ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This
prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using the "shelf" registration
process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from
time to time, up to $ 1,000,000,000 of our
common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or warrants representing rights
to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities on
the terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The
securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more
supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a
general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we
use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement
that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus. Please carefully read this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with any exhibits and the
additional information described under the headings "Available Information" and
"Risk Factors" before you make an investment decision.
PROSPECTUS
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. In this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement, except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms "we", "us",
"our" and "Apollo Investment" refer to Apollo Investment Corporation; "Apollo
Investment Management", "AIM" or "investment adviser" refers to Apollo
Investment Management, L.P.; "Apollo Administration" or "AIA" refers to Apollo
Investment Administration, LLC; and "Apollo" refers to the affiliated companies
of Apollo Investment Management, L.P.
Apollo
Investment
Apollo
Investment Corporation, a Maryland corporation organized on February 2, 2004, 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 (the “1940
Act”) . In addition, for tax purposes we have elected to be
treated as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
Our
investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation
through debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in
middle-market companies in the form of mezzanine and senior secured loans, as
well as by making equity investments. From time to time, we may also
invest in the securities of public companies as well as public companies whose
securities are thinly traded.
Our
portfolio is comprised primarily of investments in long-term subordinated debt,
referred to as mezzanine debt, and senior secured loans of private middle-market
companies, and from time to time includes equity interests such as common stock,
preferred stock, warrants or options. In this prospectus, we use the
term "middle-market" to refer to companies with annual revenues between $50
million and $2 billion. While our primary focus is to generate both
current income and capital appreciation through investments in U.S. senior
and subordinated loans, other debt securities and private equity, we
may also invest a portion of the portfolio in opportunistic investments,
including foreign securities. See "Risk Factors – Risks
Related to Our Investments."
AIM
and its affiliates manage other funds that may have investment mandates that are
similar, in whole or in part, with ours. AIM and its affiliates may
determine that an investment is appropriate both for us and for one or more of
those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of
such investment and other appropriate factors, AIM may determine that we should
invest on a side-by-side basis with one or more other funds. We may
make all such investments subject to compliance with applicable regulations and
interpretations, 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.
During our fiscal year ended March 31,
2009 , we invested $ 435 million across 12 new and 13
existing portfolio companies. This compares to investing $ 1.8 billion in
27 new and 15 existing portfolio companies for the previous fiscal
year ended March 31, 2008 . Investments sold or prepaid during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2009 totaled $ 340 million versus $714
million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 . Total
invested capital since our initial public offering in April 2004 through March
31, 2009 is $5.6 billion .
The weighted average yields on our
senior secured loan portfolio, subordinated debt portfolio and total debt
portfolio at our current cost basis were 8.2%, 13.2% and 11.7%, respectively, at
March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2008, the yields were 10.0%, 12.8%, and 12.0%,
respectively.
Our targeted investment size
typically ranges between $20 million and $250 million, although this investment
size may vary proportionately as the size of our available capital base changes.
At March 31, 2009, our net portfolio consisted of 72 portfolio companies and was
invested 27% in senior secured loans, 59% in subordinated debt, 4% in preferred
equity and 10% in common equity and warrants measured at fair value versus 71
portfolio companies invested 22% in senior secured loans, 57% in subordinated
debt, 6% in preferred equity and 15% in common equity and warrants at March 31,
2008.
Since the initial public offering of
Apollo Investment in April 2004 and through March 31, 2009, invested capital
totals $5.6 billion in 124 portfolio companies. Over the same period,
we also completed transactions with more than 85 different financial
sponsors.
Senior secured loans and European
mezzanine loans typically accrue interest at variable rates determined on the
basis of a benchmark: LIBOR, EURIBOR, GBP LIBOR, or the prime rate, with stated
maturities at origination that typically range from 5 to 10 years. While
subordinated debt issued within the United States will typically accrue interest
at fixed rates, some of these investments may include zero-coupon, PIK and/or
step bonds that accrue income on a constant yield to call or maturity basis. At
March 31, 2009, 69% or $1.5 billion of our interest-bearing investment portfolio
is fixed rate debt and 31% or $0.7 billion is floating rate debt, measured at
fair value. At March 31, 2008, 62% or $1.6 billion of our interest-bearing
investment portfolio was fixed rate debt and 38% or $1.0 billion was floating
rate debt, measured at fair value.
About
Apollo Investment Management
AIM,
our investment adviser, is led by a dedicated team of
investment professionals. AIM's investment committee currently
consists of John J. Hannan, the Chairman of our board of directors
and Chairman of AIM's Investment Committee; James C. Zelter,
our Chief Executive Officer , a partner of AIM and a Vice
President of the general partner of AIM; Patrick J. Dalton, our
President and Chief Operating Officer, a partner of AIM and a Vice President
and the Chief Investment Officer of the general partner of AIM;
Rajay Bagaria, a partner of AIM and a Vice President of the general partner
of AIM; and Justin Sendak, a partner of AIM and a Vice President of the
general partner of AIM. The composition of the Investment Committee
of AIM may change from time to time. AIM draws upon Apollo's
19 -year history and benefits from the Apollo investment professionals'
significant capital markets, trading and research expertise.
About
Apollo Investment Administration
In
addition to furnishing us with office facilities, equipment, and clerical,
bookkeeping and record keeping services, AIA also oversees our financial records
as well as the preparation of our reports to stockholders and reports filed with
the SEC. AIA oversees the determination and publication of our net
asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of our tax returns, and
generally monitors the payment of our expenses and the performance of
administrative and professional services rendered to us by
others. Furthermore, AIA provides on our behalf managerial assistance
to those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such
assistance.
Operating
and Regulatory Structure
Our
investment activities are managed by AIM and supervised by our board of
directors, a majority of whom are independent of Apollo and its
affiliates. AIM is an investment adviser that is registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the Advisers Act. Under our
investment advisory and management agreement, we pay AIM an annual base
management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive
fee. See "Management—Investment Advisory and Management
Agreement."
As
a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory
requirements. Also, while we are permitted to finance investments
using debt, our ability to use debt is limited in certain significant
respects. See "Regulation."
We
have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under
Subchapter M of the Code. For more information, see "Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Determination
of Net Asset Value
The
net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of common stock is
determined quarterly by dividing the value of our total assets minus our
liabilities by the total number of our shares outstanding.
In
calculating the value of our total assets, we value investments for which market
quotations are readily available at such market quotations if they are deemed to
represent fair value. Market quotations may be deemed not to
represent fair value in certain circumstances where AIM believes that facts and
circumstances applicable to an issuer, a seller or purchaser or the market for a
particular security causes current market quotes to not reflect the fair value
of the security. Examples of these events could include cases in
which material events are announced after the close of the market on which a
security is primarily traded, when a security trades infrequently causing a
quoted purchase or sale price to become stale or in the event of a "fire sale"
by a distressed seller. Debt and equity securities that are not
publicly traded or whose market price is not readily available or whose market
quotations are not deemed to represent fair value are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, our board of directors
pursuant to a written valuation policy and a consistently applied
valuation process utilizing the input of our investment adviser, independent
valuation firms, and the audit committee. Because there is no readily
available market value for a significant portion of the investments in our
portfolio, we value these portfolio investments at fair value as determined
in good faith by the board of directors .
Due
to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of our investments,
the value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would
have been used had a readily available market existed for such investments, and
the differences could be material. Determination of fair values
involves subjective judgments and estimates not susceptible to substantiation by
auditing procedures. Accordingly, under current accounting standards,
the notes to our financial statements refer to the uncertainty with respect to
the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on
our financial statements. For more information, see "Determination of
Net Asset Value."
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 includes investing in portfolio
companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and
repaying indebtedness incurred under our senior credit facility.
We
anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of
securities pursuant to this prospectus will be used for the above purposes
within two years, depending on the availability of appropriate investment
opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market
conditions. Our portfolio currently consists primarily of
investments in long-term subordinated debt, referred to as mezzanine debt, and
senior secured loans of private middle-market companies, and from time to time
includes equity interests such as common stock, preferred stock, warrants or
options. Pending such investments, we will use the net proceeds of an
offering to invest in cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other
high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the date of
investment, to reduce then-outstanding obligations under our credit facility or
for other general corporate purposes. The supplement to this
prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the
proceeds from such offering. For more information, see "Use of
Proceeds."
Dividends
on Common Stock
We
intend to continue to distribute quarterly dividends to our common
stockholders , however, we may not be able to maintain the current level of
dividend payments, including due to regulatory requirements . Our
quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of
directors. For more information, see "Dividends."
Dividends
on Preferred Stock
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.
Dividend
Reinvestment Plan
We
have adopted an "opt-out" dividend reinvestment plan that provides for
reinvestment of our dividend distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless
a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our board of
directors authorizes, and we declare, 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 dividends. A registered stockholder
must notify our transfer agent in writing in order to "opt-out" of the dividend
reinvestment plan. For more information, see "Dividend Reinvestment
Plan."
Plan
of Distribution
We
may offer, from time to time, up to $ 1,000,000,000 of our
common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or warrants representing rights
to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, on
terms to be determined at the time of the offering.
Securities
may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to
this prospectus directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated
from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or
dealers. The supplement to this prospectus relating to the offering
will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities,
and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee and commission or discount
arrangement or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. In
compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority,
Inc. ("FINRA"), the maximum compensation to the underwriters or
dealers in connection with the sale of our securities pursuant to this
prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus may not
exceed 8% of the aggregate offering price of the securities as set forth on the
cover page of the supplement to this prospectus.
We
may not sell securities pursuant to this prospectus without delivering a
prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such
securities. For more information, see "Plan of
Distribution."
Continued
Use of Leverage
The
availability of leverage depends upon the economic environment. Given
current market conditions, there can be no assurance that we will be able to
utilize leverage as anticipated, if at all, and we may determine or be required
to reduce or eliminate our leverage over time. In recent months, the
U.S. and international financial institutions and the global financial markets
have been affected by a credit crisis. Beginning in October
2008, the
United
States federal government has enacted legislation authorizing expenditures in
excess of $1.4 trillion to address the needs of troubled financial institutions
and markets and to assist the U.S. economy. Whether these
undertakings, or any future undertakings, will help stabilize the financial
markets or improve the economy is unknown. The current global
economic environment, and the potential systemic risk arising from illiquidity
and rapid de-leveraging in the financial system at large, may continue to
contribute to market volatility and may have long-term effects on the U.S. and
international financial markets. We cannot predict how long the
financial markets and economic environment will continue to be affected by these
events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar
events.
Our
Corporate Information
Our
administrative and principal executive offices are located at 9 West 57th
Street, New York, NY 10019. Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq
Global Select Market under the symbol "AINV." Our Internet website address is
www.apolloic.com. Information contained on our website is not
incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider
information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus.
FEES
AND EXPENSES
The
following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and
expenses that an investor in shares of our common stock 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 "you," "us" or "Apollo Investment," or that "we" will pay fees
or expenses, common stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as
investors in Apollo Investment.
