e497
Filed pursuant to Rules 497(c) and (h)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
File No. 333-131204
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated June 23, 2006)
1,675,050 Shares
Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure
Corporation
Common Stock
We are offering 1,675,050 shares of our common stock. We
seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited
partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure
sector. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of
total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to
stockholders. We are a nondiversified, closed-end management
investment company. This prospectus supplement, together with
the accompanying prospectus dated June 23, 2006 sets forth
the information that you should know before investing.
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are, and the
shares offered in this prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol TYG. The last reported sale price of our
common stock on August 8, 2006 was $29.85 per share. The
net asset value per share of our common stock (NAV)
at the close of business on August 8, 2006 was $30.02.
Investing in our common stock
involves risks that are described in the Risk
Factors section beginning on page 26 of the
accompanying prospectus.
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Per Share
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Total(1)
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Public offering price
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$29.85
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$50,000,243
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Underwriting discount
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$1.27
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$2,127,314
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Proceeds, before expenses, to
us(1)
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$28.58
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$47,872,929
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(1)
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The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be
$365,000, of which $75,000 will be borne by us, which represents
approximately $.045 per share, and the remainder will be borne
by the Adviser.
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The underwriters also may purchase up to an additional
251,257 shares from us at the public offering price, less
the underwriting discount, within 45 days from the date of
this prospectus supplement to cover overallotments. If the
underwriters exercise their entire overallotment option, the
total public offering price will be $57,500,264 and the total
underwriting discount will be $2,446,410. The proceeds to us
would be $55,053,854, before deducting offering expenses.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any State
Securities Commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares will be ready for delivery on or about
August 11, 2006.
Joint Book-Running Managers
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Merrill
Lynch & Co. |
Stifel
Nicolaus |
Lehman Brothers
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A.G.
Edwards |
Oppenheimer
& Co. |
RBC
Capital Markets |
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BB&T
Capital Markets |
Morgan
Keegan & Company, Inc. |
The date of this prospectus supplement is August 8, 2006.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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Prospectus Supplement
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S-1
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S-3
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S-3
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S-4
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S-5
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S-7
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S-7
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S-8
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F-1
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Prospectus
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1
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8
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10
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12
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13
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16
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16
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23
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26
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34
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36
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37
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42
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42
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44
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52
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53
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55
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58
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58
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58
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58
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59
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You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and in the statement of additional
information. We have not, and the underwriters have not,
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We
are not making an offer of these securities where the offer is
not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in the statement of
additional information is accurate only as of the dates on their
covers. Our business, financial condition and prospects may have
changed since such dates. We will advise investors of any
material changes to the extent required by applicable law.
i
CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act) and Section 21E of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
1934 Act). Forward-looking statements can be
identified by the words may, will,
intend, expect, estimate,
continue, plan, anticipate,
and similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such
forward-looking statements may be contained in this prospectus
supplement as well as in the accompanying prospectus. By their
nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from
those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several
factors that could materially affect our actual results are the
performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the
conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum
and other markets, the price at which our shares will trade in
the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC).
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and
results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the
Risk Factors section of the prospectus accompanying
this prospectus supplement. All forward-looking statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus are made as of the
date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing
obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend,
and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking
statement.
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations include, but are not
limited to, the factors described in the Risk
Factors section of the prospectus accompanying this
prospectus supplement. We urge you to review carefully that
section for a more complex discussion of the risks of an
investment in our common stock.
ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary contains basic information about us but does not
contain all of the information that is important to your
investment decision. You should read this summary together with
the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this
prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and in the
statement of additional information, especially the information
set forth under the heading Risk Factors beginning
on page 26 of the accompanying prospectus.
The
Company
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited
partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure
sector. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of
total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to
stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total
return includes capital appreciation of, and all distributions
received from, securities in which we invest regardless of the
tax character of the distributions. Similar to the tax
characterization of distributions made by MLPs to unitholders, a
significant portion of our distributions have been and are
expected to continue to be treated as a return of capital to
stockholders.
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company. We commenced operations in February 2004 following our
initial public offering. We were the first publicly traded
investment company offering access to a portfolio of energy
infrastructure MLPs. Since that time, we completed an additional
offering of common stock in December 2004. We have
$70 million of Money Market Cumulative Preferred
(MMP®)
Shares (MMP Shares) and $165 million of Auction
Rate Senior Notes (Tortoise Notes) outstanding. We
have a fiscal year ending November 30.
We expect to distribute substantially all of our distributable
cash flow (DCF) to holders of common stock through
quarterly distributions. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or their affiliates, and interest
payments received on debt securities owned by us, less current
or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on our taxable income,
and leverage costs paid by us (including leverage costs of the
Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares). Our Board of Directors adopted a
policy to target distributions to common stockholders in an
amount of at least 95% of DCF on an annual basis.
Investment
Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser)
serves as our investment adviser. The Adviser specializes in
managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy
infrastructure companies. The Adviser was formed in October 2002
to provide portfolio management services to institutional and
high-net-worth investors seeking professional management of
their MLP investments. As of July 31, 2006, the Adviser had
approximately $1.8 billion of client assets under
management. The Advisers investment committee is comprised
of five portfolio managers. See Management of the
Company in the accompanying prospectus.
The Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to Tortoise
Energy Capital Corporation (TYY) and Tortoise North
American Energy Corporation (TYN), which are also
publicly traded, closed-end management investment companies.
TYY, which commenced operations on May 31, 2005, invests
primarily in equity securities of MLPs and their affiliates in
the energy infrastructure sector. TYN, which commenced
operations on October 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity
securities of companies in the energy sector whose primary
operations are in North America. In December 2005, the Adviser
began managing the investments of Tortoise Capital Resources
Corporation, a private investment fund created to invest
primarily in privately held and micro-cap public companies in
the U.S. energy infrastructure sector.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 10801 Mastin
Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210.
S-1
The
Offering
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Common stock offered by the Company |
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1,675,050 shares |
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Shares outstanding after the offering |
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16,655,177 shares |
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Use of proceeds |
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We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering after
expenses without exercise of the overallotment option will be
approximately $47,797,929. We intend to use these net proceeds
to: |
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retire short-term debt of approximately
$41 million which we incurred in connection with the
acquisition of equity securities and certain open market
purchases in pursuit of our investment objective and
policies, and
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invest in energy infrastructure companies in
accordance with our investment objective and policies. |
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Risk factors |
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See Risk Factors and other information included in
the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of factors you
should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of
our common stock. |
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NYSE symbol |
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TYG |
The number of shares outstanding after the offering assumes the
underwriters overallotment option is not exercised. If the
overallotment option is exercised in full, we will issue and
sell an additional 251,257 shares.
Recent
Developments
On June 30, 2006, we acquired equity portfolio securities
through a direct placement with Crosstex Energy, L.P. in the
amount of $20 million. On July 26, 2006, we acquired
equity portfolio securities through a direct placement with
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. in the amount of
$12 million. On August 7, 2006, we acquired equity
securities of MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. in the amount of
$7.8 million from an institutional investor. These
investments were funded by drawing on our unsecured credit
facility.
On July 24, 2006, the Board of Directors approved an
increase in the amount of credit available under our unsecured
credit facility from $20 million to $60 million. As of
the date of this prospectus supplement, our outstanding balance
under the credit facility was approximately $41 million.
On July 24, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a policy
permitting temporary increases in the amount of leverage we may
use from 33% of total assets to up to 38% of total assets at the
time of incurrence, provided that (i) such leverage is
consistent with the limits set forth in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) such increased leverage
is reduced over time in an orderly fashion.
On August 4, 2006, we declared a quarterly dividend of
$0.51 per share to common stockholders of record on
August 22, 2006, expected to be paid September 1,
2006. Investors in this offering will be entitled to receive the
dividend provided that the offering is completed and the
investor holds the stock on the record date.
S-2
ISSUANCE
BELOW NAV
The offering price per share is below our NAV as of
August 8, 2006. Accordingly, the NAV of our currently
outstanding shares of common stock will be diluted upon the
issuance of shares offered hereby. At our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held on April 15, 2005, our stockholders
granted us the authority to sell a limited number of shares of
our common stock for less than NAV, subject to certain
conditions. See Description of Securities
Common Stock Issuance of Additional Shares in
the accompanying prospectus.
The table below sets forth the estimated dilutive effect on our
NAV to existing common stockholders following the completion of
the offering, assuming the underwriters overallotment
option is not exercised.
Impact of
Issuance of Common Shares Below NAV
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Common shares outstanding as of
August 8, 2006 (prior to this offering)
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14,980,127
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Common shares issued below NAV
pursuant to this offering
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1,675,050
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Total common shares outstanding
subsequent to this offering
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16,655,177
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NAV per share as of August 8,
2006
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$30.02
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Aggregate net asset value of all
outstanding common shares based on NAV as of August 8, 2006
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$
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449,765,879
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Aggregate net proceeds to the
Company
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47,797,929
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Expected aggregate net asset value
of the Company immediately subsequent to this offering
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$
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497,563,808
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NAV per share subsequent to this
offering
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$29.87
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Percentage dilution to
pre-offering NAV
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0.5
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%
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USE OF
PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering
of approximately $47,797,929, after deducting the
underwriters discount and our estimated offering expenses,
or $54,978,854 if the underwriters exercise their overallotment
option in full.
We intend to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering
to retire short-term debt of approximately $41 million
under our unsecured line of credit. Outstanding balances under
the credit facility accrue interest at a variable annual rate
equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus .75%. As of the date of
this prospectus supplement, the current rate is 6.15%. The
credit facility remains in effect through June 13, 2007,
and we may draw on the facility from time to time in accordance
with our investment policies. We will invest the remaining net
proceeds of this offering in accordance with our investment
objective and policies as described under Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies in the
accompanying prospectus and expect to be fully invested within
approximately three months of receipt of such proceeds. Pending
such investment, we anticipate that we will invest the proceeds
in securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies
or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or long-term
debt obligations.
S-3
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
May 31, 2006, pro forma to reflect the use of our line of
credit, and pro forma as adjusted to give effect to the issuance
of the common shares offered hereby. As indicated below, common
stockholders will bear the offering costs associated with this
offering.
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May 31, 2006
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Pro Forma
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Actual
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Pro Forma
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As Adjusted
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(Unaudited)
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(Unaudited)
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(Unaudited)
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Short-Term Debt:
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Unsecured line of credit facility;
$60,000,000 available
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$40,720,000
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Long-Term Debt:
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Tortoise Notes, denominations of
$25,000 or any multiple
thereof(1)
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$165,000,000
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$165,000,000
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$165,000,000
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Preferred Shares Outstanding:
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MMP Shares, $.001 par value
per share, $25,000 stated value per share at liquidation;
10,000,000 shares authorized/2,800 shares
issued(1)
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$70,000,000
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$70,000,000
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$70,000,000
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Net Assets Applicable to Common
Stock:
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Capital Stock, $.001 par
value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
14,944,103 shares actually outstanding,
14,944,103 shares outstanding pro forma and 16,655,177
shares outstanding pro forma as adjusted,
respectively(1)
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$14,944
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$14,944
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$16,655
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Additional paid-in capital
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303,629,209
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303,629,209
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(2)
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352,466,599
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(3)(4)
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Accumulated net investment loss,
net of deferred tax benefit
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(5,354,401
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(5,354,401
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(5,354,401
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Undistributed realized gain, net
of deferred tax expense
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4,488,241
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4,488,241
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4,488,241
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Net unrealized gain on investments
and interest rate swap contracts, net of deferred tax expense
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129,299,230
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129,299,230
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129,299,230
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Net assets applicable to common
stockholders
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$432,077,223
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$432,077,223
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$480,916,324
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(1) |
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None of these outstanding shares/notes are held by us or for our
account. |
(2) |
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May 31, 2006 pro forma, additional paid-in capital, does
not include the issuance of 36,024 common shares on June 1,
2006 pursuant to our automatic dividend reinvestment plan. |
(3) |
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Pro forma as adjusted, additional paid-in capital reflects the
proceeds of the issuance of common shares offered hereby
($50,000,243), less $.001 par value per share of common
stock ($1,675), the underwriting discount ($2,127,314) and less
the estimated offering costs borne by us ($75,000) related to
the issuance of common shares. |
(4) |
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Pro forma as adjusted, additional paid-in capital also reflects
the issuance of 36,024 common shares on June 1, 2006
pursuant to our automatic dividend reinvestment plan
($1,041,172), less $.001 par value per share of common
stock ($36). |
S-4
UNDERWRITING
We intend to offer our common stock through the underwriters.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated are acting as
representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the
terms and conditions described in a purchase agreement among us
and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the
underwriters, and the underwriters severally have agreed to
purchase from us, the number of shares of common stock listed
opposite their respective names below.
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Number
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Underwriter
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of Shares
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
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502,515
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Stifel, Nicolaus &
Company, Incorporated
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502,515
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Lehman Brothers Inc.
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167,505
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A.G. Edwards & Sons,
Inc.
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100,503
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Oppenheimer & Co.
Inc.
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100,503
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RBC Capital Markets Corporation
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100,503
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BB&T Capital Markets, a
division of Scott & Stringfellow
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100,503
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Morgan Keegan & Company,
Inc.
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100,503
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Total
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1,675,050
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Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the purchase
agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not
jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the purchase
agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an
underwriter defaults, the purchase agreement provides that the
purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be
increased or the purchase agreement may be terminated.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or
to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to
make in respect of those liabilities; provided that such
indemnification shall not extend to any liability or action
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
underwriters.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the
validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the
purchase agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of
certain officers certificates and legal opinions. The
underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions
and Discounts
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters
propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the
public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement and to dealers at that price less a concession not in
excess of $.75 per share. The underwriters may allow, and
the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of
$.10 per share to other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may
be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price,
underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The
information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the
underwriters of the overallotment option.
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Per Share
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Without Option
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With Option
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Public offering price
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$29.85
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$50,000,243
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$57,500,264
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Underwriting discount
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$1.27
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$2,127,314
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$2,446,410
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Proceeds, before expenses, to us
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$28.58
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$47,872,929
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$55,053,854
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The expenses of the offering are estimated to be $365,000, of
which $75,000 will be borne by us, and the remainder will be
borne by the Adviser.
Investors must pay for any shares purchased in this offering on
or before August 11, 2006.
S-5
Overallotment
Option
We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to
additional 251,257 shares at the public offering price less
the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this
option for 45 days from the date of this prospectus
supplement solely to cover any overallotments. If the
underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated,
subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to
purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that
underwriters initial amount reflected in the above table.
Lock-Up
Agreement
We have agreed not to offer or sell any additional common stock
for a period of 90 days after the date of the purchase
agreement without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, except for the sale of
common stock to the underwriters pursuant to the purchase
agreement or common stock issued pursuant to our dividend
reinvestment plan. Specifically, we have agreed, with certain
limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
|
|
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|
|
offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock;
|
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|
sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock;
|
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|
purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock;
|
|
|
|
grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common
stock;
|
|
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|
lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock;
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|
request or demand that we file a registration statement related
to the common stock; or
|
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|
enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole
or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common
stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by
delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.
|
New York
Stock Exchange Listing
Our currently outstanding shares of common stock are, and the
shares of common stock sold pursuant to this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be, listed on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TYG.
Price
Stabilization, Short Positions
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may
limit the underwriters and selling group members from bidding
for and purchasing our common stock. However, the
representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the
price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix
or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase
and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions
may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover
positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions.
Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater
number of shares than they are required to purchase in the
offering. Covered short sales are sales made in an
amount not greater than the underwriters option to
purchase additional shares in the offering. The underwriters may
close out any covered short position by either exercising their
overallotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In
determining the source of shares to close out the covered short
position, the underwriters will consider, among other things,
the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as
compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through
the overallotment option. Naked short sales are
sales in excess of the overallotment option. The underwriters
must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in
the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be
created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be
downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open
market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who
purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of
various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by
the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of
the offering.
S-6
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters
purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect
of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock
or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our
common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be
higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open
market. Prior to purchasing common shares offered in this
prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, one of the
representatives purchased on behalf of the underwriters a total
of 50,000 shares of our common stock on August 8, 2006
at an average price of $30.05 per share.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect
that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the
underwriters makes any representation that the representative
will engage in these transactions or that these transactions,
once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic
Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or
securities dealers may distribute this prospectus supplement and
accompanying prospectus by electronic means, such as
e-mail. In
addition, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
will be facilitating Internet distribution for this offering to
certain of its Internet subscription customers. Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated intends to allocate a
limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage
customers. An electronic prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus is available on the Internet web site maintained by
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Other
than the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in
electronic format, the information on the Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated web site is not part of this
prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.
Other
Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in,
and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other
commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us.
They have received customary fees and commissions for these
transactions.
LEVERAGE
The Effects of Leverage section on page 25 of
the prospectus is revised as follows:
As of May 31, 2006, we were obligated to pay a rate of
5.36% and 5.30% on $35 million aggregate liquidation
preference for Series I MMP Shares and $35 million
aggregate liquidation preference for Series II MMP Shares,
respectively. However, we have entered into interest rate swap
agreements to protect ourselves from increasing dividend expense
on MMP Shares resulting from increasing short-term interest
rates. Under the terms of outstanding swap agreements as of
May 31, 2006, we were instead obligated to pay only a rate
of 5.20% and 5.21%, respectively, on a notional amount of
$35 million for Series I MMP Shares and a notional
amount of $35 million for Series II MMP Shares.
As of May 31, 2006, we were obligated to pay a rate of
5.15%, 5.28% and 5.25% on a principal amount of $60 million
for Series A Tortoise Notes, $50 million principal
amount for Series B Tortoise Notes and $55 million
principal amount for Series C Tortoise Notes, respectively.
However, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements to
protect ourselves from increasing interest expense on Tortoise
Notes resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. Under
the terms of outstanding swap agreements as of May 31,
2006, we were instead obligated to pay only a rate of 3.54%,
3.56% and 4.54% on a notional amount of $60 million for
Series A Tortoise Notes, $50 million notional amount
for Series B Tortoise Notes and $55 million notional
amount for Series C Tortoise Notes, respectively.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, L.L.P., Kansas City, Missouri,
serves as our counsel. Vedder, Price, Kaufman &
Kammholz, P.C. (Vedder Price), Chicago,
Illinois, is serving as our special counsel in connection
S-7
with the offering under this prospectus supplement and
accompanying prospectus. Certain legal matters in connection
with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by
Vedder Price. Vedder Price may rely on the opinion of Venable
LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, on certain matters of Maryland law.
Kaye Scholer LLP (Kaye Scholer), New York, New York,
is serving as counsel to the underwriters. Stroock
Stroock & Lavan LLP (Stroock), New York,
New York, is serving as special counsel to the underwriters.
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Kaye Scholer and Stroock.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
1934 Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and are required to file reports, including annual and
semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC. We voluntarily file quarterly shareholder reports. Our
most recent shareholder report filed with the SEC is for the
period ended May 31, 2006. These documents are available on
the SECs EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied for
a fee at the SECs public reference room, 100 F
Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Additional information about the operation of the public
reference room facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at
(202) 551-5850.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do
not contain all of the information in our registration
statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules.
Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document
are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is
made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found in our Registration
Statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains our Registration Statement,
other documents incorporated by reference, and other information
we have filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy
statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act.
The addresses of the representatives are: Merrill
Lynch & Co., 4 World Financial Center,
250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10080; Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, 501 North Broadway,
St. Louis, Missouri 63102.
