporate U.S. stockholders will be treated as having paid will exceed the tax they owe on the capital gain dividend. Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit or refund against the U.S. stockholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations. A U.S. stockholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form in order to claim a refund for the taxes we paid. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant tax year.

 

As a RIC, we will be subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our stockholders and this may affect the stockholders’ AMT liabilities. Although regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued by the Internal Revenue Service, we intend in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each stockholder bear to our taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless we determine that a different method for a particular item is warranted under the circumstances.

 

For purposes of determining (i) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of dividends paid for that year, we may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make such an election, the U.S. stockholder generally will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November, or December of any calendar year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by our U.S. stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

You should consider the tax implications of buying common stock just prior to a distribution. Even if the price of the common stock includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution, and the distribution economically represents a return of your investment, you will be taxed upon receipt of the distribution and will not be entitled to offset the distribution against the tax basis in your common stock.

 

You may recognize taxable gain or loss if you sell or exchange your common stock. The amount of the gain or loss will be measured by the difference between your adjusted tax basis in your common stock and the amount of the proceeds you receive in exchange for such stock. Any gain or loss arising from the sale or exchange of our common stock (or, in the case of distributions in excess of the sum of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and your tax basis in the stock, treated as arising from the sale or exchange of our common stock) generally will be a capital gain or loss if the common stock is held as a capital asset. This capital gain or loss normally will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your common stock for more than

 

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one year. Otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or exchange of common stock held for six months or less generally will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or treated as deemed distributed, with respect to such stock. For this purpose, certain special rules, including rules relating to periods when your risk of loss with respect to your common stock has been diminished, generally apply in determining the holding period of such stock. The ability to deduct capital losses may be subject to other limitations under the Code.

 

In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares of our common stock may be disallowed if other shares of our common stock are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. In general, individual U.S. stockholders currently are subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15% (20% for years beginning after December 31, 2012) on their net capital gain, i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for a taxable year, including a long-term capital gain derived from an investment in our common stock. In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, individuals with income in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly or $125,000 in the case of married individuals filing separately) and certain estates and trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on their “net investment income,” which generally includes net income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents, and net capital gains (other than certain amounts earned from trades or businesses). Corporate U.S. stockholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 35% rate also applied to ordinary income. Dividends distributed by us to corporate stockholders generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Tax rates imposed by states and local jurisdictions on capital gain and ordinary income may differ.

 

We will send to each of our U.S. stockholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a report detailing the amounts includible in such U.S. stockholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income, long-term capital gain and “qualified dividend income,” if any. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local, and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. stockholder’s particular situation.

 

Backup withholding may apply to distributions on the common stock with respect to certain non-exempt U.S. stockholders. Such U.S. stockholders generally will be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. stockholder provides its correct taxpayer identification number and certain other information, certified under penalties of perjury, to the dividend paying agent, or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the proper information is provided to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

 

Whether an investment in our common stock is appropriate for a non-U.S. stockholder will depend upon that stockholder’s particular circumstances. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors before investing in our common stock.

 

Distributions of our investment company taxable income to stockholders that are non-U.S. stockholders will currently be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits unless the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholders, and, if an income tax treaty applies, attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States. In that case, the distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates applicable to U.S. stockholders and we will not have to withhold U.S. federal withholding tax if the non-U.S. stockholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements. Special certification requirements apply to a non-U.S. stockholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust and such entities are urged to consult their own tax advisors.

 

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In addition, for taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2012, U.S. source withholding taxes were not imposed on dividends paid by us to the extent the dividends were reported as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends.” Under this exemption, interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends generally represented distributions of interest or short-term capital gains that would not have been subject to U.S. withholding tax at the source if they had been received directly by a foreign person, and that satisfied certain other requirements. No assurance can be given, however, as to whether this exemption will be extended for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012 or whether any of our distributions will be reported as eligible for this exemption (if extended) from withholding tax.

 

Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a stockholder that is a non-U.S. stockholder, and gains realized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or redemption of our common stock, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. stockholder in the United States, or, in the case of an individual, the non-U.S. stockholder was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

 

If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a non-U.S. stockholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the corporate-level tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed; however, in order to obtain the refund, the non-U.S. stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. stockholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.

 

For a corporate non-U.S. stockholder, distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized upon the sale or redemption of our common stock that are effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable treaty). Accordingly, investment in our stock may not be appropriate for a non-U.S. stockholder.

 

Under our dividend reinvestment plan, if a non-U.S. stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the non-U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless it opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” If the distribution is a distribution of our investment company taxable income, is not reported by us as a short-term capital gains dividend or interest-related dividend and it is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder (or, if a treaty applies, is not attributable to a permanent establishment), the amount distributed (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax amount will be reinvested in common shares. If the distribution is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder, generally the full amount of the distribution will be reinvested in the plan and will nevertheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates applicable to U.S. persons. The non-U.S. stockholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares purchased through the plan equal to the amount of cash that they would have received if they had elected to receive the distribution in cash, or the fair market value of the distributed shares if such shares have a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the non-U.S. stockholder’s account.

 

Recently enacted legislation generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on payments of certain types of income to foreign financial institutions that fail to enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury to report certain required information with respect to accounts held by United States persons (or held by foreign entities that have U.S. persons as substantial owners). The types of income subject to the tax include U.S. source

 

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interest and dividends paid after December 31, 2013, and the gross proceeds from the sale of any property that could produce U.S. source interest or dividends received after December 31, 2014. The information required to be reported includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder that is a U.S. person and transaction activity within the holder’s account. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, this legislation also imposes a 30% withholding on payments to foreign entities that are not financial institutions unless the foreign entity certifies that it does not have a greater than 10% U.S. owner or provides the withholding agent with identifying information on each greater than 10% U.S. owner. When these provisions become effective, depending on the status of a Non-U.S. Holder and the status of the intermediaries through which they hold their units, Non-U.S. Holders could be subject to this 30% withholding tax with respect to distributions on their units and proceeds from the sale of their units. Under certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. Holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

 

A non-U.S. stockholder who is a nonresident alien individual, and who is otherwise subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax, may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends unless the non-U.S. stockholder provides us or the dividend paying agent with an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or an acceptable substitute form) or otherwise meets documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a non-U.S. stockholder or the non-U.S. stockholder otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.

 

You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and sale of our common stock.

 

Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would they be required to be made. Such distributions would be taxable to our stockholders as dividends and, if made in a taxable year beginning on or before December 31, 2012 and provided certain holding period and other requirements were met, could qualify for treatment as “qualified dividend income” in the hands of non-corporate stockholders (and thus eligible for the current 15% maximum rate) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of our requalification as a RIC.

 

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SALES OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE

 

At our 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 3, 2012 and expiring on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of the 2012 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2013 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2013 (the “Stockholder Approval”). However, notwithstanding the Stockholder Approval, since our initial public offering on February 24, 2011, we have not sold any shares of our common stock at a price below our then current net asset value per share.

 

To the extent we receive the Stockholder Approval, in order to sell shares of common stock pursuant to this authorization, no further authorization from our stockholders will need to be solicited, but a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the sale and a majority of our independent directors will have to (a) find that the sale is in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders and (b) in consultation with any underwriter or underwriters of the offering, make a good faith determination as of a time either immediately prior to the first solicitation by us or on our behalf of firm commitments to purchase such shares of common stock, or immediately prior to the issuance of such common stock, that the price at which such shares of common stock are to be sold is not less than a price which closely approximates the market value of those shares of common stock, less any distributing commission or discount.

 

To the extent we receive the Stockholder Approval, any offering of common stock below its net asset value per share will be designed to raise capital for investment in accordance with our investment objective.

 

In making a determination that an offering of common stock below its net asset value per share is in our and our stockholders’ best interests, our board of directors will consider a variety of factors including:

 

   

the effect that an offering below net asset value per share would have on our stockholders, including the potential dilution to the net asset value per share of our common stock our stockholders would experience as a result of the offering;

 

   

the amount per share by which the offering price per share and the net proceeds per share are less than our most recently determined net asset value per share;

 

   

the relationship of recent market prices of par common stock to net asset value per share and the potential impact of the offering on the market price per share of our common stock;

 

   

whether the estimated offering price would closely approximate the market value of shares of our common stock;

 

   

the potential market impact of being able to raise capital during the current financial market difficulties;

 

   

the nature of any new investors anticipated to acquire shares of our common stock in the offering;

 

   

the anticipated rate of return on and quality, type and availability of investments; and

 

   

the leverage available to us.

 

Our board of directors will also consider the fact that sales of shares of common stock at a discount will benefit our investment adviser as the investment adviser will earn additional investment management fees on the proceeds of such offerings, as it would from the offering of any other of our securities or from the offering of common stock at a premium to net asset value per share.

 

To the extent we receive the Stockholder Approval, we will not sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement pursuant to the Stockholder Approval without first filing a new post-effective amendment to the registration statement if the cumulative dilution to our net asset value per share from offerings under the registration statement, as amended by any post-effective amendments, exceeds 15%. This would be measured separately for each offering pursuant to the registration statement, as amended by

 

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any post-effective amendments, by calculating the percentage dilution or accretion to aggregate net asset value from that offering and then summing the percentage from each offering. For example, if our most recently determined NAV per share at the time of the first offering is $18.00 and we have 10,000,000 million shares outstanding, the sale of 2.5 million shares at net proceeds to us of $9.00 per share (a 50% discount) would produce dilution of 10%. If we subsequently determined that our NAV per share increased to $20.00 on the then 12.5 million shares outstanding and then made an additional offering, we could, for example, sell approximately an additional 1.39 million shares at net proceeds to us of $10.00 per share, which would produce dilution of 5%, before we would reach the aggregate 15% limit. If we file a new post-effective amendment, the threshold would reset.

 

In addition, it should be noted that to the extent we receive the Stockholder Approval the maximum number of shares issuable below NAV per share that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering. As a result, the maximum amount of dilution to existing stockholders to the extent we receive the Stockholder Approval will be limited to no more than 20% of our then current NAV per share immediately prior to each such offering, assuming we were to issue the maximum number of shares at no more than par value, or $0.01 per share.

 

Sales by us of our common stock at a discount from net asset value per share pose potential risks for our existing stockholders whether or not they participate in the offering, as well as for new investors who participate in the offering. Any sale of common stock at a price below net asset value per share would result in an immediate dilution to existing common stockholders who do not participate in such sale on at least a pro-rata basis. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Securities — The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock.”

 

The following three headings and accompanying tables explain and provide hypothetical examples on the impact of an offering of our common stock at a price less than net asset value per share on three different types of investors:

 

   

existing stockholders who do not purchase any shares in the offering;

 

   

existing stockholders who purchase a relatively small amount of shares in the offering or a relatively large amount of shares in the offering; and

 

   

new investors who become stockholders by purchasing shares in the offering.

 

Impact On Existing Stockholders Who Do Not Participate in the Offering

 

Our current stockholders who do not participate in an offering below net asset value per share or who do not buy additional shares in the secondary market at the same or lower price as we obtain in the offering (after expenses and commissions) face the greatest potential risks. These stockholders will experience an immediate dilution in the net asset value of the shares of common stock they hold and their net asset value per share. These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase we will experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. These stockholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in net asset value per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases. Further, if current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value, their voting power will be diluted.

 

The following chart illustrates the level of net asset value dilution that would be experienced by a nonparticipating stockholder in three different hypothetical offerings of different sizes and levels of discount from net asset value per share. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.

 

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The examples assume that the issuer has 30 million shares outstanding, $600 million in total assets and $150 million in total liabilities. The current net asset value and net asset value per share are thus $450 million and $15.00. The chart illustrates the dilutive effect on Stockholder A of (a) an offering of 1.5 million shares of common stock (5% of the outstanding shares) at $14.25 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 5% discount from net asset value), (b) an offering of 3 million shares of common stock (10% of the outstanding shares) at $13.50 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 10% discount from net asset value), (c) an offering of 6 million shares of common stock (20% of the outstanding shares) at $12.00 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 20% discount from net asset value), and (d) an offering of 7.5 million shares of common stock (25% of the outstanding shares) at $0.01 per share, the par value of our common stock (a 100% discount from net asset value). The prospectus supplement pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart based on the actual number of shares of common stock in such offering and the actual discount to the most recently determined net asset value. For example, if we issue 2,375,025 shares of our common stock (25% of our currently outstanding shares) at $0.01 per share, the par value of our common stock (a 100% discount from net asset value), then our net asset value per share following such offering will be $14.76, which will reflect a 20.00%% decrease in net asset value per share to those stockholders who do not participate in this offering. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.

 

          Example 1     Example 2     Example 3     Example 4  
          5% Offering at
5% Discount
    10% Offering at
10% Discount
    20% Offering at
20% Discount
    25% Offering at
100% Discount
 
    Prior to Sale     Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
 

Offering Price

                 

Price per Share to Public

    $ 18.45        $ 17.48        $ 15.54        $ 0.01     

Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer

    $ 17.53        $ 16.61        $ 14.76        $ 0.01     

Decrease to Net Asset Value

                 

Total Shares Outstanding

    9,500,100        9,975,105        5.00     10,450,110        10.00     11,400,120        20.00     11,875,125        25.00

Net Asset Value per Share

  $ 18.45      $ 18.41        (0.24 )%    $ 18.28        (0.91 )%    $ 17.84        (3.33 )%    $ 14.76        (19.99 )% 

Dilution to Nonparticipating Stockholder

                 

Shares Held by Stockholder A

    9,500        9,500        %        9,500        %        9,500        %        9,500        %   

Percentage Held by Stockholder A

    0.10     0.10     (4.76 )%      0.09     (9.09 )%      0.08     (16.67 )%      0.08     (20.00 )% 

Total Net Asset Value Held by Stockholder A

  $ 175,277      $ 174,860        (0.24 )%    $ 173,683        (0.91 )%    $ 169,434        (3.33 )%    $ 140,240        (19.99 )% 

Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to be Current NAV per Share)

  $ 175,277      $ 175,277        $ 175,277        $ 175,277        $ 175,277     

Total Dilution to Stockholder A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)

    $ (417     $ (1,593     $ (5,843     $ (35,036  

Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to be NAV per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale)

  $ 18.45      $ 18.45        $ 18.45        $ 18.45        $ 18.45     

 

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        Example 1     Example 2     Example 3     Example 4  
        5% Offering at
5% Discount
    10% Offering at
10% Discount
    20% Offering at
20% Discount
    25% Offering at
100% Discount
 
    Prior to Sale   Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
 

Net Asset Value per Share Held by Stockholder A

    $ 18.41        $ 18.28        $ 17.84        $ 14.76     

Dilution per Share Held by Stockholder A (Net Asset Value per Share Less Investment per Share)

    $ (0.04     $ (0.17     $ (0.62     $ (3.69  

Percentage Dilution to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)

        (0.24 )%        (0.91 )%        (3.33 )%        (19.99 )% 

 

Impact On Existing Stockholders Who Do Participate in the Offering

 

Our existing stockholders who participate in an offering below net asset value per share or who buy additional shares in the secondary market at the same or lower price as we obtain in the offering (after expenses and commissions) will experience the same types of net asset value dilution as the nonparticipating stockholders, although at a lower level, to the extent they purchase less than the same percentage of the discounted offering as their interest in shares of our common stock immediately prior to the offering. The level of net asset value dilution will decrease as the number of shares such stockholders purchase increases. Existing stockholders who buy more than such percentage will experience net asset value dilution but will, in contrast to existing stockholders who purchase less than their proportionate share of the offering, experience accretion in net asset value per share over their investment per share and will also experience a disproportionately greater increase in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than our increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. The level of accretion will increase as the excess number of shares such stockholder purchases increases. Even a stockholder who over-participates will, however, be subject to the risk that we may make additional discounted offerings in which such stockholder does not participate, in which case such a stockholder will experience net asset value dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These stockholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in net asset value per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.

 

The following chart illustrates the level of dilution and accretion in the hypothetical 20% discount offering from the prior chart (Example 3) for a stockholder that acquires shares equal to (a) 50% of its proportionate share of the offering ( i.e. , 3,000 shares, which is 0.05% of an offering of 6 million shares) rather than its 0.10% proportionate share and (b) 150% of such percentage (i.e. 9,000 shares, which is 0.15% of an offering of 6 million shares rather than its 0.10% proportionate share). The prospectus supplement pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined net asset value per share. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.

 

     Prior to Sale      50% Participation     150% Participation  
        Following
Sale
     %
Change
    Following
Sale
     %
Change
 

Offering Price

             

Price per Share to Public

      $ 15.54         $ 15.54      

Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer

      $ 14.76         $ 14.76      

Decrease/Increase to Net Asset Value

             

Total Shares Outstanding

     9,500,100         11,400,120         20.00     11,400,120         20.00

Net Asset Value per Share

   $ 18.45       $ 17.84         (3.33 )%    $ 17.84         (3.33 )% 

 

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     Prior to Sale     50% Participation     150% Participation  
       Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
 

Dilution/Accretion to Participating Stockholder

          

Shares Held by Stockholder A

     9,500        10,450        10.00     12,350        30.00

Percentage Held by Stockholder A

     0.10     0.09     (8.33 )%      0.11     8.33

Total Net Asset Value Held by Stockholder A

   $ 175,277      $ 186,378        6.33   $ 220,265        25.67

Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to be Current NAV per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale)

     $ 190,037        $ 219,557     

Total Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)

     $ (3,659     $ 707     

Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to be Net Asset Value on Shares Held Prior to Sale)

   $ 18.45      $ 18.19        (1.44 )%    $ 17.78        (3.64 )% 

Net Asset Value per Share Held by Stockholder A

     $ 17.84        $ 17.84     

Dilution/Accretion per Share Held by Stockholder A (Net Asset Value per Shares Less Investment per Share)

     $ (0.35     $ 0.06     

Percentage Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)

         (1.96 )%        0.32

 

Impact On New Investors

 

Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering of shares of our common stock below net asset value, but whose investment per share is greater than the resulting net asset value per share due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the Company, will experience an immediate decrease, although small, in the net asset value of their shares and their net asset value per share compared to the price they pay for their shares. Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering of shares of our common stock below net asset value per share and whose investment per share is also less than the resulting net asset value per share due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the Company being significantly less than the discount per share, will experience an immediate increase in the net asset value of their shares and their net asset value per share compared to the price they pay for their shares. These investors will experience a disproportionately greater participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than our increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. These investors will, however, be subject to the risk that we may make additional discounted offerings in which such new stockholder does not participate, in which case such new stockholder will experience dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These investors may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in net asset value per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.

 

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The following chart illustrates the level of dilution or accretion for new investors that would be experienced by a new investor in the same hypothetical 5%, 10%, 20% and 25% discounted offerings as described in the first chart above. The illustration is for a new investor who purchases the same percentage (0.10%) of the shares in the offering as Stockholder A in the prior examples held immediately prior to the offering. The prospectus supplement pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined net asset value per share. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.

 

          Example 1     Example 2     Example 3     Example 4  
          5% Offering at
5% Discount
    10% Offering at
10% Discount
    20% Offering at
20% Discount
    25% Offering at
100% Discount
 
    Prior to
Sale
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
    Following
Sale
    %
Change
 

Price per Share to Public

    $ 18.45        $ 17.48        $ 15.54        $ 0.01     

Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer

    $ 17.53        $ 16.61        $ 14.76        $ 0.01     

Total Shares Outstanding

    9,500,100        9,975,105        5.00     10,450,110        10.00     11,400,120        20.00     11,875,125        25.00

Net Asset Value per Share

  $ 18.45      $ 18.41        (0.24 )%    $ 18.28        (0.91 )%    $ 17.84        (3.33 )%    $ 14.76        (19.99 )% 

Dilution/Accretion to New Investor A

                 

Shares Held by Investor A

      475          950          1,900          2,375     

Percentage Held by Stockholder A

      0.00       0.01       0.02       0.02  

Total Net Asset Value Held by Investor A

    $ 8,743        $ 17,368        $ 33,887        $ 35,060     

Total Investment by Investor A (At Price to Public)

  $ —        $ 8,764        $ 16,605        $ 29,520        $ 24     

Total Dilution/Accretion to Investor A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)

    $ (21     $ 763        $ 4,367        $ 35,036     

Investment per Share Held by Investor A

  $ —        $ 18.45        $ 17.48        $ 15.54        $ 0.01     

Net Asset Value per Share Held by Investor A

    $ 18.41        $ 18.28        $ 17.84        $ 14.76     

Dilution/Accretion per Share Held by Investor A (Net Asset Value per Share Less Investment per Share)

    $ (0.04     $ 0.80        $ 2.30        $ 14.75     

Percentage Dilution/Accretion to Investor A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)

        (0.24 )%        4.60       14.79       147,520

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following description is based on relevant portions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and on our charter and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.

 

Stock

 

The authorized stock of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. consists of 200,000,000 shares of stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which are initially designated as common stock. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “SUNS”. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.

 

The following are our outstanding classes of securities as of March 19, 2012:

 

        (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

     200,000,000         —           9,500,100   

 

Under our charter our board of directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock without obtaining stockholder approval. As permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that the board of directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.

 

Common Stock

 

All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, voting, and dividends and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of assets legally available therefor. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any preferred stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of our directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect any director.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock, including preferred stock. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our existing common stockholders. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the board of directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of

 

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redemption for each class or series. Thus, the board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. You should note, however, that any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a business development company. We believe that the availability for issuance of preferred stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring future financings and acquisitions. However, we do not currently have any plans to issue preferred stock.

 

Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses

 

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

Our charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer of the corporation or any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding without requiring a preliminary determination of his or her ultimate entitlement to indemnification. The charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of us in any of the capacities described above and any of our employees or agents or any employees or agents of our predecessor. In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

 

Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments,

 

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penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors. The indemnification agreements provide our directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland law and the 1940 Act.

 

Our insurance policy does not currently provide coverage for claims, liabilities and expenses that may arise out of activities that our present or former directors or officers have performed for another entity at our request. There is no assurance that such entities will in fact carry such insurance. However, we note that we do not expect to request our present or former directors or officers to serve another entity as a director, officer, partner or trustee unless we can obtain insurance providing coverage for such persons for any claims, liabilities or expenses that may arise out of their activities while serving in such capacities.

 

Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and Our Charter and Bylaws

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.

 

Classified Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors will be divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The initial terms of the first, second and third classes expire in 2015, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and in each case, those directors will serve until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Upon expiration of their current terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified board of directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.

 

Election of Directors

 

As permitted by our charter, our bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present will be required to elect a director. Pursuant to our charter and bylaws our board of directors may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.

 

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Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal

 

Our charter provides that the number of directors will be set only by the board of directors in accordance with our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that a majority of our entire board of directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors. However, the number of directors may never be less than one nor more than twelve unless our bylaws are amended in which case we may have more than twelve directors but never less than one. Our charter provides that, at such time as we have at least three independent directors and our common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we elect to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law regarding the filling of vacancies on the board of directors. Accordingly, at such time, except as may be provided by the board of directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any and all vacancies on the board of directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause, as defined in our charter, and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

 

Action by Stockholders

 

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or (unless the charter provides for stockholder action by less than unanimous written consent, which our charter does not) by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of our bylaws regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

 

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

 

Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the board of directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the board of directors or (3) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

 

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.