Stockholder
transaction expenses:
|
|
Sales
load (as a percentage of offering price)
|
—
(1)
|
Offering
expenses (as a percentage of offering price)
|
—
(2)
|
Total
common stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering
price)
|
—
(3)
|
Annual
expenses (as percentage of net assets attributable to common stock)(4):
|
|
Management
fees
|
4.28 %(5)
|
Incentive
fees payable under investment advisory and management
agreement
|
3.70 %(6)
|
Other
expenses
|
0.77 %(7)
|
Interest
and other credit facility related expenses on borrowed
funds
|
|
Total
annual expenses (9)
|
12.25%(5,6,7,8)
|
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. These dollar amounts are based upon the assumption that our
annual operating expenses (other than performance-based incentive fees) and
leverage would remain at the levels set forth in the table above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You
would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%
annual return
|
$ 84
|
|
$ 243
|
|
$ 391
|
|
$ 718
|
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%. Assuming a 5% annual return, the incentive fee under the
investment advisory and management agreement may not be earned or payable
and 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 gross 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. In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions 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 valuation date for the dividend. See "Dividend
Reinvestment Plan" for additional information regarding our dividend
reinvestment plan.
This
example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a
representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
_________________________
(1)
|
In
the event that the securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to
or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will
disclose the applicable sales load.
|
(2)
|
The
related prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated amount of
offering expenses, the offering price and the offering expenses borne by
us as a percentage of the offering
price.
|
(3)
|
The
expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in "Other
expenses."
|
(4)
|
"Net
assets attributable to common stock" equals net assets as of March 31,
2009 .
|
(5)
|
The
contractual management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our
average gross total assets. Annual expenses are based on
current fiscal year amounts . For more detailed
information about our computation of average total assets, please see Notes 3 and 9 of
our financial statements dated March 31, 2009 included in this
prospectus.
|
(6)
|
Assumes
that annual incentive fees earned by our investment adviser, AIM, remain
consistent with the incentive fees earned by AIM for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2009 . AIM earns incentive fees consisting of
two parts. The first part, which is payable quarterly in
arrears, is based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the
immediately preceding calendar quarter. 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 the rate of 1.75% quarterly (7% annualized). Our
net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is
also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2%
base management fee (see footnote 5 above). Accordingly, we pay
AIM an incentive fee as follows: (1) no incentive fee in any calendar
quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not
exceed 1.75%, which we commonly refer to as the performance
threshold ; (2) 100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income
with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the performance threshold but does
not exceed 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount
of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds
2.1875% in any calendar quarter. These calculations are
appropriately pro rated for any period of less than three
months . The effect of the fee calculation described above is
that if pre-incentive fee net investment income is equal to or exceeds
2.1875%, AIM will receive a fee of 20% of our pre-incentive fee net
investment income for the 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 performance
threshold 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. Furthermore, 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. The second part of the incentive fee will equal
20% of our realized capital gains for the calendar year, if any, computed
net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation
(and incorporating unrealized depreciation on a gross
investment-by-investment basis) and is payable in arrears at the end of
each calendar year. For a more detailed discussion of the
calculation of this fee, see "Management—Investment Advisory and
Management Agreement."
|
(7)
|
"Other
expenses" are based on amounts for the current fiscal year and
include our overhead expenses, including payments under the
administration agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead
and other expenses incurred by AIA in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement. See "Management—Administration
Agreement" in this base prospectus.
|
(8)
|
Our
interest and other credit facility expenses are based on current fiscal
year amounts . As of March 31, 2009 , we had
$ 0.642 billion available and $ 1.058
billion in borrowings outstanding under our $1.7 billion credit
facility. For more information, see "Risk Factors—Risks
relating to our business and structure—We fund a portion of our
investments with borrowed money, which magnifies the potential for gain or
loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" in this base
prospectus.
|
(9)
|
"Total
annual expenses" as a percentage of net assets attributable to common
stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a
company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage our
net assets and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that
the "Total annual expenses" percentage be calculated as a percentage of
net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness), rather than the
total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed
monies. If the "Total annual expenses" percentage were
calculated instead as a percentage of total assets, our "Total annual
expenses" would be 6.37% of total assets. For a presentation
and calculation of total annual expenses based on total assets, see page
27 of this base prospectus.
|
RISK
FACTORS
Before
you invest in our shares, you should be aware of various risks, including those
described below and those set forth under the caption “Recent Developments”
in the accompanying prospectus supplement . You should carefully
consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included
in this base prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement ,
before you decide whether to make an investment in our
securities. The risks set out below and in the accompanying
prospectus supplement 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 preferred stock, debt securities or warrants may decline, and you
may lose all or part of your investment.
CERTAIN
RISKS IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT
To
the extent applicable, the prospectus supplement used in connection with any
offering of securities under this prospectus will highlight or discuss certain
risk factors that may be more significant in the business environment at the
time of such offering.
Capital
markets are currently 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 has had and could continue to
result in a negative impact on our business and operations.
We
believe that beginning in 2007 and through 2008, the global capital markets were
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 and have remained as such
through the date of this prospectus. Despite actions of the United States
federal government and foreign governments, these events have contributed to
worsening general economic conditions that are materially and adversely
impacting the broader financial and credit markets and reducing 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 be required to, or may choose to,
seek access to alternative markets for debt and equity capital. Equity capital
may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions, we are
not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset
value per share. In addition, 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. Conversely, our portfolio companies may not be able to service or
refinance their debt which could materially and adversely affect our financial
condition as we would experience reduced income or even losses. The inability to
raise capital and the risk of portfolio company defaults may have a negative
effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
RISKS
RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS AND STRUCTURE
We
may suffer credit losses.
Investment
in small and middle-market companies is highly speculative and involves a high
degree of risk of credit loss. These risks are likely to increase
during economic recession, such as the US and many other economies have been
experiencing. See "Risks Related to Our
Investments."
We
are dependent upon Apollo Investment Management's key personnel for our future
success and upon their access to Apollo's investment professionals and
partners.
We
depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the senior
management of AIM. Members of our senior management may depart at any
time. For a description of the senior management team, see
"Management." We also depend, to a significant extent, on AIM's access to the
investment professionals and partners of Apollo and the information and deal
flow generated by the Apollo investment professionals in the course of their
investment and portfolio management activities. The senior management
of AIM evaluates, negotiates, structures, closes and monitors our
investments. Our future success depends on the continued service of
the senior management team of AIM. The departure of any senior
managers of AIM, or of a significant number of the investment professionals or
partners of Apollo, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to
achieve our investment objective. In addition, we can offer no
assurance that AIM will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue
to have access to Apollo's partners and investment professionals or its
information and deal flow.
Our
financial condition and results of operation depend on our ability to manage
future growth effectively.
Our
ability to achieve our investment objective depends, in part, on our ability to
grow, which depends, in turn, on AIM's ability to identify, invest in and
monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing
this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of AIM's structuring
of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and
efficient services to us and our access to financing on acceptable
terms. The senior management team of AIM has substantial
responsibilities under the investment advisory and management agreement, and
with respect to certain members, in connection with their roles as officers
of other Apollo funds.
They
may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio
companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow the
rate of investment. In order to grow, we and AIM need to hire, train,
supervise and manage new employees. Any failure to manage our future
growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
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
make. We compete with 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. Additionally, because competition for investment opportunities
generally has increased in recent years among alternative investment
vehicles, such as hedge funds, those entities have begun to invest in areas they
have not traditionally invested in. As a result of these entrants,
competition for investment opportunities intensified in recent years
and may intensify further in the future . Some of our existing and
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, 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 and valuation requirements that the 1940 Act
imposes on us as a BDC. 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 existing and potentially increasing 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 make loans with interest rates that are
comparable to or lower than the rates we offer.
We
may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors' pricing,
terms and structure. If we match our competitors' pricing, terms and
structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of
credit loss.
Any
failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating
flexibility.
If
we do not remain a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company
under the 1940 Act, which would subject us to substantially more regulatory
restrictions under the 1940 Act and correspondingly decrease our operating
flexibility.
We
will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a
RIC.
To
qualify as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset
diversification and annual distribution requirements. The annual
distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we 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, to our stockholders on an annual
basis. To the extent we use debt financing, we are subject to certain
asset coverage ratio requirements and other financial covenants
under loan and credit agreements , and could in some circumstances also become
subject to such requirements under the 1940 Act, that could, under certain
circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a
RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail
to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income
tax. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset
diversification requirements at the end of each calendar
quarter. Failure to meet these tests 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 are in private companies, any
such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in
substantial losses. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and
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. Such a failure
would have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.
To
qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, we would be required to
distribute to our stockholders our earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC
years reduced by an interest charge on 50% of such earnings and profits payable
by us to the IRS. In addition, if we failed to qualify as a RIC for a
period greater than two taxable years, then we would be required to elect to
recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain,
including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if
we had been liquidated) or, alternatively, be subject to taxation on such
built-in gain recognized for a period of ten years, in order to qualify as a RIC
in a subsequent year.
We
may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income
before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For
federal income tax purposes, we include in income certain amounts that we have
not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise if we
receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan or possibly in other
circumstances, or payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual
interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan
term. Such original issue discount, which could be significant
relative to our overall investment activities, or increases in loan balances as
a result of payment-in-kind arrangements are included in income before we
receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to
include in income certain other amounts that we do not receive in
cash.
That
part of the incentive fee payable by us that relates to our net investment
income is computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been
accrued but not yet received in cash. If a portfolio company defaults
on a loan, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the
calculation of the incentive fee will
become
uncollectible. Consequently, while we may make incentive fee
payments on income accruals that we may not collect in the future and with
respect to which we do not have a formal clawback right against our investment
adviser per se, the amount of accrued income written off in any period will
reduce the income in the period in which such write-off was taken and thereby
reduce such period’s incentive fee payment.
Since
in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash
representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the tax requirement to
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, to
maintain our status as a RIC. 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 investment originations in order to
meet distribution and/or leverage requirements. See
"Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation as a
RIC."
Regulations
governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we
raise, additional capital.
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 only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as
defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of senior
securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to
satisfy this test. If that happens, the contractual arrangements
governing these securities may require us to sell a portion of our investments
and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our
indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous.
BDCs
may issue and sell common stock at a price below net asset value per share only
in limited circumstances, one of which is during the one-year period after
stockholder approval. In August 2008, o ur stockholders
approved a plan so that we may, in one or more public or private offerings of
our common stock, sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price
below the then current net asset value per share, subject to certain
conditions including parameters on the level of permissible dilution,
approval of the sale by a majority of our independent directors and a
requirement that the sale price be not less than approximately the market price
of the shares of our common stock at specified times, less the expenses of the
sale. We are requesting renewal of that authority for up to 25% of
our shares and for approval to issue long-term warrants and other rights at our
upcoming annual meeting of stockholders scheduled for August 5,
2009. There is no assurance such approvals will be
obtained.
In
the event we sell, or otherwise issue, shares of our common stock at a price
below net asset value per share, existing stockholders will experience net asset
value dilution and the investors who acquire shares in such offering may
thereafter experience the same type of dilution from subsequent offerings at a
discount. 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.