S-8
UNAUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MAY 31, 2006
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
Shares/Units
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Common Stock
1.1%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas
Gathering/Processing
1.1%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex Energy, Inc. (Cost
$2,172,703)
|
|
|
54,136
|
|
|
$
|
4,886,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Master Limited Partnerships and
Related Companies
167.1%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal
0.6%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Resource Partners
L.P.
|
|
|
50,700
|
|
|
$
|
2,777,346
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude/Refined Products
Pipelines
98.2%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buckeye Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
567,102
|
|
|
$
|
24,646,253
|
|
Enbridge Energy Partners,
L.P.
|
|
|
904,000
|
|
|
|
39,342,080
|
|
Holly Energy Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
427,070
|
|
|
|
17,134,048
|
|
Kinder Morgan Management,
LLC(2)
|
|
|
1,490,874
|
|
|
|
64,808,293
|
|
Magellan Midstream Partners,
L.P.
|
|
|
2,190,213
|
|
|
|
75,868,978
|
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
981,700
|
|
|
|
30,727,210
|
|
Plains All American Pipeline,
L.P.
|
|
|
1,247,155
|
|
|
|
60,487,017
|
|
Plains All American Pipeline,
L.P.(3)
|
|
|
87,960
|
|
|
|
4,095,418
|
|
Sunoco Logistics Partners
L.P.
|
|
|
934,625
|
|
|
|
40,142,144
|
|
TEPPCO Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
811,320
|
|
|
|
30,538,085
|
|
Valero L.P.
|
|
|
709,874
|
|
|
|
36,544,313
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
424,333,839
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas/Natural Gas Liquid
Pipelines
15.4%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
|
|
|
71,400
|
|
|
$
|
2,534,700
|
|
Enterprise Products Partners
L.P.
|
|
|
2,248,940
|
|
|
|
56,673,288
|
|
ONEOK Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
144,600
|
|
|
|
7,186,620
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
66,394,608
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas
Gathering/Processing
36.6%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copano Energy, L.L.C.
|
|
|
623,651
|
|
|
$
|
29,099,556
|
|
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
|
|
|
268,587
|
|
|
|
9,228,649
|
|
Energy Transfer Partners,
L.P.
|
|
|
1,801,750
|
|
|
|
81,511,170
|
|
Hiland Partners, LP
|
|
|
36,548
|
|
|
|
1,545,615
|
|
MarkWest Energy Partners,
L.P.
|
|
|
805,810
|
|
|
|
34,649,830
|
|
Williams Partners L.P.
|
|
|
59,750
|
|
|
|
2,062,570
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
158,097,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping
4.6%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K-Sea Transportation Partners,
L.P.
|
|
|
571,300
|
|
|
$
|
17,767,430
|
|
Teekay LNG Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
67,200
|
|
|
|
2,065,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,832,486
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
Shares/Units
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Propane
Distribution
11.7%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inergy, L.P.
|
|
|
1,767,979
|
|
|
$
|
46,763,045
|
|
Inergy,
L.P.(3)
|
|
|
82,655
|
|
|
|
1,936,607
|
|
Inergy Holdings, L.P.
|
|
|
61,761
|
|
|
|
2,018,349
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
50,718,001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Master Limited Partnerships
and Related Companies (Cost $523,982,475)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
722,153,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Promissory Note
1.4%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping
1.4%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E.W. Transportation,
LLC Unregistered, 8.80%, Due 3/31/2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost
$5,825,355)(3)(4)
|
|
$
|
5,881,375
|
|
|
$
|
5,825,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Short-Term
Investments
1.0%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First American Government
Obligations Money Market Fund Class Y,
4.64%(5)
(Cost $4,450,905)
|
|
|
4,450,905
|
|
|
$
|
4,450,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments
170.6%(1)
(Cost $536,431,438)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
737,316,787
|
|
Auction Rate Senior
Notes
(38.2%)(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(165,000,000
|
)
|
Interest Rate Swap
Contracts
2.7%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$345,000,000 notional
Unrealized
Appreciation(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,458,231
|
|
Liabilities in Excess of Cash
and Other Assets
(18.9%)(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(81,697,795
|
)
|
Preferred Shares at
Redemption Value
(16.2%)(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(70,000,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Assets Applicable to
Common Stockholders
100.0%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
432,077,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Calculated as a percentage of net assets applicable to common
stockholders. |
|
(2) |
|
Security distributions are paid in kind. Related company of
master limited partnership. |
|
(3) |
|
Fair valued securities represent a total market value of
$11,857,380 which represents 2.7% of net assets. These
securities are deemed to be restricted; see Note 6 for
further disclosure. |
|
(4) |
|
Security is a variable rate instrument. Interest rate is as of
May 31, 2006. |
|
(5) |
|
Rate indicated is the
7-day
effective yield. |
|
(6) |
|
See Note 10 for further disclosure. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-2
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
May 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Investments at value (cost
$536,431,438)
|
|
$
|
737,316,787
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
6,856,206
|
|
Receivable for Adviser
reimbursement
|
|
|
122,090
|
|
Interest and dividend receivable
|
|
|
387,016
|
|
Distribution receivable
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized appreciation on
interest rate swap contracts
|
|
|
11,458,231
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
2,543,940
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
758,684,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to Adviser
|
|
$
|
1,159,855
|
|
Dividend payable on common shares
|
|
|
7,472,051
|
|
Dividend payable on preferred
shares
|
|
|
88,722
|
|
Accrued expenses and other
liabilities
|
|
|
413,852
|
|
Current tax liability
|
|
|
196,251
|
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
82,276,316
|
|
Auction rate senior notes payable:
|
|
|
|
|
Series A, due July 15,
2044
|
|
|
60,000,000
|
|
Series B, due July 15,
2044
|
|
|
50,000,000
|
|
Series C, due April 10,
2045
|
|
|
55,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
$
|
256,607,047
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Shares
|
|
|
|
|
$25,000 liquidation value per
share applicable to 2,800 outstanding shares (7,500 shares
authorized)
|
|
$
|
70,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common
stockholders
|
|
$
|
432,077,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets Applicable to Common
Stockholders Consist of
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock, $0.001 par
value; 14,944,103 shares issued and outstanding
(100,000,000 shares authorized)
|
|
$
|
14,944
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
303,629,209
|
|
Accumulated net investment loss,
net of deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
(5,354,401
|
)
|
Undistributed realized gain, net
of deferred tax expense
|
|
|
4,488,241
|
|
Net unrealized gain on investments
and interest rate swap contracts, net of deferred tax expense
|
|
|
129,299,230
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common
stockholders
|
|
$
|
432,077,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value per common share
outstanding (net assets applicable to common shares, divided by
common shares outstanding)
|
|
$
|
28.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-3
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master
limited partnerships
|
|
$
|
21,674,776
|
|
Less return of capital on
distributions
|
|
|
(18,344,206
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution income from master
limited partnerships
|
|
$
|
3,330,570
|
|
Dividends from common stock
|
|
|
63,470
|
|
Dividends from money market mutual
funds
|
|
|
109,009
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
286,489
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment
Income
|
|
$
|
3,789,538
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees
|
|
$
|
3,378,996
|
|
Administrator fees
|
|
|
231,443
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
155,421
|
|
Reports to stockholders
|
|
|
66,455
|
|
Directors fees
|
|
|
58,669
|
|
Custodian fees and expenses
|
|
|
32,909
|
|
Fund accounting fees
|
|
|
29,917
|
|
Registration fees
|
|
|
25,148
|
|
Stock transfer agent fees
|
|
|
7,002
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
45,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses before Interest
Expense and Auction Agent Fees
|
|
$
|
4,031,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
$
|
3,825,995
|
|
Auction agent fees
|
|
|
327,257
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Interest Expense and
Auction Agent Fees
|
|
$
|
4,153,252
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses
|
|
$
|
8,185,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less expense reimbursement by
Adviser
|
|
$
|
(581,002
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Expenses
|
|
$
|
7,604,006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss, before
income taxes
|
|
$
|
(3,814,468
|
)
|
Current tax expense
|
|
|
(196,251
|
)
|
Deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
1,564,180
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
$
|
1,367,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss
|
|
$
|
(2,446,539
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain on
Investments
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
|
$
|
697,862
|
|
Net realized gain on interest rate
swap settlements
|
|
|
305,835
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain, before deferred
tax expense
|
|
$
|
1,003,697
|
|
Deferred tax expense
|
|
|
(391,442
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
and interest rate swap settlements
|
|
$
|
612,255
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of
investments
|
|
|
64,961,625
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of
interest rate swap contracts
|
|
|
8,555,715
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain, before
deferred tax expense
|
|
$
|
73,517,340
|
|
Deferred tax expense
|
|
|
(28,673,877
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of
investments and interest rate swap contracts
|
|
$
|
44,843,463
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
on Investments
|
|
$
|
45,455,718
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders
|
|
$
|
(1,641,864
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets
Applicable to Common Stockholders Resulting from
Operations
|
|
$
|
41,367,315
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-4
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss
|
|
$
|
(2,446,539
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,664,574
|
)
|
Net realized gain on investments
and interest rate swap settlements
|
|
|
612,255
|
|
|
|
3,910,013
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of
investments and interest rate swap contracts
|
|
|
44,843,463
|
|
|
|
36,586,625
|
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders
|
|
|
(1,641,864
|
)
|
|
|
(1,639,910
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets
applicable to common stockholders resulting from operations
|
|
$
|
41,367,315
|
|
|
$
|
36,192,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends and Distributions to
Common Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
$
|
(14,626,698
|
)
|
|
$
|
(26,506,341
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common
stockholders
|
|
$
|
(14,626,698
|
)
|
|
$
|
(26,506,341
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share
Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from secondary offering
of 1,755,027 common shares
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
47,999,988
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of 263,254
common shares in connection with exercising an overallotment
option granted to underwriters of the secondary offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,199,997
|
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering expenses associated with the issuance of common shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,443,688
|
)
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering expenses associated with the issuance of preferred
shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(356,815
|
)
|
Issuance of 38,588 and 203,080
common shares from reinvestment of dividend distributions to
stockholders, respectively
|
|
$
|
1,063,106
|
|
|
$
|
5,635,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets,
applicable to common stockholders, from capital share
transactions
|
|
$
|
1,063,106
|
|
|
$
|
58,035,144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase in net assets
applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$
|
27,803,723
|
|
|
$
|
67,720,957
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
404,273,500
|
|
|
|
336,552,543
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
432,077,223
|
|
|
$
|
404,273,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated net investment loss,
net of deferred tax benefit, at the end of period
|
|
$
|
(5,354,401
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,907,862
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-5
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Operating
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master
limited partnerships
|
|
$
|
21,330,326
|
|
Interest and dividend income
received
|
|
|
445,319
|
|
Purchases of long-term investments
|
|
|
(3,894,147
|
)
|
Proceeds from sale of long-term
investments
|
|
|
2,958,785
|
|
Proceeds from sale of short-term
investments, net
|
|
|
1,245,510
|
|
Proceeds from interest rate swap
contracts, net
|
|
|
305,835
|
|
Interest expense paid
|
|
|
(4,069,723
|
)
|
Operating expenses paid
|
|
|
(3,682,713
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
14,639,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to common
stockholders
|
|
$
|
(6,091,540
|
)
|
Dividends paid to preferred
stockholders
|
|
|
(1,736,868
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
|
$
|
(7,828,408
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash
|
|
|
6,810,784
|
|
Cash beginning of
period
|
|
|
45,422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash end of period
|
|
$
|
6,856,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Net Increase
in Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Resulting from
Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets
applicable to common stockholders resulting from operations
|
|
$
|
41,367,315
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net
increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders
resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of long-term investments
|
|
|
(3,894,147
|
)
|
Return of capital on distributions
received
|
|
|
18,344,206
|
|
Proceeds from sales of long-term
investments
|
|
|
2,958,785
|
|
Proceeds from sale of short-term
investments, net
|
|
|
1,245,510
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
27,501,139
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation on
investments and interest rate swap contracts
|
|
|
(73,517,340
|
)
|
Realized gains on investments and
interest rate swap settlements
|
|
|
(697,862
|
)
|
Accretion of discount on
investments
|
|
|
(8,846
|
)
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
28,711
|
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders
|
|
|
1,641,864
|
|
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in interest and dividends
receivable
|
|
|
(349,253
|
)
|
Increase in prepaid expenses and
other assets
|
|
|
(159,196
|
)
|
Decrease in current tax liability
|
|
|
(18,010
|
)
|
Increase in payables to Adviser,
net of expense reimbursement
|
|
|
174,389
|
|
Increase in accrued expenses and
other liabilities
|
|
|
21,927
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments
|
|
$
|
(26,728,123
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
14,639,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Cash Financing
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
Reinvestment of distributions by
common stockholders in additional common shares
|
|
$
|
1,063,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-6
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
May 31,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Common Share
Data(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of
period
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Public offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering costs on initial public offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.17
|
)
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering costs on issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
Premiums less underwriting
discounts and offering costs on secondary
offering(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment
loss(4)
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain
on
investments(4)
|
|
|
3.04
|
|
|
|
2.67
|
|
|
|
3.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase from investment
operations
|
|
$
|
2.88
|
|
|
$
|
2.51
|
|
|
$
|
3.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
$
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to preferred
stockholders
|
|
$
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Common
Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
$
|
(0.98
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common
stockholders
|
|
$
|
(0.98
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$
|
28.91
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end
of period
|
|
$
|
28.75
|
|
|
$
|
28.72
|
|
|
$
|
27.06
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on
Market
Value(5)
|
|
|
3.61
|
%
|
|
|
13.06
|
%
|
|
|
12.51
|
%
|
Supplemental Data and
Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common
stockholders, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
432,077
|
|
|
$
|
404,274
|
|
|
$
|
336,553
|
|
Ratio of expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
17.32
|
%
|
|
|
9.10
|
%
|
|
|
15.20
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
17.04
|
%
|
|
|
8.73
|
%
|
|
|
14.92
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.95
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
2.01
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.67
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
F-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
May 31,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense), without regard to
non-recurring organizational expenses, to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.95
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
1.90
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense), without regard to
non-recurring organizational expenses, to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.67
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(9)
|
|
|
(2.12
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after
waiver:(6)(7)(9)
|
|
|
(1.84
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after current and deferred income tax
expense, before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
(15.49
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.37
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.37
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after current and deferred income tax
expense, after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
(15.21
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.00
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.65
|
)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
0.42
|
%
|
|
|
4.92
|
%
|
|
|
1.39
|
%
|
Tortoise Auction Rate Senior
Notes, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
110,000
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares, end of
period (000s)
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
Per common share amount of auction
rate senior notes outstanding at end of period
|
|
$
|
11.04
|
|
|
$
|
11.07
|
|
|
$
|
8.67
|
|
Per common share amount of net
assets, excluding auction rate senior notes, at end of period
|
|
$
|
39.95
|
|
|
$
|
38.19
|
|
|
$
|
35.21
|
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of
principal amount of auction rate senior
notes(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
4,043
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
Series B
|
|
|
4,043
|
|
|
|
3,874
|
|
|
|
4,378
|
|
Series C
|
|
|
4,043
|
|
|
|
3,874
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000
liquidation value per share of preferred
shares(11)
|
|
$
|
179,313
|
|
|
$
|
169,383
|
|
|
$
|
265,395
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of auction
rate senior
notes(10)
|
|
|
404
|
%
|
|
|
387
|
%
|
|
|
438
|
%
|
Asset coverage ratio of preferred
shares(12)
|
|
|
284
|
%
|
|
|
272
|
%
|
|
|
332
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Commencement of operations. |
|
(2) |
|
Information presented relates to a share of common stock
outstanding for the entire period. |
|
(3) |
|
The amount is less than $0.01 per share, and represents the
premium on the secondary offering of $0.14 per share, less
the underwriting discounts and offering costs of $0.14 per
share for the year ended November 30, 2005. |
|
(4) |
|
The per common share data for the periods ended
November 30, 2005 and 2004, do not reflect the change in
estimate of investment income and return of capital, for the
respective period. |
|
(5) |
|
Not annualized for periods less than a year. Total investment
return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the
market price on the first day and a sale at the current market
price on the last day of the |
F-8
|
|
|
|
|
period reported. The calculation also assumes reinvestment of
dividends at actual prices pursuant to the Companys
dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. |
|
(6) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one full year. |
|
(7) |
|
The expense ratios and net investment loss ratios do not reflect
the effect of dividend payments to preferred stockholders. |
|
(8) |
|
The Company accrued $27,697,390, $24,659,420 and $30,330,018 for
the period ended May 31, 2006, for the year ended
November 30, 2005 and for the period from February 27,
2004 through November 30, 2004, respectively, for current
and deferred income tax expense. |
|
(9) |
|
The ratio excludes net deferred income tax benefit on net
investment loss. |
|
(10) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by auction rate senior notes and
preferred shares at the end of the period divided by auction
rate senior notes outstanding at the end of the period. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by preferred shares at the end of
the period divided by preferred shares outstanding at the end of
the period. |
|
(12) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by auction rate senior notes and
preferred shares at the end of the period divided by auction
rate senior notes and preferred shares outstanding at the end of
the period. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-9
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
May 31,
2006
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the
Company) was organized as a Maryland corporation on
October 29, 2003, and is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The
Companys investment objective is to seek a high level of
total return with an emphasis on current dividends paid to
shareholders. The Company seeks to provide its shareholders with
an efficient vehicle to invest in the energy infrastructure
sector. The Company commenced operations on February 27,
2004. The Companys shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TYG.
|
|
2.
|
Significant
Accounting Policies
|
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amount of assets and liabilities, recognition of
distribution income and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
The Company primarily owns securities that are listed on a
securities exchange. The Company values those securities at
their last sale price on that exchange on the valuation date. If
the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Company
will use the price of the exchange that it generally considers
to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded.
Securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ
Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the
last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or
NASDAQ on such day, the security will be valued at the mean
between bid and asked price on such day.
The Company may invest up to 30 percent of its total assets
in restricted securities. Restricted securities are subject to
statutory or contractual restrictions on their public resale,
which may make it more difficult to obtain a valuation and may
limit the Companys ability to dispose of them. Investments
in private placement securities and other securities for which
market quotations are not readily available will be valued in
good faith by using fair value procedures approved by the Board
of Directors. Such fair value procedures consider factors such
as discounts to publicly traded issues, securities with similar
yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and rating. If
events occur that will affect the value of the Companys
portfolio securities before the net asset value has been
calculated (a significant event), the portfolio
securities so affected will generally be priced using a fair
value procedure.
The Company generally values short-term debt securities at
prices based on market quotations for such securities, except
those securities purchased with 60 days or less to maturity
are valued on the basis of amortized cost, which approximates
market value.
The Company generally values its interest rate swap contracts
using industry-accepted models which discount the estimated
future cash flows based on the stated terms of the interest rate
swap agreement by using interest rates currently available in
the market, or based on dealer quotations, if available.
|
|
C.
|
Security
Transactions and Investment Income
|
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the
securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains
and losses are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest
income is recognized on the accrual basis, including
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Distributions received from the Companys investments in
master limited partnerships (MLPs) generally are
comprised of ordinary income, capital gains and return of
capital from the MLP. The Company records investment
F-10
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time
such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on
historical information available from each MLP and other
industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised
based on information received from MLPs after their tax
reporting periods are concluded, as the actual character of
these distributions are not known until after the fiscal
year-end of the Company.
For the period from December 1, 2004 through
November 30, 2005, the Company estimated the allocation of
investment income and return of capital for the distributions
received from MLPs within the Statement of Operations. For this
period, the Company had estimated approximately 23 percent
as investment income and approximately 77 percent as return
of capital.