 

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Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders

 

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by our board of directors and certain of our officers. Additionally, our bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the secretary of the corporation upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.

 

Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws

 

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter generally provides for approval of charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter also provides that the following matters require the approval of stockholders entitled to cast at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast: (i) certain charter amendments; (ii) any proposal for our conversion, whether by merger or otherwise, from a closed-end company to an open-end company; (iii) any proposal for our liquidation or dissolution; (iv) any proposal regarding a merger, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of our assets that the Maryland General Corporation Law requires to be approved by our stockholders; or (v) any transaction between us and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group, that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by a majority of our continuing directors (in addition to approval by our board of directors), such amendment or proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such a matter, provided that with respect to any transaction referred to in (v) above, if such transaction is approved by the continuing directors, by a vote of at least two-thirds of such continuing directors, no stockholder approval of such transaction is required unless the Maryland General Corporation Law or another provision of our charter or bylaws otherwise requires such approval. The “continuing directors” are defined in our charter as (1) our current directors, (2) those directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of our current directors then on the board of directors or (3) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of continuing directors or the successor continuing directors then in office.

 

Our charter and bylaws provide that the board of directors will have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal any provision of our bylaws.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

Except with respect to appraisal rights arising in connection with the Control Share Act discussed below, as permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that stockholders will not be entitled to exercise appraisal rights unless a majority of the board of directors shall determine such rights apply.

 

Control Share Acquisitions

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, or the Control Shares Act. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by

 

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directors who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

 

   

one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

 

   

one-third or more but less than a majority; or

 

   

a majority or more of all voting power.

 

The requisite stockholder approval must be obtained each time an acquiror crosses one of the thresholds of voting power set forth above. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

 

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

 

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including, as provided in our bylaws, compliance with the 1940 Act. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

 

The Control Share Act does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Control Share Act any and all acquisitions by any person of our shares of stock. There can be no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. However, we will amend our bylaws to be subject to the Control Share Act only if the board of directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Control Share Act does not conflict with the 1940 Act. The SEC staff has issued informal guidance setting forth its position that certain provisions of the Control Share Act would, if implemented, violate Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act.

 

Business Combinations

 

Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder (the “Business Combination Act”). These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

 

   

any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock; or

 

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an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

 

A person is not an interested stockholder under this statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the stockholder otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.

 

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

 

   

80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

 

   

two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

 

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

 

The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our board of directors has adopted a resolution that any business combination between us and any other person is exempted from the provisions of the Business Combination Act, provided that the business combination is first approved by the board of directors, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons as defined in the 1940 Act. This resolution may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time; however, our board of directors will adopt resolutions so as to make us subject to the provisions of the Business Combination Act only if the board of directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Business Combination Act does not conflict with the 1940 Act. If this resolution is repealed, or the board of directors does not otherwise approve a business combination, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.

 

Conflict with 1940 Act

 

Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law, including the Control Share Act (if we amend our bylaws to be subject to such Act) and the Business Combination Act, or any provision of our charter or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES

 

We may issue debt securities in one or more series. The specific terms of each series of debt securities will be described in the particular prospectus supplement relating to that series. The prospectus supplement may or may not modify the general terms found in this prospectus and will be filed with the SEC. For a complete description of the terms of a particular series of debt securities, you should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series.

 

As required by federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, the debt securities are governed by a document called an “indenture.” An indenture is a contract between us and a financial institution acting as trustee on your behalf, and is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “Events of Default — Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us with respect to the debt securities.

 

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of debt securities. A copy of the form of indenture is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will file a supplemental indenture with the SEC prior to the commencement of any debt offering, at which time the supplemental indenture would be publicly available. See “Available Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the indenture.

 

The prospectus supplement, which will accompany this prospectus, will describe the particular series of debt securities being offered by including:

 

   

the designation or title of the series of debt securities;

 

   

the total principal amount of the series of debt securities;

 

   

the percentage of the principal amount at which the series of debt securities will be offered;

 

   

the date or dates on which principal will be payable;

 

   

the rate or rates (which may be either fixed or variable) and/or the method of determining such rate or rates of interest, if any;

 

   

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, or the method of determining such date or dates, and the date or dates on which any interest will be payable;

 

   

whether any interest may be paid by issuing additional securities of the same series in lieu of cash (and the terms upon which any such interest may be paid by issuing additional securities);

 

   

the terms for redemption, extension or early repayment, if any;

 

   

the currencies in which the series of debt securities are issued and payable;

 

   

whether the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on a series of debt securities will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how these amounts will be determined;

 

   

the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt securities;

 

   

the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued (if other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof for registered securities or $5,000 for bearer securities);

 

   

the provision for any sinking fund;

 

   

any restrictive covenants;

 

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any Events of Default;

 

   

whether the series of debt securities are issuable in certificated form;

 

   

any provisions for defeasance or covenant defeasance;

 

   

any special federal income tax implications, including, if applicable, federal income tax considerations relating to original issue discount;

 

   

whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts (and the terms of this option);

 

   

any provisions for convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities into or for any other securities;

 

   

whether the debt securities are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination;

 

   

whether the debt securities are secured and the terms of any security interests;

 

   

the listing, if any, on a securities exchange; and

 

   

any other terms.

 

The debt securities may be secured or unsecured obligations. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue debt only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of debt. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, will be paid by us in immediately available funds.

 

General

 

The indenture provides that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement (“offered debt securities”) may be issued under the indenture in one or more series.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal of or premium or interest, if any, on debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from time to time. Debt securities issued under the indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the “indenture securities”. The indenture also provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of indenture securities. See “Resignation of Trustee” below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term “indenture securities” means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under the indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.

 

The indenture does not contain any provisions that give you protection in the event we issue a large amount of debt or we are acquired by another entity.

 

We refer you to the prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk protection or similar protection.

 

We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.

 

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Conversion and Exchange

 

If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the prospectus supplement will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.

 

Issuance of Securities in Registered Form

 

We may issue the debt securities in registered form, in which case we may issue them either in book-entry form only or in “certificated” form. Debt securities issued in book-entry form will be represented by global securities. We expect that we will usually issue debt securities in book-entry only form represented by global securities.

 

We also will have the option of issuing debt securities in non-registered form as bearer securities if we issue the securities outside the United States to non-U.S. persons. In that case, the prospectus supplement will set forth the mechanics for holding the bearer securities, including the procedures for receiving payments, for exchanging the bearer securities, including the procedures for receiving payments, for exchanging the bearer securities for registered securities of the same series, and for receiving notices. The prospectus supplement will also describe the requirements with respect to our maintenance of offices or agencies outside the United States and the applicable U.S. federal tax law requirements.

 

Book-Entry Holders

 

We will issue registered debt securities in book-entry form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means debt securities will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary that will hold them on behalf of financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the debt securities held by the depositary or its nominee. These institutions may hold these interests on behalf of themselves or customers.

 

Under the indenture, only the person in whose name a debt security is registered is recognized as the holder of that debt security. Consequently, for debt securities issued in book-entry form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the debt securities and we will make all payments on the debt securities to the depositary. The depositary will then pass along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn will pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the debt securities.

 

As a result, investors will not own debt securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the debt securities are represented by one or more global securities, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.

 

Street Name Holders

 

In the future, we may issue debt securities in certificated form or terminate a global security. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their debt securities in their own names or in “street name.” Debt securities held in

 

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street name are registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution chosen by the investor, and the investor would hold a beneficial interest in those debt securities through the account he or she maintains at that institution.

 

For debt securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the debt securities are registered as the holders of those debt securities and we will make all payments on those debt securities to them. These institutions will pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold debt securities in street name will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.

 

Legal Holders

 

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the applicable trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the applicable trustee, run only to the legal holders of the debt securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a debt security or has no choice because we are issuing the debt securities only in book-entry form.

 

For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, if we want to obtain the approval of the holders for any purpose (for example, to amend an indenture or to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture), we would seek the approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the debt securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.

 

When we refer to you, we mean those who invest in the debt securities being offered by this prospectus, whether they are the holders or only indirect holders of those debt securities. When we refer to your debt securities, we mean the debt securities in which you hold a direct or indirect interest.

 

Special Considerations for Indirect Holders

 

If you hold debt securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, we urge you to check with that institution to find out:

 

   

how it handles securities payments and notices,

 

   

whether it imposes fees or charges,

 

   

how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required,

 

   

whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future for a particular series of debt securities,

 

   

how it would exercise rights under the debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests, and

 

   

if the debt securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

 

Global Securities

 

As noted above, we usually will issue debt securities as registered securities in book-entry form only. A global security represents one or any other number of individual debt securities. Generally, all debt securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

 

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Each debt security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all debt securities issued in book-entry form.

 

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “Special Situations when a Global Security Will Be Terminated”. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all debt securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that has an account with the depositary. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the debt security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

 

Special Considerations for Global Securities

 

As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. The depositary that holds the global security will be considered the holder of the debt securities represented by the global security.

 

If debt securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

 

   

An investor cannot cause the debt securities to be registered in his or her name, and cannot obtain certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities, except in the special situations we describe below.

 

   

An investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities, as we describe under “Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above.

 

   

An investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form.

 

   

An investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the debt securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective.

 

   

The depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security. We and the trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security. We and the trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way.

 

   

If we redeem less than all the debt securities of a particular series being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount to be redeemed from each of its participants holding that series.

 

   

An investor is required to give notice of exercise of any option to elect repayment of its debt securities, through its participant, to the applicable trustee and to deliver the related debt securities by causing its participant to transfer its interest in those debt securities, on DTC’s records, to the applicable trustee.

 

   

DTC requires that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security deposited in its book-entry system use immediately available funds. Your broker or bank may also require you to use immediately available funds when purchasing or selling interests in a global security.

 

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Financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the debt securities. There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

 

Special Situations when a Global Security will be Terminated

 

In a global security is terminated, interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form (certificated securities). After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated debt securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders. We have described the rights of legal holders and street name investors under “Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above.

 

The prospectus supplement may list situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. If a global security is terminated, only the depositary, and not we or the applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions in whose names the debt securities represented by the global security will be registered and, therefore, who will be the holders of those debt securities.

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

We will pay interest (either in cash or by delivery of additional indenture securities, as applicable) to the person listed in the applicable trustee’s records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”

 

Payments on Global Securities

 

We will make payments on a global security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interests in the global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants, as described under “ — Special Considerations for Global Securities.”

 

Payments on Certificated Securities

 

We will make payments on a certificated debt security as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date to the holder of debt securities as shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date at our office in New York, NY and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the office of the applicable trustee in New York, NY and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement or in a notice to holders against surrender of the debt security.

 

Alternatively, at our option, we may pay any cash interest that becomes due on the debt security by mailing a check to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date or by transfer to an account at a bank in the United States, in either case, on the due date.

 

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Payment When Offices Are Closed

 

If any payment is due on a debt security on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date, except as otherwise indicated in the attached prospectus supplement. Such payment will not result in a default under any debt security or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.

 

Events of Default

 

You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the debt securities of your series and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

 

The term “Event of Default” in respect of the debt securities of your series means any of the following:

 

   

We do not pay the principal of, or any premium on, a debt security of the series on its due date.

 

   

We do not pay interest on a debt security of the series within 30 days of its due date.

 

   

We do not deposit any sinking fund payment in respect of debt securities of the series within 2 business days of its due date.

 

   

We remain in breach of a covenant in respect of debt securities of the series for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of debt securities of the series.

 

   

We file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

 

   

Any class of debt securities has an asset coverage of less than 100 per centum on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months.

 

   

Any other Event of Default in respect of debt securities of the series described in the prospectus supplement occurs.

 

An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except in the payment of principal, premium or interest, if it in good faith considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders.

 

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

 

If an Event of Default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series if (1) we have deposited with the trustee all amounts due and owing with respect to the securities (other than principal that has become due solely by reason of such acceleration) and certain other amounts, and (2) no other Events of Default are continuing.

 

Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”). If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances. No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.

 

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Before you are allowed to bypass your trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:

 

   

You must give your trustee written notice that an Event of Default with respect to the relevant series of debt securities has occurred and remains uncured.

 

   

The holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action.

 

   

The trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity.

 

   

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series must not have given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the above notice during that 60-day period.

 

However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt securities on or after the due date.

 

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may waive any past defaults other than

 

   

the payment of principal, any premium or interest or

 

   

in respect of a covenant that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder.

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.

 

Each year, we will furnish to each trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities or else specifying any default.

 

Merger or Consolidation

 

Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

 

   

Where we merge out of existence or sell our assets, the resulting entity must agree to be legally responsible for our obligations under the debt securities.

 

   

The merger or sale of assets must not cause a default on the debt securities and we must not already be in default (unless the merger or sale would cure the default). For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of Default that has occurred and has not been cured, as described under “Events of Default” above. A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an Event of Default if the requirements for giving us a notice of default or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.

 

   

We must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee.

 

   

We must satisfy any other requirements specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

 

Modification or Waiver

 

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.

 

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Changes Requiring Your Approval

 

First, there are changes that we cannot make to your debt securities without your specific approval. The following is a list of those types of changes:

 

   

change the stated maturity of the principal of, or interest on, a debt security;

 

   

reduce any amounts due on a debt security;

 

   

reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of a security following a default;

 

   

adversely affect any right of repayment at the holder’s option;

 

   

change the place (except as otherwise described in the prospectus or prospectus supplement) or currency of payment on a debt security;

 

   

impair your right to sue for payment;

 

   

adversely affect any right to convert or exchange a debt security in accordance with its terms;

 

   

modify the subordination provisions in the indenture in a manner that is adverse to holders of the debt securities;

 

   

reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;

 

   

reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults;

 

   

modify any other aspect of the provisions of the indenture dealing with supplemental indentures, modification and waiver of past defaults, changes to the quorum or voting requirements or the waiver of certain covenants; and

 

   

change any obligation we have to pay additional amounts.

 

Changes Not Requiring Approval

 

The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the outstanding debt securities in any material respect. We also do not need any approval to make any change that affects only debt securities to be issued under the indenture after the change takes effect.

 

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

 

Any other change to the indenture and the debt securities would require the following approval:

 

   

If the change affects only one series of debt securities, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of that series.

 

   

If the change affects more than one series of debt securities issued under the same indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series affected by the change, with all affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.

 

In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of debt securities issued under the indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance with some of our covenants applicable to that series of debt securities. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under “ — Changes Requiring Your Approval.”

 

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Further Details Concerning Voting

 

When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal to attribute to a debt security:

 

   

For original issue discount securities, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of these debt securities were accelerated to that date because of a default.

 

   

For debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example, because it is based on an index), we will use the principal face amount at original issuance or a special rule for that debt security described in the prospectus supplement.

 

   

For debt securities denominated in one or more foreign currencies, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent.

 

Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption or if we, any other obligor, or any affiliate of us or any obligor own such debt securities. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under “Defeasance — Full Defeasance.”

 

We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding indenture securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. However, the record date may not be more than 30 days before the date of the first solicitation of holders to vote on or take such action. If we set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of one or more series, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding indenture securities of those series on the record date and must be taken within eleven months following the record date.

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.

 

Defeasance

 

The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement that the provisions of covenant defeasance and full defeasance will not be applicable to that series.

 

Covenant Defeasance

 

Under current United States federal tax law and the indenture, we can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series was issued. This is called “covenant defeasance”. In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your debt securities. If applicable, you also would be released from the subordination provisions described under “Indenture Provisions — Subordination” below. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

 

   

We must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of a series of debt securities a combination of cash (in such currency in which such securities and any coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at stated maturity) or government obligations applicable to such securities and coupons appertaining thereto (determined on the basis of the currency in which such securities and coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at stated maturity) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates and any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments.

 

   

We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current United States federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity.

 

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We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

   

Defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or result in a default under, of the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments.

 

   

No default or event of default with respect to such debt securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.

 

   

Satisfy the conditions for covenant defeasance contained in any supplemental indentures.

 

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

 

Full Defeasance

 

If there is a change in United States federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:

 

   

We must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of a series of debt securities a combination of cash (in such currency in which such securities and any coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at stated maturity) or government obligations applicable to such securities and coupons appertaining thereto (determined on the basis of the currency in which such securities and coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at stated maturity) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates and any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments.

 

   

We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current United States federal tax law or an IRS ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity. Under current United States federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your share of the cash and notes or bonds at the time the cash and notes or bonds were deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities and you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of the deposit.

 

   

We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with.

 

   

Defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, of the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments.

 

   

No default or event of default with respect to such debt securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.

 

   

Satisfy the conditions for covenant defeasance contained in any supplemental indentures.

 

If we ever did accomplish full defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any

 

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shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If applicable, you would also be released from the subordination provisions described later under “Indenture Provisions — Subordination”.

 

Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities

 

If registered debt securities cease to be issued in book-entry form, they will be issued:

 

   

only in fully registered certificated form,

 

   

without interest coupons, and

 

   

unless we indicate otherwise in the prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and amounts that are multiples of $1,000.

 

Holders may exchange their certificated securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed and as long as the denomination is greater than the minimum denomination for such securities.

 

Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of the trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders transferring debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

 

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.

 

If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in your prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

 

If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.

 

If a registered debt security is issued in book-entry form, only the depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since it will be the sole holder of the debt security.

 

Resignation of Trustee

 

Each trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to these series and has accepted such appointment. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.

 

Indenture Provisions — Subordination

 

Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Designated Senior Indebtedness (as defined below), but our obligation to you to

 

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make payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), sinking fund and interest on Designated Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

 

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment by us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities, upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization before all Designated Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to the payment of all the Designated Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all the Designated Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Designated Senior Indebtedness upon this distribution by us, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness to the extent of payments made to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.

 

By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities or the holders of any indenture securities that are not Designated Senior Indebtedness or subordinated debt securities. The indenture provides that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

 

Designated Senior Indebtedness is defined in the indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:

 

   

our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whenever created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, that we have designated as “Designated Senior Indebtedness” for purposes of the indenture and in accordance with the terms of the indenture (including any indenture securities designated as Designated Senior Indebtedness), and

 

   

renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any of this indebtedness.

 

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the approximate amount of our Designated Senior Indebtedness and of our other indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.

 

Secured Indebtedness

 

Certain of our indebtedness, including certain series of indenture securities, may be secured. The prospectus supplement for each series of indenture securities will describe the terms of any security interest for such series and will indicate the approximate amount of our secured indebtedness as of a recent date. In the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, the holders of unsecured indenture securities may recover less, ratably, than holders of any of our secured indebtedness.

 

The Trustee under the Indenture

 

U.S. Bank National Association will serve as the trustee under the indenture.

 

Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies

 

Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

The 500,000 shares issued to Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC in the Concurrent Private Placement are “restricted” securities under the meaning of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including exemptions contained in Rule 144.

 

We have committed to file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares of common stock issued in the Concurrent Private Placement to Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC within 60 days of receiving a request from Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC to do so. We have committed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to obtain effectiveness of such registration statement as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing of such registration statement. Assuming effectiveness of such registration statement, Solar Senior Capital Investors LLC will generally be able to resell its shares of common stock without restriction.

 

In general, under Rule 144, if six months has elapsed since the date of acquisition of restricted securities from us or any of our affiliates, and we have made certain information about us available publicly, the holder of such restricted securities can sell such securities. However, in the case of a holder that has been our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding the proposed sale, the number of securities sold by such affiliate holder within any three-month period cannot exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the total number of securities then outstanding; or

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our securities during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.

 

Sales under Rule 144 by holders that have been our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding the proposed sale also are subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements. If one year has elapsed since the date of acquisition of restricted securities from us or any of our affiliates, and the holder is not one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding the proposed sale, such person can sell such securities in the public market under Rule 144 without regard to the public information requirements, manner of sale provisions and notice requirements.

 

No assurance can be given as to (1) the likelihood that an active market for our shares will continue to develop; (2) the liquidity of any such market; (3) the ability of our stockholders to sell our securities; or (4) the prices that stockholders may obtain for any of our securities. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of securities, or the availability of securities for future sale, will have on the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our securities, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $150,000,000 of our common stock or debt securities, in one or more underwritten public offerings, at-the-market offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades, best efforts or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers through agents or through a combination of any such methods of sale. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement or supplements will also describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including: the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation; the public offering price; any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. The price at which securities may be distributed may represent a discount from prevailing market prices.

 

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The maximum aggregate commission or discount to be received by any member of FINRA or independent broker-dealer will not be greater than 10% of the gross proceeds of the sale of securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We may also reimburse the underwriter or agent for certain fees and legal expenses incurred by it.

 

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

Any underwriters that are qualified market makers on the NASDAQ Global Select Market may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of our common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid

 

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must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no trading market, other than our common stock, which is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchanges, but we are not obligated to do so. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

 

Under agreements that we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of shares of our securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

 

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of our securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities offered hereby will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

 

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CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DISTRIBUTION PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

Our securities are held under a custody agreement by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. The address of the custodian is One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will act as our transfer agent, distribution paying agent and registrar. The principal business address of our transfer agent is 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, telephone number: (800) 937-5449.

 

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

 

Since we will generally acquire and dispose of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, we will infrequently use brokers in the normal course of our business. Subject to policies established by our board of directors, our investment adviser will be primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. Our investment adviser does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but will seek to obtain the best net results for Solar Senior Capital, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While our investment adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs, Solar Senior Capital will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, our investment adviser may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to the investment adviser and Solar Senior Capital and any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the investment adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC, and Venable LLP, Baltimore Maryland. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters, if any, by the counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

KPMG LLP is our independent registered public accounting firm and is located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. KPMG LLP has audited our financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011. We have included our financial statements in this prospectus and else where in the registration statement in reliance on such report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

With respect to the unaudited interim financial information for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, included herein, the independent registered public accounting firm has reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report included in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and included herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus.

 

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information 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 to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information will also be available free of charge by contacting us at Solar Senior Capital Ltd., 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670, or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com .