We
currently use borrowed funds to make investments and are exposed to the typical
risks associated with leverage.
We
are exposed to increased risk of loss due to our use of debt to make
investments. A decrease in the value of our investments will have a
greater negative impact on the value of our common stock than if we did not use
debt. Our ability to pay dividends will be restricted if we fail
to satisfy certain of our asset coverage ratios and other financial
covenants and any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness are not
available for dividends to our common stockholders.
The
agreements governing our revolving credit facility require us to comply with
certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants require us to,
among other things, maintain certain financial ratios, including asset coverage,
minimum shareholder equity and liquidity. As of March 31, 2009, we were in
compliance with these covenants. However, our continued compliance with these
covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. For
example, during the year ended March 31, 2009, net unrealized depreciation in
our portfolio increased and, in the event of further deterioration in the
capital markets and pricing levels subsequent to this period, net unrealized
depreciation in our portfolio may continue to increase in the future. Absent an
amendment to our revolving credit facility, continued unrealized depreciation in
our investment portfolio could result in non-compliance with certain
covenants.
Accordingly,
there are no assurances that we will continue to comply with these covenants.
Failure to comply with these covenants would result in a default which, if we
were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders, could accelerate repayment
under the facilities and thereby have a material adverse impact on our
liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay
dividends.
Our
current and future debt securities are and may 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 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.
We
fund a portion of our investments with borrowed money, which magnifies the
potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of
investing in us.
Borrowings
and other types of financing , also known as leverage, magnify the
potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the
risks associated with investing in our securities. Our lenders have
fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common
stockholders or any preferred stockholders. If the value of our
assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value to increase
more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, 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 increase in our income in excess of
consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income
to increase more than it would without the leverage, while 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 negatively affect our ability to
make common stock dividend payments. Leverage is generally considered
a speculative investment technique.
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.
Changes
in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net investment
income.
Because
we borrow money, and may issue preferred stock to finance 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 these 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 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. Our long-term fixed-rate
investments are 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. Interest rate hedging activities do not protect against
credit risk. We have analyzed the potential impact of changes in
interest rates on interest income net of interest expense. Assuming
that the balance sheet were to remain constant and no actions were taken to
alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, a hypothetical immediate 1% change
in interest rates would not materially affect our investment income over
a one-year horizon. In addition, we believe that our interest rate matching
structure and our ability to hedge mitigates the effects any changes in interest
rates may have on our investment income. Although management
believes that this is indicative of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, it
does not adjust for potential changes in credit quality, size and composition of
the assets on the balance sheet and other business developments that could
affect net increase in net assets resulting from operations, or net income.
Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not differ
materially from the potential outcome simulated by this estimate.
You
should also be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be
expected to lead to higher interest rates we receive on many of our debt
investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it
easier for us to meet or exceed the performance threshold and may result
in a substantial increase in the amount of incentive fees payable to our
investment adviser with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment
income.
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
have issued equity securities and have borrowed from financial
institutions. A reduction in the availability of new capital could
limit our ability to grow. 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, 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 continue 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 .
Many
of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good
faith by our board of directors and, as a result, there is uncertainty as
to the value of our portfolio investments.
A
large percentage of our portfolio investments are not publicly
traded. The fair value of these investments may not be readily
determinable. We value these investments quarterly at fair value
(based on FAS 157, its corresponding guidance and the principal markets in
which these investments trade) as determined in good faith by our
board of directors pursuant to a written valuation policy and a
consistently applied valuation process utilizing the input of our investment
adviser, independent valuation firms and the audit committee. Our
board of directors utilizes the services of independent valuation firms
to aid it in determining the fair value of these investments. The
types of factors that may be considered in fair value pricing of these
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, comparison to more liquid
securities, indices and other market-related inputs , discounted cash
flow , our principal market 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 readily available
market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the amounts
we realize on any disposition of such investments. Our net asset
value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value
of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately
realize upon the disposal of such investments.
In
addition, decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are
recorded as unrealized depreciation. The unprecedented declines in prices and
liquidity in the debt markets have resulted in significant net unrealized
depreciation in our portfolio. The effect of all of these factors on our
portfolio has reduced our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our
portfolio. Depending on future market conditions, we could incur
substantial realized losses and may continue to suffer additional unrealized
losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
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 are
otherwise 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
or an affiliated manager of Apollo has material non-public information regarding
such portfolio company.
We
may experience fluctuations in our periodic results.
We
could experience fluctuations in our periodic operating results due to a number
of factors, including the interest rates payable on the debt securities we
acquire, the default rate on such securities, the level of our expenses
(including the interest rates payable on our borrowings, the dividend rates on
preferred stock we issue, 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 which could adversely affect our
investment returns.
Our
executive officers and directors, and the partners of our investment adviser,
AIM, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that
operate in the same or a related line of business as we do or of investment
funds managed by our affiliates. Accordingly, they may have obligations to
investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best
interests of us or our stockholders. Moreover, we note that, notwithstanding the
difference in principal investment objectives between us and other Apollo funds,
such other Apollo sponsored funds, including new affiliated potential pooled
investment vehicles or managed accounts not yet established (whether managed
or sponsored by those Apollo affiliates or AIM itself) , have and may from
time to time have overlapping investment objectives with us and, accordingly,
invest in, whether principally or secondarily, asset classes similar to those
targeted by us. To the extent such other investment vehicles have overlapping
investment objectives, the scope of opportunities otherwise available to us may
be adversely affected and/or reduced. As a result, the partners of AIM may face
conflicts in their time management and commitments as well as in the allocation
of investment opportunities to other Apollo funds. In addition, in the event
such investment opportunities are allocated among us and other investment
vehicles managed or sponsored by, or affiliated with , AIM our
desired investment portfolio may be adversely affected. Although AIM endeavors
to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, it is
possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain
investments made by investment funds managed by AIM or investment
managers affiliated with AIM.
There
are no information barriers amongst Apollo and certain of its
affiliates. If AIM were to receive material non-public information
about a particular company, or have an interest in investing in a particular
company, Apollo or certain of its affiliates may be prevented from investing in
such company. Conversely, if Apollo or certain of its affiliates were
to receive material non-public information about a particular company, or have
an interest in investing in a particular company, we may be prevented
from investing in such company.
AIM
and /or its affiliates and investment managers may determine that an
investment is appropriate both for us and for one or more other
funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such
investment and other appropriate factors, AIM may determine that we should
invest on a side-by-side basis with one or more other funds. We may
make all such investments subject to compliance with applicable regulations and
interpretations, 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
AIM, and reimburse AIM for certain expenses it incurs. As a result,
investors in our common stock invest on a "gross" basis and receive
distributions on a "net" basis after expenses, resulting in, among other things,
a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct
investments. As a result of this arrangement, there may be times when
the management team of AIM has interests that differ from those of our common
stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.
AIM
receives a quarterly incentive fee based, in part, on our pre-incentive fee
income, if any, for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. This incentive
fee will not be payable to AIM unless the pre-incentive net investment
income exceeds the performance threshold . To the extent we or AIM are
able to exert influence over our portfolio companies, the quarterly
pre-incentive fee may provide AIM with an incentive to induce our portfolio
companies to prepay interest or other obligations in certain
circumstances .
We
have entered into a royalty-free license agreement with Apollo, pursuant to
which Apollo has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive license to use the name
"Apollo." Under the license agreement, we have the right to use the "Apollo"
name for so long as AIM or one of its affiliates remains our investment
adviser. In addition, we rent office space from AIA, an affiliate of
AIM, and pay Apollo Administration our allocable portion of overhead and other
expenses incurred by AIA in performing its obligations under the administration
agreement, including our allocable portion of the cost of our Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs, which can
create conflicts of interest that our board of directors must
monitor.
In
the past following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's
securities, securities class action litigation has , from time to
time, been brought against that company.
If
our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities
litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial
costs and divert management's attention and resources from our
business.
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.
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, our charter and our bylaws contain provisions
that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Apollo
Investment 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 Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any
other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our
board of directors, including approval by a majority of our disinterested
directors. If the resolution exempting business
combinations
is repealed or our board of directors does not approve a business combination,
the 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 common stock by any person. If we amend our
bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, the
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 an
offer.
We
have also adopted other measures that may make it difficult for a third party to
obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our board
of directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions
of our charter authorizing our board of directors to classify or reclassify
shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of
additional shares of our stock, and to amend our charter, without stockholder
approval, to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have
authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of
our charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in
control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our
stockholders.
We
may choose to pay dividends in our own common stock, in which case you may be
required to pay federal income taxes in excess of the cash dividends you
receive.
We
may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and shares of our
common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under IRS Revenue Procedure
2009-15, up to 90% of any such taxable dividend for a RIC’s taxable years ending
on or before December 31, 2009 could be payable in our common stock with the 10%
or greater balance paid in cash. The Internal Revenue Service has
also issued (and where Revenue Procedure 2009-15 is not currently applicable,
the Internal Revenue Service continues to issue) private letter rulings on
cash/stock dividends paid by regulated investment companies and real estate
investment trusts using a 20% cash standard (instead of the 10% cash standard of
Revenue Procedure 2009-15) if certain requirements are satisfied. Stockholders
receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the
dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated
earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders
may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of
the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common
stock that 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 common 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 common stock. In
addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares
of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward
pressure on the trading price of our common stock. It is unclear
whether and to what extent we will be able to pay taxable dividends in cash and
common stock (whether pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2009-15, a private letter
ruling or otherwise). For a more detailed discussion, see
"Dividends."
RISKS
RELATED TO OUR INVESTMENTS
Our
investments in prospective portfolio companies may be risky, and you could lose
all or part of your investment.
Investment
in middle-market companies involves a number of significant
risks. Middle-market 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. In addition, 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. Middle-market companies 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. Middle-market companies also 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.
We
invest primarily in mezzanine debt and senior secured loans and we may not
realize gains from our equity investments.
When
we invest in mezzanine and senior secured loans, we have and may continue to
acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. In addition, we
may invest directly in the equity securities of portfolio
companies. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests
and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However,
the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may
decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains
from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition
of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we
experience.
Economic
recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our
operating results.
The
US and most other economies have entered a recessionary period, which may be
prolonged and severe. Many of our 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 are
likely to increase and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease during
these periods. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the
value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity
investments. 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, termination of
its loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger
cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company's
ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we
hold. We may incur 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, even though we or one of our affiliates may have structured our
interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the
extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio
company, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt holding and
subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other
creditors.
Our
ability to invest in public companies may be limited in certain
circumstances.
As
a BDC, we must not acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" specified
in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our
total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited
exceptions) Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments
and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding
securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as qualifying
assets only if such issuer has a market capitalization that is less than $250
million at the time of such investment.
Our
portfolio contains a limited number of portfolio companies, which subjects us to
a greater risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its
obligations under any of its debt securities.
A
consequence of the limited number of investments in our portfolio is that the
aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if one or
more of our significant portfolio company investments perform poorly or if we
need to write down the value of any one significant investment. Beyond our
income tax diversification requirements, we do not have fixed guidelines for
diversification, and our portfolio could contain relatively few portfolio
companies.
