n2a.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2009
Securities Act Registration No. 333- 153879
 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________
 
FORM N-2
 
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933
 
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
 
Post-Effective Amendment No. _______
 
Apollo Investment Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in the Charter)
 
9 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 515-3450
 
John J. Suydam
Gordon E. Swartz
c/o Apollo Investment Corporation
9 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
_____________________
 
Copies to:
 
Richard T.  Prins, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Four Times Square
New York, New York 10036
_____________________
 
Approximate date of proposed public offering:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement
_____________________
 
If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box    x
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
 
x  when declared effective pursuant to section 8( a )
If appropriate, check the following box:
o  this ________ amendment designates a new effective for a previously filed ________ registration statement.
 

 
o  this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective date is __________.
 
 


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 
Amount Being
Registered
Proposed Maximum
Offering
Price per Unit
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
Amount of
Registration Fee
 
Title of Securities Being Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value(2)
       
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value(2)
       
Warrants(3)
       
Debt Securities(4)
       
Total(5)
   
$1,000,000,000 (1)
$39,300 (1)

(1)
Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.  The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined, from time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the sale by the Registrant of the securities registered under this registration statement.  $12,084.37 was previously paid in relation to $443,976,475 of the $1,125,000,000 of securities remaining issuable under the Registrant's registration statement no. 333-145804, filed on August 30, 2007 which will be included in this registration statement upon its being declared effective.
 
(2)
Subject to Note 5 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of common stock or preferred stock as may be sold, from time to time.
 
(3)
Subject to Note 5 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of warrants as may be sold, from time to time, representing rights to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities.
 
(4)
Subject to Note 5 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities as may be sold, from time to time.  If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate price to investors not to exceed $ 1,000,000,000 .
 
(5)
In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities issued from time to time pursuant to this registration statement exceed $ 1,000,000,000 .
 
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.
 
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.
 


 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.
 
Preliminary Base Prospectus dated June 22, 2009
 
Subject to Completion June 22, 2009
 
$ 1,000,000,000
 
 
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Debt Securities
___________________
 
Apollo Investment Corporation is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or 1940 Act.  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, each of which may include an equity component, as well as by making direct equity investments in such companies.  We fund a portion of our investment with borrowed money, a practice commonly known as leverage.  We can offer no assurances that we will continue to achieve our objective.
 
Apollo Investment Management, L.P., an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private equity investor, serves as our investment adviser.  Apollo Investment Administration, LLC provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.
 
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, together or separately, 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, which we refer to, collectively, as the "securities." The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.
 
Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "AINV." The last reported closing price for our common stock on June 19, 2009 was $ 6.43 per share.
 
This prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, contains important information you should know before investing in our securities.  Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.  We file
 

 
annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 9 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 or by calling us collect at (212) 515-3450 or on our website at www.apolloic.com.  The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains such information free of charge.
 
___________________
 
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative .  Before buying any securities, you should read the discussion of the material risks of investing in our securities in "Risk Factors" beginning on page   of this prospectus.
 
___________________
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
___________________
 
This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
 
___________________
 

 

 
 
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement.  We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional information, or information different from that contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement.   If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it.  We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted.  The information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus or such prospectus supplement.  We will update these documents to reflect material changes.  Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since then.
 
___________________
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
    1
FEES AND EXPENSES
    6
RISK FACTORS
     8
USE OF PROCEEDS
  25
DIVIDENDS
  25
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
  28
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
  29
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
  30
SALES OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
  42
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
  45
BUSINESS
  48
MANAGEMENT
  60
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
  73
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
  74
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
  75
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
  85
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
  86
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
  87
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK
  93
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK
100
DESCRIPTION OF OUR WARRANTS
101
DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES
103
REGULATION
118
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
123
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
124
LEGAL MATTERS
125
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
125
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
125
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1

i

 
___________________
 

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.
 
 

 
ii

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.
 
1


 
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."
 
2

 
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."
 
3

 
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
 
4

 
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.
 
5


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
3.50 %(8)
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.
 
 
1 year
 
3 years
 
5 years
 
10 years
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.
 
6

 
 
(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.
 
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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."
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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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,
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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;
 
·  
loss of RIC status;
 
·  
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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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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.
 
 
Declared Dividends
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
 
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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
 
 
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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.

 
28

 
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.
 
29


 
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
 
30

 
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;
 
·  
taxes;
 
·  
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;
 
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·  
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
 
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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(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.
 
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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
 
36

 
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
 
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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
 
3-5 years
 
More than
5 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.
 
38

 
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.
 
39

 
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
 
40

 
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.
 
41

 
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
 
42

 
·  
  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.
 
43

 
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
 
   
Prior to Sale
Below NAV
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
 
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 )%
 
44

 
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.
 
         
50% Participation
   
150% Participation
 
   
Prior to Sale
Below NAV
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
 
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 %
                                         
 
45

 
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
 
   
Prior to Sale
Below NAV
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
   
Following
Sale
   
%
Change
 
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 %

46

 
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
NAV(2)
   
Low Sales Price as a Percentage of
NAV(2)
   
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