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2011

     F-3   

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period from January  28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-4   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period from January  28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-5   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period from January  28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-6   

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2011

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-9   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-20   

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011

     F-21   

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

     F-22   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-23   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

     F-24   

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited)

     F-25   

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2011

     F-27   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     F-29   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (the Company) as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. as of December 31, 2011, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and cash flows for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

New York, New York

February 22, 2012

 

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     December 31, 2011  

Assets

  

Investments at fair value:

  

Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments, at fair value (cost: $180,023)

   $ 177,749   
  

 

 

 

Total investments

     177,749   

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,934   

Receivable for investments sold

     4,931   

Interest receivable

     1,687   

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

     94   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     187,395   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Credit facility payable

     8,600   

Payable for investments purchased

     4,912   

Due to Solar Capital Partners LLC:

  

Investment advisory and management fee payable

     944   

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

     141   

Other accrued expenses and payables

     363   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     14,960   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 9,500,100 shares issued and outstanding, 200,000,000 authorized

     95   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     177,815   

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (2,625

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

     (576

Net unrealized depreciation on investments

     (2,274
  

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 172,435   
  

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding

     9,500,100   

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.15   

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     For the period
January 28, 2011(1) to
December 31,  2011
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

  

Interest income from non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

   $ 7,890   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     7,890   
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

  

Investment advisory and management fees

     944   

Interest and other credit facility expenses

     237   

Administrative service fee

     289   

Insurance expense

     341   

Audit and tax preparation

     206   

Director’s fees

     152   

Other general and administrative expenses

     326   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses before debt issuance costs

     2,495   

Debt issuance costs

     2,795   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,290   
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,600   
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS:

  

Net realized loss on non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

     (576

Net change in unrealized loss on non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

     (2,274
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss on investments

     (2,850
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (250
  

 

 

 

Loss per share

   $ (0.03

 

(1)   Commencement of operations

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     For the period
January 28,
2011(1) to
December 31,  2011
 

Decrease in net assets resulting from operations:

  

Net investment income

   $ 2,600   

Net realized loss on investments

     (576

Net change in unrealized loss on investments

     (2,274
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (250
  

 

 

 

Dividends declared

     (5,225
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions:

  

Proceeds from shares sold

     190,002   

Common stock offering costs

     (12,092
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

     177,910   
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

     172,435   

Net assets at beginning of period

     —     
  

 

 

 

Net assets at end of period

   $ 172,435   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)   Commencement of operations

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands except shares)

 

     For the period
January 28, 2011(1) to
December 31,  2011
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

  

Net decrease in net assets from operations

   $ (250

Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:

  

Net realized loss on investments

     576   

Net change in unrealized loss on investments

     2,274   

Debt issuance costs

     2,795   

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

  

Purchase of investment securities

     (214,906

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

     34,307   

Receivable for investments sold

     (4,931

Interest receivable

     (1,687

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

     (94

Increase in operating liabilities:

  

Payable for investments purchased

     4,912   

Investment advisory and management fee payable

     944   

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

     141   

Other accrued expenses and payables

     363   
  

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

     (175,556
  

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

  

Proceeds from shares sold

     190,002   

Common stock offering costs

     (12,092

Dividends paid

     (5,225

Debt issuance costs

     (2,795

Proceeds from borrowings

     20,450   

Repayments of borrowings

     (11,850
  

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     178,490   
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     2,934   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     —     
  

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 2,934   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)   Commencement of operations

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Description(1)

 

Industry

  Interest(2)     Basis Point
Spread
Above
Index
  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
 

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

             

AmeriQual Group, LLC

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     6.50   L+500(5)     3/28/2016      $ 13,670      $ 13,494      $ 12,646   

ATI Holdings, Inc.(4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.50   L+550(5)     3/12/2016        7,983        7,947        7,942   

Asurion, LLC

  Insurance     9.00   L+750(5)     5/24/2019        10,750        10,684        10,620   

Bellisio Foods, Inc.(4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     7.00   L+550(5)     12/16/2017        5,000        4,950        4,950   

Decision Resources, LLC

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     9.50   L+800(5)     5/6/2018        16,000        15,851        15,360   

EIG Investors Corp.(4)

  Personal, Food & Misc. Services     7.75   L+625(5)     12/22/2017        8,000        7,841        7,840   

Engineering Solutions & Products, LLC

  Aerospace & Defense     7.75   L+625(5)     4/21/2017        10,667        10,325        9,600   

FleetPride Corporation(4)

  Cargo Transport     6.75   L+550(5)     12/6/2017        8,000        7,842        7,920   

Grocery Outlet Inc.

  Grocery     10.50   L+900(5)     12/15/2017        6,400        6,209        6,208   

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC(4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     8.00   P+475(5)     5/10/2016        18,884        18,456        18,601   

Hoffmaster Group, Inc.(4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.00   L+550(5)     1/3/2018        5,000        4,900        4,900   

Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC(4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.50   L+600(5)     8/26/2016        7,980        7,867        7,860   

KIK Custom Products, Inc.

  Diversified / Conglomerate Service     8.50   L+700(5)     5/31/2014        19,900        19,408        19,303   

Marshall Retail Group, LLC(4)

  Retail Stores     8.00   L+650(5)     10/19/2016        5,000        4,928        4,950   

Porex Corporation(4)

  Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     6.75   L+525(5)     3/31/2015        4,787        4,724        4,643   

Renaissance Learning, Inc.(4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.75   L+625(5)     10/19/2017        7,980        7,669        7,820   

Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc.

  Aerospace & Defense     7.00   L+550(5)     4/22/2017        7,960        7,888        7,841   

Shield Finance Co. SARL(3)(4)

  Telecommunications     7.63   L+562.5(5)     6/15/2016        4,975        4,952        4,851   

STHI Holding Corp.

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     8.00   —       3/18/2018        3,000        3,000        3,105   

Water Pik, Inc(4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     6.75   L+525(5)     8/10/2017        7,980        7,904        7,741   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

          $ 179,916      $ 176,839      $ 174,701   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unsecured Bonds

             

Apollo Investment Corporation

  Finance     5.75   —       1/15/2016        3,650        3,184        3,048   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Unsecured Bonds

          $ 3,650      $ 3,184      $ 3,048   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

          $ 183,566      $ 180,023      $ 177,749   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) We generally acquire our investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our investments are therefore generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2011, we do not hold any equity interests in our investments.
(2) Variable rate debt investments may bear interest at a rate determined by reference to either the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR or “L”) index rate or the prime index rate (PRIME or “P”), and which may reset monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2011 or the expected reset rate if lower.
(3) Shield Finance Co. SARL is domiciled in Luxembourg and is denominated in U.S. dollars. All other investments are domiciled in the United States.
(4) Indicates an investment partially held by Solar Senior Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary SUNS SPV LLC. Such investments are pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements) and are not generally available to the creditors of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. Par amounts held through Solar SPV LLC include: ATI Holdings, Inc. $5,495; Bellisio Foods, Inc. $4,000; EIG Investors Corp. $6,000; FleetPride Corporation $5,000; Hearthside Food Solutions LLC $7,337; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. $4,000; Insight Pharmaceutical LLC $5,500; Marshall Retail Group, LLC $4,000; Porex Corporation $2,909; Renaissance Learning, Inc $5,985; Shield Finance Co. SARL $3,990; and Water Pik, Inc. $5,500. Remaining par balances are held directly by Solar Senior Capital Ltd.
(5) Represents floating rate instruments that accrued interest at a predetermined spread relative to an index, typically the LIBOR or prime rate. These instruments are subject to a LIBOR or prime rate floor.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2011

 

Supplementary Industry Information

 

Industry Classification

   Percentage of Total
Investments (at fair
value) as of
December 31, 2011
 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

     20

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

     19

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

     12

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     11

Aerospace & Defense

     10

Insurance

     6

Cargo Transport

     4

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

     4

Grocery

     3

Retail Stores

     3

Telecommunications

     3

Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

     3

Finance

     2
  

 

 

 
     100
  

 

 

 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Note 1. Organization

 

Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (“Solar Senior”, the “Company” or “we”), a Maryland corporation formed on December 16, 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes the Company intends to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

On January 28, 2011, Solar Senior was capitalized with initial equity of $2 and commenced operations. On February 24, 2011, Solar Senior priced its initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares through a private placement, also at $20.00 per share.

 

The Company’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We will seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, made primarily to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which the Company refers to collectively as “senior loans.” The Company may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of the Company’s net assets will be invested in senior loans.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation —The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned financing subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC (the “SPV”), a Delaware limited liability company formed on June 24, 2011, in order to establish a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the operations and financial condition for the period presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Investments —The Company conducts the valuation of its assets in accordance with GAAP and the 1940 Act. The Company generally values its assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act. Securities transactions are accounted for on trade date.

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at the closing price on the date of valuation. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, management determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, the Company uses the quote obtained.

 

Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing sources do not provide a valuation or methodology or provide a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of Solar Capital Partners, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) or the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), does not represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by,

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

or on behalf of, the Board will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for (a) each portfolio investment that, when taken together with all other investments in the same portfolio company, exceeds 10% of total assets, plus available borrowings, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter, and (b) each portfolio investment that is presently in default; (iv) the Board will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

 

The recommendation of fair value is generally based on the following factors, as relevant: the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments; the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow; the markets in which the issuer does business; and comparisons to publicly traded securities.

 

When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Company will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

 

Investments of sufficient credit quality purchased within 60 days of maturity are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value.

 

Credit Facility— The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. We use an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the fair value of our Credit Facility.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents —Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market accounts or investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Revenue Recognition —The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:

 

Sales : Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

 

Interest Income : Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties and unamortized loan origination, closing and commitment fees are recorded as part of interest income. The Company may purchase loans in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to the loan principal on the reset dates.

 

Non-accrual : Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

U.S. Federal Income Taxes —The Company intends to elect to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. The Company, among other things, intends to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes.

 

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the period ended December 31, 2011, $11 was recorded for U.S. Federal excise tax.

 

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are reversed and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. We did not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of the guidance nor did we have any unrecognized tax benefits as of the periods presented herein.

 

Capital Accounts —Certain capital accounts including undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss, net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, and paid in capital in excess of par, are adjusted, at least annually, for permanent differences between book and tax. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from GAAP.

 

Dividends —Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Monthly dividend payments are determined by the Board and are generally based upon taxable earnings estimated by management. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, although we may decide to retain such capital gains for investment. We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of any distributions we declare in cash on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our Board authorizes and declares a cash dividend, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividend. While we generally use newly issued shares to implement the plan (especially if our shares are trading at a premium to net asset value), we may purchase shares in the open market in connection with our obligations under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. In particular, if our shares are trading at a significant enough discount to net asset value and we are otherwise permitted under applicable law to purchase such shares, we intend to purchase shares in the open market in connection with our obligations under our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements —The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Subsequent Events Evaluation —The Company has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that none are required.

 

Note 3. Investments

 

Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011:

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Cost      Fair Value  

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

   $ 176,839       $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bonds

     3,184         3,048   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 180,023       $ 177,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

There were no non-accrual assets as of December 31, 2011.

 

Note 4. Agreements

 

Solar Senior has an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Investment Adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, Solar Senior. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from Solar Senior, consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of gross assets. The Investment Adviser, however, has agreed to waive the portion of the base management fee payable on any net proceeds of the Company’s initial public offering and the concurrent private placement that have not yet been invested in portfolio investments, exclusive of any temporary investments in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investment grade debt investments that mature in 12 months or less from the date of investment. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

 

The incentive fee has two parts, as follows: one is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (other than fees for providing managerial assistance) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with pay-in-kind interest and zero-coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, computed net of all realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. 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 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). The Company pays the Investment Adviser an incentive fee with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:

 

   

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle of 1.75%;

 

F-12


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

   

50% of 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 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized);

 

  and

 

   

20% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) will be payable to the Investment Adviser.

 

For the period ended December 31, 2011, the pre-incentive net income was below the hurdle, therefore there is no accrual for the related incentive fee.

 

The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. For financial statement purposes, the fee is accrued based upon 20% of net realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. As of December 31, 2011, there was a net realized and unrealized capital loss, and the Company did not accrue for the incentive fee.

 

Solar Senior has also entered into an Administration Agreement with Solar Capital Management, LLC (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides administrative services for Solar Senior. For providing these services, facilities and personnel, Solar Senior reimburses the Administrator for Solar Senior’s allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent. The Administrator will also provide, on Solar Senior’s behalf, managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which Solar Senior is required to provide such assistance.

 

Note 5. Borrowing Facilities

 

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility —On August 26, 2011, the Company established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with this senior secured revolving credit facility, the SPV, as borrower, entered into a Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011 (the “Loan and Servicing Agreement”), whereby the Company will transfer certain loans it has originated or acquired or will originate or acquire (the “Loans”) from time to time to the SPV via a Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011 (the “Contribution Agreement”). The Contribution Agreement, together with the Loan and Servicing Agreement and various supporting documentation form the Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility, among other things, matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, the Company and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. Accounting for the Credit Facility at fair value will better align the measurement methodologies of assets and liabilities, which may mitigate certain earnings volatility. As a result of this election, $2,795 of costs related to the establishment of the Credit Facility was expensed during the period ended December 31, 2011, rather than being deferred and amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. ASC 825-10 requires entities to display the fair value of the selected assets and liabilities on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and changes in fair value of the Credit Facility are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company elected not to apply ASC 825-10 to any other financial assets or liabilities. For the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, the Credit Facility had no net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation.

 

The weighted average annualized interest cost for all borrowings for the period ended December 31, 2011 was 2.575%. These costs are exclusive of commitment fees and for other prepaid expenses related to establishing the Credit Facility. This weighted average annualized interest cost reflects the average interest cost for all outstanding borrowings. The maximum amount borrowed on the Credit Facility during the period ended December 31, 2011 was $12,650. There was $8,600 drawn on the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all financial and operational covenants required by the Credit Facility.

 

Note 6. Fair Value

 

Fair value is defined as the price 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. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

GAAP fair value measurement guidance classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded derivatives, and most U.S. Government and agency securities).

 

Level 2.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

  a)   Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

  b)   Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

 

  c)   Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts); and

 

  d)   Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Level 3.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain of our private debt investments and our Credit Facility) and long-dated or complex derivatives (including certain equity and currency derivatives).

 

When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 table below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, it should be noted that the following tables do not take into consideration the effect of offsetting Levels 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by the Company that economically hedge certain exposures to the Level 3 positions.

 

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur.

 

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2011:

 

Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2011

 

    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

  $ —        $ 13,725      $ 160,976      $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bonds

    —          3,048        —          3,048   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

    —          16,773        160,976        177,749   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Facility

  $ —        $ —        $ 8,600      $ 8,600   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets for the period ended December 31, 2011 as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2011:

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs

As of December 31, 2011

 

     Bank Debt/Senior
Secured Loans
 

Fair value, January 28, 2011

   $ —     

Total gains or losses included in earnings:

  

Net realized gain

     415   

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

     (2,179

Purchase of investment securities

     176,895   

Proceeds from dispositions of investment securities

     (14,155

Transfers in/out of Level 3

     —     
  

 

 

 

Fair value, December 31, 2011

   $ 160,976   
  

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:

  

Net change in unrealized loss:

   $ (2,179

 

During the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, there were no transfers in and out of Levels 1, 2, or 3. The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011:

 

Credit Facility

   Fair Value  

Fair value, January 28, 2011

   $ —     

Total unrealized appreciation

     —     

Borrowings

     20,450   

Repayments

     (11,850

Transfers in/out of Level 3

     —     
  

 

 

 

Fair value, December 31, 2011

   $ 8,600   
  

 

 

 

 

The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. On December 31, 2011, there were borrowings of $8,600 on the Credit Facility. For the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, the Credit Facility had no net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation. The Company uses an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the fair value of our Credit Facility.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity

 

The table below illustrates the effect of certain transactions on our capital accounts for the period January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011:

 

    Common Stock     Paid-in Capital
in Excess of

Par
    Distributions
in Excess of
Net Investment

Income
    Accumulated
Net Realized

Loss
    Net  Unrealized
Depreciation
    Total
Stockholders

Equity
 
    Shares     Par Amount            

Balance at January 28, 2011(1)

    —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Initial capitalization

    100        —          2        —          —          —          2   

Issuances of common stock in IPO(2)

    9,000,000        90        167,818        —          —          —          167,908   

Issuances of common stock in private placement(2)

    500,000        5        9,995        —          —          —          10,000   

Net increase in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations

    —          —          —          2,600        (576     (2,274     (250

Dividends declared ($0.55 per share)

    —          —          —          (5,225     —          —          (5,225
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    9,500,100      $ 95      $ 177,815      $ (2,625   $ (576   $ (2,274   $ 172,435   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Commencement of operations
(2) On February 24, 2011 Solar Senior Capital Ltd. priced its initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares through a private placement, also at $20.00 per share. Amounts are stated net of associated offering costs of $12,092.

 

Note 8. Earnings Per Share

 

The following information sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net increase (decrease) in shareholders’ equity per share resulting from operations for the period ended December 31, 2011:

 

     For the period
January 28, 2011(1) to
December 31, 2011
 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

   $ (250

Denominator for basic and diluted weighted average share:

     8,627,696   

Basic and diluted net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations per share:

   $ (0.03

 

(1)   Commencement of operations

 

F-17


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Note 9. Financial Highlights

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011:

 

Per Share Data:(b)

   For the period
January 28, 2011(a) to
December 31, 2011
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ —     

Net investment income

     0.30   

Net realized and unrealized loss on investments

     (0.33
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (0.03

Issuance of common stock

     20.00   

Offering costs

     (1.27

Dividends to shareholders declared

     (0.55
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 18.15   
  

 

 

 

Total return(c)(d)

     (18.49 )% 

Net assets, end of period

   $ 172,435   

Per share market value at December 30, 2011

   $ 15.75   

Shares outstanding end of year

     9,500,100   

Ratio to average net assets:

  

Expenses without incentive fees(d)

     3.08

Incentive fees

     0.00
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3.08
  

 

 

 

Net investment income(d)

     1.51

Portfolio turnover ratio

     36.96

 

(a)   Commencement of operations.
(b)   Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(c)   Total return is based on the change in market price per share during the period and takes into account dividends, if any, reinvested in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan.
(d)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

Note 11. Income Tax Information and Distributions to Stockholders

 

The tax character of dividends for the period ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 

Ordinary income

   $ 5,225         100.0 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total dividends

   $ 5,225         100.0 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-18


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

As of December 31, 2011, the reconciliation of net increase in net assets resulting from operations to taxable income is as follows:

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

   $ (250

Change in net unrealized depreciation on investments

     2,274   

Deferred credit facility expense

     2,581   

Post-October capital losses

     665   

Other book-to-tax differences

     392   
  

 

 

 

Taxable income before deductions for dividends

   $ 5,662   
  

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011, the components of accumulated gain and losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 437   

Undistributed long-term net capital gains

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total undistributed net earnings

     437   

Post-October capital losses

     (665

Net unrealized depreciation on investments

     (2,274
  

 

 

 

Total undistributable taxable income

   $ (2,502
  

 

 

 

 

Tax information for the period ended December 31, 2011 is an estimate and will not be finally determined until the Company files its 2011 tax return in September 2012.

 

The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740-10-25, Income Taxes , nor did we have any unrecognized tax benefits as of the period presented herein. Although we file federal and state tax returns, our major tax jurisdiction is federal. The Company’s inception-to-date federal tax years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Note 12. New Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Standards Updates

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 13 (“IFRS 13”), Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as is currently required under ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820). The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or GAAP. For GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the ASU requires that our disclosure include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in the unobservable inputs and the interrelationship between inputs, and a description of our valuation process. Public companies are required to apply ASU 2011-04 prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Upon adoption of ASU 2011-04, it is not expected that it will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements and the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its disclosures.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (the Company) as of March 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2011, the consolidated statement of changes in net assets for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial accounting and reporting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. as of December 31, 2011 and the related consolidated statement of changes in net assets for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011, and we expressed an unqualified opinion on them in our report dated February 22, 2012.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

May 1, 2012

 

F-20


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (unaudited)        

Assets

    

Investments at fair value:

    

Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments, at fair value (cost: $214,233 and $180,023, respectively)

   $ 215,008        177,749   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     215,008        177,749   

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,820        2,934   

Receivable for investments sold

     —          4,931   

Interest receivable

     1,703        1,687   

Deferred offering costs

     50        —     

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

     138        94   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     218,719        187,395   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Credit facility payable, at fair value

     18,150        8,600   

Payable for investments purchased

     23,331        4,912   

Dividends payable

     950        —     

Due to Solar Capital Partners LLC:

    

Investment advisory and management fee payable

     498        944   

Capital gains incentive fee payable

     48        —     

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

     43        141   

Other accrued expenses and payables

     397        363   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     43,417        14,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 9,500,100 shares issued and outstanding, 200,000,000 authorized

     95        95   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     177,815        177,815   

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (2,849     (2,625

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

     (534     (576

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     775        (2,274
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 175,302      $ 172,435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding

     9,500,100        9,500,100   

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.45      $ 18.15   

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     For the three
months ended
March 31, 2012
     For the period
January 28, 2011  (1)
to March 31, 2011
 
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)  

INVESTMENT INCOME:

     

Interest income from non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

   $ 3,909       $ 57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

     3,909         57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

     

Investment advisory and management fees

     498         —     

Interest and other credit facility expenses

     221         —     

Incentive fee on capital gains

     48         28   

Administrative service fee

     164         27   

Insurance expense

     99         42   

Audit and tax preparation

     74         38   

Other general and administrative expenses

     155         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses before debt issuance costs

     1,259         177   

Debt issuance costs

     24         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,283         177   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     2,626         (120
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:

     

Net realized gain on non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

     42         —     

Net change in unrealized gain on non-controlled, non-affiliated investments

     3,049         138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     3,091         138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 5,717       $ 18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share (2)

   $ 0.60       $ —     

 

(1)  

Commencement of operations.

(2)  

Less than $0.005 per share for the period ending March 31, 2011.

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     For the three
months ended
March 31, 2012
    For the period
January 28, 2011  (1)
to December 31, 2011
 
     (unaudited)        

Increase in net assets resulting from operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,626      $ 2,600   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     42        (576

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3,049        (2,274
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     5,717        (250
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared

     (2,850     (5,225
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital share transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold

     —          190,002   

Common stock offering costs

     —          (12,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

     —          177,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

     2,867        172,435   

Net assets at beginning of period

     172,435        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets at end of period

   $ 175,302      $ 172,435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)   Commencement of operations.

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands except shares)

 

    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2012
    For the period
January 28, 2011  (1)
to March 31, 2011
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

   

Net increase in net assets from operations

  $ 5,717      $ 18   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:

   

Net realized gain on investments

    (42     —     

Net change in unrealized gain on investments

    (3,049     (138

Debt issuance costs

    24        —     

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

   

Purchase of investment securities

    (39,968     (23,790

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

    5,800        —     

Receivable for investments sold

    4,931        —     

Deferred offering costs

    (50     —     

Interest receivable

    (16     (58

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

    (44     (382

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

   

Payable for investments purchased

    18,419        —     

Investment advisory and management fee payable

    (446     —     

Incentive fee on capital gains

    48        28   

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

    (98     27   

Offering costs payable

    —          439   

Other accrued expenses and payables

    34        61   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

    (8,740     (23,795
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

   

Proceeds from shares sold

    —          190,002   

Common stock offering costs

    —          (12,124

Dividends paid

    (1,900     —     

Debt issuance costs

    (24     —     

Proceeds from borrowings

    19,800        —     

Repayments of borrowings

    (10,250     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

    7,626        177,878   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    (1,114     154,083   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

    2,934        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

  $ 1,820      $ 154,083   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

   

Cash paid for interest

  $ 51      $ —     

Cash paid for income taxes

  $ 15      $ —     

Non-cash financing activity:

   

Dividend payable

  $ 950      $ —     
   

 

(1)   Commencement of operations.