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: (1) increase
or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise
warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original
or subsequent financing or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our
investment.
We
may elect not to make follow-on investments , may be constrained in our
ability to employ available funds, or otherwise may lack sufficient
funds to make those investments. We 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, because we prefer other opportunities, or because we are inhibited by
compliance with BDC requirements or the desire to maintain our tax
status.
When
we do 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.
We
do not generally take controlling equity positions in our portfolio
companies. To the extent that we do not hold a controlling equity
interest in a portfolio company, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio
company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the stockholders
and management of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways
that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity for
the debt and equity investments that we 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
have invested and will continue to invest primarily in privately-held
companies. Generally, little public information exists about these
companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of AIM's investment
professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns
from investing in these companies.
If
we are 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 public company
competitors, which often are larger. These factors could affect our
investment returns.
Our
portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our
investments in such companies.
We
have invested and intend to invest primarily in mezzanine and senior debt
securities issued by our portfolio companies. The portfolio companies
usually have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with,
or senior to, the debt securities in which we invest. 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 are entitled
to receive payments in respect of the debt securities in which we
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. 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 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. In addition, we may not be in a position
to control any portfolio company by investing in its debt
securities. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio
company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree
and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their
common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our
interests as debt investors.
Our
incentive fee may induce AIM to make certain investments, including speculative
investments.
The
incentive fee payable by us to AIM may create an incentive for AIM to make
investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the
case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in
which the incentive fee payable to AIM is determined, which is calculated
separately in two components as a percentage of the income (subject to
a performance threshold) and as a percentage of the realized gain on
invested capital, 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 disfavor
the holders of our common stock, including investors in offerings of common
stock, securities convertible into our common stock or warrants representing
rights to purchase our common stock or securities convertible into our common
stock pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, AIM receives the
incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our
investments. Unlike the portion of the incentive fee based on income,
there is no performance threshold applicable to the portion of the
incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, AIM may have a
tendency to invest more 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.
The
incentive fee payable by us to AIM also may create an incentive for AIM to
invest on our behalf in instruments that have a deferred interest
feature. Under these investments, we would accrue the 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, while a portion of this incentive fee would be
based on income that we have not yet received in cash and with respect to
which we do not have a formal claw-back right against our investment adviser per
se, the amount of accrued income to the extent written off in any period will
reduce the income in the period in which such write-off was taken and thereby
reduce such period’s incentive fee payment .
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 AIM 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
common stockholders will bear his or her share of the management and incentive
fee of AIM as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and
other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.
We
may be obligated to pay our investment adviser incentive compensation even if we
incur a loss.
Our
investment adviser is 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, net
operating losses and certain other items) 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 AIM 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
investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to
the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Our
investment strategy contemplates that a portion of our investments may be in
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.
Although
most of our investments are denominated in U.S. dollars, our
investments that are denominated in a foreign currency are subject to the risk
that the value of a particular currency may 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.
Hedging
transactions may expose us to additional risks.
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. Moreover, 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.
While
we may enter into transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and
interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or
interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we
had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the
degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a
hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may
vary. 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.
RISKS
RELATED TO ISSUANCE OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK
An
investment in our preferred stock should not constitute a complete investment
program.
If
we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common
stock may become more volatile.
We
cannot assure that the issuance of preferred stock would result in a higher
yield or return to the holders of the common stock. The issuance of
preferred stock would likely cause the net asset value and market value of the
common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the
preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment
portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common stock would be
reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed
the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower
rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued
preferred stock. Any decline in the net asset value of our
investments would be borne entirely by the holders of common
stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to
decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to
the holders of common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance
of preferred stock. This greater net asset value decrease would also
tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common
stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required
asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing our ratings on the preferred
stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be
sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred
stock. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to
liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption of some or all of the
preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of common
stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing
maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our total
return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of
preferred stock may have different interests than holders of common stock and
may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.
Holders
of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of
the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.
Holders
of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class,
would have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times
and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right
to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely
eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting
rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment
restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any
such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of
dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and
preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating
agencies or the terms of our credit facilities, might impair our ability to
maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax
purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the
extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain
our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be
effected in time to meet the tax requirements.
RISKS
RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK
Investing
in our securities involves a high degree of risk and is highly
speculative .
The
investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a
higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss
of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly
speculative and aggressive, therefore, an investment in our securities may not
be suitable for someone with a low risk tolerance.
There
is a risk that investors in our equity securities may not receive dividends or
that our dividends may not grow over time and that investors in our debt
securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are
entitled.
We
intend to make distributions on a quarterly 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 in the future be
limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, our revolving credit
facility may limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain
provisions. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually,
we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of the tax
benefits available to us as a RIC. In addition, in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles and tax regulations, we include in
income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as
contractual payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual interest
added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of the loan term, or the
accrual of original issue or market discount. Since we may recognize income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have
difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our investment
company taxable income in cash to obtain tax benefits as a RIC.
If
we do not distribute at least 98% of our annual taxable income (excluding net
long-term capital gains retained or deemed to be distributed) in the year
earned, we generally will be required to pay a non-deductible excise tax on
amounts carried over and distributed to stockholders in the next year equal to
4% of the amount by which 98% of our annual taxable income available for
distribution exceeds the distributions from such income for the current
year.
Finally,
if more stockholders opt to receive cash dividends rather than participate in
our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to liquidate some of our
investments and raise cash in order to make cash dividend payments.
Our
shares may trade at discounts from net asset value or at premiums that are
unsustainable over the long term.
Shares
of business development companies may trade 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 discount from net
asset value or at a premium that is unsustainable over the long term are
separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will
decrease. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered
hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.
The
market price of our securities may fluctuate significantly.
The
market price and liquidity of the market for our securities may be significantly
affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not
be directly related to our operating performance. These factors
include:
·
|
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, particularly with respect to
RICs or business development
companies;
|
·
|
changes
in earnings or variations in operating
results;
|
·
|
changes
in the value of our portfolio of
investments;
|
·
|
any
shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels
expected by investors or securities
analysts;
|
·
|
departure
of AIM's key personnel;
|
·
|
operating
performance of companies comparable to
us;
|
·
|
general
economic trends and other external factors;
and
|
·
|
loss
of a major funding source.
|
We
may be unable to invest the net proceeds raised from offerings on acceptable
terms, which would harm our financial condition and operating
results.
Until
we identify new investment opportunities, we intend to either invest the net
proceeds of future offerings in interest-bearing deposits or other short-term
instruments or use the net proceeds from such offerings to reduce
then-outstanding obligations under our credit facility. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to find enough appropriate investments that meet
our investment criteria or that any investment we complete using the proceeds
from an offering will produce a sufficient return.
Sales
of substantial amounts of our securities may have an adverse effect on the
market price of our securities.
Sales
of substantial amounts of our securities, or the availability of such securities
for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our
securities. 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.
Stockholders
may experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they do not participate
in our dividend reinvestment plan.
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.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
intend to use the net proceeds from selling securities pursuant to this
prospectus for general corporate purposes, which include investing in portfolio
companies in accordance with our investment objective and
strategies. We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds
of an offering of securities pursuant to this prospectus will be used within two
years, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities
consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. Our
portfolio currently consists primarily of senior loans, mezzanine loans and
equity securities. Pending our investments in new debt investments,
we plan to invest a portion of the net proceeds from an offering in cash
equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt
investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment, to
reduce then-outstanding obligations under our credit facility, or for other
general corporate purposes. The management fee payable by us will not
be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See
"Regulation—Temporary investments" for additional information about temporary
investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit
of our investment objective. The supplement to this prospectus
relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from
such offering.
DIVIDENDS
We
intend to continue to distribute quarterly dividends to our common
stockholders, however, we may not be able to maintain the current level of
dividend payments, including due to regulatory
requirements. Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be
determined by our board of directors.
We
have elected 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 order to avoid certain excise taxes we must
distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (1)
98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 98% of our capital gains
in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31st and
(3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not
distributed during such years. In addition, although we currently
intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., realized net long-term
capital gains in excess of realized net 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. In such event, the consequences of our retention of net
capital gains are as described under "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
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. See "Dividend
Reinvestment Plan."
We
may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and shares of our
common stock at the election of each stockholder. On January 7, 2009,
the Internal Revenue Service issued IRS Revenue Procedure 2009-15 that
temporarily allows a RIC that is traded on an established securities market to
distribute its own stock as a dividend for the purpose of fulfilling its
distribution requirements. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, a RIC may treat a
distribution of its own stock as fulfilling its distribution requirements if (i)
the distribution is declared with respect to a taxable year ending on or before
December 31, 2009 and (ii) each shareholder may elect to receive his or her
entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC subject to a limitation
on the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all shareholders, which
must be at least 10% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many
shareholders elect to receive cash, each shareholder electing to receive cash
will receive a pro rata amount of cash (with the balance of the distribution
paid in stock). In no event will any shareholder, electing to receive cash,
receive less than 10% of his or her entire distribution in cash. In
such case, for federal income tax purposes, the amount of
the
dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been
received instead of stock. See “Material Federal Income Tax
Considerations” for tax consequences to stockholders upon receipt of such
dividends.
Revenue
Procedure 2009-15 is temporary in that it does not apply to dividends declared
with respect to taxable years ending after December 31, 2009. It is
uncertain whether, and no assurances can be given that, the Internal Revenue
Service will extend such guidance for taxable years ending after December 31,
2009. The Internal Revenue Service has also issued (and where Revenue
Procedure 2009-15 is not currently applicable, the Internal Revenue Service
continues to issue) private letter rulings on cash/stock dividends paid by
regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts using a 20%
cash standard (instead of the 10% cash standard of Revenue Procedure 2009-15) if
certain requirements are satisfied. While it is generally expected
that the Internal Revenue Service may continue such ruling policy, no assurances
can be given that the Internal Revenue Service will not discontinue or adversely
alter such ruling policy. Whether pursuant to Revenue Procedure
2009-15, a private letter ruling or otherwise, we reserve the option to pay any
future dividend in cash and stock. Moreover, no assurances can be
given that we will be able to pay any dividend in cash and
stock.
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 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.
With
respect to the dividends paid to stockholders, income from origination,
structuring, closing, commitment and other upfront fees associated with
investments in portfolio companies is treated as taxable income and accordingly,
distributed to shareholders.
The
following table lists the quarterly dividends per share since shares of our
common stock began being regularly quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select
Market.
|
|
Fiscal
Year Ending March 31, 2010
|
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.260
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2009
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.260
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2008
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.520
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.510
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2007
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.510
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.500
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.470
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.450
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2006
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.450
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.440
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.430
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.310
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2005
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.260
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.180
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
$ 0.045
|
First
Fiscal Quarter (period from April 8, 2004* to June 30,
2004)
|
—
|
|
* Commencement
of operations
|
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
The
Statement of Operations, Per Share and Balance Sheet data for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2009 , 2008, 2007, 2006 and the period ended March 31,
2005 are derived from our financial statements, which have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP , our independent registered public accounting
firm.