Subsequent to November 30, 2005, the Company reclassified
the amount of investment income and return of capital it
recognized based on the 2005 tax reporting information received
from the individual MLPs. This reclassification amounted to a
decrease in pre-tax net investment income of approximately
$190,000 or $0.01 per share ($116,000 or $0.008 per
share, net of deferred tax benefit), and a corresponding
increase in unrealized appreciation of investments for the
period from December 1, 2005 through May 31, 2006. The
reclassification is reflected in the accompanying financial
statements.
|
|
D.
|
Dividends
to Stockholders
|
Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. The character of dividends to common stockholders made
during the year may differ from their ultimate characterization
for federal income tax purposes. For the year ended
November 30, 2005 and the period ended May 31, 2006,
the Companys dividends, for book purposes, were comprised
entirely of return of capital as a result of the net investment
loss incurred by the Company in each reporting period. For the
year ended November 30, 2005, for tax purposes, the Company
determined the dividends to common stockholders were comprised
of 100 percent return of capital.
Dividends to preferred stockholders are based on variable rates
set at auctions, normally held every 28 days. Dividends on
preferred shares are accrued on a daily basis for the subsequent
28-day
period at a rate as determined on the auction date. Dividends on
preferred shares are payable every 28 days, on the first
day following the end of the dividend period. The character of
dividends to preferred stockholders made during the year may
differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income
tax purposes. For the year ended November 30, 2005 and the
period ended May 31, 2006, the Companys dividends,
for book purposes, were comprised entirely of return of capital
as a result of the net investment loss incurred by the Company
in each reporting period. For the year ended November 30,
2005, for tax purposes, the Company determined the dividends to
preferred stockholders were comprised of 100 percent return
of capital.
|
|
E.
|
Federal
Income Taxation
|
The Company, as a corporation, is obligated to pay federal and
state income tax on its taxable income. The Company invests its
assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited
partner in the MLPs, the Company reports its allocable share of
the MLPs taxable income in computing its own taxable
income. The Companys tax expense or benefit will be
included in the Statement of Operations based on the component
of income or gains (losses) to which such expense or benefit
relates. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
used for income tax purposes.
|
|
F.
|
Organization
Expenses, Offering and Debt Issuance Costs
|
The Company is responsible for paying all organizational
expenses, which were expensed as incurred. Offering costs
related to the issuance of common and preferred stock are
charged to additional paid-in capital when the shares are
issued. Offering costs (excluding underwriter commissions) of
$164,530 were charged to additional
F-11
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
paid-in capital for the MMP II preferred shares issued in
July 2005. Debt issuance costs related to the auction rate
senior notes are capitalized and amortized over the period the
notes are outstanding. The amount of such capitalized costs
(excluding underwriter commissions) for Auction Rate Senior
Notes Series C issued in April 2005, was $254,099.
|
|
G.
|
Derivative
Financial Instruments
|
The Company uses derivative financial instruments (principally
interest rate swap contracts) to manage interest rate risk. The
Company has established policies and procedures for risk
assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of
derivative financial instrument activities. The Company does not
hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative
purposes. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at
fair value with changes in value during the reporting period,
and amounts accrued under the agreements, included as unrealized
gains or losses in the Statement of Operations. Monthly cash
settlements under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements
are recorded as realized gains or losses in the Statement of
Operations.
Under the Companys organizational documents, its officers
and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities
arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company.
In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company may
enter into contracts that provide general indemnification to
other parties. The Companys maximum exposure under these
arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims
that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred,
and may not occur. However, the Company has not had prior claims
or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of
loss to be remote.
The Companys investment objective is to seek a high level
of total return with an emphasis on current dividends paid to
its stockholders. Under normal circumstances, the Company
intends to invest at least 90 percent of its total assets
in securities of domestic energy infrastructure companies, and
to invest at least 70 percent of its total assets in equity
securities of MLPs. The Company will not invest more than
10 percent of its total assets in any single issuer as of
the time of purchase. The Company may invest up to
25 percent of its assets in debt securities, which may
include below investment grade securities. Companies that
primarily invest in a particular sector may experience greater
volatility than companies investing in a broad range of industry
sectors. The Company may, for defensive purposes, temporarily
invest all or a significant portion of its assets in investment
grade securities, short-term debt securities and cash or cash
equivalents. To the extent the Company uses this strategy, it
may not achieve its investment objective.
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement
with Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the
Adviser). Under the terms of the agreement, the
Company will pay the Adviser a fee equal to an annual rate of
0.95 percent of the Companys average monthly total
assets (including any assets attributable to leverage) minus the
sum of accrued liabilities (other than deferred income taxes,
debt entered into for purposes of leverage and the aggregate
liquidation preference of outstanding preferred shares)
(Managed Assets), in exchange for the investment
advisory services provided. For the period following the
commencement of the Companys operations through
February 28, 2006, the Adviser agreed to waive or reimburse
the Company for fees and expenses in an amount equal to
0.23 percent of the average monthly Managed Assets of the
Company. For years ending February 28, 2007, 2008 and 2009,
the Adviser has agreed to waive or reimburse the Company for
fees and expenses in an amount equal to 0.10 percent of the
average monthly Managed Assets of the Company.
F-12
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company has engaged U.S. Bancorp Fund Services,
LLC to serve as the Companys administrator. The Company
pays the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate
of 0.07 percent of the first $300 million of the
Companys Managed Assets, 0.06 percent on the next
$500 million of Managed Assets and 0.04 percent on the
balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a
minimum annual fee of $45,000.
Computershare Investor Services, LLC serves as the
Companys transfer agent, dividend paying agent, and agent
for the automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Companys custodian. The
Company pays the custodian a monthly fee computed at an annual
rate of 0.015 percent on the first $100 million of the
Companys Managed Assets and 0.01 percent on the
balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a
minimum annual fee of $4,800.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary
differences between the carrying amount of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Components
of the Companys deferred tax assets and liabilities as of
May 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
$
|
11,904,169
|
|
Organization costs
|
|
|
53,371
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,957,540
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on investment
securities and interest rate swap contracts
|
|
|
82,816,111
|
|
Basis reduction of investment in
MLPs
|
|
|
11,417,745
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,233,856
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred tax liability
|
|
$
|
82,276,316
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the period from December 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006,
the components of income tax expense include current foreign
taxes payable of $196,251 and deferred federal and state income
taxes (net of federal tax benefit) of $24,680,509 and
$2,820,630, respectively. As of November 30, 2005, the
Company had a net operating loss for federal income tax purposes
of approximately $19,171,000. If not utilized, this net
operating loss will expire as follows: $2,833,000 and
$16,338,000 in the years ending November 30, 2024 and 2025,
respectively.
Total income tax expense differs from the amount computed by
applying the federal statutory income tax rate of
35 percent to net investment income and realized and
unrealized gains on investments and interest rate swap contracts
before taxes for the period from December 1, 2005 through
May 31, 2006, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Application of statutory income
tax rate
|
|
$
|
24,747,299
|
|
State income taxes, net of federal
tax benefit
|
|
|
2,828,263
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
121,828
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
27,697,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At May 31, 2006, the Company did not record a valuation
allowance against its deferred tax assets.
F-13
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Certain of the Companys investments are restricted and are
valued as determined in accordance with procedures established
by the Board of Directors and more fully described in
Note 2. The table below shows the number of units held or
principal amount, the acquisition dates, acquisition costs,
value per unit of such securities and percent of net assets
which the securities comprise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units or
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal
|
|
|
Acquisition
|
|
|
Acquisition
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Percent of
|
|
Investment Security
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Dates
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Per Unit
|
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
|
Plains All American
Pipeline, L.P.
|
|
Common Units
|
|
|
87,960
|
|
|
|
3/22/06-4/19/06
|
|
|
$
|
3,736,472
|
|
|
$
|
46.56
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
Inergy, L.P.
|
|
Subordinated Units
|
|
|
82,655
|
|
|
|
9/14/04-2/04/05
|
|
|
|
2,232,123
|
|
|
|
23.43
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
E.W. Transportation, LLC
|
|
Promissory Note
|
|
$
|
5,881,375
|
|
|
|
5/03/04
|
|
|
|
8,569,500
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,538,095
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.
|
Investment
Transactions
|
For the period ended May 31, 2006, the Company purchased
(at cost) and sold securities (proceeds) in the amount of
$3,894,147 and $2,958,785 (excluding short-term debt securities
and interest rate swaps), respectively.
|
|
8.
|
Auction
Rate Senior Notes
|
The Company has issued $60,000,000, $50,000,000, and $55,000,000
aggregate principal amount of auction rate senior
notes Series A, Series B, and Series C,
respectively (collectively, the Notes). The Notes
were issued in denominations of $25,000. The principal amount of
the Notes will be due and payable on July 15, 2044 for
Series A and Series B, and April 10, 2045 for
Series C. Fair value of the notes approximates carrying
amount because the interest rate fluctuates with changes in
interest rates available in the current market.
Holders of the Notes are entitled to receive cash interest
payments at an annual rate that may vary for each rate period.
Interest rates for Series A, Series B, and
Series C as of May 31, 2006 were 5.15 percent,
5.28 percent, and 5.25 percent, respectively. The
weighted average interest rates for Series A,
Series B, and Series C for the period ended
May 31, 2006, were 4.80 percent, 4.85 percent,
and 4.77 percent, respectively. These rates include the
applicable rate based on the latest results of the auction, plus
commissions paid to the auction agent in the amount of
0.25 percent. For each subsequent rate period, the interest
rate will be determined by an auction conducted in accordance
with the procedures described in the Notes prospectus.
Generally, the rate period will be 28 days for
Series A and Series B, and 7 days for
Series C. The Notes are not listed on any exchange or
automated quotation system.
The Notes are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option
of the Company. The Notes are also subject to a mandatory
redemption if the Company fails to meet an asset coverage ratio
required by law, or fails to cure in a timely manner a
deficiency as stated in the rating agency guidelines applicable
to the Notes.
The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and, upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, will
rank: (1) senior to all the Companys outstanding
preferred shares; (2) senior to all of the Companys
outstanding common shares; (3) on a parity with any
unsecured creditors of the Company and any unsecured senior
securities representing indebtedness of the Company; and
(4) junior to any secured creditors of the Company.
F-14
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company has 7,500 authorized Money Market Preferred
(MMP) Shares, of which 2,800 shares
(1,400 MMP Shares and 1,400 MMP II Shares) are
currently outstanding. The MMP and MMP II Shares have
rights determined by the Board of Directors. The MMP and
MMP II Shares have a liquidation value of $25,000 per
share plus any accumulated, but unpaid dividends, whether or not
declared.
Holders of the MMP and MMP II Shares are entitled to
receive cash dividend payments at an annual rate that may vary
for each rate period. The dividend rates for MMP and MMP II
Shares as of May 31, 2006, were 5.36 percent and
5.30 percent, respectively. The weighted average dividend
rates for MMP and MMP II Shares for the period ended
May 31, 2006, were 4.88 percent and 4.91 percent,
respectively. These rates include the applicable rate based on
the latest results of the auction, plus commissions paid to the
auction agent in the amount of 0.25 percent. Under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company may not declare
dividends or make other distributions on shares of common stock
or purchases of such shares if, at the time of the declaration,
distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the
outstanding MMP Shares would be less than 200 percent.
The MMP Shares are redeemable in certain circumstances at the
option of the Company. The MMP Shares are also subject to a
mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet an asset
coverage ratio required by law, or fails to cure a deficiency in
a timely manner as stated in the rating agency guidelines.
The holders of MMP and MMP II Shares have voting rights
equal to the holders of common stock (one vote per share) and
will vote together with the holders of shares of common stock as
a single class except on matters affecting only the holders of
preferred stock or the holders of common stock.
|
|
10.
|
Interest
Rate Swap Contracts
|
The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to
protect itself from increasing interest expense on its leverage
resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. A decline
in interest rates may result in a decline in the value of the
swap contracts, which may result in a decline in the net assets
of the Company. In addition, if the counterparty to the interest
rate swap contracts defaults, the Company would not be able to
use the anticipated receipts under the swap contracts to offset
the interest payments on the Companys leverage. At the
time the interest rate swap contracts reach their scheduled
termination, there is a risk that the Company would not be able
to obtain a replacement transaction, or that the terms of the
replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring
transaction. In addition, if the Company is required to
terminate any swap contract early due to the Company failing to
maintain a required 300 percent asset coverage of the
liquidation value of the outstanding auction rate senior notes
or if the Company loses its credit rating on its auction rate
senior notes, then the Company could be required to
F-15
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
make a termination payment, in addition to redeeming all or some
of the auction rate senior notes. Details of the interest rate
swap contracts outstanding as of May 31, 2006, were as
follows:
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Fixed Rate
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Floating Rate
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Maturity
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Notional
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Paid by
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Received by
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Unrealized
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Counterparty
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Date
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Amount
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the Company
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the Company
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Appreciation
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U.S. Bank, N.A
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7/10/2007
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$
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60,000,000
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3.54
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%
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1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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$
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1,215,473
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U.S. Bank, N.A.*
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7/05/2011
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60,000,000
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4.63
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%
|
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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1,660,902
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U.S. Bank, N.A
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7/17/2007
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50,000,000
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3.56
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%
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1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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1,006,337
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U.S. Bank, N.A.*
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7/12/2011
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50,000,000
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4.64
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%
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1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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1,375,771
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U.S. Bank, N.A
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5/01/2014
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|
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55,000,000
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4.54
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%
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1 week U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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3,372,946
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U.S. Bank, N.A
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11/12/2020
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35,000,000
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5.20
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%
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1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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1,427,115
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U.S. Bank, N.A
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11/18/2020
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35,000,000
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5.21
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%
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1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
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1,399,687
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$
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345,000,000
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$
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11,458,231
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* |
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The Company has entered into additional interest rate swap
contracts for Series A and Series B notes with
settlements commencing on 7/10/2007 and 7/17/2007, respectively. |
The Company is exposed to credit risk on the interest rate swap
contracts if the counterparty should fail to perform under the
terms of the interest rate swap contracts. The amount of credit
risk is limited to the net appreciation of the interest rate
swap contract, as no collateral is pledged by the counterparty.
The Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock
authorized and 14,944,103 shares outstanding at
May 31, 2006. Transactions in common shares for the year
ended November 30, 2005 and the period ended May 31,
2006, were as follows:
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Shares at November 30, 2004
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12,684,154
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Shares sold through secondary
offering and exercise of overallotment options
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2,018,281
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|
Shares issued through reinvestment
of dividends
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203,080
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Shares at November 30, 2005
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14,905,515
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Shares issued through reinvestment
of dividends
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38,588
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|
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Shares at May 31, 2006
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14,944,103
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|
|
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|
On June 1, 2006, the Company paid a dividend in the amount
of $0.50 per share, for a total of $7,472,051. Of this
total, the dividend reinvestment amounted to $1,041,172.
On December 9, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the
Company to file a shelf registration statement allowing the
Company to issue common stock, auction rate senior notes and
money market cumulative preferred shares in an aggregate amount
of $125 million in the event suitable investment
opportunities are presented. On June 23, 2006 the shelf
registration was declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
On June 30, 2006, the Company acquired equity portfolio
securities through a direct placement with Crosstex Energy, L.P.
in the amount of $20 million. On July 26, 2006, the
Company acquired equity portfolio securities through a direct
placement with Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. in the amount
of $12 million. These investments were funded by drawing on
an unsecured credit facility.
F-16
TORTOISE
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On July 24, 2006, the Board of Directors approved an
increase in the amount of credit available under an unsecured
credit facility from $20 million to $60 million.
On July 24, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a policy
permitting temporary increases in the amount of leverage the
Company may use from 33% of total assets to up to 38% of total
assets at the time of incurrence, provided that (i) such
leverage is consistent with the limits set forth in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) such
increased leverage is reduced over time in an orderly fashion.
F-17
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Base
Prospectus |
|
$125,000,000
Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corporation
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the
Company, we or our) is a
nondiversified, closed-end management investment company. Our
investment objective is to seek a high level of total return
with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders.
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to
invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited
partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure
sector. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of
our total assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies and invest at
least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of MLPs. We
cannot assure you that we will achieve our investment objective.
We may offer, from time to time, up to $125,000,000 aggregate
initial offering price of our common stock ($0.001 par
value per share), preferred stock ($0.001 par value per
share) or debt securities, which we refer to in this prospectus
collectively as our securities, in one or more offerings. We may
offer our common stock, preferred stock and debt securities
separately or together, in amounts, at prices and on terms set
forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. You should
read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement
carefully before you decide to invest in any of our securities.
We may offer our securities directly to one or more purchasers,
through agents that we designate from time to time, or to or
through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
relating to the particular offering will identify any agents or
underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters
or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount
may be calculated. For more information about the manners in
which we may offer our securities, see Plan of
Distribution. We may not sell any of our securities
through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a
prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol TYG. As of June 23, 2006, the last
reported sale price for our common stock was $28.11.
Investing in our securities involves certain
risks. You could lose some or all of your investment.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 26 of this
prospectus. You should consider carefully these risks together
with all of the other information contained in this prospectus
and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to
purchase our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Prospectus dated June 23, 2006
This prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets
forth concisely the information that you should know before
investing. You should read the prospectus and prospectus
supplement, which contain important information, before deciding
whether to invest in our securities. You should retain the
prospectus and prospectus supplement for future reference. A
statement of additional information, dated June 23, 2006,
as supplemented from time to time, containing additional
information, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by reference in
its entirety into this prospectus. You may request a free copy
of the statement of additional information, the table of
contents of which is on page 59 of this prospectus, request
a free copy of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports,
request other information or make stockholder inquiries, by
calling toll-free 1-888-728-8784 or by writing to us at 10801
Mastin Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210.
Our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports and the statement
of additional information also are available on our investment
advisers website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
Information included on our website does not form part of this
prospectus. You can review and copy documents we have filed at
the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
Call 1-202-551-5850 for information. The SEC charges a fee for
copies. You can get the same information free from the
SECs website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also
e-mail
requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a
request in writing to the SECs Public Reference Section,
100 F. Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and
are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured
depository institution and is not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board
or any other government agency.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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1
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23
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26
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34
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42
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42
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44
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52
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53
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55
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58
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58
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58
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58
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59
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You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement in making your investment decisions. We
have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you
with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely
on it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not
constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy
any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is
not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus and
in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the dates on
their covers. Our business, financial condition and prospects
may have changed since such dates. We will advise investors of
any material changes to the extent required by applicable
law.
i
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about us and
our securities. It is not complete and may not contain all of
the information you may want to consider. You should review the
more detailed information contained in this prospectus and in
any related prospectus supplement and in the statement of
additional information, especially the information set forth
under the heading Risk Factors beginning on
page 26 of this prospectus.
The
Company
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of
total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to
stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total
return includes capital appreciation of, and all distributions
received from, securities in which we invest regardless of the
tax character of the distributions. We seek to provide our
stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio
of publicly traded master limited partnerships
(MLPs) in the energy infrastructure sector. We have
a fiscal year ending November 30.
We commenced operations in February 2004 following our initial
public offering. We were the first publicly traded investment
company offering access to a portfolio of MLPs. Since that time,
we completed an additional offering of common stock in December
2004. As of the date of this prospectus, we have two series of
Money Market Cumulative Preferred
(MMP®)
Shares (MMP Shares) and three series of Auction Rate
Senior Notes (Tortoise Notes) outstanding.
Investment
Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser)
serves as our investment adviser. The Adviser specializes in
managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy
infrastructure companies. The Adviser was formed in October 2002
to provide portfolio management services to institutional and
high-net-worth investors seeking professional management of
their MLP investments. As of May 31, 2006, the Adviser had
approximately $1.7 billion of client assets under
management. The Advisers investment committee is comprised
of five portfolio managers. See Management of the
Company.