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Description (1)

 

Industry

  Interest   (2)     Basis Point
Spread
Above
Index
    Maturity     Par Amount     Cost     Fair
Value
 

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

             

AmeriQual Group, LLC

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     6.50     L+500 (5)       3/28/2016      $ 13,507      $ 13,338      $ 12,494   

ATI Holdings, Inc. (4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.50     L+550 (5)       3/12/2016        7,975        7,941        7,975   

Asurion, LLC

  Insurance     9.00     L+750 (5)       5/24/2019        10,750        10,686        10,911   

Bellisio Foods, Inc. (4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     7.00     L+550 (5)       12/16/2017        5,000        4,952        4,950   

Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc. (4)

  Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     6.75     L+525 (5)       2/28/2018        5,000        4,951        4,950   

Decision Resources, LLC

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     9.50     L+800 (5)       5/6/2018        16,000        15,855        15,680   

EIG Investors Corp. (4)

  Personal, Food & Misc. Services     7.75     L+625 (5)       12/22/2017        7,980        7,826        7,980   

Engineering Solutions & Products, LLC

  Aerospace & Defense     7.75     L+625 (5)       4/21/2017        10,426        10,100        9,175   

FleetPride Corporation (4)

  Cargo Transport     6.75     L+550 (5)       12/6/2017        8,000        7,847        8,000   

Genesys Telecommunications

  Telecommunications     6.75     L+525 (5)       1/31/2019        7,000        6,863        7,064   

Grocery Outlet Inc.

  Grocery     10.50     L+900 (5)       12/15/2017        6,368        6,184        6,368   

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC (4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     8.00     P+475 (5)       5/10/2016        18,465        18,064        18,465   

Hoffmaster Group, Inc. (4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.00     L+550 (5)       1/3/2018        4,988        4,891        4,938   

Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC (4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.50     L+600 (5)       8/26/2016        7,960        7,852        7,920   

KIK Custom Products, Inc.

  Diversified /Conglomerate Service     8.50     L+700 (5)       5/31/2014        19,850        19,404        19,552   

Marshall Retail Group, LLC (4)

  Retail Stores     8.00     L+650 (5)       10/19/2016        5,000        4,932        5,000   

Porex Corporation (4)

  Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     6.75     L+525 (5)       3/31/2015        4,726        4,668        4,678   

Renaissance Learning, Inc. (4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.75     L+625 (5)       10/19/2017        7,960        7,660        7,960   

Shield Finance Co. SARL (3)(4)(7)

  Telecommunications     7.63     L+562.5 (5)       6/15/2016        4,963        4,941        4,963   

Shoes for Crews, Inc. (4)

  Textiles & Leather     6.50     L+500 (5)       3/27/2017        5,000        4,988        4,988   

Six3 Systems, Inc. (6)

  Aerospace & Defense     6.00     L+400 (5)       12/31/2014        10,098        9,996        9,997   

Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc.

  Aerospace & Defense     7.00     L+550 (5)       4/22/2017        7,940        7,871        7,861   

SLT Environmental, Inc. (6)

  Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     7.00     L+550 (5)       5/27/2016        10,000        9,875        9,875   

STHI Holding Corp.

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     8.00     —          3/18/2018        3,000        3,000        3,180   

Water Pik, Inc (6)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     6.75     L+525 (5)       8/10/2017        3,460        3,429        3,460   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

          $ 211,416      $ 208,114      $ 208,384   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

             

Apollo Investment Corporation (7)

  Finance     5.75     —          1/15/2016        3,650        3,208        3,577   

Asurion Holdco (8)

  Insurance     11.00     L+950 (5)       3/2/2019        3,000        2,911        3,047   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

          $ 6,650      $ 6,119      $ 6,624   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

          $ 218,066      $ 214,233      $ 215,008   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) We generally acquire our investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our investments are therefore generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of March 31, 2012, we do not hold any equity interests in our investments.
(2) Variable rate debt investments may bear interest at a rate determined by reference to either the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR or “L”) index rate or the prime index rate (PRIME or “P”), and which may reset monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2012 or the expected reset rate if lower. As of March 31, 2012 all investments are paying cash interest.
(3) Shield Finance Co. SARL is domiciled in Luxembourg and is denominated in U.S. dollars. All other investments are domiciled in the United States.
(4) Indicates an investment partially held by Solar Senior Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary SUNS SPV LLC. Such investments are pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements) and are not generally available to the creditors of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. Par amounts held through Solar SPV LLC include: ATI Holdings, Inc. $5,489; Bellisio Foods, Inc. $4,000; Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc. $4,000; EIG Investors Corp. $5,985; FleetPride Corporation $5,000; Hearthside Food Solutions LLC $12,064; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. $3,990; Insight Pharmaceutical LLC $5,486; Marshall Retail Group, LLC $3,950; Porex Corporation $2,871; Renaissance Learning, Inc $5,970; Shield Finance Co. SARL $3,980; and Shoes for Crews, Inc $3,466. Remaining par balances are held directly by Solar Senior Capital Ltd.
(5) Represents floating rate instruments that accrued interest at a predetermined spread relative to an index, typically the LIBOR or PRIME rate. These instruments are subject to a LIBOR or PRIME rate floor.
(6) Indicates an investment held by Solar Senior Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary SUNS SPV LLC. (See Note 4 above for further explanation.)
(7) Indicates assets that the Company believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets.
(8) Asurion Holdco has the option to pay interest in kind at L+1025 if certain specified conditions are met.

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2012

(unaudited)

 

Industry Classification

   Percentage of Total
Investments
(at fair value) as of
March 31, 2012
 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

     17

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

     16

Aerospace & Defense

     13

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     9

Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

     9

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

     7

Insurance

     6

Telecommunications

     6

Cargo Transport

     4

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

     4

Grocery

     3

Retail Stores

     2

Textiles & Leather

     2

Finance

     2
  

 

 

 
     100
  

 

 

 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Description (1)

 

Industry

  Interest  (2)     Basis Point
Spread
Above
Index
    Maturity     Par Amount     Cost     Fair
Value
 

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

             

AmeriQual Group, LLC

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     6.50     L+500 (5)       3/28/2016      $ 13,670      $ 13,494      $ 12,646   

ATI Holdings, Inc. (4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.50     L+550 (5)       3/12/2016        7,983        7,947        7,942   

Asurion, LLC

  Insurance     9.00     L+750 (5)       5/24/2019        10,750        10,684        10,620   

Bellisio Foods, Inc. (4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     7.00     L+550 (5)       12/16/2017        5,000        4,950        4,950   

Decision Resources, LLC

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     9.50     L+800 (5)       5/6/2018        16,000        15,851        15,360   

EIG Investors Corp. (4)

  Personal, Food & Misc. Services     7.75     L+625 (5)       12/22/2017        8,000        7,841        7,840   

Engineering Solutions & Products, LLC

  Aerospace & Defense     7.75     L+625 (5)       4/21/2017        10,667        10,325        9,600   

FleetPride Corporation (4)

  Cargo Transport     6.75     L+550 (5)       12/6/2017        8,000        7,842        7,920   

Grocery Outlet Inc.

  Grocery     10.50     L+900 (5)       12/15/2017        6,400        6,209        6,208   

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC (4)

  Beverage, Food & Tobacco     8.00     P+475 (5)       5/10/2016        18,884        18,456        18,601   

Hoffmaster Group, Inc. (4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.00     L+550 (5)       1/3/2018        5,000        4,900        4,900   

Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC (4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     7.50     L+600 (5)       8/26/2016        7,980        7,867        7,860   

KIK Custom Products, Inc.

  Diversified / Conglomerate Service     8.50     L+700 (5)       5/31/2014        19,900        19,408        19,303   

Marshall Retail Group, LLC (4)

  Retail Stores     8.00     L+650 (5)       10/19/2016        5,000        4,928        4,950   

Porex Corporation (4)

  Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     6.75     L+525 (5)       3/31/2015        4,787        4,724        4,643   

Renaissance Learning, Inc. (4)

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     7.75     L+625 (5)       10/19/2017        7,980        7,669        7,820   

Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc.

  Aerospace & Defense     7.00     L+550 (5)       4/22/2017        7,960        7,888        7,841   

Shield Finance Co. SARL (3)(4)(6)

  Telecommunications     7.63     L+562.5 (5)       6/15/2016        4,975        4,952        4,851   

STHI Holding Corp.

  Healthcare, Education & Childcare     8.00     —          3/18/2018        3,000        3,000        3,105   

Water Pik, Inc (4)

  Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products     6.75     L+525 (5)       8/10/2017        7,980        7,904        7,741   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

          $ 179,916      $ 176,839      $ 174,701   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unsecured Bonds

             

Apollo Investment Corporation (6)

  Finance     5.75     —          1/15/2016        3,650        3,184        3,048   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Unsecured Bonds

          $ 3,650      $ 3,184      $ 3,048   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

          $ 183,566      $ 180,023      $ 177,749   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) We generally acquire our investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our investments are therefore generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2011, we do not hold any equity interests in our investments.
(2) Variable rate debt investments may bear interest at a rate determined by reference to either the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR or “L”) index rate or the prime index rate (PRIME or “P”), and which may reset monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2011 or the expected reset rate if lower. As of December 31, 2012 all investments are paying cash interest.
(3) Shield Finance Co. SARL is domiciled in Luxembourg and is denominated in U.S. dollars. All other investments are domiciled in the United States.
(4) Indicates an investment partially held by Solar Senior Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary SUNS SPV LLC. Such investments are pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements) and are not generally available to the creditors of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. Par amounts held through Solar SPV LLC include: ATI Holdings, Inc. $5,495; Bellisio Foods, Inc. $4,000; EIG Investors Corp. $6,000; FleetPride Corporation $5,000; Hearthside Food Solutions LLC $7,337; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. $4,000; Insight Pharmaceutical LLC $5,500; Marshall Retail Group, LLC $4,000; Porex Corporation $2,909; Renaissance Learning, Inc $5,985; Shield Finance Co. SARL $3,990; and Water Pik, Inc. $5,500. Remaining par balances are held directly by Solar Senior Capital Ltd.
(5) Represents floating rate instruments that accrued interest at a predetermined spread relative to an index, typically the LIBOR or PRIME rate. These instruments are subject to a LIBOR or PRIME rate floor.
(6) Indicates assets that the Company believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets.

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2011

 

Industry Classification

   Percentage of Total
Investments
(at fair value) as of
December 31, 2011
 

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

     20

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

     19

Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

     12

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     11

Aerospace & Defense

     10

Insurance

     6

Cargo Transport

     4

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

     4

Grocery

     3

Retail Stores

     3

Telecommunications

     3

Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

     3

Finance

     2
  

 

 

 
     100
  

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 1. Organization

 

Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (“Solar Senior” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation formed on December 16, 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes the Company intends to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

On January 28, 2011, Solar Senior was capitalized with initial equity of $2 and commenced operations. On February 24, 2011, Solar Senior priced its initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares through a private placement, also at $20.00 per share.

 

Solar Senior invests primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where the Company believes the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are the most attractive. The Company’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. The Company seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, made primarily to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which the Company refers to collectively as “senior loans.” The Company may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of the Company’s net assets will be invested in senior loans.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation — The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned financing subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC (the “SPV”), a Delaware limited liability company formed on June 24, 2011, in order to establish a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the operations and financial condition for the periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

 

Interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Articles 6 or 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the interim period, have been included. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

Investments — The Company conducts the valuation of its assets in accordance with GAAP and the 1940 Act. The Company generally values its assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act. Securities transactions are accounted for on trade date.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at the closing price on the date of valuation. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, management determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, the Company uses the quote obtained.

 

Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing sources do not provide a valuation or methodology or provide a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of Solar Capital Partners, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) or the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), does not represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the Board will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for (a) each portfolio investment that, when taken together with all other investments in the same portfolio company, exceeds 10% of total assets, plus available borrowings, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter, and (b) each portfolio investment that is presently in default; and (iv) the Board will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

 

The recommendation of fair value is generally based on the following factors, as relevant: the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments; the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow; the markets in which the issuer does business; and comparisons to publicly traded securities.

 

When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Company will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

 

Investments of sufficient credit quality purchased within 60 days of maturity are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value.

 

Credit Facility — The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. The Company uses an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the fair value of our Credit Facility.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market accounts or investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Revenue Recognition — The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:

 

Sales : Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

 

Interest Income : Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the

 

F-30


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties and unamortized loan origination, closing and commitment fees are recorded as part of interest income. The Company may purchase loans in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to the loan principal on the reset dates.

 

Non-accrual : Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

 

U.S. Federal Income Taxes — The Company intends to elect to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. The Company, among other things, intends to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes.

 

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the period ended March 31, 2012, there was no accrual for U.S. Federal excise tax.

 

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are reversed and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of the guidance nor did the Company have any unrecognized tax benefits as of the periods presented herein.

 

Capital Accounts — Certain capital accounts including undistributed net investment income or distributions in excess of net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss, net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments, and paid in capital in excess of par, are adjusted, at least annually, for permanent differences between book and tax. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from GAAP.

 

Dividends — Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Monthly dividend payments are determined by the Board and are generally based upon taxable earnings estimated by management. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment. The Company has adopted a dividend

 

F-31


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of any distributions the Company declares in cash on behalf of its stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if the Board authorizes and declares a cash dividend, then the Company’s stockholders who have not “opted out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of its common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividend. While the Company generally uses newly issued shares to implement the plan (especially if the Company’s shares are trading at a premium to net asset value), the Company may purchase shares in the open market in connection with its obligations under the dividend reinvestment plan. In particular, if the Company’s shares are trading at a significant enough discount to net asset value and it is otherwise permitted under applicable law to purchase such shares, the Company intends to purchase shares in the open market in connection with its obligations under the dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.

 

Subsequent Events Evaluation — The Company has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that none are required.

 

Note 3. Investments

 

Investments consisted of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Cost      Fair Value      Cost      Fair Value  

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Investments

   $ 208,114       $ 208,384       $ 176,839       $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

     6,119         6,624         3,184         3,048   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 214,233       $ 215,008       $ 180,023       $ 177,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

There were no non-accrual assets as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

Note 4. Agreements

 

Solar Senior has an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Investment Adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, Solar Senior. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from Solar Senior, consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of gross assets. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, the base management fee will be payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee will be calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

The incentive fee has two parts, as follows: one is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (other than fees for providing managerial assistance) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with pay-in-kind interest and zero-coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, computed net of all realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. 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 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). The Company pays the Investment Adviser an incentive fee with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:

 

   

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle of 1.75%;

 

   

50% of 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 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized);

 

and

 

   

20% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) will be payable to the Investment Adviser.

 

For the period ended March 31, 2012, the pre-incentive net income was below the hurdle, therefore there is no accrual for the related incentive fee.

 

The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. For financial statement purposes, the fee is accrued based upon 20% of net realized and unrealized capital gains. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has accrued $48 for the incentive fee.

 

Solar Senior has also entered into an Administration Agreement with Solar Capital Management, LLC (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides administrative services for Solar Senior. For providing these services, facilities and personnel, Solar Senior reimburses the Administrator for Solar Senior’s allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent. The Administrator will also provide, on Solar Senior’s behalf, managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which Solar Senior is required to provide such assistance.

 

Note 5. Borrowing Facilities

 

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility — On August 26, 2011, the Company established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with this senior secured revolving credit facility, the SPV, as borrower, entered into a Loan and

 

F-33


Table of Contents

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011 (the “Loan and Servicing Agreement”), whereby the Company will transfer certain loans it has originated or acquired or will originate or acquire (the “Loans”) from time to time to the SPV via a Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011 (the “Contribution Agreement”). The Contribution Agreement, together with the Loan and Servicing Agreement and various supporting documentation form the Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility, among other things, matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, the Company and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

 

The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. Accounting for the Credit Facility at fair value will better align the measurement methodologies of assets and liabilities, which may mitigate certain earnings volatility. As a result of this election $2,819 of costs related to the establishment of the Credit Facility was expensed rather than being deferred and amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. ASC 825-10 requires entities to display the fair value of the selected assets and liabilities on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and changes in fair value of the Credit Facility are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company elected not to apply ASC 825-10 to any other financial assets or liabilities. Through March 31, 2012 the Credit Facility had no net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation.

 

The weighted average annualized interest cost for all borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 2.55%. These costs are exclusive of commitment fees and for other prepaid expenses related to establishing the Credit Facility. This weighted average annualized interest cost reflects the average interest cost for all outstanding borrowings. The average debt outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $10,633. The maximum amount borrowed on the Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the period ended December 31, 2011 was $18,150 and $12,650, respectively. There was $18,150 and $8,600 drawn on the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all financial and operational covenants required by the Credit Facility.

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 6. Fair Value

 

Fair value is defined as the price 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. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

GAAP fair value measurement guidance classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded derivatives, and most U.S. Government and agency securities).

 

Level 2.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

  a)   Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

  b)   Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

 

  c)   Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts); and

 

  d)   Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3.  Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain of our private debt investments and our Credit Facility) and long-dated or complex derivatives (including certain equity and currency derivatives).

 

When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 table below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, it should be noted that the following tables do not take into consideration the effect of offsetting Levels 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by the Company that economically hedge certain exposures to the Level 3 positions.

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur.

 

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2012

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $       —         $ 21,155       $ 187,229       $ 208,384   

Unsecured Bank Debt/Bonds

     —           6,624         —           6,624   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ —         $ 27,779       $ 187,229       $ 215,008   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Facility

   $ —         $ —         $ 18,150       $ 18,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2011

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $       —         $ 13,725       $ 160,976       $ 174,701   

Unsecured Bonds

     —           3,048         —           3,048   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ —         $ 16,773       $ 160,976       $ 177,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Facility

   $ —         $ —         $ 8,600       $ 8,600   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and for the period ended December 31, 2011, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs

As of March 31, 2012

 

     Bank Debt/Senior Secured
Loans
 

Fair value, January 1, 2012

   $ 160,976   

Total gains or losses included in earnings:

  

Net realized gain

     42   

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

     1,842   

Purchase of investment securities

     30,169   

Proceeds from dispositions of investment securities

     (5,800

Transfers in/out of Level 3

     —     
  

 

 

 

Fair value, March 31, 2012

   $ 187,229   
  

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:

  

Net change in unrealized gains:

   $ 1,752   

 

During the period from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012, there were no transfers in and out of Levels 1, 2, or 3. The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period.

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs

As of December 31, 2011

 

     Bank Debt/Senior Secured
Loans
 

Fair value, January 28, 2011

   $ —     

Total gains or losses included in earnings:

  

Net realized gain

     415   

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

     (2,179

Purchase of investment securities

     176,895   

Proceeds from dispositions of investment securities

     (14,155

Transfers in/out of Level 3

     —     
  

 

 

 

Fair value, December 31, 2011

   $ 160,976   
  

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:

  

Net change in unrealized loss:

   $ (2,179

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

During the period from January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, there were no transfers in and out of Levels 1, 2, or 3. The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period.

 

The following tables show a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and for the period January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011:

 

Credit Facility

   For the period
January 28, 2011  (1)  to
December 31, 2011
    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2012
 

Beginning fair value

   $ —        $ 8,600   

Total unrealized appreciation

     —          —     

Borrowings

     20,450        19,800   

Repayments

     (11,850     (10,250

Transfers in/out of Level 3

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending fair value

   $ 8,600      $ 18,150   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)   Commencement of operations.

 

The Company has made an irrevocable election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the Credit Facility, in accordance with ASC 825-10. On March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were borrowings of $18,150 and $8,600, respectively, on the Credit Facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and for the period January 28, 2011 to December 31, 2011, the Credit Facility had no net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation. The Company uses an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the fair value of the Credit Facility.

 

The significant unobservable quantitative inputs typically used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 investments include current market yields as indicated by comparable publicly traded investments and loan indices, EBITDA multiples as indicated by current, comparable market transactions and quotes from brokers (see table below).

 

The ranges of unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 investments as of March 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

Market Yields

   6.5% to 11.5%

 

Significant increases or decreases in any of the above inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity

 

The table below illustrates the effect of certain transactions on our capital accounts through March 31, 2012:

 

    Common Stock     Paid-in Capital
in Excess of

Par
    Distributions
in Excess of
Net Investment

Income
    Accumulated
Net Realized

Loss
    Net  Unrealized
Depreciation
    Total
Stockholders

Equity
 
    Shares     Par Amount            

Balance at January 28, 2011 (1)

    —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Initial capitalization

    100        —          2        —          —          —          2   

Issuances of common stock in IPO (2)

    9,000,000        90        167,818        —          —          —          167,908   

Issuances of common stock in private placement (2)

    500,000        5        9,995        —          —          —          10,000   

Net increase in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations

    —          —          —          2,600        (576     (2,274     (250

Dividends declared ($0.55 per share)

    —          —          —          (5,225     —          —          (5,225
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    9,500,100      $ 95      $ 177,815      $ (2,625   $ (576   $ (2,274   $ 172,435   

Net increase in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations

    —          —          —          2,626        42        3,049        5,717   

Dividends declared ($0.30 per share)

    —          —          —          (2,850     —          —          (2,850
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

    9,500,100      $ 95      $ 177,815      $ (2,849   $ (534   $ 775      $ 175,302   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) On February 24, 2011 Solar Senior Capital Ltd. priced its initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares through a private placement, also at $20.00 per share.

 

Note 8. Earnings Per Share

 

The following information sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net increase (decrease) in shareholders’ equity per share resulting from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the period ended March 31, 2011:

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2012
     For the period
January 28, 2011  (1)
to March 31, 2011
 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

   $ 5,717       $ 18   

Denominator for basic and diluted weighted average share:

     9,500,100         4,758,110   

Basic and diluted net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations per share:

   $ 0.60       $ —   (2)  

 

(1)   Commencement of operations
(2)   Less than $0.005 per share

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 9. Financial Highlights

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and for the period from January 28, 2011 to March 31, 2011:

 

       Three months ended
March 31, 2012
    For the period
January 28, 2011  (a)  to
March 31, 2011
 

Per Share Data: (b)

    

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 18.15      $ —     

Net investment income

     0.28        (0.01

Net realized and unrealized loss on investments

     0.32        0.01   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     0.60        —     

Issuance of common stock

     —          20.00   

Offering costs

     —          (1.27

Dividends to shareholders declared

     (0.30     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 18.45      $ 18.73   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return (c)(d)

     4.13     (6.85 )% 

Net assets, end of period

   $ 175,302      $ 177,896   

Per share market value at end of period

   $ 16.11      $ 18.63   

Shares outstanding end of period

     9,500,100        9,500,100   

Ratio to average net assets:

    

Expenses without incentive fees (d)

     0.71     0.09

Incentive fees

     0.03     0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     0.74     0.11
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (d)

     1.53     (0.05 )% 

Portfolio turnover ratio

     17     37

 

(a)   Commencement of operations.
(b)   Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(c)   Total return is based on the change in market price per share during the period and takes into account dividends, if any, reinvested in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan.
(d)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

Note 10. New Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Standards Update

 

New Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Standards Updates

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 13 (“IFRS 13”), Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as is currently required under ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820). The new standards do not extend

 

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the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or GAAP. For GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the ASU requires that our disclosure include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in the unobservable inputs and the interrelationship between inputs, and a description of our valuation process. Public companies are required to apply ASU 2011-04 prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements or its disclosures.