This
selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our financial
statements and related notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
|
|
For the Year Ended
March 31,
(dollar
amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
For the Period
|
|
Statement
of Operations Data:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
April 8, 2004* through
March 31,
2005
|
|
Total
Investment Income
|
|
$
|
377,304 |
|
|
$ |
357,878 |
|
|
$ |
266,101 |
|
|
$ |
152,827 |
|
|
$ |
47,833 |
|
Net
Expenses (including taxes)
|
|
$ |
170,973 |
|
|
$ |
156,272 |
|
|
$ |
140,783 |
|
|
$ |
63,684 |
|
|
$ |
22,380 |
|
Net
Investment Income
|
|
$ |
206,331 |
|
|
$ |
201,606 |
|
|
$ |
125,318 |
|
|
$ |
89,143 |
|
|
$ |
25,453 |
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
|
$ |
(818,210 |
) |
|
$ |
(235,044 |
) |
|
$ |
186,848 |
|
|
$ |
31,244 |
|
|
$ |
18,692 |
|
Net
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from
Operations
|
|
$ |
(611,879 |
) |
|
$ |
(33,438 |
) |
|
$ |
312,166 |
|
|
$ |
120,387 |
|
|
$ |
44,145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Asset Value
|
|
$ |
9.82 |
|
|
$ |
15.83 |
|
|
$ |
17.87 |
|
|
$ |
15.15 |
|
|
$ |
14.27 |
|
Net
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from
Operations
|
|
$ |
(4.39 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.30 |
) |
|
$ |
3.64 |
|
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
Distributions
Declared
|
|
$ |
1.820 |
|
|
$ |
2.070 |
|
|
$ |
1.930 |
|
|
$ |
1.630 |
|
|
$ |
0.485 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$ |
2,548,639 |
|
|
$ |
3,724,324 |
|
|
$ |
3,523,218 |
|
|
$ |
2,511,074 |
|
|
$ |
1,733,384 |
|
Borrowings
Outstanding
|
|
$ |
1,057,601 |
|
|
$ |
1,639,122 |
|
|
$ |
492,312 |
|
|
$ |
323,852 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Total
Net Assets
|
|
$ |
1,396,138 |
|
|
$ |
1,897,908 |
|
|
$ |
1,849,748 |
|
|
$ |
1,229,855 |
|
|
$ |
892,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Return (1)
|
|
|
(73.9 |
%) |
|
|
(17.5 |
%) |
|
|
31.7 |
% |
|
|
12.9 |
% |
|
|
15.3 |
% |
Number
of Portfolio Companies at Period End
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Total
Portfolio Investments for the Period
|
|
$ |
434,995 |
|
|
$ |
1,755,913 |
|
|
$ |
1,446,730 |
|
|
$ |
1,110,371 |
|
|
$ |
894,335 |
|
Investment
Sales and Prepayments for the Period
|
|
$ |
339,724 |
|
|
$ |
714,225 |
|
|
$ |
845,485 |
|
|
$ |
452,325 |
|
|
$ |
71,730 |
|
Weighted
Average Yield on Debt Portfolio at Period
End
|
|
|
11.7 |
% |
|
|
12.0 |
% |
|
|
13.1 |
% |
|
|
13.1 |
% |
|
|
10.5 |
% |
*
|
Commencement
of operations
|
(1)
|
Total
return is based on the change in market price per share and takes into
account dividends and distributions, if any, reinvested in accordance with
Apollo Investment’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total return is not
annualized.
|
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Some
of the statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements,
which relate to future events or our future performance or financial
condition. 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;
|
·
|
the
adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
and
|
·
|
the
timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio
companies.
|
We
generally use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends" and
similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our
actual results could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth in
"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
We
have based the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus on
information available to us on the date of this prospectus. Although
we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, we have a
general obligation to update to reflect material changes in our disclosures
and you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make
directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC,
including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and
current reports on Form 8-K.
MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements
and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus. In addition to historical information, the
following discussion and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking
information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking
information due to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" and
"Forward-Looking Statements" appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus.
OVERVIEW
We
were incorporated under the Maryland General Corporation Law in February
2004. We have elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940
Act. As such, we are required to comply with certain regulatory
requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70%
of our total assets in "qualifying assets," including securities of private or
thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or
less. In addition, for federal income tax purposes we have elected to
be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Pursuant to this
election and assuming we qualify as a RIC, we generally do not have to pay
corporate-level federal income taxes on any income we distribute to our
stockholders. We commenced operations on April 8, 2004 upon
completion of our initial public offering that raised $870 million in net
proceeds selling 62 million shares of our common stock at a price of $15.00 per
share. Since then, and through March 31, 2009 , we have raised
approximately $1.4 billion in net proceeds from additional offerings of
common stock.
Investments
Our
level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to
period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity
capital available to middle market companies, the level of merger and
acquisition activity for such companies, the general economic environment and
the competitive environment for the types of investments we make.
As
a BDC, we must not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified
in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our
total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Qualifying
assets include investments in “eligible portfolio
companies.” Pursuant to rules adopted in 2006 , the SEC
expanded the definition of “eligible portfolio company” to include certain
public companies that do not have any securities listed on a national securities
exchange . The SEC recently adopted an additional new rule under
the 1940 Act to expand the definition of “eligible portfolio company” to include
companies whose securities are listed on a national securities
exchange but whose market capitalization is less than $250
million. This new rule became effective July 21,
2008.
Revenue
We
generate revenue primarily in the form of interest and dividend income from the
debt and preferred securities we hold and capital gains, if any, on investment
securities that we may acquire in portfolio companies. Our debt investments,
whether in the form of mezzanine or senior secured loans, generally have a
stated term of five to ten years and bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating
rate usually determined on the basis of a benchmark: LIBOR, EURIBOR, GBP LIBOR,
or the prime rate. While U.S. subordinated debt and corporate notes typically
accrue interest at fixed rates, some of these investments may include zero
coupon, payment-in-kind (“PIK”) and/or step-up bonds that accrue income on a
constant yield to call or maturity basis. Interest on debt securities is
generally payable quarterly or semiannually. In some cases, some of our
investments provide for deferred interest payments or
PIK.
The principal amount of the debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest
generally becomes due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue
in the form of dividends paid to us on common equity investments as well as
revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring fees, fees for
providing managerial assistance and, if applicable, consulting fees,
etc.
Expenses
All
investment professionals of the investment adviser and their staff, when and to
the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services to
us, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of that personnel which
is allocable to those services are provided and paid for by AIM. We
bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including
those relating to:
·
|
investment
advisory and management fees;
|
·
|
expenses
incurred by AIM payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or
other advisors, in monitoring our financial and legal affairs and in
monitoring our investments and performing due diligence on our prospective
portfolio companies;
|
·
|
calculation
of our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent
valuation firm);
|
·
|
direct
costs and expenses of administration, including auditor and legal
costs;
|
·
|
costs
of preparing and filing reports or other documents with the
SEC;
|
·
|
interest
payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our
investments;
|
·
|
offerings
of our common stock and other
securities;
|
·
|
registration
and listing fees;
|
·
|
fees
payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors,
relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making
investments;
|
·
|
transfer
agent and custodial fees;
|
·
|
independent
directors' fees and expenses;
|
·
|
marketing
and distribution-related expenses;
|
·
|
the
costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders,
including printing and postage
costs;
|
·
|
our
allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and
omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance
premiums;
|
·
|
organization
and offering; and
|
·
|
all
other expenses incurred by us or AIA in connection with administering our
business, such as our allocable portion of overhead under the
administration agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the
cost of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their
respective staffs.
|
We
expect our general and administrative operating expenses related to our ongoing
operations to increase moderately in dollar terms . During periods
of asset growth, we expect our general and administrative operating expenses
to decline as a percentage of our total assets and increase
during periods of asset declines . Incentive fees, interest
expense and costs relating to future offerings of securities, among others,
may also increase or reduce overall operating expenses based on portfolio
performance, benchmarks LIBOR and EURIBOR, and offerings of our securities
relative to comparative periods, among other factors .
The
SEC requires that "Total annual expenses" be calculated as a percentage of net
assets in the chart on page 5 rather than as a percentage of total assets. Total
assets includes net assets as of March 31, 2009 and assets that have been
funded with borrowed monies (leverage). For reference, the below chart
illustrates our "Total annual expenses" as a percentage of total
assets:
A nnual
expenses (as percentage of total assets):
|
|
|
Management
fees
|
2.00
%(1)
|
|
Incentive
fees payable under investment advisory and management
agreement
|
2.03
%(2)
|
|
Other
expenses
|
0.42
%(3)
|
|
Interest
and other credit facility related expenses on borrowed
funds
|
1.92 %(4)
|
|
Total
annual expenses as a percentage of total assets
|
6.37 %(1,2,3,4)
|
|
_______________________
(1)
|
The
contractual management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our
average gross total assets. Annual expenses are based on
current fiscal year amounts . For more detailed
information about our computation of average total assets, please see
Notes 3 and 9 of our financial statements dated March 31, 2009
included in this base prospectus.
|
(2)
|
Assumes
that annual incentive fees earned by our investment adviser, AIM, remain
consistent with the incentive fees earned by AIM for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2009 . AIM earns incentive fees consisting of
two parts. The first part, which is payable quarterly in
arrears, is based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the
immediately preceding calendar quarter. 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 the rate of 1.75% quarterly (7% annualized). Our
net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is
also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2%
base management fee (see footnote 1 above). Accordingly, we pay
AIM an incentive fee as follows: (1) no incentive fee in any calendar
quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not
exceed 1.75%, which we commonly refer to as the performance
threshold ; (2) 100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income
with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the performance threshold but does
not exceed 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount
of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds
2.1875% in any calendar quarter. These calculations are
appropriately pro rated for any period of less than three
months . The effect of the fee calculation described above is
that if pre-incentive fee net investment income is equal to or exceeds
2.1875%, AIM will receive a fee of 20% of our pre-incentive fee net
investment income for the 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 performance
threshold 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. Furthermore, 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. The second part of the incentive fee will equal
20% of our realized capital gains for the calendar year, if any, computed
net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation
(and incorporating unrealized depreciation on a gross
investment-by-investment basis) and is payable in arrears at the end of
each calendar year. For a more detailed discussion of the
calculation of this fee, see "Management—Investment Advisory and
Management Agreement" in this base
prospectus.
|
(3)
|
"Other
expenses" are based on amounts for the current fiscal year and include
our overhead expenses, including payments under the administration
agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other
expenses incurred by AIA in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement. See "Management—Administration
Agreement" in this base prospectus.
|
(4)
|
Our
interest and other credit facility expenses are based on current fiscal
year amounts . As of March 31, 2009, we had
$ 0.642 billion available and $ 1.058 billion in borrowings
outstanding under our $1.7 billion credit facility. For more
information, see "Risk Factors—Risks relating to our business and
structure—We fund a portion of our investments with borrowed money, which
magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may
increase the risk of investing in us" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and
Capital Resources" in this base
prospectus.
|
Portfolio
and Investment Activity
During
our fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, we invested $ 435 million
across 12 new and 13 existing portfolio companies. This compares
to investing $ 1.8 billion in 27 new and 15 existing
portfolio companies for the previous fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 .