The Adviser also serves as investment adviser to Tortoise Energy
Capital Corporation (TYY) and Tortoise North
American Energy Corporation (TYN), which are
recently organized, nondiversified, closed-end management
investment companies. TYY, which commenced operations on
May 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity securities of
MLPs and their affiliates in the energy infrastructure sector.
TYN, which commenced operations on October 31, 2005,
invests primarily in equity securities of companies in the
energy sector whose primary operations are in North America. In
December 2005, the Adviser began managing the investments of
Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation (TTO). TTO is
a private investment fund created to invest primarily in
privately held and micro-cap public companies in the
U.S. energy infrastructure sector.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 10801 Mastin
Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210.
The
Offering
We may offer, from time to time, up to $125,000,000 of our
securities, on terms to be determined at the time of the
offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to
be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus.
Subject to certain conditions, offerings of our common stock may
be at prices below our net asset value (NAV).
Preferred stock and debt securities (collectively, senior
securities) may be auction rate securities, in which case
the senior securities will not be listed on any exchange or
automated quotation system. Rather, investors generally may only
buy and sell senior securities through an auction conducted by
an auction agent and participating broker-dealers.
While the number and amount of securities we may issue pursuant
to this registration statement is limited to $125,000,000 of
securities, our board of directors (the Board of
Directors or the Board) may, without any
action by the stockholders, amend our Charter from time to time
to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock
or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we
have authority to issue.
1
We may offer our securities directly to one or more purchasers,
through agents that we designate from time to time, or to or
through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
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, commission or
discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters
or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount
may be calculated. See Plan of Distribution. We may
not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or
dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing
the method and terms of the offering of our securities.
Use of
Proceeds
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend
to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities
primarily to invest in energy infrastructure companies in
accordance with our investment objective and policies within
approximately 3 months of receipt of such proceeds. We also
may use sale proceeds for working capital purposes, including
the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses,
although there is currently no intent to issue securities
primarily for this purpose.
Tax
Status of Company
Unlike most investment companies, we have not elected to be
treated as a regulated investment company under the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Internal Revenue Code). Therefore, we are obligated
to pay federal and applicable state corporate taxes on our
taxable income. On the other hand, we are not subject to the
Internal Revenue Codes diversification rules limiting the
assets in which regulated investment companies can invest. Under
current federal income tax law, these rules limit the amount
that regulated investment companies may invest directly in the
securities of MLPs to 25% of the value of their total assets. We
invest a substantial portion of our assets in MLPs. Although
MLPs generate taxable income to us, we expect the MLPs to pay
cash distributions in excess of the taxable income reportable by
us. Similarly, we expect to distribute substantially all of our
distributable cash flow (DCF) (generally, cash from
operations less certain operating expenses and reserves) to our
common stockholders. However, unlike regulated investment
companies, we are not effectively required by the Internal
Revenue Code to distribute substantially all of our income and
capital gains. See Certain Federal Income Tax
Matters.
Distributions
We expect to distribute substantially all of our DCF to holders
of common stock through quarterly distributions. DCF is the
amount we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or their affiliates, and interest
payments received on debt securities owned by us, less current
or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on our taxable income,
and leverage costs paid by us (including leverage costs of the
Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares). Our Board of Directors adopted a
policy to target distributions to common stockholders in an
amount of at least 95% of DCF on an annual basis. We will pay
distributions on our common stock each fiscal quarter out of
DCF, if any. As of the date of this prospectus, we have paid
distributions every quarter since inception. There is no
assurance that we will continue to make regular distributions.
If distributions paid to holders of our common and preferred
stock exceed the current and accumulated earnings and profit
allocated to the particular shares held by a stockholder, the
excess of such distribution will constitute a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of the stockholders basis and
capital gain thereafter. A return of capital reduces the basis
of the shares held by a stockholder, which may increase the
amount of gain recognized upon the sale of such shares. Our
preferred stock and debt securities will pay dividends and
interest, respectively, in accordance with their terms. So long
as we have preferred stock and debt securities outstanding, we
may not declare dividends on common or preferred stock unless we
meet applicable asset coverage tests.
Principal
Investment Policies
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of our total
assets (including assets we obtain through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies and invest at
least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of MLPs.
Energy infrastructure companies engage in the business of
transporting, processing, storing, distributing or marketing
natural gas, natural gas liquids (primarily propane), coal,
crude oil or refined petroleum
2
products, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such
commodities. We invest solely in energy infrastructure companies
organized in the United States. All publicly traded companies in
which we invest have an equity market capitalization greater
than $100 million.
Although we also may invest in equity and debt securities of
energy infrastructure companies that are organized
and/or taxed
as corporations, it is likely that any such investments will be
in debt securities because the dividends from equity securities
of such corporations typically do not meet our investment
objective. We also may invest in securities of general partners
or other affiliates of MLPs and private companies operating
energy infrastructure assets.
We have adopted the following additional nonfundamental
investment policies:
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We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted
securities, primarily through direct placements. Subject to this
policy, we may invest without limitation in illiquid securities.
The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and
privately issued securities of publicly traded energy
infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether issued
by public companies or private companies, are generally
considered illiquid. Investments in private companies that do
not have any publicly traded shares or units are limited to 5%
of total assets.
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We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities
of energy infrastructure companies, including securities rated
below investment grade (commonly referred to as junk
bonds). Below investment grade debt securities will be
rated at least B3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
(Moodys) and at least B− by
Standard & Poors Ratings Group
(S&P) at the time of purchase, or comparably
rated by another statistical rating organization or if unrated,
determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
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We will not invest more than 10% of total assets in any single
issuer.
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We will not engage in short sales.
|
We may change our nonfundamental investment policies without
stockholder approval and will provide notice to stockholders of
material changes (including notice through stockholder reports);
provided, however, that a change in the policy of investing at
least 90% of our total assets in energy infrastructure companies
requires at least 60 days prior written notice to
stockholders. Unless otherwise stated, all investment
restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will not be
required to reduce a position due solely to market value
fluctuations. The term total assets includes assets obtained
through leverage for the purpose of each investment restriction.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to
100% of our total assets in securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies,
short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a rating agency or other
fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be consistent
with a defensive posture (collectively, short-term
securities), or we may hold cash. To the extent we invest
in short-term securities or cash for defensive purposes, such
investments are inconsistent with, and may result in us not
achieving, our investment objective.
We also may invest in short-term securities or cash pending
investment of offering proceeds to meet working capital needs
including, but not limited to, for collateral in connection with
certain investment techniques, to hold a reserve pending payment
of distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and
settlement of trades. The yield on such securities may be lower
than the returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income
securities.
Use of
Leverage by the Company
The issuance of preferred stock and debt securities represents
the leveraging of our common stock. The issuance of additional
common stock will enable us to increase the aggregate amount of
our leverage. Currently, we are using leverage and anticipate
continuing to use leverage to represent approximately 33% of our
total assets, including the proceeds of such leverage. However,
we reserve the right at any time, if we believe that market
conditions are appropriate, to use financial leverage to the
extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the 1940 Act) (50% of total assets for
preferred stock and
331/3%
of total assets for debt securities). The timing and terms of
any leverage transactions will be determined by our Board of
Directors.
3
The use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased income
and capital appreciation for common stockholders, but at the
same time, it creates special risks that may adversely affect
common stockholders. Because the Advisers fee is based
upon a percentage of our Managed Assets (as defined below), the
Advisers fee is higher when we are leveraged. Therefore,
the Adviser has a financial incentive to use leverage, which
will create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and our
common stockholders. There can be no assurance that a leveraging
strategy will be successful during any period in which it is
used. The use of leverage involves risks, which can be
significant. See Leverage and Risk
Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders Leverage Risk.
We currently use, and may in the future use, interest rate
transactions for hedging purposes only, in an attempt to reduce
the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital
structure. We do not intend to hedge the interest rate risk of
our portfolio holdings. Interest rate transactions that we may
use for hedging purposes may expose us to certain risks that
differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings.
See Leverage Hedging Transactions and
Risk Factors Company Risks Hedging
Strategy Risk.
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that the Adviser
and its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities
for other clients, in which we have no interest. The Adviser or
its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
these accounts over us. Any of their proprietary accounts or
other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades.
The Adviser or its affiliates may give advice and recommend
securities to, or buy or sell securities for, other accounts and
customers, which advice or securities recommended may differ
from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or
sold for, us, even though their investment objectives may be the
same as, or similar to, our objectives.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by the Adviser and its
affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be
based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal or
internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may
be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the size
of our position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on
co-investing in private placement securities under the 1940 Act.
Our investment opportunities may be limited by affiliations of
the Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure
companies. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Conflicts of Interest.
Company
Risks
Our NAV, our ability to make distributions, our ability to
service debt securities and preferred stock, and our ability to
meet asset coverage requirements depends on the performance of
our investment portfolio. The performance of our investment
portfolio is subject to a number of risks, including the
following:
Concentration Risk. Under normal
circumstances, we concentrate our investments in the energy
infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on securities issued by
MLPs. The primary risks inherent in the energy infrastructure
industry include the following: (1) the performance and
level of distributions of MLPs can be affected by direct and
indirect commodity price exposure, (2) a decrease in market
demand for natural gas or other energy commodities could
adversely affect MLP revenues or cash flows, (3) energy
infrastructure assets deplete over time and must be replaced,
and (4) a rising interest rate environment could increase
an MLPs cost of capital.
Industry Specific Risk. Energy infrastructure
companies also are subject to risks specific to the industry
they serve. For risks specific to the pipeline, processing,
propane and coal industries, see Risk Factors
Company Risks Industry Specific Risk.
MLP Risk. We invest primarily in equity
securities of MLPs. As a result, we are subject to the risks
associated with an investment in MLPs, including cash flow risk
and tax risk. Cash flow risk is the risk that MLPs will not make
distributions to holders (including us) at anticipated levels or
that such distributions will not have the expected tax
character. MLPs also are subject to tax risk, which is the risk
that MLPs might lose their partnership status for tax purposes.
4
Equity Securities Risk. MLP common units and
other equity securities can be affected by macro economic and
other factors affecting the stock market in general,
expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards MLPs
or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuers
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor
performance of a particular issuer (in the case of MLPs,
generally measured in terms of DCF). Prices of common units of
individual MLPs and other equity securities also can be affected
by fundamentals unique to the partnership or company, including
size, earnings power, coverage ratios and characteristics and
features of different classes of securities. See Risk
Factors Company Risks Equity Securities
Risk.
Hedging Strategy Risk. We currently use, and
may in the future use, interest rate transactions for hedging
purposes only, in an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk
arising from our leveraged capital structure. Interest rate
transactions that we may use for hedging purposes, such as
swaps, caps and floors, will expose us to certain risks that
differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings.
See Risk Factors Company Risks
Hedging Strategy Risk.
Competition Risk. At the time we completed our
initial public offering in February 2004, we were the only
publicly traded investment company offering access to a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs. Since that time a
number of alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of
energy infrastructure MLPs, including other publicly traded
investment companies and private funds, have emerged. In
addition, recent tax law changes have increased the ability of
regulated investment companies or other institutions to invest
in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact our
ability to meet our investment objective, which in turn could
adversely impact our ability to make interest or dividend
payments.
Restricted Security Risk. We may invest up to
30% of total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. Restricted securities are less liquid than
securities traded in the open market because of statutory and
contractual restrictions on resale. Such securities are,
therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the open market,
which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is
adequate. This lack of liquidity creates special risks for us.
See Risk Factors Company Risks
Restricted Security Risk.
Liquidity Risk. Certain MLP securities may
trade less frequently than those of other companies due to their
smaller capitalizations. Investments in securities that are less
actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume
may be difficult to dispose of when we believe it is desirable
to do so, may restrict our ability to take advantage of other
opportunities, and may be more difficult to value.
Valuation Risk. We may invest up to 30% of
total assets in restricted securities, which are subject to
restrictions on resale. The value of such investments ordinarily
will be based on fair valuations determined by the Adviser
pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary
market may affect adversely our ability to determine NAV. The
sale price of securities that are restricted or otherwise are
not readily marketable may be higher or lower than our most
recent valuations.
Nondiversification Risk. We are a
nondiversified investment company under the 1940 Act and we are
not a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue
Code. Accordingly, there are no limits under the 1940 Act or
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the number or size of
issuers held by us and we may invest more assets in fewer
issuers as compared to a diversified fund.
Management Risk. The Adviser was formed in
October 2002 to provide portfolio management services to
institutional and high-net worth investors seeking professional
management of their MLP investments. The Adviser has been
managing our portfolio since we began operations in February
2004. The Adviser has seventeen full-time employees, but also
relies on the officers, employees, and resources of its
affiliate, Fountain Capital Management, L.L.C. (Fountain
Capital) and its affiliates, for certain functions.
See Risk Factors Company Risks for a
more detailed discussion of these and other risks of investing
in our securities.
5
Additional
Risks to Common Stockholders
Leverage Risk. We are currently leveraged and
intend to continue to use leverage primarily for investment
purposes. Leverage, which is a speculative technique, could
cause us to lose money and can magnify the effect of any losses.
There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be
successful. Currently, we anticipate using leverage to represent
approximately 33% of our total assets, including the proceeds
from such leverage. However, we reserve the right at any time,
if we believe that market conditions are appropriate, to use
financial leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (50%
for preferred stock and
331/3%
for debt securities).
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
stock (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
stock by increasing the number of shares available, which may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common stock.
Our ability to sell shares of common stock below NAV may
increase this pressure. These sales also might make it more
difficult for us to sell additional equity securities in the
future at a time and price we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
stockholders will be diluted to the extent that such
stockholders do not purchase shares in any future common stock
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we sell shares of common
stock below NAV, our NAV will fall immediately after such
issuance. See Description of Securities Common
Stock Issuance of Additional Shares which
includes a table reflecting the dilutive effect of selling our
common stock below NAV.
If we are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as
intended, our per share distribution may decrease and we may not
participate in market advances to the same extent as if such
proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. Our common stock has a
limited trading history and has traded both at a premium and at
a discount in relation to NAV. We cannot predict whether our
shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders for a more detailed discussion of these risks.
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Additional risks of investing in senior securities, which
will likely be auction rate securities, include the
following:
Interest Rate Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, such securities pay
dividends or interest based on short-term interest rates. If
short-term interest rates rise, dividends or interest on the
auction rate senior securities may rise so that the amount of
dividends or interest due to holders of auction rate senior
securities would exceed the cash flow generated by our portfolio
securities. This might require that we sell portfolio securities
at a time when we would otherwise not do so, which may affect
adversely our future ability to generate cash flow. In addition,
rising market interest rates could impact negatively the value
of our investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets
serving as asset coverage for the senior securities.
Senior Leverage Risk. Our preferred stock will
be junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution rights
to our debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior
securities representing indebtedness may constitute a
substantial lien and burden on preferred stock by reason of
their prior claim against our income and against our net assets
in liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends or
other distributions with respect to any series of our preferred
stock unless at such time we meet applicable asset coverage
requirements and the payment of principal or interest is not in
default with respect to the Tortoise Notes or any other
borrowings.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with that senior
security. A rating agency could downgrade the rating of our
shares of preferred stock or debt securities, which may make
such securities less liquid at an auction or in the secondary
market, though probably with higher resulting interest rates. If
a rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to a senior
security, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the senior
security. We may voluntarily redeem a senior security under
certain circumstances.
6
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred stock or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred stock or debt securities
and the dividend payable to holders of preferred stock or debt
securities declines.
Auction Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, there are certain risks
associated with participating in an auction and certain risks if
you try to sell senior securities outside of an auction in the
secondary market. These risks will be described in more detail
in an applicable prospectus supplement if we issue senior
securities pursuant to this registration statement.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our NAV may impair our ability to maintain required
levels of asset coverage for our preferred stock or debt
securities.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Senior
Security Holders for a more detailed discussion of these
risks.
7
SUMMARY
OF COMPANY EXPENSES
The following table contains information about the costs and
expenses that common stockholders will bear directly or
indirectly. In accordance with SEC requirements, the table below
shows our expenses, including leverage costs, as a percentage of
our average net assets, and not as a percentage of gross assets
or Managed Assets. By showing expenses as a percentage of
average net assets, expenses are not expressed as a percentage
of all of the assets we invest. The table is based on our
capital structure as of February 28, 2006. As of that date,
we had $235 million in senior securities outstanding (MMP
Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of
$70 million and Tortoise Notes in an aggregate principal
amount of $165 million). Such senior securities represent
32.7% of total assets as of February 28, 2006.
Stockholder
Transaction Expense
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Load (as a percentage of
offering price)
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Offering Expenses Borne by the
Company (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Fees(2)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Net Assets
|
|
|
|
Attributable to Common
|
|
Annual Expenses
|
|
Stockholders
|
|
|
Management Fee
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
Leverage
Costs(3)
|
|
|
2.62
|
%
|
Other
Expenses(4)
|
|
|
0.34
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual
Expenses(5)
|
|
|
4.58
|
%
|
Less Fee and Expense Reimbursement
(through
2/28/09)(6)
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Annual
Expenses(5)
|
|
|
4.41
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
If the securities to which this
prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the
prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable sales load
and the estimated offering expenses borne by us.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Stockholders will pay a transaction
fee plus brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent to sell
common stock held in a dividend reinvestment account. See
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Leverage Costs in the table reflect
the weighted average cost of MMP Shares and Tortoise Notes,
expressed as a percentage of average net assets. Because
Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares were fully hedged under swap
agreements as of February 28, 2006, the Leverage Costs are
based on the rates payable under the swap agreements as of
February 28, 2006. As of that date, the interest payable on
Tortoise Notes exceeded the interest payable under the swap
agreements. As of February 28, 2006, the interest payable
under the swap agreements exceeded the dividends payable on MMP
Shares.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Other Expenses are based on
estimated amounts for the current fiscal year and do not include
the expenses of leverage. Other Expenses do not include income
tax expense (benefit) related to realized or unrealized
investment and interest rate swap gains or losses.
|
|
(5)
|
|
If the Total Annual Expenses and
Net Annual Expenses of the Company were expressed as a
percentage of average Managed Assets (assuming $235 million
in leverage), Total Annual Expenses would be 2.68% and the Net
Annual Expenses would be 2.58%.
|
|
(6)
|
|
Beginning March 1, 2006, the
Adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse us for expenses in
an amount equal to 0.10% of our average monthly Managed Assets,
which represents 0.17% of our average net assets as of
February 28, 2006. The management fee and reimbursement are
expressed as a percentage of average net assets in the table.
Because holders of preferred stock and debt securities do not
bear management fees and other expenses, the cost to common
stockholders increases as leverage increases.
|
The purpose of the table above and the example below is to help
investors understand the fees and expenses that they, as common
stockholders, would bear directly or indirectly. For additional
information with respect to our expenses, see Management
of the Company.