 

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$150,000,000

 

LOGO

 

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

 

Common Stock

Debt Securities

 

 

 

P R O S P E C T U S

 

                    , 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART C — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 25.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

1. Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (the “Registrant” or the “Company”) are included in Part A “Information Required to be in the Prospectus” of the Registration Statement.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December  31, 2011

     F-3   

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period from January  28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-4   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-5   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period from January  28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-6   

Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2011

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-9   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      F-20   

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011

     F-21   

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

     F-22   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2011

     F-23   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

     F-24   
Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited)      F-25   
Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2011      F-27   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      F-29   

 

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2. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  a.   

Articles of Amendment and Restatement*

  b.    Amended and Restated Bylaws*
  d.1    Form of Common Stock Certificate*
  d.2    Form of Indenture****
  e.    Dividend Reinvestment Plan*
   f.1    Form of Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, by and among Registrant, as the servicer and the transferor, SUNS SPV LLC, as the borrower, each of the conduit lenders from time to time party thereto, each of the liquidity banks from time to time party thereto, each of the lender agents from time to time party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as the collateral agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the account bank, the backup servicer and the collateral custodian, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as the administrative agent.**
   f.2    Form of Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2011, by and between SUNS SPV LLC, as the contributee, and Solar Senior Capital Ltd., as the contributor.**
  g.    Investment Advisory and Management Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Partners, LLC*
  h.    Form of Underwriting Agreement
   j.    Form of Custody Agreement*
  k.1    Administration Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Management, LLC*
  k.2    Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and each of its directors*
  k.3    Trademark License Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Partners, LLC*
  k.4    Form of Share Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Senior Capital Investors, LLC*
  k.5    Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Share Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Senior Capital Investors, LLC***
   l.1    Opinion of Venable LLP
   l.2    Opinion of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
  n.1    Consent of Venable LLP (Incorporated by reference to exhibit l.1 hereto)
  n.2    Consent of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (Incorporated by reference to exhibit l.2 hereto)
  n.3    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  n.4    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  r.    Code of Ethics*
99.1    Code of Business Conduct*
99.2    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Common Stock Offerings
99.3    Form of Prospectus Supplement for Debt Offerings

 

*   Previously filed in connection with Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-171330) filed on February 14, 2011.
**   Previously filed in connection with Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s report on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2011.
***   Previously filed in connection with Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012.
****   Previously filed in connection with Solar Senior Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-179433) filed on March 20, 2012.

 

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ITEM 26.    MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS

 

The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” on this Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 27.    OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 17,190   

FINRA filing fee

     15,500   

NASDAQ Global Select Market Listing Fee

     70,000   

Printing and postage

     100,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     210,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     105,000   

Miscellaneous

     10,000   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 527,690   
  

 

 

 

 

Note:   All listed amounts, except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee, are estimates.
*   To be provided by amendment.

 

ITEM 28.    PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL

 

We may be deemed to control certain portfolio companies. See “Portfolio Companies” in the prospectus.

 

Subsidiaries

 

The following list sets forth each of our subsidiaries, the state or country under whose laws the subsidiary is organized, and the percentage of voting securities or membership interests owned by us in such subsidiary:

 

SUNS SPV LLC (Delaware)

     100

 

The subsidiary listed above is consolidated for financial reporting purposes.

 

ITEM 29.    NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

The following table sets forth the number of record holders of the Registrant’s common stock at May 10, 2012:

 

Title of Class

   Number of
Record Holders

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

   3

 

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ITEM 30.    INDEMNIFICATION

 

Directors and Officers

 

Reference is made to Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, Article VII of the Registrant’s charter and Article XI of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws.

 

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Registrant’s charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act.

 

The Registrant’s charter authorizes the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer of the Registrant or any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Registrant’s bylaws obligate the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, manager or member and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding without requiring a preliminary determination of his or her ultimate entitlement to indemnification. The charter and bylaws also permit the Registrant to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the Registrant in any of the capacities described above and any of the Registrant’s employees or agents or any employees or agents of the Registrant’s predecessor. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Registrant will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

 

Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Registrant’s charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct

 

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necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

 

Adviser and Administrator

 

The Investment Advisory and Management 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, Solar Capital Partners, LLC, or 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 Adviser’s services under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement or otherwise as an investment 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, Solar Capital Management, 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 Solar Capital Management, LLC’s 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 Securities and Exchange Commission 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 Registrant’s directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland 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.

 

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ITEM 31.    BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which Solar Capital Partners, LLC, and each managing director, director or executive officer of Solar Capital Partners, LLC, 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 — Board of Directors,” “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” and “Portfolio Management — Investment Personnel.” Additional information regarding Solar Capital Partners, LLC and its officers and directors will be set forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC File No. 801-68710), under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 32.    LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

 

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, Solar Senior Capital Ltd., 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022;

 

  (2)  

the Transfer Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 6201 15 th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219;

 

  (3)   the Custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286; and

 

  (4)  

the Adviser, Solar Capital Partners, LLC, 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

 

ITEM 33.    MANAGEMENT SERVICES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 34.    UNDERTAKINGS

 

(1) Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of the shares of common stock covered hereby until it amends its prospectus contained herein if (a) subsequent to the effective date of this Registration Statement, its net asset value per share of common stock declines more than 10% from its net asset value per share of common stock as of the effective date of this Registration Statement, or (b) its net asset value per share of common stock increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus contained herein.

 

(2) Not applicable.

 

(3) Not applicable.

 

(4) The Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

 

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act;

 

(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

 

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(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

 

(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and

 

(d) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the 1933 Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; Provided, however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

(e) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

 

(i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act;

 

(ii) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(iii) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

(f) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement, and to suspend any offers or sales pursuant the registration statement until such post-effective amendment has been declared effective under the 1933 Act, in the event the shares of Registrant are trading below its net asset value and either (i) Registrant receives, or has been advised by its independent registered accounting firm that it will receive, an audit report reflecting substantial doubt regarding the Registrant’s ability to continue as a going concern or (ii) Registrant has concluded that a material adverse change has occurred in its financial position or results of operations that has caused the financial statements and other disclosures on the basis of which the offering would be made to be materially misleading.

 

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(5) (a) For the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497 (h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(6) The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused Amendment No. 2 to this Registration Statement on Form N-2 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, in the State of New York, on the 11th day of May, 2012.

 

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.
By:  

/s/    M ICHAEL S. G ROSS

  Michael S. Gross
  Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Amendment No. 2 to this 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 11th day of May, 2012.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    M ICHAEL S. G ROSS

Michael S. Gross

  

Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

*

Steven Hochberg

  

Director

*

David S. Wachter

  

Director

*

Leonard A. Potter

  

Director

*

Bruce Spohler

  

Chief Operating Officer and Director

/s/    N ICHOLAS R ADESCA

Nicholas Radesca

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and Secretary

 

*   Signed by Michael S. Gross pursuant to a power of attorney signed by each individual and filed with this registration statement on February 8, 2012.

 

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Exhibit h

[FORM OF UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT]

SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.

             Shares of Common Stock

($0.01 par value)

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

New York, New York

, 20     

[Name and Address of Underwriter(s)]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Solar Senior Capital Ltd., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), Solar Capital Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”) and Solar Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Administrator”), address you as underwriters and as the representatives (the “Representatives”) of each of the several underwriters named in Schedule II hereto (the “Underwriters”). The Company proposes to sell to the Underwriters the number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company set forth in Schedule I hereto (said shares to be issued and sold by the Company being hereinafter called the “Underwritten Securities”). The Company also proposes to grant to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to the number of additional shares of Common Stock set forth in Schedule I hereto to cover over-allotments (the “Option Securities”; the Option Securities, together with the Underwritten Securities, being hereinafter called the “Securities”). Unless otherwise stated, the term “you” as used herein means the Representatives, individually on their own behalf and on behalf of the other Underwriters. To the extent there are no additional Underwriters listed on Schedule II other than you, the term Representatives as used herein shall mean you, as Underwriters, and the terms Representatives and Underwriters shall mean either the singular or plural as the context requires. Certain terms used herein are defined in Section 22 hereof.

The Company is a party to an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Adviser (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) and an Administration Agreement with the Administrator (the “Administration Agreement”), in each case effective as of February 24, 2011. The Company has also entered into a Trademark License Agreement with the Adviser, dated as of February 24, 2011 (the “License Agreement”). Collectively, the Investment Advisory Agreement, Administration Agreement and License Agreement are herein referred to as the “Company Agreements.” In addition, the Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Dividend Reinvestment Plan”) pursuant to which holders of Common Stock shall have their dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock unless they elect to receive such dividends in cash.


1. Representations and Warranties of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator .

The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, and the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, each Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1.

(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the Commission a registration statement (the file number of which is set forth in Schedule I hereto) on Form N-2, including a related basic prospectus, for registration under the Act of the offering and sale of the Securities. Such Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto filed prior to the Execution Time, has become effective. The Company may have filed, as part of an amendment to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 497, one or more amendments thereto, including a related Preliminary Final Prospectus, each of which has previously been furnished to you. A Form N-54A – Notification of Election to be Subject to Sections 55 through 65 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 Filed Pursuant to Section 54(a) of the Act (File No. 814-00849) (the “Notification of Election”) was filed with the Commission on February 24, 2011 under the 1940 Act. The Company will file with the Commission a final prospectus supplement related to the Securities in accordance with Rule 497. As filed, such final prospectus supplement, together with the Basic Prospectus, shall contain all information required by the Act and the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations and, except to the extent the Representatives shall agree in writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not completed at the Execution Time, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the Basic Prospectus and any Preliminary Final Prospectus) as the Company has advised you, prior to the Execution Time, will be included or made therein. The Registration Statement, at the Execution Time, meets the requirements set forth in Rule 415(a)(1).

(b) The Preliminary Final Prospectus complied when filed with the Commission in all material respects with the provisions of the Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations, and the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the offering price per Security, when taken together as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided , however , that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Preliminary Final Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter specifically for inclusion therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 9(c) hereof.

 

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(c) On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did, and when the Final Prospectus is first filed in accordance with Rule 497 and on the Closing Date (as defined herein) and on any date on which Option Securities are purchased, if such date is not the Closing Date (a “settlement date”), the Final Prospectus (and any supplements thereto) will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations; on the Effective Date and at the Execution Time, the Registration Statement did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and on the date of any filing pursuant to Rule 497 and on the Closing Date and any settlement date for the Option Securities, the Final Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided , however , that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus (or any supplement thereto), in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Final Prospectus or the Final Prospectus (or any supplement thereto), it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 9(c) hereof. The Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending the use of the Preliminary Final Prospectus or the Final Prospectus.

(d) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland, with full power and authority to own, lease and/or operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification.

(e) The Company has no consolidated subsidiaries (excluding any companies in which the Company holds investment securities that would be considered a “portfolio company”, as such term is used in Item 8(6)(a) of Form N-2); other than SUNS SPV LLC (the “Subsidiary”), which is a bankruptcy-remote vehicle that was formed in connection with the establishment of a senior credit facility (the “Senior Credit Facility”). The Subsidiary has been duly formed and is validly existing in good standing as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware, with full power and authority to own, lease and/or operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification. The Company owns all of the outstanding equity interests of the Subsidiary free and clear of any liens, charges or encumbrances in favor of any third parties, except such liens, charges or encumbrances as have been imposed thereon in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Senior Credit Facility. The Subsidiary neither employs any persons nor conducts any business other than in connection with the Senior Credit Facility (and any activities incidental thereto), including the acquisition, holding or disposition of assets on behalf of the Company, including the receipt of interest, dividends and principal payments thereon.

 

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(f) As of the Execution Time, the Company has an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth under the heading “Actual” in the section of the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus entitled “Capitalization” and, as of the Closing Date (without giving effect to any issuance of Option Securities), the Company shall have an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth under the heading “As Adjusted” in the section of the Final Prospectus entitled “Capitalization”; the capital stock of the Company conforms to the description thereof contained in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus; all outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are free of any preemptive or similar rights; the Securities have been duly and validly authorized, and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable and free of any preemptive or similar rights that entitle or will entitle any person to acquire any Securities upon issuance thereof by the Company; the Securities are duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, subject to official notice of issuance and evidence of satisfactory distribution, on The NASDAQ Global Select Market; the certificates for the Securities are in valid and sufficient form; the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities; and, except as set forth in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final 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.

(g) The Company, subject to the Registration Statement having been declared effective and the filing of the Final Prospectus under Rule 497, has taken all required action under the Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations to make the public offering and consummate the sale of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement.

(h) There are no agreements, contracts, indentures, leases, permits or other instruments of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus or the Final Prospectus, or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, which are not described or filed as required by the Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations; the statements in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus under the headings “Summary—Operating and Regulatory Structure”, “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement”, “Administration Agreement”, “License Agreement”, “Regulation as a Business Development Company”, “Dividend Reinvestment Plan”, “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”, “Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consideration”, “Description of Securities”, “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Underwriting”, 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.

 

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(i) The execution and delivery of and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the Company Agreements have been duly and validly authorized by the Company and this Agreement and the Company Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute the valid and legally binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company, in accordance with their terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder 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 hereunder and thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles.

(j) When the Notification of Election and any amendment or supplement thereto were each filed with the Commission, each (i) contained all statements required to be stated therein in accordance with, and complied in all material respects with the requirements of, the 1940 Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations, as applicable to business development companies and (ii) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Company has duly elected to be treated by the Commission under the 1940 Act as a “business development company” (the “BDC Election”) and the Company has not filed with the Commission any notice of withdrawal of the BDC Election pursuant to Section 54(c) of the 1940 Act. The BDC Election is effective, and no order of suspension or revocation of such election has been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission.

(k) 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 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations. No person is serving or acting as an officer, director or investment adviser of the Company except in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations, the Advisers Act and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations. The Company and the Adviser are not aware that any executive, key employee or significant group of employees of the Company plans to terminate employment with the Company.

(l) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with the transactions contemplated herein or in the Company Agreements, except (i) such as have been made or obtained under the Act, the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act, the Advisers Act, the rules and regulations of the FINRA and NASDAQ, (ii) such as may be required pursuant to Rule 497 under the Act, and (iii) such as may be required under the blue sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters in the manner contemplated herein and in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus.

 

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(m) Neither the issuance and sale of the Securities, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any of the Company Agreements, nor the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof or the adoption of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan, conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to, (i) the Articles of Incorporation or by-laws of the Company, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Company is a party or bound or to which its property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Company of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) where such breach or violation, either singly or in the aggregate, would not (x) have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business (a “Company Material Adverse Effect”) and (y) would not have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(n) No holders of securities of the Company have rights to the registration of such securities under the Registration Statement.

(o) The financial statements, together with related schedules and notes, included in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and the Registration Statement present fairly the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated, comply as to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise noted therein); and the other financial and statistical information and data included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus are accurately derived from such financial statements and the books and records of the Company.

(p) No action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or its property is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened that (i) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions herein contemplated or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

(q) The Company owns, leases or has rights to use all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted.

(r) The Company is not in violation or default of (i) any provision of its Articles of Incorporation or by-laws, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which it is a party or bound or to which its property is subject

 

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or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) where such breach or violation, either singly or in the aggregate, would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(s) Since the date as of which information is given in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (i) there has been no material, adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) 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 as described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and (iii) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company or either Subsidiary on any class of its Common Stock or other equity interest other than as described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus.

(t) KPMG, LLP, who has certified the financial statements of the Company and delivered its report with respect to the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations.

(u) The Company (including its agents and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and, prior to the later to occur of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) completion of the distribution of the Securities, will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Securities other than (A) the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing and (B) such materials as may be approved by the Representatives and filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 482 of the Act. All other promotional materials (including “road show slides” or “road show scripts”) prepared by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities (collectively, “Roadshow Material”) was used in accordance with Section 6(m). Each of the Roadshow Material and the Canadian Wrapper is not inconsistent with the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and when taken together with the Preliminary Final Prospectus, at the Execution 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 the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(v) 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

 

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and officers errors and omissions insurance policy and its fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations, are in full force and effect 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 have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

(w) The Company possesses all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct its business in the manner described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and the Company has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification thereof, except where the failure to possess any such licenses, certificates, permits or other authorizations, or the revocation or modification thereof, would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(x) The Company maintains and will maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Company and the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to calculate net asset value, to maintain accountability for assets and to maintain material compliance with the books and records requirements under the 1940 Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations; (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 existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act Rules and Regulations is effective and the Company is not aware of any material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting.

(y) The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act Rules and Regulations); such disclosure controls and procedures are effective; and the Company is not aware of any material weakness in such controls and procedures.

 

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(z) The Company has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities, and the Company is not aware of any such action taken or to be taken by any affiliates of the Company.

(aa) This Agreement and each of the Company Agreements complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Act, the 1940 Act, the Rules and Regulations, the Advisers Act and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and each of the Company’s Board and sole initial shareholder have approved the Investment Advisory Agreement as required by Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The operations of the Company are in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the 1940 Act applicable to “business development companies.” The provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws of the Company and the investment objective, policies and restrictions described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, assuming they are implemented as so described, will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. The terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, including compensation terms, comply with the provisions of Sections 15(a) and 15(c) of the 1940 Act and Section 205 of the Advisers Act, each as applicable to business development companies.

(bb) Except as disclosed in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, no director of the Company is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any Underwriter listed in Schedule II hereto. For purposes of this Section 1(bb), each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall be entitled to rely on representations from such directors.

(cc) The Company intends to direct the investment of the proceeds of the offering of the Securities in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code.

(dd) The Company owns, possesses, licenses or has other rights to use, all patents, patent applications, trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and other intellectual property (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) necessary for the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted or as proposed in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus to be conducted. Except as set forth in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (a) there are no rights of third parties to any such Intellectual Property; (b) there is no material infringement by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (c) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s rights in or to any such Intellectual Property and the Company is not aware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (d) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property and the Company is not aware of any facts which would form a reasonable

 

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basis for any such claim; and (e) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company infringes or otherwise violates any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others and the Company is not aware of any other facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim.

(ee) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto), the Company (i) has filed or has caused to be filed all foreign, federal, state and local tax returns required to be filed or has properly requested extensions thereof (except in any case in which the failure so to file would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect), (ii) has paid all taxes required to be paid by it and any other assessment, fine or penalty levied against it, to the extent that any of the foregoing is due and payable, except for any such assessment, fine or penalty that is currently being contested in good faith or as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) intends to operate its business so as to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.

(ff) Except as disclosed in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of the Representatives and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of the Representatives.

(gg) There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company and any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”).

(hh) The Company has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the Federal Securities Laws (as that term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) by the Company, including policies and procedures that provide oversight of compliance by each investment adviser, administrator and transfer agent of the Company.

(ii) 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.

(jj) 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 Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus which have not been described as required, it being understood and agreed that the Company,

 

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the Adviser and the Administrator make no representation or warranty with respect to any 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.

(kk) To the Company’s knowledge, neither the Company nor any employee or agent of the Company has made any payment of funds of the Company or received or retained any funds in violation of any law, rule or regulation, which payment, receipt or retention of funds is of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus.

(ll) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as defined in the 1940 Act.

(mm) The Company has not, directly or indirectly, extended credit, arranged to extend credit or renewed any extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan, to or for any director or executive officer of the Company, or to or for any family member or affiliate of any director or executive officer of the Company.

(nn) Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate, and the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources to the extent required.

(oo) Neither the Company, the Adviser nor the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Company, the Adviser nor the Administrator, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company, the 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 Adviser or the Administrator, and to the knowledge of the Company, the 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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(pp) Neither the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company, the 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 neither the Company, the 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.

Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, as to matters covered therein, to each Underwriter.

2. Representations and Warranties of the Adviser and the Administrator . The Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, each Underwriter as follows:

(a) The Adviser has been duly formed and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware, with full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification. The Administrator has been duly formed and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware, with full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification.

(b) The Adviser is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and the Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations or the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations from acting under the Investment Advisory Agreement, as contemplated by the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus.

(c) The Adviser has or had full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the License Agreement, and the Administrator had full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Administration Agreement; the execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Adviser of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the License Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Adviser, and the execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Administrator of its obligations under this Agreement and the Administration Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Administrator; and this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the License Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by the Adviser and this Agreement and the Administration Agreement have been duly executed and delivered

 

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by the Administrator, and each such agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, enforceable against the Adviser or Administrator in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Adviser’s obligations hereunder and thereunder, and the Administrator’s obligations hereunder and thereunder, may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles.

(d) Each of the Adviser and Administrator has the financial resources available to it necessary for the performance of its services and obligations as contemplated in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and under this Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement, the License Agreement and the Administration Agreement, as applicable.

(e) No action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving each of the Adviser or the Administrator or their property is pending or, to the knowledge of the Adviser and the Administrator, threatened that (i) is required to be described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus that is not so described as required, (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be, to fulfill its obligations hereunder or under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the License Agreement or the Administration Agreement, as applicable, or (iii) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Adviser or the Administrator, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business (an “Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect”), except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

(f) Since the date as of which information is given in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (i) there has been no material, adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business, regulatory status or properties of the Adviser or Administrator, whether or not arising from the ordinary course of business and (ii) there have been no transactions entered into by the Adviser or Administrator, which are material to the Adviser or Administrator, as the case may be, other than those in the ordinary course of its business as described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus.

(g) Each of the Adviser and the Administrator possesses all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct its business in the manner described in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, and neither of the Adviser nor the Administrator has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification thereof, except where the failure to possess any such licenses, certificates, permits or other authorizations, or the revocation or modification thereof, would not, singly or in the aggregate, have an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect and would not have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(h) Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Adviser of this Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement or the License Agreement, or the execution, delivery or performance by the Administrator of this Agreement or the Administration Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof, conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, pursuant to, (i) the organizational documents of the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, is a party or bound or to which its property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Adviser or Administrator, as applicable, or any of their respective properties, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) where such breach or violation, either singly or in the aggregate, would not have an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Neither the Adviser nor the Administrator has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities, and neither the Adviser nor the Administrator is aware of any such action taken or to be taken by any affiliates of the Adviser or the Administrator.

(j) The operations of the Adviser or 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 Adviser or the Administrator with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Adviser or the Administrator, threatened.

(k) The 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.

(l) 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 generally accepted accounting principles 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.

 

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3. Purchase and Sale .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the purchase price set forth in Schedule I hereto, the amount of the Underwritten Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule II hereto.

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to the number of Option Securities set forth in Schedule I hereto at the same purchase price per share as the Underwriters shall pay for the Underwritten Securities. Said option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Underwritten Securities by the Underwriters. Said option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time on or before the 30th day after the date of the Prospectus upon written or telegraphic notice by the Representatives to the Company setting forth the number of shares of the Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are exercising the option and the settlement date. The number of Option Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the same percentage of the total number of shares of the Option Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters as such Underwriter is purchasing of the Underwritten Securities, subject to such adjustments as you in your absolute discretion shall make to eliminate any fractional shares.

4. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of and payment for the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities (if the option provided for in Section 3(b) hereof shall have been exercised on or before the third Business Day prior to the Closing Date) shall be made on the date and at the time specified in Schedule I hereto or at such time on such later date not more than three Business Days after the foregoing date as the Representatives shall designate, which date and time may be postponed by agreement between the Representatives and the Company or as provided in Section 10 hereof (such date and time of delivery and payment for the Securities being herein called the “Closing Date”). Delivery of the Securities shall be made to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters against payment by the several Underwriters through the Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Company by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Company. Delivery of the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.