Investments sold or prepaid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009
totaled $ 340 million versus $714 million for the fiscal year ended March
31, 2008 .
At
March 31, 2009, our net portfolio consisted of 72 portfolio companies and was
invested 27% in senior secured loans, 59% in subordinated debt, 4% in preferred
equity and 10% in common equity and warrants measured at fair value versus 71
portfolio companies invested 22% in senior secured loans, 57% in subordinated
debt, 6% in preferred equity and 15% in common equity and warrants at March 31,
2008.
The
weighted average yields on our senior secured loan portfolio, subordinated debt
portfolio and total debt portfolio at our current cost basis were 8.2%, 13.2%
and 11.7%, respectively, at March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2008, the yields were
10.0%, 12.8%, and 12.0%, respectively.
Since
the initial public offering of Apollo Investment Corporation in April 2004 and
through March 31, 2009, invested capital totals $5.6 billion in 124 portfolio
companies. Over the same period, we also completed transactions with
more than 85 different financial sponsors.
Senior
secured loans and European mezzanine loans typically accrue interest at variable
rates determined on the basis of a benchmark: LIBOR, EURIBOR, GBP LIBOR, or the
prime rate, with stated maturities at origination that typically range from 5 to
10 years. While subordinated debt issued within the United States will typically
accrue interest at fixed rates, some of these investments may include
zero-coupon, PIK and/or step bonds that accrue income on a constant yield to
call or maturity basis. At March 31, 2009, 69% or $1.5 billion of our
interest-bearing investment portfolio is fixed rate debt and 31% or $0.7 billion
is floating rate debt, measured at fair value. At March 31, 2008, 62% or
$1.6 billion of our interest-bearing investment portfolio was fixed rate debt
and 38% or $1.0 billion was floating rate debt.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are
based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or
GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic
environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such
estimates could cause actual results to differ materially. In
addition to the discussion below, our critical accounting policies are further
described in the notes to the financial statements.
Valuation
of Portfolio Investments
As
a BDC, we generally invest in illiquid or thinly traded securities including
debt and equity securities of middle market companies. Under
procedures established by our board of directors, we value investments,
including certain subordinated debt, senior secured debt and other debt
securities with maturities greater than 60 days, for which market quotations are
readily available, at such market quotations (unless they are deemed not to
represent fair value). We typically seek to obtain market quotations
from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, otherwise from
a principal market maker or a primary market dealer or other independent
pricing service). We utilize mid-market pricing as a practical
expedient for fair value unless a different point within the range is more
representative. If and when market quotations are deemed not to represent
fair value , we typically utilize independent third party valuation firms to
assist us in determining fair value. Given the general market dislocation, the
lack of trading activity and the forced sellers we noted in the market during
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, our research and diligence concluded that
the limited but available market quotations on a number of performing or
outperforming credits may not be representative of fair value under generally
accepted accounting principles in the U.S. Accordingly, such
investments went through our multi-step valuation process as described
below. In each case, our independent valuation firms considered
observable market inputs together with significant unobservable inputs in
arriving at their valuation recommendations for such Level 3 categorized
assets. Investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued at
cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates
fair value. Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or whose
market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of our board of
directors. Such determination of fair values may involve subjective
judgments and estimates.
With
respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or
when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, our board of
directors has approved a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described
below:
(1) our
quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment
being initially valued by the investment professionals of our investment adviser
responsible for the portfolio investment;
(2) preliminary
valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management
of our investment adviser;
(3) independent
valuation firms engaged by our board of directors conduct independent appraisals
and review our investment adviser’s preliminary valuations and make their own
independent assessment;
(4) the
audit committee of the board of directors reviews the preliminary valuation of
our investment adviser and that of the independent valuation firm and responds
to the valuation recommendation of the independent valuation firm to reflect any
comments; and
(5) the
board of directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each
investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of our investment
adviser, the respective independent valuation firm and the audit
committee.
Investments
are valued utilizing a market approach, an income approach, or both approaches,
as appropriate. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information
generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or
liabilities (including a business). The income approach uses valuation
techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a
single present amount (discounted). The measurement is based on the value
indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. In
following these approaches, the types of factors that we may take into account
in fair value pricing our investments include, as relevant: available current
market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction
comparables, applicable market yields and multiples, security covenants, call
protection provisions, information rights, the nature and realizable value of
any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments, its earnings
and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does
business, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public,
M&A comparables, our principal market (as the reporting entity) and
enterprise values, among other factors.
In
September, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 157, Fair Value Measurements. This
statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value
in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those years. We
adopted this statement for our first fiscal quarter ended June 30,
2008.
SFAS
No. 157 classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the
following hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, accessible by us
at the measurement date.
Level 2: Quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for
identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
other observable inputs other than quoted prices.
Level 3: Unobservable
inputs for the asset or liability.
In
all cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value
measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level
of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of
the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its
entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each
investment.
On
October 10, 2008, FASB Staff Position 157-3 – Determining the Fair Value of a
Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active (“FAS
157-3”) was issued. FAS 157-3 provides examples of how to determine
fair value in a market that is not active. FAS 157-3 did not change
the fair value measurement principles set forth in FAS 157. Furthermore, on
April 9, 2009, FASB Staff Position 157-4 – Determining Fair Value When the
Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly
Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (“FAS 157-4”)
was issued. FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating
fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for
the asset or liability have significantly decreased. FAS 157-4 also
includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is
not orderly. According to FAS 157-4, in the above circumstances, more
analysis and significant adjustments to transactions or quoted prices may be
necessary to estimate fair value. FAS 157-4 is effective for periods
ending after June 15, 2009. We are currently reviewing FAS 157-4 and
the future impact, if any, it will have on our financial position or results of
operations.
Revenue
Recognition
We
record interest and dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that we
expect to collect such amounts. Some of our loans and
securities may have contractual PIK interest or dividends, which
represents contractual interest or dividends accrued and added to the
balance that generally becomes due at maturity. On such loans
and securities , we may not accrue PIK income if the portfolio company 's
performance indicates that the PIK income is not collectible , among other
factors . We do not accrue as a receivable interest or dividends
on loans and securities if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such
income. Loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discount are
capitalized and we amortize such amounts as interest income. Upon the prepayment
of a loan or security, any unamortized loan origination fees are recorded as
interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans and securities as
interest income when we receive such amounts.
Net
Realized Gains or Losses and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or
Depreciation
We
measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from
the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without
regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, but
considering unamortized upfront fees and prepayment penalties. Net
change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in
portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal
of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation, when gains or
losses are realized.
Within
the context of these critical accounting policies, we are not currently aware of
any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially
different amounts being reported.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Results comparisons are for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and March 31,
2007 .
Investment
Income
For
the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and March
31, 2007, gross investment income totaled $377.3 million, $357.9
million and $266.1 million, respectively. The increase in
gross investment income from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2009 was
primarily due to changes in the composition of the portfolio as compared to the
previous fiscal year. The increase in gross investment income from
fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to the growth of our
investment portfolio as compared to the previous fiscal
year . 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.
Expenses
Net
operating expenses totaled $170.5 million, $154.4 million and
$139.7 million, respectively, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009,
March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, of which $111.3 million,
$ 90.3 million and $ 98.5 million, respectively, were base
management fees and performance-based incentive fees and $48.9
million, $55.8 million and $34.4 million, respectively, were interest and
other credit facility expenses. Of these net operating expenses, general
and administrative expenses totaled $10.3 million, $8.3 million and $6.8
million, respectively, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007. Net expenses consist of base investment advisory and management fees,
insurance expenses, administrative services fees, legal fees, directors’
fees, audit and tax services expenses, and other general and administrative
expenses. The increase in net expenses from fiscal 2008 to 2009 was primarily
related to the increase in performance-based incentive expenses accrued during
fiscal 2009 as compared to
those
accrued during fiscal 2008. Accrued performance-based incentive expenses for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 reflect an accrual reduction of $16.0 million
attributable to the difference between the amount of net realized capital gains
based incentive fees accrued at March 31, 2007 and what was ultimately earned
and paid in December 31, 2007. The increase in net expenses from fiscal 2007
to 2008 were primarily related to increases in base management fees,
performance-based incentive fees and other general and administrative
expenses related to the growth of our investment portfolio as compared to the
previous period. In addition, excise tax expense totaled $0.5 million, $1.9
million, and $1.1 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Net
Investment Income
Our
net investment income totaled $206.3 million, $201.6 million and $125.3 million,
or $1.48, $1.82, and $1.49, on a per share basis, respectively, for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Net
Realized Gains
We
had investment sales and prepayments totaling $340 million, $714 million and
$845 million, respectively, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007. Net realized losses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 were $83.7
million. Net realized gains for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008
and 2007 were $54.3 million and $132.9 million, respectively.
Net
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments, Cash Equivalents and
Foreign Currencies
For the fiscal years ended March 31,
2009 and 2008, net change in unrealized depreciation on our investments, cash
equivalents, foreign currencies and other assets and liabilities totaled $734.5
million and $289.3 million, respectively. For the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007, net change in unrealized appreciation on our investments, cash
equivalents, foreign currencies and other assets and liabilities totaled $54.0
million. A material increase in unrealized depreciation was
recognized for the most recent fiscal year from significantly lower fair value
determinations on many of our investments. Lower fair values were
driven primarily from the general market dislocation, the illiquid capital
markets, and the current market expectations for pricing increased credit risk
and default assumptions.
Net
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations
For
the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we had a net decrease in net
assets resulting from operations of $611.9 million and $33.4 million,
respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, we had a net
increase in net assets resulting from operations of $312.2 million. The loss per
share was $4.39 and $0.30 for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2007, earnings per share
were $3.64.