8
Example:
The following example illustrates the expenses that common
stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock,
assuming (1) total annual expenses of 4.41% of average net
assets attributable to common shares in years 1 through 3 and
increasing to 4.58% in years 4 through 10; and (2) a 5%
annual return:(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
Total Expenses Paid by Common
Stockholders(2)(3)
|
|
$
|
44
|
|
|
$
|
133
|
|
|
$
|
227
|
|
|
$
|
465
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This example also assumes that (1) we have issued
$235 million in senior securities; (2) the estimated
Other Expenses set forth in the fee table are accurate;
(3) all distributions are reinvested at NAV; and
(4) the cost of leverage is 2.62%. The cost of leverage is
expressed as a percentage and represents the weighted average
rates payable under the swap agreements on Tortoise Notes and
MMP Shares. Without leverage, the 1 year, 3 years,
5 years and 10 years expenses would be $18, $56, $101,
and $224, respectively. The example should not be considered
a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be
greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of
return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return
shown in the example. |
|
(2) |
|
Assumes reimbursement of expenses of 0.17% of average net assets
in years one through three. The Adviser has not agreed to
reimburse expenses for any year beyond 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
The example above does not include sales loads or estimated
offering costs. |
9
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
Information contained in the table below under the heading
Per Common Share Data and Supplemental Data
and Ratios shows our per common share operating
performance. Except when noted, the information in this table is
derived from our financial statements audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, whose report on such financial
statements is contained in the statement of additional
information and is available from us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
through February 28,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Common Share
Data(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of
period
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Public offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering costs on initial public offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.17
|
)
|
Underwriting discounts and
offering costs on issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
Premiums and underwriting
discounts and offering costs on secondary
offering(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment
loss(4)
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain
on
investments(4)
|
|
|
1.00
|
|
|
|
2.67
|
|
|
|
3.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase from investment
operations
|
|
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
2.51
|
|
|
|
3.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to preferred
stockholders
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Common
Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
(0.48
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common
stockholders
|
|
|
(0.48
|
)
|
|
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
|
(0.97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$
|
27.55
|
|
|
$
|
27.12
|
|
|
$
|
26.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end
of period
|
|
$
|
29.42
|
|
|
$
|
28.72
|
|
|
$
|
27.06
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on
Market
Value(5)
|
|
|
4.22
|
%
|
|
|
13.06
|
%
|
|
|
12.51
|
%
|
Supplemental Data and
Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common
stockholders, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
410,642
|
|
|
|
404,274
|
|
|
|
336,553
|
|
Ratio of expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
12.97
|
%
|
|
|
9.10
|
%
|
|
|
15.20
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (including
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
12.58
|
%
|
|
|
8.73
|
%
|
|
|
14.92
|
%
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27,
2004(1)
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
through February 28,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
November 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.96
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
2.01
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense) to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.57
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense), without regard to
non-recurring organizational expenses, to average net assets
before
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.96
|
%
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
1.90
|
%
|
Ratio of expenses (excluding
current and deferred income tax expense), without regard to
non-recurring organizational expenses, to average net assets
after
waiver:(6)(7)(8)
|
|
|
3.57
|
%
|
|
|
2.78
|
%
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(9)
|
|
|
(1.30
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after
waiver:(6)(7)(9)
|
|
|
(0.91
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.05
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after current and deferred income tax
expense, before
waiver:(6)(8)
|
|
|
(10.31
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.37
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.37
|
)%
|
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets after current and deferred income tax
expense, after
waiver:(6)(8)
|
|
|
(9.92
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.00
|
)%
|
|
|
(13.65
|
)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
0.02
|
%
|
|
|
4.92
|
%
|
|
|
1.39
|
%
|
Tortoise Auction Rate Senior
Notes, end of period (000s)
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
165,000
|
|
|
$
|
110,000
|
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares, end of
period (000s)
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
35,000
|
|
Per common share amount of auction
rate senior notes outstanding at end of period
|
|
$
|
11.07
|
|
|
$
|
11.07
|
|
|
$
|
8.67
|
|
Per common share amount of net
assets, excluding auction rate senior notes, at end of period
|
|
$
|
38.62
|
|
|
$
|
38.19
|
|
|
$
|
35.21
|
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of
principal amount of auction rate senior notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
Series B
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
4,378
|
|
Series C
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
$
|
3,874
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000
liquidation value per share of preferred shares
|
|
$
|
171,658
|
|
|
$
|
169,383
|
|
|
$
|
265,395
|
|
Asset coverage ratio of auction
rate senior
notes(10)
|
|
|
391
|
%
|
|
|
387
|
%
|
|
|
438
|
%
|
Asset coverage ratio of MMP
shares(11)
|
|
|
275
|
%
|
|
|
272
|
%
|
|
|
332
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Commencement of Operations.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Information presented relates to a
share of common stock outstanding for the entire period.
|
|
(3)
|
|
The amount is less than
$0.01 per share, and represents the premium on the
secondary offering of $0.14 per share, less the
underwriting discounts and offering costs of $0.14 per
share for the year ending November 30, 2005.
|
11
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
The per common share data for the
period ended November 30, 2004, do not reflect the change
in estimate of investment income and return of capital. See
note 2 of the Accompanying Notes to the Financial
Statements.
|
|
(5)
|
|
Not Annualized for periods less
than a year. Total investment return is calculated assuming a
purchase of common stock at the market price on the first day
and a sale at the current market price on the last day of the
period reported. The calculation also assumes reinvestment of
dividends at actual prices pursuant to the Companys
dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions.
|
|
(6)
|
|
Annualized for periods less than
one full year.
|
|
(7)
|
|
The expense ratios and net
investment ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments
to preferred stockholders.
|
|
(8)
|
|
The Company accrued $24,659,420 and
$30,330,018 for the year ended November 30, 2005 and for
the period from February 27, 2004 through November 30,
2004, respectively, in current and deferred income taxes.
|
|
(9)
|
|
The ratio excludes net deferred
income tax benefit on net investment income.
|
|
(10)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by auction
rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period
divided by auction rate senior notes outstanding at the end of
the period.
|
|
(11)
|
|
Represents value of total assets
less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by auction
rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period,
divided by the sum of auction rate senior notes and MMP shares
outstanding at the end of the period.
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
SENIOR
SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information about our outstanding
senior securities as of February 28, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Coverage
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
|
Total Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
per Share
|
|
|
per $25,000
|
|
|
|
Amount/Liquidation
|
|
|
Asset Coverage
|
|
|
($25,000
|
|
|
Denomination
|
|
|
|
Preference
|
|
|
per $1,000 of
|
|
|
Liquidation
|
|
|
or Per Share
|
|
Title of Security
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Principal Amount
|
|
|
Preference)
|
|
|
Amount(1)
|
|
|
Tortoise Notes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Series B
|
|
$
|
50,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Series C
|
|
$
|
55,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
165,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MMP Shares Series I
(1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
171,658
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Series II (1,400 shares)
|
|
$
|
35,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
171,658
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
70,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
235,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Fair value of the Tortoise Notes
and MMP Shares approximates the principal amount and liquidation
preference, respectively, because the interest and dividend
rates payable on Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares are determined at
auctions and fluctuate with changes in prevailing market
interest rates.
|
12
MARKET
AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol TYG. Shares of
our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE on
February 25, 2004.
Our common stock has a limited trading history and has traded
both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV. We
cannot predict whether our shares will trade in the future at a
premium or discount to NAV. The provisions of the 1940 Act
generally require that the public offering price of common stock
(less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or
exceed the NAV per share of a companys common stock
(calculated within 48 hours of pricing). However, at our
Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 15, 2005, our
common stockholders granted to us the authority to sell a
limited number of shares of our common stock for less than NAV,
subject to certain conditions. Our issuance of common stock may
have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our
common stock by increasing the number of shares of common stock
available, which may put downward pressure on the market price
for our common stock. The continued development of alternatives
as vehicles for investing in a portfolio of energy
infrastructure MLPs, including other publicly traded investment
companies and private funds, may reduce or eliminate any
tendency of our shares of common stock to trade at a premium in
the future. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV. See
Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders Market Discount Risk.
13
The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated
the high and low closing market prices for our shares of common
stock on the NYSE, the NAV per share and the premium or discount
to NAV per share at which our shares of common stock were
trading. NAV is generally determined on the last business day of
each calendar month. See Determination of Net Asset
Value for information as to the determination of our NAV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Discount) To
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
|
|
Market
Price(1)
|
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
|
Value(3)
|
|
Month Ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Value(2)
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
March 31, 2004
|
|
$
|
26.00
|
|
|
$
|
24.95
|
|
|
$
|
23.77
|
|
|
|
9.4
|
%
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
April 30, 2004
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
|
|
23.10
|
|
|
|
23.83
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
|
−3.1
|
%
|
May 31, 2004
|
|
|
24.20
|
|
|
|
21.99
|
|
|
|
22.84
|
|
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
|
|
−3.7
|
%
|
June 30, 2004
|
|
|
24.00
|
|
|
|
22.45
|
|
|
|
22.67
|
|
|
|
5.9
|
%
|
|
|
−1.0
|
%
|
July 31, 2004
|
|
|
24.19
|
|
|
|
22.74
|
|
|
|
23.25
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
|
−2.2
|
%
|
August 31, 2004
|
|
|
25.06
|
|
|
|
23.86
|
|
|
|
24.19
|
|
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
|
−1.4
|
%
|
September 30, 2004
|
|
|
26.60
|
|
|
|
24.98
|
|
|
|
24.38
|
|
|
|
9.1
|
%
|
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
October 31, 2004
|
|
|
26.60
|
|
|
|
24.65
|
|
|
|
25.30
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
%
|
|
|
−2.6
|
%
|
November 30, 2004
|
|
|
27.70
|
|
|
|
25.39
|
|
|
|
25.54
|
|
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
|
|
−0.6
|
%
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
27.53
|
|
|
|
26.56
|
|
|
|
26.53
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
January 31, 2005
|
|
|
28.57
|
|
|
|
27.10
|
|
|
|
27.17
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
%
|
|
|
−0.3
|
%
|
February 28, 2005
|
|
|
31.05
|
|
|
|
28.55
|
|
|
|
28.56
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
30.91
|
|
|
|
28.54
|
|
|
|
28.37
|
|
|
|
9.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
April 30, 2005
|
|
|
30.00
|
|
|
|
28.40
|
|
|
|
27.61
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
May 31, 2005
|
|
|
29.15
|
|
|
|
28.19
|
|
|
|
28.61
|
|
|
|
1.9
|
%
|
|
|
−1.5
|
%
|
June 30, 2005
|
|
|
31.50
|
|
|
|
28.30
|
|
|
|
27.75
|
|
|
|
13.5
|
%
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
July 31, 2005
|
|
|
33.25
|
|
|
|
31.10
|
|
|
|
28.69
|
|
|
|
15.9
|
%
|
|
|
8.4
|
%
|
August 31, 2005
|
|
|
33.19
|
|
|
|
31.10
|
|
|
|
30.32
|
|
|
|
9.5
|
%
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
September 30, 2005
|
|
|
32.01
|
|
|
|
30.32
|
|
|
|
29.16
|
|
|
|
9.8
|
%
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
October 31, 2005
|
|
|
31.20
|
|
|
|
28.10
|
|
|
|
29.09
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
−3.4
|
%
|
November 30, 2005
|
|
|
30.75
|
|
|
|
28.25
|
|
|
|
28.70
|
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
−1.6
|
%
|
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
28.60
|
|
|
|
26.60
|
|
|
|
27.12
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
|
−1.9
|
%
|
January 31, 2006
|
|
|
29.95
|
|
|
|
27.92
|
|
|
|
26.65
|
|
|
|
12.4
|
%
|
|
|
4.8
|
%
|
February 28, 2006
|
|
|
29.48
|
|
|
|
28.35
|
|
|
|
28.17
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
March 31, 2006
|
|
|
29.58
|
|
|
|
27.91
|
|
|
|
27.55
|
|
|
|
7.4
|
%
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
April 30, 2006
|
|
|
28.95
|
|
|
|
27.56
|
|
|
|
28.58
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
|
−3.6
|
%
|
May 31, 2006
|
|
|
29.89
|
|
|
|
28.52
|
|
|
|
28.91
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
−1.3
|
%
|
Source: Bloomberg Financial and Fund Accounting Records.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Based on high and low closing
market price for the respective month.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Based on the NAV calculated on the
close of business on the last business day of each prior
calendar month.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Calculated based on the information
presented. Percentages are rounded.
|
The last reported sale price, NAV per share and percentage
discount to NAV per share of our common stock on June 23,
2006 were $28.11, $28.32 and 0.74%, respectively. As of
May 31, 2006, we had 14,944,103 shares of our common
stock outstanding and net assets of $432,077,223.
14
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will
invest the net proceeds of any sales of securities in accordance
with our investment objective and policies as described under
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies within approximately 3 months of receipt
of such proceeds. Such investments may be delayed if suitable
investments are unavailable at the time or for other reasons.
Pending such investment, we anticipate that we will invest the
proceeds in securities issued by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or
long-term debt obligations. A delay in the anticipated use of
proceeds could lower returns, reduce our distribution to common
stockholders and reduce the amount of cash available to make
dividend and interest payments on preferred stock and debt
securities, respectively.
15
THE
COMPANY
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act. We were organized as a
corporation on October 30, 2003, pursuant to a charter (the
Charter) governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland. In our initial public offering on February 27,
2004, and the exercise of subsequent overallotment options, we
raised aggregate gross proceeds of $315,000,000. We completed an
additional offering of common stock in December 2004. As of
May 31, 2006, we had net assets of $432,077,223
attributable to our common stock. Our common stock is listed on
the NYSE under the symbol TYG. As of the date of
this prospectus, we have issued three series of Tortoise Notes
and two series of MMP Shares. The outstanding Tortoise Notes are
rated Aaa and AAA by Moodys
Investors Service Inc. (Moodys) and Fitch
Ratings (Fitch), respectively. The outstanding MMP
Shares are rated Aa2 and AA by
Moodys and Fitch, respectively.
The following table provides information about our outstanding
securities as of May 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount Held
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
or for its
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Authorized
|
|
|
Account
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
100,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
14,944,103
|
|
Tortoise Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
60,000,000
|
|
Series B
|
|
$
|
50,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
50,000,000
|
|
Series C
|
|
$
|
55,000,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
55,000,000
|
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series I MMP Shares
|
|
|
1,400
|
(2)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
Series II MMP Shares
|
|
|
1,400
|
(2)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Includes 2,800 shares of
preferred stock designated as MMP Shares as set forth below.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Each share has a liquidation
preference of $25,000 ($35,000,000 in the aggregate for each of
Series I and Series II MMP Shares).
|
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Investment
Objective
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return
with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders.
For purposes of our investment objective, total return includes
capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from,
securities in which we invest regardless of the tax character of
the distributions. We seek to provide our stockholders with an
efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio of publicly traded
MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. Similar to the federal
income tax characterization of cash distributions made by MLPs
to its unit holders, we believe that our common stockholders
will have relatively high levels of return of capital associated
with cash distributions made by us to stockholders.
Energy
Infrastructure Industry
We concentrate our investments in the energy infrastructure
sector. We pursue our objective by investing principally in a
portfolio of equity securities issued by MLPs. MLP common units
historically have generated higher average total returns than
domestic common stock (as measured by the S&P 500) and
fixed income securities. A more detailed description of
investment policies and restrictions and more detailed
information about portfolio investments are contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Energy Infrastructure Companies. For purposes
of our policy of investing 90% of total assets in securities of
energy infrastructure companies, an energy infrastructure
company is one that derives each year at least 50% of its
revenues from Qualifying Income under
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code or one that
derives at least 50% of its revenues from the provision of
services directly related to the generation of Qualifying
Income. Qualifying Income is defined as including any income and
gains from the exploration, development, mining or
16
production, processing, refining, transportation (including
pipelines transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the
marketing of any mineral or natural resource (including
fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber).
Energy infrastructure companies (other than most pipeline MLPs)
do not operate as public utilities or local
distribution companies, and therefore are not subject to
rate regulation by state or federal utility commissions.
However, energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
greater competitive factors than utility companies, including
competitive pricing in the absence of regulated tariff rates,
which could cause a reduction in revenue and which could
adversely affect profitability. Most pipeline MLPs are subject
to government regulation concerning the construction, pricing
and operation of pipelines. Pipeline MLPs are able to set prices
(rates or tariffs) to cover operating costs, depreciation and
taxes, and provide a return on investment. These rates are
monitored by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
which seeks to ensure that consumers receive adequate and
reliable supplies of energy at the lowest possible price while
providing energy suppliers and transporters a just and
reasonable return on capital investment and the opportunity to
adjust to changing market conditions.
Master Limited Partnerships. Under normal
circumstances, we invest at least 70% of our total assets in
equity securities of MLPs that each year derive at least 90% of
their gross income from Qualifying Income and are organized as
partnerships, thereby eliminating federal income tax at the
entity level. An MLP generally has two classes of partners, the
general partner, and the limited partners. The general partner
is usually a major energy company, investment fund or the direct
management of the MLP. The general partner normally controls the
MLP through a 2% equity interest plus units that are
subordinated to the common (publicly traded) units for at least
the first five years of the partnerships existence and
then only converting to common if certain financial tests are
met.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage
the MLP and increase cash flows, the terms of most MLPs
typically provide that the general partner receives a larger
portion of the net income as distributions reach higher target
levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner receives a
greater interest in the incremental income compared to the
interest of limited partners. The general partners
incentive compensation typically increases to up to 50% of
incremental income. Nevertheless, the aggregate amount of
distributions to limited partners will increase as MLP
distributions reach higher target levels. Given this incentive
structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline
operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in
order to increase distributions to all partners.
Energy infrastructure MLPs in which we invest generally can be
classified in the following categories:
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Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common
carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids
(primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude
oil or refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet
fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate ancillary businesses such
as storage and marketing of such products. Revenue is derived
from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline
output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to
its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In
addition, pipeline MLPs do not have direct commodity price
exposure because they do not own the product being shipped.
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Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are
gatherers and processors of natural gas, as well as providers of
transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids
(NGLs). Revenue is derived from providing services
to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing
before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities
and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee
based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in
the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion
of revenue.
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Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are
distributors of propane to homeowners for space and water
heating. Revenue is derived from the resale of the commodity on
a margin over wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is
a key to profitability. Propane serves approximately 3% of the
household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes
beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution
pipelines. Approximately 70% of annual cash flow is earned
during the winter heating season (October through March).
Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility
type functions similar to electricity and natural gas.
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Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and
manage coal reserves. Revenue is derived from production and
sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal
producers. Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in
the United States. Demand for electricity and supply of
alternative fuels to generators are the primary drivers of coal
demand. Coal MLPs are subject to operating and production risks,
such as: the MLP or a lessee meeting necessary production
volumes; federal, state and local laws and regulations which may
limit the ability to produce coal; the MLPs ability to
manage production costs and pay mining reclamation costs; and
the effect on demand that the Clean Air Act standards have on
coal-end users.
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Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine shipping
MLPs are primarily marine transporters of natural gas, crude oil
or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive
revenue from charging customers for the transportation of these
products utilizing the MLPs vessels. Transportation
services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or
contract, the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the
length of use of a particular vessel, the amount of cargo
transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a
vessel or other factors.
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Although we also may invest in equity and debt securities of
energy infrastructure companies that are organized
and/or taxed
as corporations, it is likely that any such investments will be
in debt securities because the equity dividends from such
corporations typically do not meet our investment objective. We
also may invest in securities of general partners or other
affiliates of MLPs and private companies operating energy
infrastructure assets.
Investment
Process
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of our total
assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in
securities of energy infrastructure companies. The Adviser seeks
to invest in securities that offer a combination of quality,
growth and yield intended to result in superior total returns
over the long run. The Advisers securities selection
process includes a comparison of quantitative, qualitative, and
relative value factors. Although the Adviser uses research
provided by broker-dealers and investment firms, primary
emphasis is placed on proprietary analysis and valuation models
conducted and maintained by the Advisers in-house
investment analysts. To determine whether a company meets its
criteria, the Adviser generally looks for a strong record of
distribution growth, a solid ratio of debt to equity and
coverage ratio with respect to distributions to unit holders,
and a proven track record, incentive structure and management
team. All of the public energy infrastructure companies in which
we invest have a market capitalization greater than
$100 million.