If the option provided for in Section 3(b) hereof is exercised after the third Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Company will deliver the Option Securities (at the expense of the Company) to the Representatives, at the address specified by the Representatives, on the date specified by the Representatives (which shall be within three

 

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Business Days after exercise of said option) for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, against payment by the several Underwriters through the Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Company by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Company. If settlement for the Option Securities occurs after the Closing Date, the Company will deliver to the Representatives on the settlement date for the Option Securities, and the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Option Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions, certificates and letters confirming as of such date the opinions, certificates and letters delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

5. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the several Underwriters propose to offer the Securities for sale to the public as set forth in the Final Prospectus.

6. Agreements of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator.

The Company agrees, and, the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, agree with the several Underwriters that:

(a) Prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities, the Company will not file any amendment of the Registration Statement or supplement (including the Final Prospectus or the Preliminary Final Prospectus) to the Basic Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement unless the Company has furnished the Representatives with a copy for their review prior to filing and will not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object. The Company will cause the Final Prospectus, properly completed, and any supplement thereto to be filed in a form approved by the Representatives with the Commission pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 497 within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representatives of such timely filing. The Company will promptly advise the Representatives (i) when the Final Prospectus, and any supplement thereto, shall have been filed (if required) with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 or when any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement shall have been filed with the Commission, (ii) when, prior to termination of the offering of the Securities, any amendment to the Registration Statement shall have been filed or become effective, (iii) of any request by the Commission or its staff for any amendment of the Registration Statement, or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or for any supplement to the Final Prospectus or for any additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any notice objecting to its use or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and (v) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose. The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or the occurrence of any such suspension or objection to the use of the Registration Statement and, upon such issuance, occurrence or notice of objection, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal of such stop order or relief from such occurrence or objection, including, if necessary, by filing an amendment to the Registration Statement or a new registration statement and using its best efforts to have such amendment or new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable.

 

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(b) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required to be filed or delivered under the Act, any event occurs as a result of which the Final Prospectus as then supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made at such time not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend the Registration Statement, file a new registration statement or supplement the Final Prospectus to comply with the Act, the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act, the Act Rules and Regulations and Exchange Act Rules and Regulations, the Company promptly will (i) notify the Representatives of any such event; (ii) prepare and file with the Commission, subject to the second sentence of paragraph (a) of this Section 6, an amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; (iii) use its best efforts to have any amendment to the Registration Statement or new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable in order to avoid any disruption in the use of the Final Prospectus; and (iv) supply any supplemented Final Prospectus to the Representatives in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request.

(c) As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an earning statement or statements of the Company which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.

(d) The Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters manually signed copies of the Registration Statement (including each amendment thereto) and, so long as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by the Act, as many copies of the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and any supplement thereto as the Representatives may reasonably request.

(e) The Company will arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Securities; provided that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.

(f) Each of the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and each of the persons and entities listed in Schedule III hereto will not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator or any person or entity listed in Schedule III hereto, or any affiliate of the Company, the Adviser, the

 

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Administrator or any person or entity listed in Schedule III hereto, directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, any Common Stock or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, Common Stock; or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction for a period of [    ] days after the date of this Agreement; provided , however , that the Company may issue and sell Common Stock pursuant to any dividend reinvestment plan of the Company in effect at the Execution Time. In the event that either (x) during the last 17 days of the [    ]-day period referred to above, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (y) prior to the expiration of such [    ]-day period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of such [    ]-day period, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event, as applicable.

(g) 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 capacities as such, to comply with such laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(h) The Company, the Adviser and the Administrator will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.

(i) (1) The Company agrees to pay the costs and expenses relating to the following matters: (i) the preparation, printing or reproduction and filing with the Commission of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits thereto), the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and each amendment or supplement to any of them; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Roadshow Material and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; (iii) the preparation, printing, authentication, issuance and delivery of certificates for the Securities, including any stamp or transfer taxes in connection with the original issuance and sale of the Securities; (iv) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery of this Agreement, any blue sky memorandum, dealer agreements and all other agreements or documents printed (or reproduced) and delivered in connection with the offering of the Securities; (v) to the extent applicable, the listing of the Securities on the NASDAQ; (vi) any registration or qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of the several states (including filing fees and the reasonable

 

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fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such registration and qualification); (vii) any filings required to be made with the FINRA (including filing fees and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such filings); (viii) expenses incurred by the Company representatives in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers of the Securities (provided that the Company will pay [    ] percent ([    ]%) of the aggregate cost of any private aircraft used in connection with such “road show” presentations, if any); (ix) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special counsel) for the Company; and (x) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder.

(j) The Company will use reasonable efforts to maintain its status as a “business development company” under the 1940 Act; provided , however , that the Company may change the nature of its business so as to cease to be, or withdraw its election to be treated as, a business development company with the approval of its Board of Directors and a vote of stockholders to the extent required by Section 58 of the 1940 Act.

(k) The Company will use reasonable 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 a business development company.

(l) The Company, the 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.

(m) Before using, approving or referring to any Roadshow Material, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for 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.

7. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities, as the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator contained herein as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date for the Option Securities pursuant to Section 3 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator of their obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

(a) The Final Prospectus and any supplements thereto have been filed in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 497; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any notice objecting to its use or order pursuant to Section 54(c) of the 1940 Act shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission, and any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement or Final Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with in all material respects.

 

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(b) The Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have requested and caused Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, counsel for the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator to have furnished to the Representatives its opinion, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representatives in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

(c) The Company shall have requested and caused Venable LLP, special Maryland counsel to the Company, to have furnished to the Representatives its opinion as to certain matters pertaining to Maryland law, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representatives in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

(d) The Representatives shall have received from [            ], counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.

(e) Each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate, signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial or accounting officer of each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, as the case may be, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto and this Agreement and that:

(i) The representations and warranties of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be, in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on the Closing Date and the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be, have complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date; and the statements made in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (and any supplement thereto) under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments” are true and correct as of the Closing Date;

(ii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any notice objecting to its use has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to the Company’s, the Adviser’s or the Administrator’s knowledge, as the case may be, threatened; and

 

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(iii) Since the date of the most recent financial statements included in the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto) (with respect to the certificate of the Company) and since the date of the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplements thereto) (with respect to the certificates of the Adviser and the Administrator), there has been no material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

(f) The Company shall have requested and caused KPMG LLP to have furnished to the Representatives, at the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that it is an independent accountant within the meaning of the Act and the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations and that it has audited the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and the related consolidated statement of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2011 and performed a review of the unaudited interim financial information of the Company for the three-month period ended [                      ], 2012 and as at [                      ], 2012, in accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 100 and stating in effect that:

(iv) in its opinion the audited financial statements and financial statement schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and reported on by it comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations; and

(v) on the basis of a reading of the latest unaudited financial statements made available by the Company; its limited review, in accordance with standards established under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 100, of the unaudited interim financial information for the three-month period ended [                      ], 2012 and as at [                      ], 2012; carrying out certain specified procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of significance with respect to the comments set forth in such letter; a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders, directors and committees of the Company; and inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters of the Company as to transactions and events subsequent to December 31, 2011, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that:

(1) any unaudited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements of the Act and

 

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the 1940 Act and with the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission with respect to registration statements on Form N-2; and said unaudited financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus; and

(2) with respect to the period subsequent to [                      ], 2012, there were any changes, at a specified date not more than three business days prior to the date of the letter, in the long-term debt of the Company or capital stock of the Company or decreases in the net assets or stockholders’ equity of the Company as compared with the amounts shown on the [                      ], 2012 unaudited statement of assets and liabilities included in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, or for the period from [                      ], 2012 to such specified date there were any decreases, as compared with [                      ], 2012 in net revenues or income before income taxes or in total or per share amounts of net income of the Company, except in all instances for changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in which case the letter shall be accompanied by an explanation by the Company as to the significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the Representatives.

(vi) it has performed certain other specified procedures as a result of which it determined that certain information of an accounting, financial or statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of the Company) set forth in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, including the information set forth under the captions “Fees and Expenses” and “Selected Financial and Other Data” in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, agrees with the accounting records of the Company, excluding any questions of legal interpretation.

References to the Final Prospectus in this paragraph (h) include any supplement thereto at the date of the letter.

(g) Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any post-effective amendment thereof) and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there shall not have been (i) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in paragraph (h) of this Section 7 or (ii) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary

 

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Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto) the effect of which, in any case referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above, is, in the sole judgment of the Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement (exclusive of any post-effective amendment thereof), the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

(h) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have furnished to the Representatives such further information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.

If any of the conditions specified in this Section 7 shall not have been fulfilled when and as provided in this Agreement, or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall not be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this Agreement and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date by the Representatives. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.

The documents required to be delivered by this Section 7 shall be delivered at the office of counsel for the Underwriters on the Closing Date.

8. Reimbursement of Underwriters’ Expenses . If the sale of the Securities provided for herein is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator to perform any agreement herein or comply with any provision hereof other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters severally through the Representatives on demand for all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Securities.

9. Indemnification and Contribution .

(a) The Company agrees, and each of the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates of each Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any amendment thereof (and including any post-effective amendment, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or in the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Roadshow Material or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to

 

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reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator may otherwise have.

(b) Each Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator within the meaning of the Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator to each Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any Underwriter may otherwise have. The Company, the Adviser and the Administrator acknowledge that the statements set forth in (i) the last paragraph of the cover page regarding delivery of the Securities and, under the heading “Underwriting”, (ii) the list of Underwriters and their respective participation in the sale of the Securities, (iii) the sentences related to concessions and reallowances and (iv) the paragraphs related to stabilization, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in the Preliminary Final Prospectus and the Final Prospectus constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters specifically for inclusion in the Preliminary Final Prospectus or the Final Prospectus.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 9 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 9, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve the indemnifying party from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent the indemnifying party did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the indemnifying party’s choice at the indemnifying party’s expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party’s election to appoint counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying

 

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party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with an actual conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying 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, (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. The indemnifying party under this Section 9 shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or action by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party will, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.

(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, and the Underwriters severally and not jointly, agree to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending same) (collectively, “Losses”) to which the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator, and one or more of the Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) on the one hand, and by the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities; provided , however , that in no case shall any Underwriter (except as may be provided in any agreement among underwriters relating to the offering of the Securities) be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter hereunder. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, and the Underwriters severally and not jointly, shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) on the one hand, and of the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by each of them, and benefits received by the Underwriters shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in each case as set forth on the cover page of the Final Prospectus. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue

 

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statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 9, each person who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of the Act and each director, officer, employee, agent or affiliate of an Underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each person who controls the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator within the meaning of the Act, each officer of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director or trustee of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 9, no party shall be entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Agreement in violation of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.

10. Default by an Underwriter. If any one or more Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the Securities agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters hereunder and such failure to purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this Agreement, the remaining Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of Securities set forth opposite their names in Schedule II hereto bears to the aggregate amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining Underwriters) the Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase; provided , however , that in the event that the aggregate amount of Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of Securities set forth in Schedule II hereto, the remaining Underwriters shall have the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the Securities, and if such nondefaulting Underwriters do not purchase all the Securities, this Agreement will terminate without liability to any nondefaulting Underwriter, the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator. In the event of a default by any Underwriter as set forth in this Section 10, the Closing Date shall be postponed for such period, not exceeding five Business Days, as the Representatives shall determine in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement and the Final Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Company and any nondefaulting Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

 

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11. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, without liability on the part of the Underwriters to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, by notice given to the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator prior to delivery of and payment for the Securities, if at any time prior to such time (a) trading in the Company’s Common Stock shall have been suspended by the Commission or The NASDAQ Global Select Market or trading in securities generally on The NASDAQ Global Select Market shall have been suspended or limited or minimum prices shall have been established on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, (b) a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by Federal or New York State authorities or (c) there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States, or there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war, or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial markets is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the Representatives, impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Final Prospectus or the Final Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

12. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator or its officers and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator or any of the officers, directors, trustees, employees, agents, affiliates or controlling persons referred to in Section 9 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities. The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

13. Notices. Except as otherwise herein provided, all statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing delivered by facsimile (with receipt confirmed), overnight courier or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by telegram and:

(a) if to the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered to [        ], [        ], [        ], [        ] [        ], Attention: [        ] (facsimile [        ]), with a copy to [        ], [        ], [        ], [        ] [        ], Attention: [        ] (facsimile [            ]); and

(b) if to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator at the offices of the Company at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Michael S. Gross (facsimile (212) 993-1699), to the Adviser at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Michael S. Gross (facsimile (212) 993-1699), and to the Administrator at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Michael S. Gross (facsimile (212) 993-1699); with a copy to Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, Attention: Steven B. Boehm, Esq. (facsimile (202) 637-3593).

14. No Fiduciary Duty. Each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator hereby acknowledges that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator, on the one hand, and the Underwriters and any affiliate through which

 

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they may be acting, on the other, (b) the Underwriters are acting as principal and not as an agent or fiduciary of the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator and (c) the Company’s, the Adviser’s and the Administrator’s engagement of the Underwriters in connection with the offering and the process leading up to the offering is as independent contractors and not in any other capacity. Furthermore, each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the offering (irrespective of whether any of the Underwriters has advised or is currently advising the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator on related or other matters). Each of the Company, the Adviser and the Administrator agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters have rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owe an agency, fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, the Adviser or the Administrator in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.

15. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the persons referred to in Section 9 hereof, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.

16. Integration. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between and among the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

17. Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.

18. Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

19. Parties at Interest. The agreement herein set forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the controlling persons, directors, officers and affiliates referred to in Section 9 hereof, and their respective successors, assigns, executors and administrators. No other person, partnership, association or corporation (including a purchaser, in its capacity as such, from the Underwriters) shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement.

20. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

21. Headings. The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

22. Definitions. The terms which follow, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings indicated.

“1940 Act” shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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“1940 Act Rules and Regulations” shall mean the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1940 Act.

“Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Act Rules and Regulations” shall mean the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Act.

“Advisers Act” shall mean the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

“Advisers Act Rules and Regulations” shall mean the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Advisers Act.

“Basic Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus referred to in paragraph 1(a) above contained in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date.

“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City.

“Canadian Person” shall mean any person who is a national or resident of Canada, any corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of Canada or of any political subdivision thereof, or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to Canadian Federal income taxation, regardless of its source (other than any non-Canadian branch of any Canadian Person), and shall include any Canadian branch of a person other than a Canadian Person.

“Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“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 become effective.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Exchange Act Rules and Regulations” shall mean the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Exchange Act.

“Execution Time” shall mean the date and time that this Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

“FINRA” shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

“FCPA” shall mean the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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“Final Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus supplement relating to the Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 497 after the Execution Time, together with the Basic Prospectus.

“NASDAQ” shall mean The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

“Preliminary Final Prospectus” shall mean the preliminary prospectus supplement to the Basic Prospectus, dated as of              , 20          , filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497, which describes the Securities and the offering thereof and is used prior to the filing of the Final Prospectus, together with the Basic Prospectus.

“Registration Statement” shall mean the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(a) above, including exhibits and financial statements and any prospectus supplement relating to the Securities that is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 and deemed part of such registration statement pursuant to Rule 430C, as amended at the Execution Time and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective prior to the Closing Date, shall also mean such registration statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case may be.

“Rule 415,” “Rule 430C” and “Rule 462” refer to such rules under the Act.

“Rule 462(b) Registration Statement” shall mean a registration statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) relating to the offering covered by the registration statement referred to in Section 1(a) hereof.

“Rule 497” refers to Rule 497(c), 497(e) or Rule 497(h) under the Act, as applicable.

“Rules and Regulations” shall mean, collectively, the Act Rules and Regulations and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations.

[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

30


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company, the Adviser, the Administrator and the several Underwriters.

 

Very truly yours,
SOLAR SENIOR CAPITAL LTD.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
SOLAR CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
SOLAR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


The foregoing Agreement is hereby

confirmed and accepted as of the

date first above written.

[Name of Underwriter(s)]

For themselves and the other

several Underwriters named in

Schedule II to the foregoing

Agreement.

Exhibit l.1

 

[LETTERHEAD OF VENABLE LLP]

 

May 11, 2012

 

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

500 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

 

  Re:   Registration Statement on Form N-2
      File No.: 333-179433                         

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have served as Maryland counsel to Solar Senior Capital Ltd., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) and a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration of the following securities of the Company having an aggregate initial offering price of up to $150,000,000 (collectively, the “Securities”): (a) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”); and (b) debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement, and all amendments thereto (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

 

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Documents”):

 

1. The Registration Statement, substantially in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act;

 

2. The charter of the Company (the “Charter”), certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”);

 

3. The Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

 

4. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;

 

5. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) relating to the registration of the Securities (the “Resolutions”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;


Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

May 11, 2012

Page 2

 

6. A certificate executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and

 

7. Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.

 

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:

 

1. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

 

2. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized to do so.

 

3. Each of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party’s obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

 

4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.

 

5. The issuance of, and certain terms of, the Securities to be issued by the Company from time to time will be authorized and approved by the Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Charter, the Bylaws and the Resolutions (such approval referred to herein as the “Corporate Proceedings”).

 

6. Upon the issuance of any Securities that are shares of Common Stock (“Common Securities”), including Common Securities which may be issued upon conversion or exercise of any other Securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Securities, the total


Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

May 11, 2012

Page 3

 

number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding will not exceed the total number of shares of Common Stock that the Company is then authorized to issue under the Charter.

 

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:

 

1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.

 

2. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Common Securities, the issuance of the Common Securities will be duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions and the Corporate Proceedings, the Common Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to the Securities that are Debt Securities, the issuance of the Debt Securities will be duly authorized.

 

The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to the applicability or effect of federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or the 1940 Act. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter.

 

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.

 

This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Venable LLP

Exhibit l.2

[Letterhead of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP]

May 11, 2012

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

500 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

 

  Re: Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

Registration Statement on Form N-2

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Solar Senior Capital Ltd., a Maryland corporation (the “Company” ), in connection with the preparation and filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” ) of a registration statement on Form N-2 on February 8, 2012 (File No. 333-179433) (as amended from time to time, the “ Registration Statement ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), with respect to the offer, issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of up to $150,000,000, in aggregate offering amount of (i) shares ( “Common Shares” ) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock” ) and (ii) debt securities ( “Debt Securities,” and together with the Common Shares, the “Securities” ). The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be issued from time to time in amounts, at prices, and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements (each, a “Prospectus Supplement” ) to the final prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective (the “Prospectus” ).

As counsel to the Company, we have participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and have examined the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true copies, of the following:

 

  (i) The Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the “Charter” );

 

  (ii) The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company (the “Bylaws” );

 

  (iii) A form of indenture pertaining to the Debt Securities, to be entered into by and between the Company and the trustee named therein (the “Trustee” ), in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the “Indenture” );


Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

May 11, 2012

Page 2

 

  (iv) A Certificate of Good Standing with respect to the Company issued by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland as of a recent date (the “Certificate of Good Standing” ); and

 

  (v) The resolutions of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board” ) relating to, among other things, (a) the authorization and approval of the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, and (b) the authorization of the issuance, offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company (collectively, the “Resolutions” ).

With respect to such examination and our opinion expressed herein, we have assumed, without any independent investigation or verification, (i) the genuineness of all signatures on all documents submitted to us for examination, (ii) the legal capacity of all natural persons, (iii) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (iv) the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or reproduced copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copied documents, and (v) that all certificates issued by public officials have been properly issued. We also have assumed without independent investigation or verification the accuracy and completeness of all corporate records made available to us by the Company.

As to certain matters of fact relevant to the opinions in this opinion letter, we have relied upon certificates of public officials (which we have assumed remain accurate as of the date of this opinion), upon certificates and/or representations of officers and employees of the Company, upon such other certificates as we deemed appropriate, and upon such other data as we have deemed to be appropriate under the circumstances. We have not independently established the facts, or in the case of certificates of public officials, the other statements, so relied upon.

The opinions set forth below are limited to the effect of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL” ) and the laws of the State of New York that are, in our experience, applicable to the Securities, in each case as in effect on the date hereof, and we express no opinion as to the applicability or effect of any other laws of such jurisdictions or the laws of any other jurisdictions. Without limiting the preceding sentence, we express no opinion as to (i) any federal or state securities or broker-dealer laws or regulations thereunder relating to the offer, issuance and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement, (ii) enforceability to the extent it may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (c) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and (iii) enforcement of rights to indemnity and contribution to the extent it may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy.

 


Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

May 11, 2012

Page 3

 

On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth in this opinion letter, we are of the opinion that, assuming that (i) each of the Indenture and a supplemental indenture containing the specific terms and conditions of the Debt Securities to be issued (a “Supplemental Indenture” ) have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Company and the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (ii) such Supplemental Indenture constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of each of the Company and the Trustee, (iii) the final terms of the Debt Securities have been duly established and approved by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (iv) the terms of the Debt Securities as established and the issuance thereof comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act” ), and (v) the Debt Securities have been duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture, as modified by such Supplemental Indenture, and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers thereof, the Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.

The opinions expressed in this opinion letter (i) are strictly limited to the matters stated in this opinion letter, and without limiting the foregoing, no other opinions are to be implied and (ii) are only as of the date of this opinion letter, and we are under no obligation, and do not undertake, to advise the addressee of this opinion letter or any other person or entity either of any change of law or fact that occurs, or of any fact that comes to our attention, after the date of this opinion letter, even though such change or such fact may affect the legal analysis or a legal conclusion in this opinion letter.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We do not admit by giving this consent that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

 

Respectfully submitted,
/s/ SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP

 

Exhibit n.3

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.:

 

We consent to the use of our report, dated February 22, 2012, incorporated by reference herein for Solar Senior Capital Ltd. and to the references to our firm under the headings “Selected Financial and Other Data” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the prospectus and under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the preliminary prospectus supplement.

 

LOGO

 

New York, New York

May 11, 2012

Exhibit n.4

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.:

 

Under date of February 22, 2012, we reported on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011, which are included in the prospectus. In connection with our audit of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule in the registration statement, under the caption “Senior Securities”. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audit.

 

In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

LOGO

 

New York, New York

February 22, 2012

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted.

Exhibit 99.2

[FORM OF PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE COMMON STOCK OFFERINGS](1)

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated                     , 20    )

 

LOGO

[                     ] Shares

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

Common Stock

 

 

We are an externally managed finance company. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Securities rated below investment grade, including the senior loans we intend to target, are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

We were formed in December 2010 as a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners, LLC. Solar Capital Management, LLC provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We are offering for sale                      shares of our common stock. We have granted the underwriters a [     ]-day option to purchase up to additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNS.” On                     , 20     , the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $             per share.


This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in our common stock. Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing and keep it for future reference. We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670 or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com . The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

An investment in our common stock is very risky and highly speculative. Shares of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the companies in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [        ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

     Per
Share
     Total  

Public Offering Price

   $         $     

Sales Load (Underwriting Discounts and Commissions)

   $         $     

Proceeds to Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (before expenses)

   $         $     

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about                     , 20    .