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our liquidity and capital resources
are generated and generally available through periodic follow-on equity
offerings, through our senior secured, multi-currency $1.7 billion, five-year,
revolving credit facility maturing in April 2011, through investments in special
purpose entities in which we hold and finance particular investments on a
non-recourse basis, as well as from cash flows from operations, investment sales
of liquid assets and prepayments of senior and subordinated loans and income
earned from investments and cash equivalents. At March 31, 2009,
we had $1.06 billion in borrowings outstanding and $0.64 billion of
unused capacity. Given our asset coverage requirements, use of the capital
resources available to us has been significantly curtailed due to the effect of
unrealized depreciation on our leverage ratio. In addition, we currently expect
any present liquidity needs to be met
from
continued cash flows from operations and investment sales and prepayments, among
other actions. In the future, we may raise additional equity or debt capital
from offerings hereunder, among other considerations. The primary use of funds
will be investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our
stockholders, reductions in debt outstanding and other general corporate
purposes. On May 16, 2008, we closed on our most recent follow-on public equity
offering of 22.3 million shares of common stock at $17.11 per share raising
approximately $369.6 million in net proceeds.
|
Payments due by Period (dollars in millions)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less than 1
year
|
|
1-3 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior
Secured Revolving Credit Facility (1)
|
$ |
1,058 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
1,058 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
(1)
|
At
March 31, 2009, $642 million remained unused under our senior secured
revolving credit facility. Pricing of our credit facility is
100 basis points over LIBOR.
|
Information
about our senior securities is shown in the following table as of each year
ended March 31 since we commenced operations, unless otherwise noted. The
“—” indicates information which the SEC expressly does not require to be
disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
Class
and Year
|
|
Total
Amount
Outstanding
(dollars in thousands) (1)
|
|
|
Asset
Coverage
Per Unit
(2)
|
|
|
Involuntary
Liquidating
Preference
Per Unit
(3)
|
|
|
Average
Market Value
Per Unit
(4)
|
|
Revolving
Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal
2009
|
|
$ |
1,057,601
|
|
|
$ |
2,320
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Fiscal
2008
|
|
|
1,639,122
|
|
|
|
2,158
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Fiscal
2007
|
|
|
492,312
|
|
|
|
4,757
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Fiscal
2006
|
|
|
323,852
|
|
|
|
4,798
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Fiscal
2005
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
(1) |
Total
amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the
period presented.
|
(2)
|
The
asset coverage ratio for a class of senior securities representing
indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided
by senior securities representing indebtedness. This asset coverage ratio
is multiplied by $1 to determine the Asset Coverage Per
Unit.
|
(3)
|
The
amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the
involuntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior
to it.
|
(4)
|
Not
applicable, as senior securities are not registered for public
trading.
|
Contractual
Obligations
We
have entered into two contracts under which we have future commitments: the
investment advisory and management agreement, pursuant to which Apollo
Investment Management has agreed to serve as our investment adviser, and the
administration agreement, pursuant to which Apollo Administration has agreed to
furnish us with the facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct
our day-to-day operations and provide on our behalf managerial assistance to
those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such
assistance. Payments under the investment advisory and management
agreement are equal to (1) a percentage of the value of our gross assets and (2)
a two-part incentive fee. Payments under the administration agreement
are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of Apollo
Administration's overhead in performing its obligations under the administration
agreement, including rent, technology systems, insurance and our allocable
portion of the costs of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer
and their respective staffs. Either party may terminate each of the
investment advisory and management agreement and administration agreement
without penalty upon not more than 60 days' written notice to the
other. Please see Note 3 within our financial statements for more
information.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
have the ability to issue standby letters of credit through its revolving credit
facility. As of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, we had issued
through JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. standby letters of credit totaling $3.508
million and $14.435 million, respectively.
AIC
Credit Opportunities Fund LLC
We own all of the common member
interests in AIC Credit Opportunity Fund LLC ("AIC Holdco"), which was formed
for the purpose of holding various financed investments. Effective in
June 2008, we invested $39.50 million in a special purpose entity wholly owned
by AIC Holdco, AIC (FDC) Holdings LLC (“Apollo FDC”), which was used to purchase
a Junior Profit-Participating Note due 2013 in principal amount of $39.50
million (the “Junior Note”) from Apollo I Trust (the
“Trust”). The Trust also issued a Senior Floating Rate Note due
2013 (the “Senior Note”) to an unaffiliated third party (“FDC Counterparty”) in
principal amount of $39.50 million paying interest at Libor plus 1.50%,
increasing over time to Libor plus 2.0%. The Trust used the aggregate
$79.00 million proceeds to acquire $100 million face value of a
senior subordinated loan of First Data Corporation (the “FDC Reference
Obligation”) due 2016 and paying interest at 11.25% per year. The
Junior Note generally entitles Apollo FDC to the net interest and other proceeds
due under the FDC Reference Obligation after payment of interest due under the
Senior Notes, as described above. In addition, Apollo FDC is entitled
to 100% of any realized appreciation in the FDC Reference Obligation and, since
the Senior Note is a non-recourse obligation, Apollo FDC is exposed up to the
amount of equity used by AIC Holdco to fund the purchase of the Junior Note plus
any additional margin Apollo decides to post, if any, during the term of the
financing.
Through AIC Holdco, effective in
June 2008, we invested $11.37 million in a special purpose entity wholly owned
by AIC Holdco, AIC (TXU) Holdings LLC (“Apollo TXU”), which acquired exposure to
$50 million notional amount of a Libor plus 3.5% senior secured delayed draw
term loan of Texas Competitive Electric Holdings (“TXU”) due 2014 through a
non-recourse total return swap with an unaffiliated third party expiring on
October 10, 2013 and pursuant to which Apollo TXU pays interest at Libor plus
1.5% and generally receives all proceeds due under the delayed draw term loan of
TXU (the “TXU Reference Obligation”). Like Apollo FDC, Apollo TXU is
entitled to 100% of any realized appreciation in the TXU Reference Obligation
and, since the total return swap is a non-recourse obligation, Apollo TXU is
exposed up to the amount of equity used by AIC Holdco to fund the investment in
the total return swap, plus any additional margin we decide to post, if any,
during the term of the financing.
Through AIC Holdco, effective in
September 2008, we invested $10.02 million equivalent, in a special purpose
entity wholly owned by AIC Holdco, AIC (Boots) Holdings, LLC (“Apollo Boots”),
which acquired €23.38 million and £12.46 million principal amount of senior term
loans of AB Acquisitions Topco 2 Limited, a holding company for the Alliance
Boots group of companies (the “Boots Reference Obligations”), out of the
proceeds of our investment and a multicurrency $40.87 million equivalent
non-recourse loan to Apollo Boots (the “Acquisition Loan”) by an unaffiliated
third party that matures in September 2013 and pays interest at LIBOR plus 1.25%
or, in certain cases, the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or the
lender’s prime-rate. The Boots Reference Obligations pay interest at
the rate of LIBOR plus 3% per year and mature in June 2015.
Pursuant to applicable investment
company accounting, we do not consolidate AIC Holdco or its wholly owned
subsidiaries and accordingly only the value of our investment in AIC Holdco is
included on our balance sheet. The Senior Note, total return swap and
Acquisition Loan are non-recourse to AIC Holdco, its subsidiaries and us and
have standard events of default including failure to pay contractual amounts
when due and failure by each of the underlying special purpose entities to
provide additional credit support, sell assets or prepay a portion of its
obligations if the value of the FDC Reference Obligation, the TXU Reference
Obligation or the Boots Reference Obligation, as applicable, declines below
specified levels. We may unwind any of these transactions at any time
without penalty. From time to time we may provide additional capital
to AIC Holdco for purposes of funding margin calls under one or more of the
transactions described above. During the fiscal year ended March 31,
2009, we provided $18.48 million in additional capital to AIC
Holdco.
Dividends
Dividends paid to stockholders for
the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $258.8 million or
$1.82 per share, $230.9 million or $2.07 per share, and $168.4 million or $1.93
per share, respectively. Tax characteristics of all dividends will be
reported to shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Our
quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of
Directors.
We intend to continue to distribute
quarterly dividends to our stockholders , however, we may not be able to
maintain the current level of dividend payments, including due to regulatory
requirements . Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined
by our board of directors.
We have elected to be taxed as a RIC
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 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
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 distribute taxable dividends
that are payable in cash and shares of our common stock at the election of each
stockholder. On January 7, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service issued
IRS Revenue Procedure 2009-15 that temporarily allows a RIC that is traded on an
established securities market to distribute its own stock as a dividend for the
purpose of fulfilling its distribution requirements. Pursuant to this revenue
procedure, a RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as fulfilling its
distribution requirements if (i) the distribution is declared with respect to a
taxable year ending on or before December 31, 2009 and (ii) each shareholder may
elect to receive his or her entire distribution in either cash or stock of the
RIC subject to a limitation on the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to
all shareholders, which must be at least 10% of the aggregate declared
distribution. If too many shareholders elect to receive cash, each shareholder
electing to receive cash will receive a pro rata amount of cash (with the
balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any shareholder,
electing to receive cash, receive less than 10% of his or her entire
distribution in cash. In such case, for federal income tax purposes,
the amount of the dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash
that could have been received instead of stock. See “Material Federal
Income Tax Considerations” for tax consequences to stockholders upon receipt of
such dividends.
Revenue Procedure 2009-15 is
temporary in that it does not apply to dividends declared with respect to
taxable years ending after December 31, 2009. It is uncertain
whether, and no assurances can be given that, the Internal Revenue Service will
extend such guidance for taxable years ending after December 31,
2009. The Internal Revenue Service has also issued (and where Revenue
Procedure 2009-15 is not currently applicable, the Internal Revenue Service
continues to issue) private letter rulings on cash/stock dividends paid by
regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts using a 20%
cash standard (instead of the 10% cash standard of Revenue Procedure 2009-15) if
certain requirements are satisfied. While it is generally expected
that the Internal Revenue Service may continue such ruling policy, no assurances
can be given that the Internal Revenue Service will not discontinue or adversely
alter such ruling policy. Whether pursuant to Revenue Procedure
2009-15, a private letter ruling or otherwise, we reserve the option to pay any
future dividend in cash and stock. Moreover, no assurances can be
given that we will be able to pay any dividend in cash and
stock.
We may not be able to achieve
operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level
or to increase the amount of these distributions from time to
time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as
a business development company, we may in the future be limited in our ability
to make distributions. Also, our revolving credit facility may limit
our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. If we
do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer
adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of the tax benefits available
to us as a regulated investment company. In addition, in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and tax regulations, we
include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as
contractual payment-in-kind interest, which
represents
contractual interest added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of
the loan term, or the accrual of original issue or market
discount. Since we may recognize income before or without receiving
cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to
distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to obtain tax
benefits as a regulated investment company .
With respect to the dividends paid to
stockholders, income from origination, structuring, closing, commitment and
other upfront fees associated with investments in portfolio companies is treated
as taxable income and accordingly, distributed to stockholders. For the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 upfront fees totaling $0.4
million , $0.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively, are being amortized
into income over the lives of their respective loans to the extent such loans
remain outstanding.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
We are subject to financial market
risks, including changes in interest rates. During the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2009 , many of the loans in our portfolio had floating
interest rates. These loans are usually based on floating
LIBOR and typically have durations of one to six months after which they
reset to current market interest rates. As the percentage of our
U.S. mezzanine and other subordinated loans increase as a percentage of
our total investments, we expect that more of the loans in our portfolio will
have fixed rates. Accordingly, we may hedge against interest rate
fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and
forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. While hedging
activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may
also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates
with respect to our portfolio of investments. During the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2009 , we did not engage in interest rate hedging
activities.
SALES
OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
We have submitted to our
stockholders, for their approval, a proposal seeking authorization for our
ability to sell shares of our common stock below net asset value ("NAV") per
share. The stockholders will vote on the proposal at our annual
meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on August 5, 2009. If
our stockholders approve the proposal, we will have the ability, in one or more
public or private offerings of our common stock, to sell or otherwise issue up
to 25% of our shares of our common stock at any level of discount from NAV per
share during the period beginning on the date of such stockholder approval and
expiring on the earlier of the anniversary of the date of the August 5, 2009
annual meeting and the date of our 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, which is
expected to be held in August 2010.