Investment
Policies
We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing
primarily in securities of MLPs that the Adviser believes offer
attractive distribution rates and capital appreciation
potential. We also may invest in other securities set forth
below if the Adviser expects to achieve our objective with such
investments.
Our policy of investing at least 90% of our total assets
(including assets obtained through leverage) in securities of
energy infrastructure companies is nonfundamental and may be
changed by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval,
provided that stockholders receive at least 60 days
prior written notice of any change.
We have adopted the following additional nonfundamental policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 70% and up to
100% of our total assets in equity securities issued by MLPs.
Equity securities currently consist of common units, convertible
subordinated units, and
pay-in-kind
units.
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We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted
securities, primarily through direct placements. Subject to this
policy, we may invest without limitation in illiquid securities.
The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and
privately issued securities of publicly traded energy
infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether issued
by public companies or private companies, are generally
considered illiquid. Investments in private companies that do
not have any publicly traded shares or units are limited to 5%
of total assets.
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We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities
of energy infrastructure companies, including certain securities
rated below investment grade (junk bonds). Below
investment grade debt securities will be rated at least B3 by
Moodys and at least B − by S&P at the
time of purchase, or comparably rated by another statistical
rating organization or if unrated, determined to be of
comparable quality by the Adviser.
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We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any
single issuer.
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We will not engage in short sales.
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Unless otherwise stated, all investment restrictions apply at
the time of purchase and we will not be required to reduce a
position due solely to market value fluctuations.
Investment
Securities
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are
not limited to, the following:
Equity Securities of MLPs. Consistent with our
investment objective, we may invest up to 100% of total assets
in equity securities issued by energy infrastructure MLPs,
including common units, convertible subordinated units,
pay-in-kind
units (typically, I-Shares) and common units,
subordinated units and preferred units of limited liability
companies (LLCs) (that are treated as MLPs for
federal income tax purposes). The table below summarizes the
features of these securities, and a further discussion of these
securities follows.
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Convertible
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Common Units
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Subordinated Units
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(for MLPs taxed as
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(for MLPs taxed as
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partnerships)1
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partnerships)
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I-Shares
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Voting Rights
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Limited to certain significant
decisions; no annual election of directors
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Same as common units
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No direct MLP voting rights
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Dividend Priority
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First right to minimum quarterly
distribution (MQD) specified in Partnership
Agreement; arrearage rights
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Second right to MQD; no arrearage
rights; may be paid in additional units
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Equal in priority to common units
but paid in additional I-Shares at current market value of
I-Shares
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Dividend Rate
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Minimum set in partnership
agreement; participate pro rata with subordinated units after
both MQDs are met
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Equal in amount to common units;
participate pro rata with common units above the MQD
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Equal in amount to common units
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Trading
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Listed on NYSE, AMEX or NASDAQ
National Market
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Not publicly traded
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Listed on NYSE
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Federal Income Tax
Treatment
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Generally, ordinary income to the
extent of taxable income allocated to holder; distributions are
tax-free return of capital to extent of holders basis;
remainder as capital gain
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Same as common units
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Full distribution treated as
return of capital; since distribution is in shares, total basis
is not reduced
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Type Of Investor
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Retail; creates unrelated business
taxable income for tax-exempt investor; investment by regulated
investment companies limited to 25% of total assets
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Same as common units
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Retail and Institutional; does not
create unrelated business taxable income; qualifying income for
regulated investment companies
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Convertible
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Common Units
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Subordinated Units
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(for MLPs taxed as
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(for MLPs taxed as
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partnerships)1
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partnerships)
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I-Shares
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Liquidity Priority
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Intended to receive return of all
capital first
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Second right to return of capital;
pro rata with common units thereafter
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Same as common units (indirect
right through
I-Share
issuer)
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Conversion Rights
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None
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One-to-one
ratio into common units
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None
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(1)
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Some energy infrastructure
companies in which we may invest have been organized as LLCs.
Such companies are generally treated in the same manner as MLPs
for federal income tax purposes. Common units of LLCs have
similar characteristics as those of MLP common units, except
that LLC common units typically have voting rights with respect
to the LLC and LLC common units held by management are not
entitled to increased percentages of cash distributions as
increased levels of cash distributions are received by the LLC.
The characteristics of LLCs and their common units are more
fully discussed below.
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MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent
an equity ownership interest in a partnership, providing limited
voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the
companys success through distributions
and/or
capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation,
common unit holders do not elect directors annually and
generally have the right to vote only on certain significant
events, such as mergers, a sale of substantially all of the
assets, removal of the general partner or material amendments to
the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by their
partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their
current operating earnings. Common unit holders generally have
first right to a MQD prior to distributions to the convertible
subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including
incentive distributions). Common unit holders typically have
arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of
liquidation, MLP common unit holders have first rights to the
partnerships remaining assets after bondholders, other
debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid in full.
MLP common units trade on a national securities exchange or
over-the-counter.
Limited Liability Company Common Units. Some
energy infrastructure companies in which we may invest have been
organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are generally treated in the same
manner as MLPs for federal income tax purposes. Consistent with
our investment objective and policies, we may invest in common
units or other securities of such LLCs including preferred
units, subordinated units and debt securities. LLC common units
represent an equity ownership interest in an LLC, entitling the
holder to a share of the LLCs success through
distributions
and/or
capital appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs typically do not pay
federal income tax at the entity level and are required by their
operating agreements to distribute a large percentage of their
current operating earnings. LLC common unit holders generally
have first right to a MQD prior to distributions to subordinated
unit holders and typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is
not met. In the event of liquidation, LLC common unit holders
have a right to the LLCs remaining assets after bond
holders, other debt holders and preferred unit holders, if any,
have been paid in full. LLC common units may trade on a national
securities exchange or
over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are
no incentives that entitle management or other unit holders to
increased percentages of cash distributions as distributions
reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders
typically have voting rights with respect to the LLC, whereas
MLP common units have limited voting rights.
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP
convertible subordinated units are typically issued by MLPs to
founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell
assets to MLPs, and institutional investors. The purpose of the
convertible subordinated units is to increase the likelihood
that during the subordination period there will be available
cash to be distributed to common unit holders. We expect to
purchase convertible subordinated units in direct placements
from such persons. Convertible subordinated units generally are
not entitled to distributions until holders of common units have
received specified MQD, plus any arrearages, and may receive
less in distributions upon liquidation. Convertible subordinated
unit holders generally are entitled to MQD prior to the payment
of incentive distributions to the general partner, but are not
entitled to arrearage rights. Therefore, they generally entail
greater risk than MLP common units. They are generally
convertible automatically into the senior common units of the
same issuer at a
one-to-one
ratio upon the passage of time or the satisfaction of certain
financial tests. These units generally do not trade on a
national exchange or
over-the-counter,
and there is no active market for
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convertible subordinated units. The value of a convertible
security is a function of its worth if converted into the
underlying common units. Convertible subordinated units
generally have similar voting rights to MLP common units.
Distributions may be paid in cash or in-kind.
MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect
investment in MLP
I-units.
I-units are
equity securities issued to affiliates of MLPs, typically a
limited liability company, that owns an interest in and manages
the MLP. The
I-Share
issuer has management rights but is not entitled to incentive
distributions. The I-Share issuers assets consist
exclusively of MLP
I-units;
however, the MLP does not allocate income or loss to the I-Share
issuer. Distributions by MLPs to
I-unit
holders are made in the form of additional
I-units,
generally equal in amount to the cash received by common unit
holders of MLPs. Distributions to I-Share holders are made in
the form of additional I-Shares, generally equal in amount to
the I-units
received by the I-Share issuer. The issuer of the I-Share is
taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, investors receive a Form 1099, are not
allocated their proportionate share of income of the MLPs and
are not subject to state filing obligations.
Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of
our total assets in debt securities of energy infrastructure
companies, including securities rated below investment grade.
These debt securities may have fixed or variable principal
payments and all types of interest rate and dividend payment and
reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon,
contingent, deferred,
payment-in-kind
and auction rate features. To the extent that we invest in below
investment grade debt securities, such securities will be rated,
at the time of investment, at least B− by S&P or
B3 by Moodys or a comparable rating by at least one other
rating agency or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality. If a security satisfies our minimum rating
criteria at the time of purchase and subsequently is downgraded
below such rating, we will not be required to dispose of such
security. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser will consider what
action, including the sale of such security, is in the best
interest of us and our stockholders.
Because the risk of default is higher for below investment grade
securities than investment grade securities, the Advisers
research and credit analysis is an especially important part of
managing securities of this type. The Adviser attempts to
identify those issuers of below investment grade securities
whose financial condition the Adviser believes are adequate to
meet future obligations or have improved or are expected to
improve in the future. The Advisers analysis focuses on
relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend
coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects and the experience
and managerial strength of the issuer.
Restricted Securities. We may invest up to 30%
of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. An issuer may be willing to offer the
purchaser more attractive features with respect to securities
issued in direct placements because it has avoided the expense
and delay involved in a public offering of securities. Adverse
conditions in the public securities markets also may preclude a
public offering of securities. MLP convertible subordinated
units typically are purchased from affiliates of the issuer or
other existing holders of convertible units rather than directly
from the issuer.
Restricted securities obtained by means of direct placements are
less liquid than securities traded in the open market because of
statutory and contractual restrictions on resale. Such
securities are, therefore, unlike securities that are traded in
the open market, which are likely to be sold immediately if the
market is adequate. This lack of liquidity creates special
risks. However, we could sell such securities in privately
negotiated transactions with a limited number of purchasers or
in public offerings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the 1933 Act). MLP convertible subordinated
units also convert to publicly traded common units upon the
passage of time
and/or
satisfaction of certain financial tests.
Temporary and Defensive Investments. Pending
investment of offering or leverage proceeds, we may invest such
proceeds in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies,
short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a rating agency or other
fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be of similar
quality (collectively, short-term securities), or in
cash or cash equivalents, all of which are expected to provide a
lower yield than the securities of energy infrastructure
companies. We also may invest in short-term securities or cash
on a temporary basis to meet working capital needs including,
but not limited to, for collateral in connection with certain
investment techniques, to hold a reserve pending payment of
distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and
settlement of trades.
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Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to
100% of our total assets in short-term securities or cash. The
yield on short-term securities or cash may be lower than the
returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income
securities. To the extent we invest in short-term securities or
cash for defensive purposes, such investments are inconsistent
with, and may result in us not achieving, our investment
objective.
Portfolio
Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to
year. Although we cannot accurately predict our annual portfolio
turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under normal
circumstances. From the commencement of operations through
November 30, 2004, our actual portfolio turnover rate was
1.39%. For the year ended November 30, 2005, our portfolio
turnover rate was 4.92%. Portfolio turnover rate is not
considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment
decisions for us. A higher turnover rate results in
correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transactional expenses that the Company bears. High portfolio
turnover may result in our recognition of gains that will
increase our tax liability and thereby lower the amount of our
after-tax distributions. In addition, high portfolio turnover
may increase our current and accumulated earnings and profits,
resulting in a greater portion of our distributions being
treated as taxable dividends for federal income tax purposes.
See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that the Adviser
and its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities
for other clients, in which we have no interest, some of which
may have similar investment strategies as us. The Adviser or its
affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
such accounts over us. Any of their proprietary accounts and
other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades.
The Adviser or its affiliates may give advice and recommend
securities to, or buy or sell securities for, us which advice or
securities may differ from advice given to, or securities
recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers,
even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or
similar to, our objectives. When two or more clients advised by
the Adviser or its affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same
publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or
sold will be allocated among the clients on a good faith
equitable basis by the Adviser in its discretion and in
accordance with the clients various investment objectives
and the Advisers procedures. In some cases, this system
may adversely affect the price or size of the position we may
obtain or sell. In other cases, our ability to participate in
volume transactions may produce better execution for us.
The Adviser also serves as investment adviser to Tortoise Energy
Capital Corporation (TYY) and Tortoise North
American Energy Corporation (TYN), which are
nondiversified, closed-end investment management companies, and
managed accounts that invest in MLPs. TYY, which commenced
operations on May 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity
securities of MLPs and their affiliates in the energy
infrastructure sector. TYN, which commenced operations on
October 31, 2005, invests primarily in equity securities of
companies in the energy sector whose primary operations are in
North America. In December 2005, the Adviser began managing the
investments of Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation
(TTO). TTO is a private investment fund created to
invest primarily in privately held and micro-cap public
companies in the U.S. energy infrastructure sector. To the
extent certain MLP securities or other energy infrastructure
company securities meet our investment objective and the
objectives of other investment companies or accounts managed by
the Adviser, we may compete with such companies or accounts for
the same investment opportunities.
The Adviser will evaluate a variety of factors in determining
whether a particular investment opportunity or strategy is
appropriate and feasible for the relevant account at a
particular time, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) the nature of the investment opportunity taken in the
context of the other investments at the time; (2) the
liquidity of the investment relative to the needs of the
particular entity or account; (3) the availability of the
opportunity (i.e., size of obtainable position); (4) the
transaction costs involved; and (5) the investment or
regulatory limitations applicable to the particular entity or
account. Because these considerations may differ when applied to
us and relevant accounts under management in the context of any
particular investment opportunity, our investment activities, on
the one hand, and other managed accounts, on the other hand, may
differ considerably from time to
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time. In addition, our fees and expenses will differ from those
of the other managed accounts. Accordingly, investors should be
aware that our future performance and future performance of
other accounts of the Adviser may vary.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by the Adviser and its
affiliates for its other funds or accounts. Such situations may
be based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal
or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that
may be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the
size of our position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on
co-investing in negotiated transactions under the 1940 Act, as
discussed further below.
Under the 1940 Act, we may be precluded from co-investing in
negotiated private placements of securities with our affiliates,
including other funds managed by the Adviser. We and the Adviser
have applied to the SEC for exemptive relief to permit us and
our affiliates to make such investments. There is no guarantee
that the requested relief will be granted by SEC. Unless and
until we obtain an exemptive order, we will not co-invest with
our affiliates in negotiated private placement transactions.
Until we receive exemptive relief, the Adviser will observe a
policy for allocating negotiated private placement opportunities
among its clients that takes into account the amount of each
clients available cash and its investment objectives.
To the extent that the Adviser sources and structures private
investments in MLPs, certain employees of the Adviser may become
aware of actions planned by MLPs, such as acquisitions, that may
not be announced to the public. It is possible that we could be
precluded from investing in or selling securities of an MLP
about which the Adviser has material, non-public information;
however, it is the Advisers intention to ensure that any
material, non-public information available to certain employees
of the Adviser is not shared with the employees responsible for
the purchase and sale of publicly traded MLP securities. Our
investment opportunities also may be limited by affiliations of
the Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure
companies.
The Adviser and its principals, officers, employees, and
affiliates may buy and sell securities or other investments for
their own accounts and may have actual or potential conflicts of
interest with respect to investments made on our behalf. As a
result of differing trading and investment strategies or
constraints, positions may be taken by principals, officers,
employees, and affiliates of the Adviser that are the same as,
different from, or made at a different time than positions taken
for us. Further, the Adviser may at some time in the future,
manage other investment funds with the same investment objective
as ours.
LEVERAGE
Use of
Leverage
We currently engage in leverage and intend to borrow money or
issue additional debt securities,
and/or issue
additional preferred stock, which may be auction rate
securities, to provide us with additional funds to invest. The
borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred stock and debt
securities represent the leveraging of our common stock.
Currently, we anticipate using leverage to represent
approximately 33% of our total assets, including the proceeds
from such leverage. However, we reserve the right at any time,
if we believe that market conditions are appropriate, to use
financial leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (50%
for preferred stock and
331/3%
for debt securities). We generally will not use leverage unless
we believe that leverage will serve the best interests of our
stockholders. The principal factor used in making this
determination is whether the potential return is likely to
exceed the cost of leverage. We will not issue additional
leverage where the estimated costs of issuing such leverage and
the on-going cost of servicing the payment obligations on such
leverage exceed the estimated return on the proceeds of such
leverage. We note, however, that in making the determination of
whether to issue leverage, we must rely on estimates of leverage
costs and expected returns. Actual costs of leverage vary over
time depending on interest rates and other factors. Actual
returns vary, of course, depending on many factors. Our Board
also will consider other factors, including whether the current
investment opportunities will help us achieve our investment
objective and strategies. We also may borrow up to an additional
5% of our total assets (not including the amount so borrowed)
for temporary purposes, including the settlement and clearance
of securities transactions, which otherwise might require
untimely dispositions of portfolio holdings.
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Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred
stock unless immediately after such issuance we have total
assets (including the proceeds of such issuance) at least equal
to 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred
stock. Stated another way, we may not issue preferred stock
that, together with outstanding preferred stock, has an
aggregate liquidation value of more than 50% of our total assets
(less liabilities and indebtedness), including the amount
leveraged. In addition, we are not permitted to declare any cash
dividend or other distribution on our common stock unless, at
the time of such declaration, the total assets less liabilities
and indebtedness (determined after deducting the amount of such
dividend or distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation
value. We may, as a result of market conditions or otherwise, be
required to purchase or redeem preferred stock, or sell a
portion of our investments when it may be disadvantageous to do
so, in order to maintain the required asset coverage. Common
stockholders would bear the costs of issuing additional
preferred stock, which may include offering expenses and the
ongoing payment of dividends. Under the 1940 Act, we may only
issue one class of preferred stock. So long as MMP Shares are
outstanding, any preferred stock offered pursuant to this
prospectus and any related prospectus supplement will rank on
parity with any outstanding MMP Shares.
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue debt
securities or incur other indebtedness constituting senior
securities unless immediately thereafter we have total assets
(including the proceeds of the indebtedness) at least equal to
300% of the amount of the outstanding indebtedness. Stated
another way, we may not borrow for investment purposes more than
331/3%
of our total assets, including the amount borrowed. We also must
maintain this 300% asset coverage for as long as the
indebtedness is outstanding. The 1940 Act provides that we may
not declare any cash dividend or other distribution on common or
preferred stock, or purchase any of our shares of stock (through
tender offers or otherwise), unless we would satisfy this 300%
asset coverage after deducting the amount of the dividend, other
distribution or share purchase price, as the case may be. If the
asset coverage for indebtedness declines to less than 300% as a
result of market fluctuations or otherwise, we may be required
to sell a portion of our investments when it may be
disadvantageous to do so. Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue
one class of senior securities representing indebtedness. So
long as Tortoise Notes are outstanding, any debt securities
offered pursuant to this prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement will be ranked on parity with any outstanding
Tortoise Notes.
Hedging
Transactions
In an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure, we currently use, and may in the
future use, interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps and
floors. The use of interest rate transactions is a highly
specialized activity that involves investment techniques and
risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio
security transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree
to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is
known as the counterparty) a fixed rate payment in
exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to us a variable
rate payment intended to approximate our variable rate payment
obligation on any variable rate borrowings, such as Tortoise
Notes. The payment obligations would be based on the notional
amount of the swap. In an interest rate cap, we would pay a
premium to the counterparty up to the interest rate cap and, to
the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a
predetermined fixed rate of interest, would receive from the
counterparty payments equal to the difference based on the
notional amount of such cap. In an interest rate floor, we would
be entitled to receive, to the extent that a specified index
falls below a predetermined interest rate, payments of interest
on a notional principal amount from the party selling the
interest rate floor. Depending on the state of interest rates in
general, our use of interest rate transactions could affect our
ability to make required interest payments on the Tortoise Notes
or dividend payments on MMP Shares. To the extent there is a
decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate
transactions could decline. If the counterparty to an interest
rate transaction defaults, we would not be able to use the
anticipated net receipts under the interest rate transaction to
offset our cost of financial leverage.