 

 

                    , 20    

 

(1) In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

     Page  

Prospectus Supplement Summary

     S-2   

Offering

     S-10   

Fees and Expenses

     S-11   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     S-14   

Capitalization

     S-16   

Use of Proceeds

     S-17   

Underwriting

     S-18   

Legal Matters

     S-20   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     S-20   

Available Information

     S-20   

PROSPECTUS

 

     Page  

Summary

     1   

Fees and Expenses

     13   

Selected Financial and Other Data

     15   

Risk Factors

     17   

Forward-Looking Statements and Projections

     35   

Use of Proceeds

     36   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     37   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     39   

Senior Securities

     49   

Business

     50   

Portfolio Companies

     65   

Management

     68   

Portfolio Management

     77   


Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

     78   

Administration Agreement

     84   

License Agreement

     84   

Certain Relationships and Transactions

     85   

Control Persons and Principal Stockholders

     86   

Regulation as a Business Development Company

     87   

Determination of Net Asset Value

     92   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     94   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     96   

Sale of Our Common Stock Below Net Asset Value

     103   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     109   

Description of Our Debt Securities

     116   

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     129   

Plan of Distribution

     130   

Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar

     132   

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     132   

Legal Matters

     132   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     132   

Available Information

     133   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different information from that contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any shares of our common stock by any person in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful for that person to make such an offer or solicitation or to any person in any jurisdiction to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is complete and accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of their delivery or sale of our common stock. This prospectus supplement supersedes the accompanying prospectus to the extent it contains information different from or additional to the information in that prospectus.

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common stock and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the heading, “Available Information” before investing in our common stock.

 

S-1


PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under “Risk Factors” and the other information included in the accompanying prospectus and the documents to which we have referred.

Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Solar Senior Capital” refer to Solar Senior Capital Ltd. In addition, the terms “Solar Capital Partners” and the “investment adviser” refer to Solar Capital Partners, LLC, and “Solar Capital Management” and the “administrator” refer to Solar Capital Management, LLC.

In this prospectus supplement, we use the term “leveraged” to refer to companies of any size with non-investment grade debt outstanding or, if not explicitly rated, those which we believe would be rated as non-investment grade based on their leverage levels and other terms. In addition, we use the term “middle-market” to refer to companies with annual revenues between $50 million and $1 billion. We also use the term “unitranche” to refer to debt instruments that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one debt instrument. Unitranche debt instruments typically pay a higher rate of interest than traditional senior debt instruments, but also pose greater risk associated with a lesser amount of asset coverage.

Solar Senior Capital

Solar Senior Capital, a Maryland corporation formed in December 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

On February 24, 2011, we priced our initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through a private placement transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act (the “Concurrent Private Placement”), also at $20.00 per share.

On August 26, 2011, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with the Credit Facility, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC (the “SPV”) was formed. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior Capital and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we expect to invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

S-2


We expect to invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $60 million of EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. We expect that our investments will generally range between $5 million and $30 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners. Solar Capital Management provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

As of March 31, 2012, our long-term investments totaled approximately $215.0 million and our net asset value was $175.3 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt investments in 26 portfolio companies and our income producing assets, which represented 100% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 8.2%.

About Solar Capital Partners

Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is controlled and led by Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer. They are supported by a team of dedicated investment professionals, including senior team members Brian Gerson, Cedric Henley, David Mait and Suhail Shaikh. We refer to Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh as Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals. Solar Capital Partners’ investment team has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries, as well as significant contacts with financial sponsors operating in those industries.

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital Ltd., or “Solar Capital,” a publicly traded business development company with approximately $1.3 billion of investable capital that invests in mezzanine debt and equity securities of leveraged middle market companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. The investment team led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler has invested in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012. Since Solar Capital’s inception, these investment professionals have used their relationships in the middle-market financial sponsor and financial intermediary community to generate deal flow. As of [ ], 2012, Mr. Gross and Mr. Spohler beneficially owned, either directly or indirectly, approximately [ . ]% and [ . ]%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock.

Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in mezzanine lending, private equity, and distressed debt businesses and has been involved in originating, structuring, negotiating, consummating and managing mezzanine lending, private equity, and distressed debt transactions. We also rely on the 25 years of experience of Mr. Spohler, who serves as our chief operating officer and as the chief operating officer of Solar Capital and has been a partner of Solar Capital Partners since its inception. In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we intend to target.

Market Opportunity

Solar Senior Capital intends to invest primarily in senior loans of private middle-market leveraged companies organized and located in the United States. We believe that the size of this market, coupled with the demands of these companies for flexible sources of capital at attractive terms and rates, creates an attractive investment environment for us. See “Business — Market Opportunity” of the accompanying prospectus.

 

   

Disruptions within the credit markets have reduced middle-market companies’ access to the capital markets for senior debt . While many middle-market companies were previously able to raise senior debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will become more

 

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difficult as the implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel 3, are expected to limit the capacity of large financial institutions to hold non-investment grade leveraged loans on their balance sheets. In addition, we believe that the recent decline in the formation of new collateralized loan obligation, or CLO, vehicles, coupled with the expiration of the investment periods of the majority of existing CLOs, have and will continue to restrict available capital for new middle-market senior loan originations. Moreover, consolidation and the illiquid nature of investments have resulted in fewer middle-market lenders and market participants.

 

   

There is a large pool of uninvested private equity capital likely to seek additional senior debt capital to finance strategic transactions. There is currently over $520 billion of uninvested private equity seeking debt financing to support acquisitions. We expect that middle-market private equity firms will continue to invest the over $185 billion raised since 2000 in middle-market companies and that these private equity firms will seek to support their investments with senior loans from other sources such as Solar Senior Capital. Additionally, over $17.4 billion was raised by middle-market sponsors during 2011, which we believe demonstrates the continued appetite for middle-market acquisitions that will need senior debt financing.

 

   

The significant amount of leveraged loans maturing through 2018 will provide additional demand for senior debt capital. Although many companies were able to refinance or amend their senior debt obligations during 2010 and 2011, there remains approximately $500 billion of anticipated leveraged loans maturing before the end of 2018. We believe that the majority of the companies able to access the markets during 2010 and 2011 were larger companies and thus the need to refinance capital structures of middle-market companies will remain particularly robust.

 

   

Investing in private middle-market senior secured debt provides an attractive risk reward profile . In general, terms for illiquid, middle-market leveraged loans have been more attractive than leveraged loans for larger corporations which are typically more liquid. We believe this is because fewer institutions are able to invest in the illiquid asset class. In addition, we believe that the debt to EBITDA ratios for middle-market leveraged buyouts (“LBOs”) is lower than for large capitalization LBOs, that the average discounted spread between middle-market loans over large-cap loans is wider and that the default rate on middle-market loans is lower than on large-cap loans. Middle-market loans have also exhibited higher average recovery rates than all loans in the aggregate. We believe that middle-market companies in which we intend to invest will generally have loan tranches of less than $250 million. We also believe that the average new issue yield for leveraged loans made to middle-market companies is currently significantly higher than the yield for newly-issued loans made to companies with annual revenues above $1 billion.

Therefore, we believe that there is an opportunity to invest in senior loans of leveraged companies and that we are well positioned to serve this market.

Competitive Advantages and Strategy

We believe that we have the following competitive advantages over other providers of financing to leveraged companies. See “Business — Competitive Advantages and Strategy.”

Management Expertise

As managing partner, Mr. Gross has principal management responsibility for Solar Capital Partners, to which he currently dedicates substantially all of his time. Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in leveraged finance, private equity and distressed debt investing. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer and a partner of Solar Capital Partners, has 25 years of experience in evaluating and executing leverage finance transactions. We believe that Messrs. Gross and Spohler have developed a strong reputation in the capital markets, and that this experience provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying and investing in leveraged companies with the potential to generate returns.

 

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In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we currently target. Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries.

Investment Portfolio

Our portfolio investments consist of portfolio companies that have strong cash flows and have maintained financial and operating performance despite the recent economic climate. As of March 31, 2012, [        ]% of our total portfolio value of income producing assets was comprised of performing assets. The majority of our assets have been seasoned, which has allowed us to gain a solid understanding of our borrowers and the industries in which they compete.

Investment Capacity

The proceeds from our initial public offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, and the expected repayments of existing investments provide us with a substantial amount of capital available for deployment into new investment opportunities. We believe we are well positioned for the current marketplace.

Proprietary Sourcing and Origination

We believe that Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals’ longstanding relationships with financial sponsors, commercial and investment banks, management teams and other financial intermediaries provide us with a strong pipeline of origination opportunities. We believe the broad expertise of Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals and their ability to draw upon their average of over 20 years of investment experience enable us to identify, assess and structure investments successfully. We expect to continue leveraging the over 100 relationships with middle-market sponsors that Solar Capital Partners’ investment team established while sourcing and originating investments for Solar Capital, which will give us access to deals that are not available through large syndication processes.

Since its inception, Solar Capital Partners has sourced investments in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012.

Greater Flexibility of Capital Versus Many of Our Competitors

While we are subject to significant regulation as a business development company, we are not subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional lending institutions such as banks. As a result, we believe that we can be more flexible than such lending institutions in selecting and structuring investments, adjusting investment criteria, transaction structures. We believe financial sponsors, management teams and investment banks see this flexibility as a benefit, making us an attractive financing partner for senior debt. We believe that this approach enables us to procure attractive senior loan investment opportunities throughout the economic cycle so that we can make investments consistent with our stated investment objective even during turbulent periods in the capital markets.

Emphasis on Achieving Strong Risk-Adjusted Returns

Solar Capital Partners uses a disciplined investment and risk management process that emphasizes a fundamental research and analysis framework. Solar Capital Partners seeks to build our portfolio on a “bottom-up” basis, choosing and sizing individual positions based on their relative risk/reward profiles as a function of the associated downside risk, volatility, correlation with the existing portfolio and liquidity. At the same time, Solar Capital Partners takes into consideration a variety of factors in managing our portfolio and imposes portfolio-based risk constraints promoting a more diverse portfolio of investments and limiting issuer and industry concentration. Our value-oriented investment philosophy focuses on preserving capital and ensuring that our investments have an appropriate return profile in relation to risk. When market conditions make it difficult for us to invest according to our criteria, we are highly selective in deploying our capital and do not pursue short term origination targets over our long-term strategies. We believe this approach enables us to build an attractive investment portfolio that meets our return and value criteria over the long term.

 

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We believe it is critical to conduct extensive due diligence on investment targets. In evaluating new investments we, through Solar Capital Partners, conduct due diligence processes that draw upon the investment experience, industry expertise and network of contacts of our senior investment professionals, as well as the other members of our investment team.

Deep Industry Focus with Substantial Information Flow

We concentrate our investing activities in industries characterized by strong cash flow and in which Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals have deep investment experience. As a result of their investment experience, Messrs. Gross and Spohler, together with Solar Capital Partners’ other senior investment professionals, have long-term relationships with management consultants and management teams in the industries we target, as well as substantial information concerning those industries.

Longer Investment Horizon

Unlike private equity and venture capital funds, we are not subject to standard periodic capital return requirements. Such requirements typically stipulate that the capital of these funds, together with any capital gains on such invested funds, can only be invested once and must be returned to investors after a pre-agreed time period. We believe that our flexibility to make investments with a long-term view and without the capital return requirements of traditional private investment vehicles enables us to invest in private middle-market senior debt, which we believe provides a more attractive risk-return profile than the liquid senior debt market for larger companies. We also believe our longer investment horizon enables us to be a better long-term partner for our portfolio companies.

Investment Strategy

Solar Senior Capital seeks to create a diverse portfolio of senior loans by investing approximately $5 million to $30 million of capital, on average, in the securities of leveraged companies, including middle-market companies. We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans.

Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade. Senior secured loans, however are generally less risky than subordinated debt, bearing lower leverage and higher recovery statistics.

In addition to senior secured loans, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus, but are intended to enhance our returns to stockholders. These investments may include similar direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a business development company under the 1940 Act. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

We may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in management fees payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be borne by our common stockholders.

Additionally, we may in the future seek to securitize our loans to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize loans, we may create a wholly owned subsidiary and contribute a pool of loans to the subsidiary. This could include the sale of interests in the subsidiary on a non-recourse basis to purchasers who we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment grade loan pools, and we would retain a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of loans.

 

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Moreover, we may acquire investments in the secondary market and, in analyzing such investments, we will employ the same analytical process as we use for our primary investments.

We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

Our principal focus is to provide senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien loans, to private middle-market companies in a variety of industries. We generally seek to target companies that generate positive cash flows. We generally seek to invest in companies from the broad variety of industries in which our investment adviser has direct expertise. The following is a representative list of the industries in which we may invest.

 

•   Aerospace & Defense

  

•   Healthcare, Education & Childcare

•   Automobile

  

•   Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds

•   Banking

  

•   Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

•   Beverage, Food & Tobacco

  

•   Insurance

•   Buildings & Real Estate

  

•   Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment

•   Broadcasting & Entertainment

  

•   Machinery

•   Cargo Transport

  

•   Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals

•   Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

  

•   Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

•   Containers, Packaging & Glass

  

•   Personal, Food & Misc. Services

•   Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing

  

•   Personal Transportation

•   Diversified/Conglomerate Services

  

•   Printing & Publishing

•   Electronics

  

•   Retail Stores

•   Farming & Agriculture

  

•   Telecommunications

•   Finance

  

•   Textiles & Leather

•   Grocery

  

•   Utilities

 

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We may invest in other industries if we are presented with attractive opportunities.

Risk Factors

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of shares of our common stock, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Solar Senior Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

   

There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including Solar Capital Partners’ management of Solar Capital, which could impact our investment return; you will not be purchasing an investment in Solar Capital;

 

   

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities;

 

   

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business;

 

   

We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

   

To the extent we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income;

 

   

There will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

   

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

   

We are dependent upon Solar Capital Partners’ key personnel for our future success;

 

   

We will become subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income if we are unable to qualify as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Code, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance;

 

   

We cannot assure you that shares of our common stock will not trade at a market price below our net asset value per share;

 

   

The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock;

 

   

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

   

There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time;

 

   

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock; and

 

   

Regulations governing our operation as a business development company affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a business development company, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus and the other information included in the accompanying prospectus, for additional discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

Solar Senior Capital is a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. As a business development company, we are required to meet regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets.” Qualifying assets generally include, among other things, securities of “eligible portfolio companies.” “Eligible portfolio companies” generally include U.S. companies that are not investment companies and that do not have securities listed on a national exchange. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Our investment activities are managed by Solar Capital Partners and supervised by our board of directors. Solar Capital Partners is an investment adviser that is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Under our investment advisory and management agreement, which we refer to as the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, we have agreed to pay Solar Capital Partners an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. We have also entered into an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement”

Our Corporate Information

Our offices are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and our telephone number is (212) 993-1670.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Common Stock Offered by us, Excluding the Underwriters’ Over-Allotment Option

  

shares.

Common Stock Outstanding Prior to This Offering

  

shares.

Common Stock Outstanding After This Offering, Excluding the Underwriters’ Over-Allotment Option

  

shares.

Use of Proceeds

   We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities for general corporate purposes, which includes, among other things, (a) investing in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and market conditions and (b) repaying indebtedness. See “Use of Proceeds.”

NASDAQ Global Select Market symbol

   “SUNS”

Distributions

   To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute monthly dividends to our stockholders. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends will be reported to shareholders after the end of each calendar year. We may issue preferred stock from time to time, although we have no immediate intention to do so. If we issue shares of preferred stock, holders of such preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate that will be fixed or will vary for the successive dividend periods for each series. In general, the dividend periods for fixed rate preferred stock will be quarterly.

 

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FEES AND EXPENSES

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Solar Senior Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:

  

Sales load borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

     % (1)

Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

     % (2)

Dividend reinvestment plan expenses

     (3 )

Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)

     %(2)

Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):

  

Base management fee

     % (4)

Incentive fees payable under our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

     % (5)

Interest payments on borrowed funds

     % (6)

Other expenses (estimated)

     %(7)

Total annual expenses (estimated)

     %  

Example

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above and have excluded performance-based incentive fees. See Note 6 below for additional information regarding certain assumptions regarding our level of leverage.

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return

   $            $            $            $        

 

(1) Represents the commission with respect to the shares of our common stock being sold in this offering, which we will pay to                  in connection with sales of shares of our common stock effected by                  in this offering. There is no guaranty that there will be any sales of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
(2) The offering expenses of this offering are estimated to be approximately $            .
(3) The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”
(4) Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Solar Senior Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes, and assumes the base management fee remains consistent for the complete fiscal year based on the fee incurred for the months ended             , 20     . See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

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(5) Assumes that annual incentive fees earned by our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, remain consistent for the complete fiscal year based on the incentive fees earned by Solar Capital Partners for the          months ended                     , 20 . The incentive fee consists of two parts:

The first part, which was payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20% of the excess, if any, of our “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.00% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a “catch-up” provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The first part of the incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the first part of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

   

no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;

 

   

50% 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 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.9167%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter; and

 

   

20% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.9167% in any calendar quarter (11.67% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

The second part of the incentive fee equals 20% of our “Incentive Fee Capital Gains,” if any, which equals our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. The second part of the incentive fee is payable, in arrears, at the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date). For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

(6) We may borrow funds from time to time to make investments to the extent we determine that the economic situation is conducive to doing so. The costs associated with our outstanding borrowings are indirectly born by our investors. For purposes of this section, we have computed interest expense using the average balance outstanding for all borrowings as of                     , 20 . We used the LIBOR rate on                     , 20 and the interest rate on the Credit Facility. We have also included the estimated amortization of fees incurred in establishing the Credit Facility. Additionally, we included the estimated cost of commitment fees for unused balances on the Credit Facility. As of                     , 20 , we had $             million outstanding and $ million remaining available to us under the Credit Facility. We may also issue preferred stock, subject to our compliance with applicable requirements under the 1940 Act.

 

(7) “Other expenses” are based on the annualized amounts for the months ended , 20 and include our overhead expenses, including payments under our Administration Agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. See “Administration Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual

 

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return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. This illustration assumes that we will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses and returns to our investors would be higher. For example, if we assumed that we received our 5% annual return completely in the form of net realized capital gains on our investments, computed net of all cumulative unrealized depreciation on our investments, the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses set forth in the above illustration would be as follows:

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return

   $            $            $            $        

In addition, the example assumes no sales load. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Solar Senior Capital, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

our expected financings and investments;

 

   

our breach of any of the covenants or other provisions in our debt agreements;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

   

an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

   

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

   

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

   

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

S-14


   

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus supplement. However, we will update this prospectus supplement to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements and projections contained in this prospectus supplement are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

 

S-15


CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth:

 

   

the actual capitalization of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. at                     , 20         ; and

 

   

the pro forma capitalization of Solar Senior Capital Ltd. reflects the sale of                      shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $         per share (the last reported closing price of our common stock on                     , 20 ) after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $ and estimated offering expenses of approximately $         payable by us.

 

     As of                     , 20  
     Solar Senior
Capital Ltd.
     Solar Senior
Capital Ltd.
 
     Actual      Pro Forma  
     (in
thousands)
     (in
thousands)
 

Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $         $     

Investments at fair value

   $         $     

Other assets

   $         $     

Total assets

   $         $     

Liabilities:

     

Credit facility payable

   $         $     

Other Liabilities

   $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $                    $                
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized,                  shares issued and outstanding,                  shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively

      $     

Capital in excess of par value

      $     
     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

      $     
     

 

 

 

 

S-16


USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds from the sale of              shares of our common stock in this offering will be $            (or $            if the over-allotment is exercised in full) after deducting estimated offering expenses of approximately $            payable by us.

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include investing in debt or equity securities consistent with our investment objective, repayment of outstanding indebtedness, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. We are continuously identifying, reviewing and, to the extent consistent with our investment objective, funding new investments.

We estimate that it will take                      to                      months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of this offering, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities and market conditions. However, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to achieve this goal. We expect that it may take more than          months to invest all of the proceeds of this offering, in part because investments in private companies often require substantial prior research and due diligence.

Pending these uses, we will invest such net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. The management fee payable by us to our investment adviser will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities.

 

S-17


UNDERWRITING

                     are acting as joint bookrunning managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase, and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of shares set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.

 

Underwriter

   Number
of Shares
  

 

Total

  
  

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if they purchase any of the shares.

The underwriters propose to offer some of the shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the shares to dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed $             per share. If all of the shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the representatives may change the public offering price and the other selling terms. The representatives have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to confirm sales to discretionary accounts.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for [    ] days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase from us up to              additional shares of common stock at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional shares approximately proportionate to that underwriter’s initial purchase commitment.

We, Solar Capital Partners, Solar Capital Management and our officers and directors have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to issue, sell, dispose of or hedge any of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus supplement continuing through the date          days after the date of this prospectus supplement, except with the prior written consent of .

The     -day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the     -day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the     -day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the -day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release of the announcement of the material news or material event.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SUNS”.

The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that the we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase from us additional shares of common stock. This offering will conform with the requirements set forth in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Rule 2310. In compliance with such requirements, the underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with the sale of securities will not exceed 10% of gross proceeds of this offering.

 

S-18


     Paid by Solar Capital Ltd.  
     No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per share

   $                    $                

Total

   $         $     

In connection with the offering, one or more of the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common stock 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 involve either purchases of the common stock 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 of common stock 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 the 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 may also impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the representatives repurchase shares 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 the common stock. They may also cause the price of the common 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 NASDAQ Global Select Market 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 our portion of the total expenses of this offering will be $            .

The underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory services for us and our affiliates from time to time for which they have received customary fees and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of their business. Each of the underwriters acted as underwriters in our initial public offering.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters. Other than the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on any such underwriter’s website is not part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The representatives will allocate shares to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, shares may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell shares to online brokerage account holders.

We have 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.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may involve securities and instruments of ours.

 

S-19


The principal business address of              is             ,             ,             .

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC, and Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by             ,             ,             .

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, has audited our financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011. We have included our financial statements in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on such reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

With respect to the unaudited interim financial information for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, included herein, the independent registered public accounting firm has reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report included in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and included herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to our shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and our shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information 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 to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information will also be available free of charge by contacting us at Solar Capital Ltd., 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670, or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com .

 

S-20


 

 

$[                    ]

 

LOGO

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

[Underwriters]

 

 

[                     , 20 ]

 

 

 

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted.

Exhibit 99.3

[FORM OF PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE DEBT SECURITIES OFFERINGS](1)

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated                    , 20    )

$

 

LOGO

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

% [Insert ranking/conversion information] Notes due

 

 

We are an externally managed finance company. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Securities rated below investment grade, including the senior loans we intend to target, are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

We were formed in December 2010 as a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners, LLC. Solar Capital Management, LLC provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We are offering $        in aggregate principal amount of    % [Insert ranking/conversion information] notes due        , which we refer to as the Notes. [Insert relevant information regarding interest payments, redemption, etc.]

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in the Notes. Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing and keep it for future reference. We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670 or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com . The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.


An investment in our Notes is very risky and highly speculative. In addition, the companies in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on Page 17 of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our Notes.

 

 

 

     Per Note      Total  

Public offering price

     %       $     

Underwriting discount (sales load)

     %       $     

Proceeds, before expenses, to Senior Solar Capital Ltd.(1)

     %       $     

 

(1) Before deducting expenses payable by us related to this offering, estimated at $        .