In making a determination that an
offering below NAV per share is in our and our stockholders’ best interests, our
board of directors would consider a variety of factors
including:
·
|
The
effect that an offering below NAV per share would have on our
stockholders, including the potential dilution they would experience as a
result of the offering;
|
·
|
The
amount per share by which the offering price per share and the net
proceeds per share are less than the most recently determined NAV per
share;
|
·
|
The
relationship of recent market prices of par common stock to NAV per share
and the potential impact of the offering on the market price per share of
our common stock;
|
·
|
Whether
the estimated offering price would closely approximate the market value of
our shares and would not be below current market
price;
|
·
|
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 in the
offering;
|
·
|
The
anticipated rate of return on and quality, type and availability of
investments; and
|
·
|
The
leverage available to us.
|
Sales by us of our common stock at a
discount from NAV pose potential risks for our existing stockholders whether or
not they participate in the offering, as well as for new investors who
participate in the offering.
The following three headings and
accompanying tables will explain and provide hypothetical examples on the impact
of an offering at a price less than NAV per share on three different set of
investors:
·
|
existing
shareholders who do not purchase any shares in the
offering
|
·
|
existing
shareholders who purchase a relatively small amount of shares in the
offering or a relatively large amount of shares in the
offering
|
·
|
new
investors who become shareholders by purchasing shares in the
offering.
|
Impact
on Existing Stockholders who do not Participate in the Offering
Our existing stockholders who do not
participate in an offering below NAV per share or who do not buy additional
shares in the secondary market at the same or lower price we obtain in the
offering (after expenses and commissions) face the greatest potential risks.
These stockholders will experience an immediate decrease (often called dilution)
in the NAV of the shares they hold and their NAV per share. These stockholders
will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their
participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the
increase we will experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting
interests due to the offering. These stockholders may also experience a decline
in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree
announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV per share. This decrease
could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts
increase.
The following table 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, although
it is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.
Actual sales prices and discounts may differ from the presentation
below.
The examples assume that we have
1,000,000 common shares outstanding, $15,000,000 in total assets and $5,000,000
in total liabilities. The current net asset value and net asset value per share
are thus $10,000,000 and $10.00. The table illustrates the dilutive effect on a
nonparticipating stockholder of (1) an offering of 50,000 shares (5% of the
outstanding shares) at $9.50 per share after offering expenses and commission (a
5% discount from net asset value), (2) an offering of 100,000 shares (10% of the
outstanding shares) at $9.00 per share after offering expenses and commissions
(a 10% discount from net asset value) and (3) an offering of 200,000 shares (20%
of the outstanding shares) at $8.00 per share after offering expenses and
commissions (a 20% discount from net asset value).
|
|
|
|
|
Example
1
5%
Offering
at
5% Discount
|
|
|
Example
2
10%
Offering
at
10% Discount
|
|
|
Example
3
20%
Offering
at
20% Discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price
per Share to Public
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.47 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net
Proceeds per Share to Issuer
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.50 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease
to NAV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,050,000 |
|
|
|
5.00 |
% |
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
NAV
per Share
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
9.98 |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.91 |
|
|
|
(0.90 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilution
to Stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Percentage
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
0.95 |
% |
|
|
(4.76 |
)% |
|
|
0.91 |
% |
|
|
(9.09 |
)% |
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
(16.67 |
)% |
Total Asset
Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total NAV Held by
Stockholder
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
99,800 |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
$ |
99,100 |
|
|
|
(0.90 |
)% |
|
$ |
96,700 |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
Total Investment by
Stockholder
(Assumed
to be $10.00 per Share)
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Dilution to
Stockholder (Total NAV Less Total
Investment)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(200 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(900 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(3,300 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Share
Amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAV Per Share Held by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.98 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.91 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Investment per Share Held by
Stockholder (Assumed to be $10.00 per Share on Shares Held
prior to Sale)
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dilution
per Share Held by Stockholder (NAV per Share Less Investment per
Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Percentage
Dilution to Stockholder (Dilution per Share Divided by
Investment per Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.90 |
)% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
Impact
on Existing Stockholders who do Participate in the Offering
Our existing stockholders who
participate in an offering below NAV per share or who buy additional shares in
the secondary market at the same or lower price as we obtain in the offering
(after expenses and commissions) will experience the same types of NAV dilution
as the nonparticipating stockholders, albeit at a lower level, to the extent
they purchase less than the same percentage of the discounted offering as their
interest in our shares immediately prior to the offering. The level of NAV
dilution will decrease as the number of shares such stockholders purchase
increases. Existing stockholders who buy more than such percentage will
experience NAV dilution but will, in contrast to existing stockholders who
purchase less than their proportionate share of the offering, experience an
increase (often called accretion) in NAV per share over their investment per
share and will also experience a disproportionately greater increase in their
participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than our
increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to the
offering. The level of accretion will increase as the excess number of shares
such stockholder purchases increases. Even a stockholder who over-participates
will, however, be subject to the risk that we may make additional discounted
offerings in which such stockholder does not participate, in which case such a
stockholder will experience NAV dilution as described above in such subsequent
offerings. These 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 NAV per share. This decrease could be more pronounced
as the size of the offering and level of discount to NAV
increases.
The
following chart illustrates the level of dilution and accretion in the
hypothetical 20% discount offering from the prior chart for a stockholder that
acquires shares equal to (1) 50% of its proportionate share of the offering
(i.e., 1,000 shares, which is 0.50% of the offering 200,000 shares rather than
its 1.00% proportionate share) and (2) 150% of such percentage (i.e., 3,000
shares, which is 1.50% of an offering of 200,000 shares rather than its 1.00%
proportionate share). The prospectus supplement pursuant to
which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for this example
based on the actual number of shares in such offering and the actual discount
from the most recently determined NAV per share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price
per Share to Public
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net
Proceeds per Share to Issuer
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increases
in Shares and Decrease to NAV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
NAV
per Share
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilution/Accretion
to Stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
11,000 |
|
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
30.00 |
% |
Percentage
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
0.92 |
% |
|
|
(8.33 |
)% |
|
|
1.08 |
% |
|
|
8.33 |
% |
Total Asset
Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total NAV Held by
Stockholder
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
106,333 |
|
|
|
6.33 |
% |
|
$ |
125,667 |
|
|
|
25.67 |
% |
Total Investment by
Stockholder
(Assumed
to be $10.00 per Share on
Shares
Held prior to Sale)
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
108,420 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
125,260 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Dilution/Accretion to
Stockholder (Total NAV Less Total Investment)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,087 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Share
Amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAV Per Share Held by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Investment per Share Held by
Stockholder (Assumed to be $10.00 per Share on Shares Held
prior to Sale)
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
9.86 |
|
|
|
(1.44 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.64 |
|
|
|
(3.65 |
)% |
Dilution/Accretion
per Share Held by Stockholder (NAV per Share Less Investment per
Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Percentage
Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder (Dilution/Accretion per Share Divided by
Investment per Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1.92 |
)% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact
on New Investors
Investors who are not currently
stockholders, but who participate in an offering below NAV and whose investment
per share is greater than the resulting NAV per share (due to selling
compensation and expenses paid by us) will experience an immediate decrease,
albeit small, in the NAV of their shares and their NAV per share compared to the
price they pay for their shares. Investors who are not currently stockholders
and who participate in an offering below NAV per share and whose investment per
share is also less than the resulting NAV per share due to selling compensation
and expenses paid by the issuer being significantly less than the discount per
share will experience an immediate increase in the NAV of their shares and their
NAV 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. 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 NAV per share. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size
of the offering and level of discounts increases.
The following chart illustrates the
level of dilution or accretion for new investors that would be experienced by a
new investor in the same 5%, 10% and 20% discounted offerings as described in
the first chart above. The illustration is for a new investor who
purchases the same percentage (1.00%) of the shares in the offering as the
stockholder 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 this example based on the actual
number of shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently
determined NAV per share.
|
|
|
|
|
Example
1
5%
Offering
at
5% Discount
|
|
|
Example
2
10%
Offering
at
10% Discount
|
|
|
Example
3
20%
Offering
at
20% Discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price
per Share to Public
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.47 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net
Proceeds per Share to Issuer
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.50 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease
to NAV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,050,000 |
|
|
|
5.00 |
% |
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
NAV
per Share
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
9.98 |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.91 |
|
|
|
(0.90 |
)% |
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
(3.33 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilution/Accretion
to Stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Percentage
Held by Stockholder
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
Total Asset
Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total NAV Held by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
4,990 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9,910 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
19,340 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Investment by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9,470 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
16,840 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Dilution/Accretion to
Stockholder (Total NAV Less Total
Investment)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(10 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
440 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
2,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Share
Amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAV Per Share Held by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.98 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.91 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Investment per Share Held by
Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
9.47 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
8.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dilution/Accretion
per Share Held by Stockholder (NAV per Share Less Investment per
Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Percentage
Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder (Dilution/Accretion per Share Divided by
Investment per Share)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4.65 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
14.85 |
% |
PRICE
RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Our
common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol
"AINV." The following table lists the high and low closing sale price for our
common stock, the closing sale price as a percentage of net asset value, or NAV,
and quarterly dividends per share since shares of our common stock began being
regularly quoted on NASDAQ.
|
|
NAV(1)
|
|
|
Closing Sales
Price
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
High
Sales Price as a Percentage of
|
|
|
Low
Sales Price as a Percentage of
|
|
|
Declared
Dividends
|
|
Fiscal
Year Ending March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Fiscal Quarter (through ___, 2009)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
$ |
0.260 |
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
9.82 |
|
|
$ |
9.76 |
|
|
$ |
2.05 |
|
|
|
99 |
% |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
$ |
0.260 |
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
9.87 |
|
|
$ |
15.85 |
|
|
$ |
6.08 |
|
|
|
161 |
% |
|
|
62 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
13.73 |
|
|
$ |
17.99 |
|
|
$ |
13.11 |
|
|
|
131 |
% |
|
|
95 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
15.93 |
|
|
$ |
18.59 |
|
|
$ |
14.33 |
|
|
|
117 |
% |
|
|
90 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
15.83 |
|
|
$ |
16.70 |
|
|
$ |
14.21 |
|
|
|
105 |
% |
|
|
90 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
Third
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
17.71 |
|
|
$ |
21.81 |
|
|
$ |
16.32 |
|
|
|
123 |
% |
|
|
92 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
Second
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
18.44 |
|
|
$ |
22.90 |
|
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
|
124 |
% |
|
|
106 |
% |
|
$ |
0.520 |
|
First
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
19.09 |
|
|
$ |
24.13 |
|
|
$ |
21.37 |
|
|
|
126 |
% |
|
|
112 |
% |
|
$ |
0.510 |
|
Fiscal
Year Ended March 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
Fiscal Quarter
|
|
$ |
17.87 |
|
|
$ |
24.12 |
|
|
$ |
20.30 |
|
|
|
135 |
% |
|
|
114 |
% |
|
$ |
0.510 |
|