We have entered into interest rate swap transactions intended to
hedge our interest and dividend payment obligations under the
currently outstanding Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares,
respectively, against material increases in interest rates. See
Risk Factors Company Risks Hedging
Strategy Risk.
24
Effects
of Leverage
As of May 31, 2006, we had 2,800 MMP Shares
outstanding with an aggregate liquidation preference of
$70,000,000. The dividend rate payable by us on each series of
MMP Shares outstanding varies based on auctions normally held
every twenty-eight (28) days. As of May 31, 2006, a
dividend rate of 4.87% and 4.91% was in effect for Series I
and Series II MMP Shares, respectively. However, we have
entered into interest rate swap agreements to protect ourselves
from increasing dividend expense on MMP Shares resulting from
increasing short-term interest rates. Under the terms of
outstanding swap agreements as of May 31, 2006, we are
obligated to pay a rate of 5.20% and 5.21%, respectively, on a
notional amount of $35 million for Series I MMP Shares
and a notional amount of $35 million for Series II MMP
Shares.
As of May 31, 2006, we had three series (Series A,
Series B, and Series C) of Tortoise Notes
outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $165,000,000.
The interest rate payable by us on each series of Tortoise Notes
outstanding varies based on auctions normally held every
twenty-eight (28) days for Series A and B and every
seven (7) days for Series C. As of May 31, 2006,
the current interest rate payable on the Series A,
Series B and Series C Tortoise Notes was 4.80%, 4.85%
and 4.77%, respectively. However, we have entered into interest
rate swap agreements to protect ourselves from increasing
interest expense on Tortoise Notes resulting from increasing
short-term interest rates. Under the terms of outstanding swap
agreements as of May 31, 2006, we are obligated to pay a
rate of 3.54%, 3.56% and 4.54% on a notional amount of
$60 million for Series A Tortoise Notes,
$50 million notional amount for Series B Tortoise
Notes and $55 million notional amount for Series C
Tortoise Notes, respectively.
Assuming that our leverage costs remain as described above (an
average annual cost of 4.57%, based on the amount of leverage
currently outstanding), the annual return that our portfolio
must experience (net of expenses) in order to cover leverage
costs would be 2.53%.
The following table is designed to illustrate the effect of the
foregoing level of leverage on the return to a common
stockholder, assuming hypothetical annual returns (net of
expenses) of our portfolio of −10% to 10%. As the table
shows, the leverage generally increases the return to common
stockholders when portfolio return is positive or greater than
the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio
return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The
figures appearing in the table are hypothetical, and actual
returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
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Assumed Portfolio Return (net of
expenses)
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−10
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%
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−5
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%
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0
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%
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5
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%
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10
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%
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Corresponding Common Share Return
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−21.8
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%
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−13.1
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%
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−4.3
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%
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4.4
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%
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13.1
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%
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While we use leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the
Adviser for investment advisory and management services are
higher than if we did not use leverage because the fees paid are
calculated based on our Managed Assets, which include assets
purchased with leverage. Therefore, the Adviser has a financial
incentive to use leverage, which will create a conflict of
interest between the Adviser and our common stockholders.
Because payments on any leverage would be paid by us at a
specified rate, only our common stockholders would bear
management fees and other expenses we incur.
Currently, we anticipate using leverage to represent
approximately 33% of our total assets, including the proceeds
from such leverage. However, we reserve the right at any time,
if we believe that market conditions are appropriate, to use
financial leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (50%
for preferred stock and
331/3%
for debt securities).
We cannot fully achieve the benefits of leverage until we have
invested the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage in
accordance with our investment objective and policies. For
further information about leverage, see Risk
Factors Additional Risks to Common
Stockholders Leverage Risk.
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RISK
FACTORS
Investing in any of our securities involves risk, including
the risk that you may receive little or no return on your
investment or even that you may lose part or all of your
investment. Therefore, before investing in any of our securities
you should consider carefully the following risks, as well as
any risk factors included in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Company
Risks
We are a nondiversified, closed-end management investment
company designed primarily as a long-term investment vehicle and
not as a trading tool. An investment in our securities should
not constitute a complete investment program for any investor
and involves a high degree of risk. Due to the uncertainty in
all investments, there can be no assurance that we will achieve
our investment objective.
The following are the general risks of investing in our
securities that affect our ability to achieve our investment
objective. The risks below could lower the returns and
distributions on common stock and reduce the amount of cash and
net assets available to make dividend payments on preferred
stock and interest payments on debt securities.
Concentration Risk. Under normal
circumstances, we concentrate our investments in the energy
infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on securities issued by
MLPs. Risks inherent in the energy infrastructure business of
these types of MLPs include the following:
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Processing and coal MLPs may be directly affected by energy
commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices can
indirectly affect certain other MLPs due to the impact of prices
on volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or
distributed. Pipeline MLPs are not subject to direct commodity
price exposure because they do not own the underlying energy
commodity. While propane MLPs do own the underlying energy
commodity, the Adviser seeks high quality MLPs that are able to
mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price
levels. The MLP sector can be hurt by market perception that
MLPs performance and distributions are directly tied to
commodity prices.
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The profitability of MLPs, particularly processing and pipeline
MLPs, may be materially impacted by the volume of natural gas or
other energy commodities available for transporting, processing,
storing or distributing. A significant decrease in the
production of natural gas, oil, coal or other energy
commodities, due to a decline in production from existing
facilities, import supply disruption, depressed commodity prices
or otherwise, would reduce revenue and operating income of MLPs
and, therefore, the ability of MLPs to make distributions to
partners.
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A sustained decline in demand for crude oil, natural gas and
refined petroleum products could adversely affect MLP revenues
and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market
demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions,
an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity,
higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or
a shift in consumer demand for such products.
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A portion of any one MLPs assets may be dedicated to
natural gas reserves and other commodities that naturally
deplete over time, which could have a materially adverse impact
on an MLPs ability to make distributions. Often the MLPs
depend upon exploration and development activities by third
parties. MLPs employ a variety of means of increasing cash flow,
including increasing utilization of existing facilities,
expanding operations through new construction, expanding
operations through acquisitions, or securing additional
long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs may be subject to
construction risk, acquisition risk or other risk factors
arising from their specific business strategies. A significant
slowdown in large energy companies disposition of energy
infrastructure assets and other merger and acquisition activity
in the energy MLP industry could reduce the growth rate of cash
flows we receive from MLPs that grow through acquisitions.
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The profitability of MLPs could be adversely affected by changes
in the regulatory environment. Most MLPs assets are
heavily regulated by federal and state governments in diverse
matters, such as the way in which certain MLP assets are
constructed, maintained and operated and the prices MLPs may
charge for
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their services. Such regulation can change over time in scope
and intensity. For example, a particular byproduct of an MLP
process may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency and
unexpectedly increase production costs. Moreover, many state and
federal environmental laws provide for civil as well as
regulatory remediation, thus adding to the potential exposure an
MLP may face.
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Extreme weather patterns, such as hurricane Ivan in 2004 and
hurricane Katrina in 2005, could result in significant
volatility in the supply of energy and power and could adversely
impact the value of the securities in which we invest. This
volatility may create fluctuations in commodity prices and
earnings of companies in the energy infrastructure industry.
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A rising interest rate environment could adversely impact the
performance of MLPs. Rising interest rates could limit the
capital appreciation of equity units of MLPs as a result of the
increased availability of alternative investments at competitive
yields with MLPs. Rising interest rates also may increase an
MLPs cost of capital. A higher cost of capital could limit
growth from acquisition/expansion projects and limit MLP
distribution growth rates.
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Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the
U.S. Government has issued public warnings indicating that
energy assets, specifically those related to pipeline
infrastructure, production facilities and transmission and
distribution facilities, might be specific targets of terrorist
activity. The continued threat of terrorism and related military
activity likely will increase volatility for prices in natural
gas and oil and could affect the market for products of MLPs.
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Holders of MLP units are subject to certain risks inherent in
the partnership structure of MLPs including (1) tax risks
(described below), (2) limited ability to elect or remove
management, (3) limited voting rights, except with respect
to extraordinary transactions, and (4) conflicts of
interest of the general partner, including those arising from
incentive distribution payments.
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Industry Specific Risk. Energy infrastructure
companies also are subject to risks specific to the industry
they serve.
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Pipeline MLPs are subject to demand for crude oil or refined
products in the markets served by the pipeline, sharp decreases
in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to
curtail production or reduce capital spending for exploration
activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline,
which accounts for a substantial portion of refined product
transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions
in the markets served, and demographic and seasonal factors.
Pipeline MLP unit prices are primarily driven by distribution
growth rates and prospects for distribution growth. Pipeline
MLPs are subject to regulation by FERC with respect to tariff
rates these companies may charge for pipeline transportation
services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the
tariff rates of a pipeline MLP could have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of that pipeline MLP and its ability
to make cash distributions to its equity owners.
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Processing MLPs are subject to declines in production of natural
gas fields, which utilize the processing facilities as a way to
market the gas, prolonged depression in the price of natural gas
or crude oil refining, which curtails production due to lack of
drilling activity and declines in the prices of natural gas
liquids products and natural gas prices, resulting in lower
processing margins.
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Propane MLPs are subject to earnings variability based upon
weather patterns in the locations where the company operates and
the wholesale cost of propane sold to end customers. Propane MLP
unit prices are based on safety in distribution coverage ratios,
interest rate environment and, to a lesser extent, distribution
growth.
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Coal MLPs are subject to demand variability based on favorable
weather conditions, strong or weak domestic economy, the level
of coal stockpiles in the customer base, and the general level
of prices of competing sources of fuel for electric generation.
They also are subject to supply variability based on the
geological conditions that reduce productivity of mining
operations, regulatory permits for mining activities and the
availability of coal that meets Clean Air Act standards.
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Marine shipping MLPs are subject to the demand for, and the
level of consumption of, refined petroleum products, crude oil
or natural gas in the markets served by the marine shipping
MLPs, which in turn could affect the demand for tank vessel
capacity and charter rates. These MLPs vessels and their
cargoes are also subject to the risks of being damaged or lost
due to marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures,
grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, piracy,
and war and terrorism.
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MLP Risk. We invest primarily in equity
securities of MLPs. As a result, we are subject to the risks
associated with an investment in MLPs, including cash flow risk,
tax risk and deferred tax risk, as described in more detail
below.
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Cash Flow Risk. We derive substantially
all of our cash flow from investments in equity securities of
MLPs. The amount of cash that we have available to pay or
distribute to holders of our securities depends entirely on the
ability of MLPs held by us to make distributions to their
partners and the tax character of those distributions. We have
no control over the actions of underlying MLPs. The amount of
cash that each individual MLP can distribute to its partners
will depend on the amount of cash it generates from operations,
which will vary from quarter to quarter depending on factors
affecting the energy infrastructure market generally and on
factors affecting the particular business lines of the MLP.
Available cash will also depend on the MLPs level of
operating costs (including incentive distributions to the
general partner), level of capital expenditures, debt service
requirements, acquisition costs (if any), fluctuations in
working capital needs and other factors.
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Tax Risk of MLPs. Our ability to meet
our investment objective will depend on the level of taxable
income, dividends and distributions we receive from the MLPs and
other securities of energy infrastructure companies in which we
invest, a factor over which we have no control. The benefit we
derive from our investment in MLPs depends largely on the MLPs
being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
As a partnership, an MLP has no federal income tax liability at
the entity level. If, as a result of a change in current law or
a change in an MLPs business, an MLP were treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes, the MLP would be
obligated to pay federal income tax on its income at the
corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as a corporation
for federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available
for distribution would be reduced and the distributions we
receive might be taxed entirely as dividend income. Therefore,
treatment of one or more MLPs as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes could affect our ability to meet our
investment objective and would reduce the amount of cash
available to pay or distribute to holders of our securities.
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Deferred Tax Risks of MLPs. As a
limited partner in the MLPs in which we invest, we will receive
a pro rata share of income, gains, losses and deductions from
those MLPs. Historically, a significant portion of income from
such MLPs has been offset by tax deductions. We will incur a
current tax liability on that portion of an MLPs income
and gains that is not offset by tax deductions and losses. The
percentage of an MLPs income and gains which is offset by
tax deductions and losses will fluctuate over time for various
reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition activity by MLPs
held in our portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated
depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in
increased current income tax liability to us.
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We will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax
liability associated with that portion of MLP distributions
considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well as
capital appreciation of our investments. Upon the sale of an MLP
security, we may be liable for previously deferred taxes. We
will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs,
which is not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax
liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and
determining our NAV. From time to time we will modify our
estimates or assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability as
new information becomes available.
Equity Securities Risk. MLP common units and
other equity securities can be affected by macro economic and
other factors affecting the stock market in general,
expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards MLPs
or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuers
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor
performance of a particular issuer (in the case of MLPs,
generally measured in terms of distributable cash flow). Prices
of common units of individual MLPs and other equity securities
also can be affected by fundamentals unique to the partnership
or company, including earnings power and coverage ratios.
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Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater
risk than is associated with investing in more established
companies. Companies with smaller capitalization may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack
management depth or experience; and may be more vulnerable to
adverse general market or economic developments than larger more
established companies.
Because MLP convertible subordinated units generally convert to
common units on a
one-to-one
ratio, the price that we can be expected to pay upon purchase or
to realize upon resale is generally tied to the common unit
price less a discount. The size of the discount varies depending
on a variety of factors including the likelihood of conversion,
and the length of time remaining to conversion, and the size of
the block purchased.
The price of I-Shares and their volatility tend to be correlated
to the price of common units, although the price correlation is
not precise.
Hedging Strategy Risk. We currently use, and
may in the future use, interest rate transactions for hedging
purposes only, in an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk
arising from our leveraged capital structure. Interest rate
transactions that we may use for hedging purposes will expose us
to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with our
portfolio holdings. There are economic costs of hedging
reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, floors, caps and
similar techniques, the costs of which can be significant,
particularly when long-term interest rates are substantially
above short-term rates. In addition, our success in using
hedging instruments is subject to the Advisers ability to
predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedging
instruments to our leverage risk, and there can be no assurance
that the Advisers judgment in this respect will be
accurate. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might
result in a poorer overall performance, whether or not adjusted
for risk, than if we had not engaged in such transactions.
Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of
interest rate transactions could enhance or decrease the cash
available to us for payment of distributions, dividends or
interest, as the case may be. To the extent there is a decline
in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps or caps
could decline, and result in a decline in our net assets. In
addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate transaction
defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated net
receipts under the interest rate swap or cap to offset our cost
of financial leverage.
Competition Risk. At the time we completed our
initial public offering in February 2004, we were the only
publicly traded investment company offering access to a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs. Since that time a
number of alternatives to us as vehicles for investment in a
portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs, including other
publicly traded investment companies and private funds, have
emerged. In addition, recent tax law changes have increased the
ability of regulated investment companies or other institutions
to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely
impact our ability to meet our investment objective, which in
turn could adversely impact our ability to make interest or
dividend payments.
Restricted Security Risk. We may invest up to
30% of total assets in restricted securities, primarily through
direct placements. Restricted securities are less liquid than
securities traded in the open market because of statutory and
contractual restrictions on resale. Such securities are,
therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the open market,
which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is
adequate. As discussed further below, this lack of liquidity
creates special risks for us. However, we could sell such
securities in privately negotiated transactions with a limited
number of purchasers or in public offerings under the
1933 Act. MLP convertible subordinated units also convert
to publicly-traded common units upon the passage of time
and/or
satisfaction of certain financial tests.
Restricted securities are subject to statutory and contractual
restrictions on their public resale, which may make it more
difficult to value them, may limit our ability to dispose of
them and may lower the amount we could realize upon their sale.
To enable us to sell our holdings of a restricted security not
registered under the 1933 Act, we may have to cause those
securities to be registered. The expenses of registering
restricted securities may be negotiated by us with the issuer at
the time we buy the securities. When we must arrange
registration because we wish to sell the security, a
considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is
made to sell the security and the time the security is
registered so that we could sell it. We would bear the risks of
any downward price fluctuation during that period.
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Liquidity Risk. Although common units of MLPs
trade on the NYSE, AMEX, and the NASDAQ National Market, certain
MLP securities may trade less frequently than those of larger
companies due to their smaller capitalizations. In the event
certain MLP securities experience limited trading volumes, the
prices of such MLPs may display abrupt or erratic movements at
times. Additionally, it may be more difficult for us to buy and
sell significant amounts of such securities without an
unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. As a result,
these securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price
at the times when we believe it is desirable to do so.
Investment of our capital in securities that are less actively
traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may
restrict our ability to take advantage of other market
opportunities or to dispose of securities. This also may affect
adversely our ability to make required interest payments on the
debt securities and dividend distributions on the preferred
stock, to redeem such securities, or to meet asset coverage
requirements.
Valuation Risk. Market prices generally will
not be available for MLP convertible subordinated units, or
securities of private companies, and the value of such
investments ordinarily will be determined based on fair
valuations determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board of Directors. Similarly, common units
acquired through direct placements will be valued based on fair
value determinations because of their restricted nature;
however, the Adviser expects that such values will be based on a
discount from publicly available market prices. Restrictions on
resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely
affect our ability to determine our NAV. The sale price of
securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or
higher than our most recent determination of their fair value.
Additionally, the value of these securities typically requires
more reliance on the judgment of the Adviser than that required
for securities for which there is an active trading market. Due
to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of
an active trading market for these investments, we may not be
able to realize these securities true value, or may have
to delay their sale in order to do so. This may affect adversely
our ability to make required interest payments on the debt
securities and dividend distributions on the preferred stock, to
redeem such securities, or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Nondiversification Risk. We are a
nondiversified, closed-end management investment company under
the 1940 Act and are not treated as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, there are
no regulatory limits under the 1940 Act or the Internal Revenue
Code on the number or size of securities that we hold and we may
invest more assets in fewer issuers as compared to a diversified
fund. There currently are approximately 47 companies
presently organized as MLPs and only a limited number of those
companies operate energy infrastructure assets. We select MLP
investments from this small pool of issuers. We may invest in
non-MLP securities issued by energy infrastructure companies to
a lesser degree, consistent with our investment objective and
policies.
Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when market
interest rates rise, the values of debt securities decline, and
vice versa. Our investment in such securities means that the NAV
and market price of our common stock will tend to decline if
market interest rates rise. During periods of declining interest
rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to
prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing us to reinvest
in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or
prepayment risk. Lower grade securities frequently have call
features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior
to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem a lower grade
obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost
due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit
standing of the issuer.
Below Investment Grade Securities
Risk. Investing in lower grade debt instruments
involves additional risks than investment grade securities.
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity of a below investment grade issuer to
make principal payments and interest payments than an investment
grade issuer. An economic downturn could adversely affect the
ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their obligations
or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Similarly,
downturns in profitability in the energy infrastructure industry
could adversely affect the ability of below investment grade
issuers in that industry to meet their obligations. The market
values of lower quality securities tend to reflect individual
developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher
quality securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the
general level of interest rates.
The secondary market for below investment grade securities may
not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated
securities. There are fewer dealers in the market for below
investment grade securities than
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investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different
dealers may vary significantly, and the spread between the bid
and asked price is generally much larger than for higher quality
instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the
secondary market for below investment grade securities could
contract further, independent of any specific adverse change in
the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may
become illiquid. As a result, it may be more difficult to sell
these securities or we may be able to sell the securities only
at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. This
may affect adversely our ability to make required dividend or
interest payments on our outstanding senior securities. Prices
realized upon the sale of such lower-rated or unrated
securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the
prices used in calculating our NAV.