[The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional $        total aggregate principal amount of Notes offered hereby, to cover overallotments, if any, within        days of the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise this option in full, the total public offering price will be $        , the total underwriting discount (sales load) paid by us will be $        , and total proceeds, before expenses, will be $        .]

 

 

THE NOTES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Delivery of the Notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company will be made on or about                    , 20    .

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is                    , 20    .

 

(1) In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different information from that contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the Notes by any person in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful for that person to make such an offer or solicitation or to any person in any jurisdiction to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is complete and accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of their delivery or sale of the Notes. This prospectus supplement supersedes the accompanying prospectus to the extent it contains information different from or additional to the information in that prospectus.

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of Notes and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the heading, “Available Information” before investing in the Notes.


Prospectus Supplement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Prospectus Supplement Summary

     S-1   

Specific Terms of the Notes and the Offering

     S-9   

Risk Factors

     S-10   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     S-11   

Capitalization

     S-13   

Use of Proceeds

     S-14   

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

     S-15   

Underwriting

     S-16   

Legal Matters

     S-19   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     S-19   

Available Information

     S-19   

Prospectus

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Summary

     1   

Fees and Expenses

     13   

Selected Financial and Other Data

     15   

Risk Factors

     17   

Forward-Looking Statements and Projections

     35   

Use of Proceeds

     36   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     37   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     39   

Senior Securities

     49   

Business

     50   

Portfolio Companies

     65   

Management

     68   


Portfolio Management

     77   

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

     78   

Administration Agreement

     84   

License Agreement

     84   

Certain Relationships and Transactions

     85   

Control Persons and Principal Stockholders

     86   

Regulation as a Business Development Company

     87   

Determination of Net Asset Value

     92   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     94   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     96   

Sale of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value

     103   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     109   

Description of Our Debt Securities

     116   

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     129   

Plan of Distribution

     130   

Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar

     132   

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     132   

Legal Matters

     132   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     132   

Available Information

     133   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   


PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under “Risk Factors” and the other information included in the accompanying prospectus and the documents to which we have referred.

Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Solar Senior Capital” refer to Solar Senior Capital Ltd. In addition, the terms “Solar Capital Partners” and the “investment adviser” refer to Solar Capital Partners, LLC, and “Solar Capital Management” and the “administrator” refer to Solar Capital Management, LLC.

In this prospectus supplement, we use the term “leveraged” to refer to companies of any size with non-investment grade debt outstanding or, if not explicitly rated, those which we believe would be rated as non-investment grade based on their leverage levels and other terms. In addition, we use the term “middle-market” to refer to companies with annual revenues between $50 million and $1 billion. We also use the term “unitranche” to refer to debt instruments that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one debt instrument. Unitranche debt instruments typically pay a higher rate of interest than traditional senior debt instruments, but also pose greater risk associated with a lesser amount of asset coverage.

Solar Senior Capital

Solar Senior Capital, a Maryland corporation formed in December 2010, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

On February 24, 2011, we priced our initial public offering, selling 9.0 million shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $20.00 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through a private placement transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act (the “Concurrent Private Placement”), also at $20.00 per share.

On August 26, 2011, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acting as administrative agent. In connection with the Credit Facility, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SUNS SPV LLC (the “SPV”) was formed. The Credit Facility matures on August 26, 2016 and generally bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the Credit Facility, $150 million will be available initially with an additional $50 million available as a delayed draw. The Credit Facility can also be expanded up to $600 million. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by the SPV. Under the Credit Facility, Solar Senior Capital and the SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to seek to maximize current income consistent with the preservation of capital. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments, made to private middle-market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans. Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we expect to invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade.

 

S-1


We expect to invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $60 million of EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. We expect that our investments will generally range between $5 million and $30 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners. Solar Capital Management provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

As of March 31, 2012, our long-term investments totaled approximately $215.0 million and our net asset value was $175.3 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt investments in 26 portfolio companies and our income producing assets, which represented 100% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 8.2%.

About Solar Capital Partners

Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is controlled and led by Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer. They are supported by a team of dedicated investment professionals, including senior team members Brian Gerson, Cedric Henley, David Mait and Suhail Shaikh. We refer to Messrs. Gross, Spohler, Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh as Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals. Solar Capital Partners’ investment team has extensive experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries, as well as significant contacts with financial sponsors operating in those industries.

In addition, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Capital Ltd., or “Solar Capital,” a publicly traded business development company with approximately $1.3 billion of investable capital that invests in mezzanine debt and equity securities of leveraged middle market companies similar to those we intend to target for investment. The investment team led by Messrs. Gross and Spohler has invested in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012. Since Solar Capital’s inception, these investment professionals have used their relationships in the middle-market financial sponsor and financial intermediary community to generate deal flow. As of [     ], 2012, Mr. Gross and Mr. Spohler beneficially owned, either directly or indirectly, approximately [ . ]% and [ . ]%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock.

Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in mezzanine lending, private equity, and distressed debt businesses and has been involved in originating, structuring, negotiating, consummating and managing mezzanine lending, private equity, and distressed debt transactions. We also rely on the 25 years of experience of Mr. Spohler, who serves as our chief operating officer and as the chief operating officer of Solar Capital and has been a partner of Solar Capital Partners since its inception. In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals include Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we intend to target.

Market Opportunity

Solar Senior Capital intends to invest primarily in senior loans of private middle-market leveraged companies organized and located in the United States. We believe that the size of this market, coupled with the demands of these companies for flexible sources of capital at attractive terms and rates, creates an attractive investment environment for us. See “Business — Market Opportunity” of the accompanying prospectus.

 

S-2


   

Disruptions within the credit markets have reduced middle-market companies’ access to the capital markets for senior debt. While many middle-market companies were previously able to raise senior debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will become more difficult as the implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel 3, are expected to limit the capacity of large financial institutions to hold non-investment grade leveraged loans on their balance sheets. In addition, we believe that the recent decline in the formation of new collateralized loan obligation, or CLO, vehicles, coupled with the expiration of the investment periods of the majority of existing CLOs, have and will continue to restrict available capital for new middle-market senior loan originations. Moreover, consolidation and the illiquid nature of investments have resulted in fewer middle-market lenders and market participants.

 

   

There is a large pool of uninvested private equity capital likely to seek additional senior debt capital to finance strategic transactions. There is currently over $520 billion of uninvested private equity seeking debt financing to support acquisitions. We expect that middle-market private equity firms will continue to invest the over $185 billion raised since 2000 in middle-market companies and that these private equity firms will seek to support their investments with senior loans from other sources such as Solar Senior Capital. Additionally, over $17.4 billion was raised by middle-market sponsors during 2011, which we believe demonstrates the continued appetite for middle-market acquisitions that will need senior debt financing.

 

   

The significant amount of leveraged loans maturing through 2018 will provide additional demand for senior debt capital. Although many companies were able to refinance or amend their senior debt obligations during 2010 and 2011, there remains approximately $500 billion of anticipated leveraged loans maturing before the end of 2018. We believe that the majority of the companies able to access the markets during 2010 and 2011 were larger companies and thus the need to refinance capital structures of middle-market companies will remain particularly robust.

 

   

Investing in private middle-market senior secured debt provides an attractive risk reward profile.  In general, terms for illiquid, middle-market leveraged loans have been more attractive than leveraged loans for larger corporations which are typically more liquid. We believe this is because fewer institutions are able to invest in the illiquid asset class. In addition, we believe that the debt to EBITDA ratios for middle-market leveraged buyouts (“LBOs”) is lower than for large capitalization LBOs, that the average discounted spread between middle-market loans over large-cap loans is wider and that the default rate on middle-market loans is lower than on large-cap loans. Middle-market loans have also exhibited higher average recovery rates than all loans in the aggregate. We believe that middle-market companies in which we intend to invest will generally have loan tranches of less than $250 million. We also believe that the average new issue yield for leveraged loans made to middle-market companies is currently significantly higher than the yield for newly-issued loans made to companies with annual revenues above $1 billion.

Therefore, we believe that there is an opportunity to invest in senior loans of leveraged companies and that we are well positioned to serve this market.

Competitive Advantages and Strategy

We believe that we have the following competitive advantages over other providers of financing to leveraged companies. See “Business — Competitive Advantages and Strategy.”

Management Expertise

As managing partner, Mr. Gross has principal management responsibility for Solar Capital Partners, to which he currently dedicates substantially all of his time. Mr. Gross has 25 years of experience in leveraged finance, private equity and distressed debt investing. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer and a partner of Solar Capital Partners, has 25 years of experience in evaluating and executing leverage finance transactions. We believe that Messrs. Gross and Spohler have developed a strong reputation in the capital markets, and that this experience provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying and investing in leveraged companies with the potential to generate returns.

 

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In addition to Messrs. Gross and Spohler, Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals Messrs. Gerson, Henley, Mait and Shaikh, each of whom has extensive experience in originating, evaluating and structuring investments in the types of middle-market companies we currently target. Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in the private equity and leveraged lending industries.

Investment Portfolio

Our portfolio investments consist of portfolio companies that have strong cash flows and have maintained financial and operating performance despite the recent economic climate. As of March 31, 2012, [    ]% of our total portfolio value of income producing assets was comprised of performing assets. The majority of our assets have been seasoned, which has allowed us to gain a solid understanding of our borrowers and the industries in which they compete.

Investment Capacity

The proceeds from our initial public offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, and the expected repayments of existing investments provide us with a substantial amount of capital available for deployment into new investment opportunities. We believe we are well positioned for the current marketplace.

Proprietary Sourcing and Origination

We believe that Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals’ longstanding relationships with financial sponsors, commercial and investment banks, management teams and other financial intermediaries provide us with a strong pipeline of origination opportunities. We believe the broad expertise of Solar Capital Partners’ senior investment professionals and their ability to draw upon their average of over 20 years of investment experience enable us to identify, assess and structure investments successfully. We expect to continue leveraging the over 100 relationships with middle-market sponsors that Solar Capital Partners’ investment team established while sourcing and originating investments for Solar Capital, which will give us access to deals that are not available through large syndication processes.

Since its inception, Solar Capital Partners has sourced investments in approximately 95 different portfolio companies for Solar Capital and Solar Senior Capital, collectively, which investments involved an aggregate of approximately 80 different financial sponsors, through March 31, 2012.

Greater Flexibility of Capital Versus Many of Our Competitors

While we are subject to significant regulation as a business development company, we are not subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional lending institutions such as banks. As a result, we believe that we can be more flexible than such lending institutions in selecting and structuring investments, adjusting investment criteria, transaction structures. We believe financial sponsors, management teams and investment banks see this flexibility as a benefit, making us an attractive financing partner for senior debt. We believe that this approach enables us to procure attractive senior loan investment opportunities throughout the economic cycle so that we can make investments consistent with our stated investment objective even during turbulent periods in the capital markets.

Emphasis on Achieving Strong Risk-Adjusted Returns

Solar Capital Partners uses a disciplined investment and risk management process that emphasizes a fundamental research and analysis framework. Solar Capital Partners seeks to build our portfolio on a “bottom-up” basis, choosing and sizing individual positions based on their relative risk/reward profiles as a function of the associated downside risk, volatility, correlation with the existing portfolio and liquidity. At the same time, Solar Capital Partners takes into consideration a variety of factors in managing our portfolio and imposes portfolio-based risk constraints promoting a more diverse portfolio of investments and limiting issuer and industry concentration. Our value-oriented investment philosophy focuses on preserving capital and ensuring that our investments have an appropriate return profile in relation to risk. When market conditions make it difficult for us to invest according to our criteria, we are highly selective in deploying our capital and do not pursue short term origination targets over our long-term strategies. We believe this approach enables us to build an attractive investment portfolio that meets our return and value criteria over the long term.

 

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We believe it is critical to conduct extensive due diligence on investment targets. In evaluating new investments we, through Solar Capital Partners, conduct due diligence processes that draw upon the investment experience, industry expertise and network of contacts of our senior investment professionals, as well as the other members of our investment team.

Deep Industry Focus with Substantial Information Flow

We concentrate our investing activities in industries characterized by strong cash flow and in which Solar Capital Partners’ investment professionals have deep investment experience. As a result of their investment experience, Messrs. Gross and Spohler, together with Solar Capital Partners’ other senior investment professionals, have long-term relationships with management consultants and management teams in the industries we target, as well as substantial information concerning those industries.

Longer Investment Horizon

Unlike private equity and venture capital funds, we are not subject to standard periodic capital return requirements. Such requirements typically stipulate that the capital of these funds, together with any capital gains on such invested funds, can only be invested once and must be returned to investors after a pre-agreed time period. We believe that our flexibility to make investments with a long-term view and without the capital return requirements of traditional private investment vehicles enables us to invest in private middle-market senior debt, which we believe provides a more attractive risk-return profile than the liquid senior debt market for larger companies. We also believe our longer investment horizon enables us to be a better long-term partner for our portfolio companies.

Investment Strategy

Solar Senior Capital seeks to create a diverse portfolio of senior loans by investing approximately $5 million to $30 million of capital, on average, in the securities of leveraged companies, including middle-market companies. We may also invest in debt of public companies that are thinly traded. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in senior loans.

Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a premium. Senior loans in which we invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated above investment grade. Senior secured loans, however are generally less risky than subordinated debt, bearing lower leverage and higher recovery statistics.

In addition to senior secured loans, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus, but are intended to enhance our returns to stockholders. These investments may include similar direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a business development company under the 1940 Act. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

We may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in management fees payable to our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners, will be borne by our common stockholders.

Additionally, we may in the future seek to securitize our loans to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize loans, we may create a wholly owned subsidiary and contribute a pool of loans to the subsidiary. This could include the sale of interests in the subsidiary on a non-recourse basis to purchasers who we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment grade loan pools, and we would retain a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of loans.

 

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Moreover, we may acquire investments in the secondary market and, in analyzing such investments, we will employ the same analytical process as we use for our primary investments.

We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

Our principal focus is to provide senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien loans, to private middle-market companies in a variety of industries. We generally seek to target companies that generate positive cash flows. We generally seek to invest in companies from the broad variety of industries in which our investment adviser has direct expertise. The following is a representative list of the industries in which we may invest.

 

•     Aerospace & Defense

   •     Healthcare, Education & Childcare

•     Automobile

   •     Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds

•     Banking

   •     Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

•     Beverage, Food & Tobacco

   •     Insurance

•     Buildings & Real Estate

   •     Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment

•     Broadcasting & Entertainment

   •     Machinery

•     Cargo Transport

   •     Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals

•     Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

   •     Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products

•     Containers, Packaging & Glass

   •     Personal, Food & Misc. Services

•     Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing

   •     Personal Transportation

•     Diversified/Conglomerate Services

   •     Printing & Publishing

•     Electronics

   •     Retail Stores

•     Farming & Agriculture

   •     Telecommunications

•     Finance

   •     Textiles & Leather

•     Grocery

   •     Utilities

We may invest in other industries if we are presented with attractive opportunities.

 

S-6


Risk Factors

The value of our assets will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Solar Senior Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

   

There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including Solar Capital Partners’ management of Solar Capital, which could impact our investment return; you will not be purchasing an investment in Solar Capital;

 

   

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities;

 

   

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business;

 

   

We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

   

To the extent we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income;

 

   

There will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

   

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

   

We are dependent upon Solar Capital Partners’ key personnel for our future success;

 

   

We will become subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income if we are unable to qualify as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Code, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance;

 

   

We cannot assure you that shares of our common stock will not trade at a market price below our net asset value per share;

 

   

The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock;

 

   

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

   

There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time;

 

   

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock; and

 

   

Regulations governing our operation as a business development company affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a business development company, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

[Insert risk factors applicable to the Notes.]

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus and the other information included in the accompanying prospectus, for additional discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the Notes.

 

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

Solar Senior Capital is a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. As a business development company, we are required to meet regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets.” Qualifying assets generally include, among other things, securities of “eligible portfolio companies.” “Eligible portfolio companies” generally include U.S. companies that are not investment companies and that do not have securities listed on a national exchange. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Our investment activities are managed by Solar Capital Partners and supervised by our board of directors. Solar Capital Partners is an investment adviser that is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Under our investment advisory and management agreement, which we refer to as the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, we have agreed to pay Solar Capital Partners an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory and Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. We have also entered into an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Solar Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement”

Our Corporate Information

Our offices are located at 500 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and our telephone number (212) 993-1670.

 

S-8


SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE NOTES AND THE OFFERING

This prospectus supplement sets forth certain terms of the Notes that we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and supplements the accompanying prospectus that is attached to the back of this prospectus supplement. This section outlines the specific legal and financial terms of the Notes. You should read this section together with the more general description of the Notes in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” before investing in the Notes. Capitalized terms used in this prospectus supplement and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the accompanying prospectus or in the indenture governing the Notes.

[Insert material terms of the Notes in tabular form to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S-9


RISK FACTORS

[Insert risk factors applicable to the Notes and any additional risk factors not included in the base prospectus to the extent required by applicable law or regulations.]

 

S-10


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Solar Senior Capital, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

our expected financings and investments;

 

   

our breach of any of the covenants or other provisions in our debt agreements;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

   

an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

   

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

   

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

   

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

S-11


   

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus supplement. However, we will update this prospectus supplement to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements and projections contained in this prospectus supplement are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth (a) our capitalization at                    , 201_ and (b) our pro forma capitalization to reflect the effects of the sale of $        aggregate principal amount of Notes assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $        and estimated offering expenses of approximately $        payable by us. You should read this table together with “Use of Proceeds” and our most recent balance sheet included elsewhere in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

     As of                     , 20  
     Solar Senior
Capital Ltd.
     Solar Senior
Capital Ltd.
 
     Actual      Pro Forma  
     (in thousands)      (in thousands)  

Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $         $     

Investments at fair value

   $         $     

Other assets

   $         $     

Total assets

   $         $     

Liabilities:

     

Credit facility payable

   $         $     

Other Liabilities

   $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized,             shares issued and outstanding,             shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively

      $     

Capital in excess of par value

      $     
     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

      $     
     

 

 

 

 

S-13


USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the $        million aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering will be approximately $        million (or approximately $        million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option), in each case assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $        million (or approximately $        million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option) payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $        million payable by us.

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes pursuant to this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include investing in debt or equity securities consistent with our investment objective, repayment of outstanding indebtedness, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. We are continuously identifying, reviewing and, to the extent consistent with our investment objective, funding new investments.

We estimate that it will take                    to                     months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of this offering, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities and market conditions. However, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to achieve this goal. We expect that it may take more than            months to invest all of the proceeds of this offering, in part because investments in private companies often require substantial prior research and due diligence.

Pending these uses, we will invest such net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. The management fee payable by us to our investment adviser will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities.

[Describe use of proceeds and include any other relevant information to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S-14


U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

[Insert disclosure regarding federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S-15


UNDERWRITING

[            ] are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth opposite its name below.

 

Underwriter

   Principal
Amount
  
  

 

Total

  
  

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the purchase agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the Notes sold under the purchase agreement if any of these Notes are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the purchase agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreement may be terminated.

We have 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 in respect of those liabilities.

The underwriters are offering the Notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the Notes, and other conditions contained in the purchase agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

An underwriting discount of    % per Note will be paid by us. [This underwriting discount will also apply to any Notes purchased pursuant to the overallotment option.]

The following table shows the total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. [The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option.]

 

     Per Note    [Without Option    With Option]

Public offering price

        

Underwriting discount

        

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

        

[The underwriters propose to offer some of the Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Notes to certain other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) members at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of    % of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of    % of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. After the initial offering of the Notes to the public, the public offering price and such concessions may be changed. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.]

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $         and are payable by us.

 

S-16


[Overallotment Option

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional $        aggregate principal amount of the Notes offered hereby at the public offering price within        days from the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover any overallotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase a number of additional Notes proportionate to that underwriter’s initial principal amount reflected in the above table.]

[No Sales of Similar Securities

Subject to certain exceptions, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by us or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by us or file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing for a period of days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of [            ]. This consent may be given at any time without public notice.]

[Listing

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to list the Notes on            . We expect trading in the Notes on            to begin within        days after the original issue date. Currently there is no public market for the Notes.

We have been advised by the underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the Notes after completion of the offering as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the Notes and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time in the sole discretion of the underwriters without any notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or development of a public trading market for, the Notes. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.]

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell Notes in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment, covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Overallotment involves sales of securities in excess of the aggregate principal amount of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased Notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Any of these activities may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without any notice relating thereto.

Other Relationships

The underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past and may provide from time to time in the future in the ordinary course of their business certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services to Solar Capital Partners, Solar Capital Management, or our portfolio companies for which they have received or will be entitled to receive separate fees. In particular, the underwriters or their affiliates may execute transactions with Solar Senior Capital or on behalf of Senior Solar Capital, Solar Capital Partners or any of our or their portfolio companies, affiliates and/or managed funds. In addition, the underwriters or their affiliates may act as arrangers, underwriters or placement agents for companies whose securities are sold to or whose loans are syndicated to Solar Senior Capital, Solar Capital Partners or Solar Capital Management and their affiliates and managed funds.

 

S-17


Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are limited partners of private investment funds affiliated with our investment adviser, Solar Capital Partners.

The underwriters or their affiliates may also trade in our securities, securities of our portfolio companies or other financial instruments related thereto for their own accounts or for the account of others and may extend loans or financing directly or through derivative transactions to Solar Senior Capital, Solar Capital Partners, Solar Capital Management or any of the portfolio companies.

We may purchase securities of third parties from the underwriters or their affiliates after the offering. However, we have not entered into any agreement or arrangement regarding the acquisition of any such securities, and we may not purchase any such securities. We would only purchase any such securities if—among other things—we identified securities that satisfied our investment needs and completed our due diligence review of such securities.

After the date of this prospectus supplement, the underwriters and their affiliates may from time to time obtain information regarding specific portfolio companies or us that may not be available to the general public. Any such information is obtained by the underwriters and their affiliates in the ordinary course of its business and not in connection with the offering of the Notes. In addition, after the offering period for the sale of our Notes, the underwriters or their affiliates may develop analyses or opinions related to Senior Solar Capital, Solar Capital Partners or our portfolio companies and buy or sell interests in one or more of our portfolio companies on behalf of their proprietary or client accounts and may engage in competitive activities. There is no obligation on behalf of these parties to disclose their respective analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities regarding any portfolio company or regarding Solar Capital Partners to our noteholders or any other persons.

If any of the underwriters or their affiliates has a lending relationship with us, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge or may hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the Notes. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Notes.

[Describe any other specific transactions and compensation related thereto to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

[Describe if underwriters receiving proceeds of offering, if required by FINRA.]

[Insert principal business addresses of underwriters.]

[Insert applicable legends for jurisdictions in which offers and sales may be made.]

 

S-18


LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC, and Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by             ,             ,             .

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, has audited our financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 28, 2011 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2011. We have included our financial statements in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on such reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

With respect to the unaudited interim financial information for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, included herein, the independent registered public accounting firm has reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report included in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and included herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the Notes being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information 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 to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information will also be available free of charge by contacting us at Solar Capital Ltd., 500 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 993-1670, or on our website at http://www.solarseniorcap.com .

 

S-19


 

 

$ [                             ]

 

LOGO

Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

% [Insert ranking/conversion information] Notes due

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

[Underwriters]

                    , 20