Because investors generally perceive that there are greater
risks associated with lower quality securities of the type in
which we may invest a portion of our assets, the yields and
prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those
for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of
the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of
issuers creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and
in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality
segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater
yield and price volatility.
Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of below
investment grade securities may have an adverse effect on our
NAV and the market value of our common stock. In addition, we
may incur additional expenses to the extent we are required to
seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest
on our portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, we may be
required to foreclose on an issuers assets and take
possession of its property or operations. In such circumstances,
we would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and
potential liabilities from operating any business acquired.
Counterparty Risk. We may be subject to credit
risk with respect to the counterparties to certain derivative
agreements entered into by us. If a counterparty becomes
bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a
derivative contract due to financial difficulties, we may
experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under
the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization
proceeding. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain
no recovery in such circumstances.
Effects of Terrorism. The U.S. securities
markets are subject to disruption as a result of terrorist
activities, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center on September 11, 2001; the war in Iraq and its
aftermath; other hostilities; and other geopolitical events.
Such events have led, and in the future may lead, to short-term
market volatility and may have long-term effects on the
U.S. economy and markets.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Our Charter and
Bylaws include provisions that could delay, defer or prevent
other entities or persons from acquiring control of us, causing
us to engage in certain transactions or modifying our structure.
These provisions may be regarded as anti-takeover
provisions. Such provisions could limit the ability of common
stockholders to sell their shares at a premium over the
then-current market prices by discouraging a third party from
seeking to obtain control of us. See Certain Provisions in
the Companys Charter and Bylaws.
Management Risk. The Adviser was formed in
October 2002 to provide portfolio management to institutional
and high-net worth investors seeking professional management of
their MLP investments. The Adviser has been managing investments
in portfolios of MLP investments since that time, including
since February 2004, management of our investments, and
management of the investments of TYY since May 2005 and of TYN
since October 2005. TYY is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company that commenced operations in May
2005 and invests primarily in MLPs and their affiliates in the
energy infrastructure sector. TYN is a non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company, that commenced
operations on October 31, 2005 and invests primarily in
Canadian royalty trusts and income trusts and publicly traded
United States MLPs. The Adviser also manages the investments of
TTO. TTO is a private corporation which invests primarily in
privately held and micro- cap public companies in the
U.S. energy infrastructure sector. Our investments and
those of TYY, TYN and TTO are managed by the Advisers
investment committee. We share the same officers as TYY, TYN and
TTO. As of May 31, 2006, the Adviser had client assets
under management of approximately $1.7 billion, including
our assets and those of TYY, TYN and TTO. The Adviser has 17
full time employees, but also relies on the officers, employees,
and resources of Fountain Capital and its affiliates for certain
functions. To the extent that the Advisers assets under
management continue to grow, the Adviser may have to hire
additional personnel and to the extent it is unable to hire
qualified individuals its operations may be adversely affected.
Three (of the five) members of the investment committee are
affiliates of, but not employees of, the Adviser, and each have
other significant
31
responsibilities with such affiliated entities. Fountain Capital
and its affiliates conduct businesses and activities of their
own in which the Adviser has no economic interest. If these
separate activities become significantly greater than the
Advisers activities, there could be material competition
for the efforts of key personnel.
Additional
Risks to Common Stockholders
Leverage Risk. Our use of leverage through the
issuance of MMP Shares and Tortoise Notes along with the
issuance of any additional preferred stock or debt securities,
and any additional borrowings or other transactions involving
indebtedness (other than for temporary or emergency purposes)
are or would be considered senior securities for
purposes of the 1940 Act and create risks. Leverage is a
speculative technique that may adversely affect common
stockholders. If the return on securities acquired with borrowed
funds or other leverage proceeds does not exceed the cost of the
leverage, the use of leverage could cause us to lose money.
Successful use of leverage depends on the Advisers ability
to predict or hedge correctly interest rates and market
movements, and there is no assurance that the use of a
leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in
which it is used. Because the fee paid to the Adviser will be
calculated on the basis of Managed Assets, the fees will
increase when leverage is utilized, giving the Adviser an
incentive to utilize leverage.
Our issuance of senior securities involves offering expenses and
other costs, including interest payments, which are borne
indirectly by our common stockholders. Fluctuations in interest
rates could increase interest or dividend payments on our senior
securities, and could reduce cash available for dividends on
common stock. Increased operating costs, including the financing
cost associated with any leverage, may reduce our total return
to common stockholders.
The 1940 Act
and/or the
rating agency guidelines applicable to senior securities impose
asset coverage requirements, dividend limitations, voting right
requirements (in the case of the senior equity securities), and
restrictions on our portfolio composition and our use of certain
investment techniques and strategies. The terms of any senior
securities or other borrowings may impose additional
requirements, restrictions and limitations that are more
stringent than those currently required by the 1940 Act, and the
guidelines of the rating agencies that rate outstanding senior
securities. These requirements may have an adverse effect on us
and may affect our ability to pay distributions on common stock
and preferred stock. To the extent necessary, we intend to
redeem our senior securities to maintain the required asset
coverage. Doing so may require that we liquidate portfolio
securities at a time when it would not otherwise be desirable to
do so. Nevertheless, it is not anticipated that the 1940 Act
requirements, the terms of any senior securities or the rating
agency guidelines will impede the Adviser in managing our
portfolio in accordance with our investment objective and
policies. See Leverage Use of Leverage.
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
stock (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
stock. An increase in the number of common shares available may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common stock.
Our ability to sell shares of common stock below NAV may
increase this pressure. These sales also might make it more
difficult for us to sell additional equity securities in the
future at a time and price we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
stockholders will be diluted to the extent that current
stockholders do not purchase shares in any future common stock
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we sell shares of common
stock below NAV, our NAV will fall immediately after such
issuance. See Description of Securities Common
Stock Issuance of Additional Shares which
includes a table reflecting the dilutive effect of selling our
common stock below NAV.
If we are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as
intended, our per share distribution may decrease and we may not
participate in market advances to the same extent as if such
proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. Our common stock has a
limited trading history and has traded both at a premium and at
a discount in relation to NAV. We cannot predict whether our
shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV.
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a
discount from NAV, but in some cases have traded above NAV.
Continued development of alternatives as a vehicle for
investment in MLP securities may contribute to reducing or
eliminating any premium or may result in our shares trading at a
discount. The risk of the shares of common stock trading at a
discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in our
NAV as a result of
32
investment activities. Our NAV will be reduced immediately
following an offering of our common or preferred stock, due to
the offering costs for such stock, which are borne entirely by
us. Although we also bear the offering costs of debt securities,
such costs are amortized over time and therefore do not impact
our NAV immediately following an offering.
Whether stockholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale
of our common stock depends upon whether the market value of the
common shares at the time of sale is above or below the price
the stockholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for
the common shares, and is not directly dependent upon our NAV.
Because the market value of our common stock will be determined
by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the
shares in the market, general market conditions and other
factors beyond our control, we cannot predict whether our common
stock will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above
the public offering price for common stock.
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Generally, an investment in preferred stock or debt securities
(collectively, senior securities) is subject to the
following risks:
Interest Rate Risk. Auction rate senior
securities pay dividends or interest based on short-term
interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise, dividends or
interest on the auction rate senior securities may rise so that
the amount of dividends or interest due to holders of auction
rate senior securities would exceed the cash flow generated by
our portfolio securities. This might require us to sell
portfolio securities at a time when we would otherwise not do
so, which may affect adversely our future ability to generate
cash flow. In addition, rising market interest rates could
impact negatively the value of our investment portfolio,
reducing the amount of assets serving as asset coverage for the
senior securities.
Senior Leverage Risk. Preferred stock will be
junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution rights to
debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior securities
representing indebtedness may constitute a substantial lien and
burden on preferred stock by reason of their prior claim against
our income and against our net assets in liquidation. We may not
be permitted to declare dividends or other distributions with
respect to any series of preferred stock unless at such time we
meet applicable asset coverage requirements and the payment of
principal or interest is not in default with respect to the
Tortoise Notes or any other borrowings.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with a security. A
rating agency could downgrade the rating of our shares of
preferred stock or debt securities, which may make such
securities less liquid at an auction or in the secondary market,
though probably with higher resulting interest rates. If a
rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to a senior
security, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the senior
security. We may voluntarily redeem a senior security under
certain circumstances.
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred stock or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred stock or debt securities
and the dividend payable to holders of preferred stock or
interest payable to holders of debt securities declines. In an
inflationary period, however, it is expected that, through the
auction process, dividend or interest rates would increase,
tending to offset this risk.
Auction Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, there are certain risks
associated with participating in an auction and certain risks if
you try to sell senior securities outside of an auction in the
secondary market. These risks will be described in more detail
in an applicable prospectus supplement if we issue senior
securities pursuant to this registration statement.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our NAV may impair our ability to maintain required
levels of asset coverage for our preferred stock or debt
securities.
33
MANAGEMENT
OF THE COMPANY
Directors
and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our
Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors provides
broad supervision over our affairs, including supervision of the
duties performed by the Adviser. Our officers are responsible
for our
day-to-day
operations. The names and business addresses of our directors
and officers, together with their principal occupations and
other affiliations during the past five years, are set forth in
the statement of additional information. The Board of Directors
consists of a majority of directors who are not interested
persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser or its
affiliates.
Investment
Adviser
Pursuant to an advisory agreement, the Adviser provides us with
investment research and advice and furnishes us with an
investment program consistent with our investment objective and
policies, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser
determines which portfolio securities will be purchased or sold,
arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those
orders, maintains books and records with respect to our
securities transactions and reports to the Board on our
investments and performance.
The Adviser is located at 10801 Mastin Boulevard,
Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. The Adviser
specializes in managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and
other energy infrastructure companies. The Adviser was formed in
October 2002 to provide portfolio management services to
institutional and high net worth investors seeking professional
management of their MLP investments. As of May 31, 2006,
the Adviser had approximately $1.7 billion of client assets
under management. The Advisers investment committee is
comprised of five seasoned portfolio managers.
The Adviser is controlled equally by Fountain Capital and KCEP.
Fountain Capital was formed in 1990 and is focused primarily on
providing investment advisory services to institutional
investors with respect to below investment grade debt. KCEP was
formed in 1993 and is focused solely on managing two private
equity funds. The first of those funds, a
start-up and
early-stage venture capital fund launched in 1994, is in the
process of winding down. As a part of that process, this fund
has entered into a consensual order of receivership, which was
necessary to allow it to distribute its remaining
$1.6 million of assets to the Small Business Administration
(the SBA). The consensual order acknowledged a
capital impairment condition and the resulting nonperformance by
this fund of its agreement with the SBA. Mr. Schulte is a
managing director of KCEP and was involved with this fund. The
second fund is an $85 million private equity fund founded
in 1998. KCEP focuses on private equity investments, including
investments in two natural resource infrastructure companies.
The Adviser has seventeen full-time employees, but also relies
on the officers, employees and resources of its affiliate,
Fountain Capital and its affiliates for certain functions. Three
of the five members of the investment committee of the Adviser
are affiliates of, but not employees of, the Adviser, and each
have other significant responsibilities with such affiliated
entities. The affiliated entities conduct businesses and
activities of their own in which the Adviser has no economic
interest. If these separate activities are significantly greater
than the Advisers activities, there could be material
competition for the efforts of key personnel.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility
of the Advisers investment committee. The investment
committees members are H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel,
Kenneth P. Malvey, Terry C. Matlack and David J. Schulte, all of
whom share responsibility for such investment management. It is
the policy of the investment committee that any one member can
require the Adviser to sell a security and any one member can
veto the committees decision to invest in a security. Each
committee member has been a portfolio manager since we commenced
operations in February 2004.
H. Kevin Birzer. Mr. Birzer has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Partner/Senior
Analyst with Fountain Capital. Mr. Birzer is also a
Director of TYY, TYN and TTO. Mr. Birzer, who joined
Fountain Capital in 1990, has 22 years of investment
experience including 19 in high-yield securities.
Mr. Birzer began his career with Peat Marwick. His
subsequent experience includes three years
34
working as a Vice President for F. Martin Koenig & Co.,
focusing on equity and option investments, and three years at
Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he was a Vice President in the
Corporate Finance Department. Mr. Birzer graduated with a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University
of Notre Dame and holds a Master of Business Administration
degree from New York University. He earned his CFA designation
in 1988.
Zachary A. Hamel. Mr. Hamel has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Partner/Senior
Analyst with Fountain Capital. Mr. Hamel joined Fountain
Capital in 1997. He covers energy, chemicals and utilities.
Prior to joining Fountain Capital, Mr. Hamel worked for the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for
eight years as a Bank Examiner and a Regional Capital Markets
Specialist. Mr. Hamel graduated from Kansas State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration. He also attained a Master in Business
Administration from the University of Kansas School of Business.
He earned his CFA designation in 1998.
Kenneth P. Malvey. Mr. Malvey has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Partner/Senior Analyst with Fountain Capital. Prior to joining
Fountain Capital in 2002, Mr. Malvey was one of three
members of the Global Office of Investments for GE
Capitals Employers Reinsurance Corporation. Most recently
he was the Global Investment Risk Manager for a portfolio of
approximately $24 billion of fixed-income, public equity
and alternative investment assets. Prior to joining GE Capital
in 1996, Mr. Malvey was a Bank Examiner and Regional
Capital Markets Specialist with the FDIC for nine years.
Mr. Malvey graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Finance from Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota. He
earned his CFA designation in 1996.
Terry C. Matlack. Mr. Matlack has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Managing Director of KCEP. Mr. Matlack is also a Director
of TYY, TYN and TTO. Prior to joining KCEP in 2001,
Mr. Matlack was President of GreenStreet Capital and its
affiliates in the telecommunications service industry. Prior to
1995, he was Executive Vice President and a member of the board
of directors of W.K. Communications, Inc., a cable television
acquisition company, and Chief Operating Officer of W.K.
Cellular, a cellular rural service area operator. He also has
served as a specialist in corporate finance with George K.
Baum & Company, and as Executive Vice President of
Corporate Finance at B.C. Christopher Securities Company.
Mr. Matlack graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration from Kansas State University and holds a
Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate from
the University of Kansas. He earned his CFA designation in 1985.
David J. Schulte. Mr. Schulte has
been a Managing Director of the Adviser since 2002 and also is a
Managing Director of KCEP. While a Managing Director of KCEP, he
led private financing for two growth MLPs in the energy
infrastructure sector. Since February 2004, Mr. Schulte has
been an employee of the Adviser. Prior to joining KCEP in 1993,
Mr. Schulte had over five years of experience completing
acquisition and public equity financings as an investment banker
at the predecessor of Oppenheimer & Co, Inc. From 1986
to 1989, he was a securities law attorney. Mr. Schulte
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
from Drake University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the
University of Iowa. He passed the CPA examination in 1983,
earned his CFA designation in 1992.
The statement of additional information provides additional
information about the compensation structure of, the other
accounts managed by, and the ownership of our securities by the
portfolio managers listed above.
Compensation
and Expenses
Under the advisory agreement, we pay the Adviser quarterly, as
compensation for the services rendered by it, a fee equal on an
annual basis to 0.95% of our average monthly Managed Assets.
Managed Assets means our total assets (including any assets
attributable to leverage that may be outstanding) minus accrued
liabilities other than (1) deferred taxes, (2) debt
entered into for the purpose of leverage and (3) the
aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred
stock. Because the fee paid to the Adviser is determined on the
basis of our Managed Assets, the Advisers interest in
determining whether we should incur additional leverage will
conflict with our interests. Our average monthly Managed Assets
are determined for the purpose of calculating the management fee
by taking the average of the monthly determinations of Managed
Assets during a given calendar quarter. The fees
35
are payable for each calendar quarter within five days after the
end of that quarter. The Adviser has contractually agreed to
reimburse us for fees and expenses, including the investment
advisory fee and other expenses in the amount of 0.10% of
average monthly Managed Assets through February 28, 2009.
The advisory agreement has a term ending on December 31st
of each year and is therefore submitted to the Board of
Directors for renewal in December of each year. A discussion
regarding the basis of the Board of Directors decision to
approve the renewal of the advisory agreement will be available
in our Semi-Annual Report to stockholders for the six-month
period ended May 31 of the following year.
We bear all expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser
incurred in our operations and will bear the expenses of all
future offerings. Expenses we bear include, but are not limited
to, the following: (1) expenses of maintaining and
continuing our existence and related overhead, including, to the
extent services are provided by personnel of the Adviser or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel
compensation, training and benefits; (2) registration under
the 1940 Act; (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other
expenses connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition
of securities and other investments, including placement and
similar fees in connection with direct placements in which we
participate; (4) auditing, accounting and legal expenses;
(5) taxes and interest; (6) governmental fees;
(7) expenses of listing our shares with a stock exchange,
and expenses of the issue, sale, repurchase and redemption (if
any) of our interests, including expenses of conducting tender
offers for the purpose of repurchasing our interests;
(8) expenses of registering and qualifying us and our
shares under federal and state securities laws and of preparing
and filing registration statements and amendments for such
purposes; (9) expenses of communicating with stockholders,
including website expenses and the expenses of preparing,
printing and mailing press releases, reports and other notices
to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy
solicitations therefor; (10) expenses of reports to
governmental officers and commissions; (11) insurance
expenses; (12) association membership dues; (13) fees,
expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for
all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of
funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books,
accounts and records, and determination of NAV); (14) fees,
expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend paying
agents, stockholder servicing agents and registrars for all
services to us; (15) compensation and expenses of our
directors who are not members of the Advisers
organization; (16) pricing and valuation services employed
by us; (17) all expenses incurred in connection with
leveraging of our assets through a line of credit, or issuing
and maintaining notes or preferred stock; (18) all expenses
incurred in connection with the offerings of our common and
preferred stock and debt securities; and (19) such
non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in
connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and our
obligation to indemnify our directors, officers and stockholders
with respect thereto.
CLOSED-END
COMPANY STRUCTURE
We are a nondiversified closed-end management investment company
and as such our stockholders will not have the right to cause us
to redeem their shares. Instead, our common stock will trade in
the open market at a price that will be a function of several
factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected
by expenses), NAV, call protection, dividend stability,
portfolio credit quality, relative demand for and supply of such
shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and
other factors.
Shares of common stock of closed-end companies frequently trade
at a discount to their NAV. This characteristic of shares of
closed-end management investment companies is a risk separate
and distinct from the risk that our NAV may decrease as a result
of investment activities. To the extent that our common stock
does trade at a discount, the Board of Directors may from time
to time engage in open-market repurchases or tender offers for
shares after balancing the benefit to stockholders of the
increase in the NAV per share resulting from such purchases
against the decrease in our assets and potential increase in the
expense ratio of our expenses to assets and the decrease in
asset coverage with respect to any outstanding senior
securities. The Board of Directors believes that in addition to
the beneficial effects described above, any such purchases or
tender offers may result in the temporary narrowing of any
discount but will not have any long-term effect on the level of
any discount. There is no guarantee or assurance that the Board
of Directors will decide to engage in any of these actions.
There is also no guarantee or assurance that such actions, if
undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a price equal
or close to NAV per share. Any stock repurchases or tender
offers will be made in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities
36
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act),
the 1940 Act and the principal stock exchange on which the
common stock is traded. Conversion to an open-end mutual fund is
extremely unlikely and would require stockholder approval of an
amendment to our Charter.
CERTAIN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a general summary of certain federal income tax
considerations affecting us and our security holders. This
discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all
aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to
stockholders in light of their particular circumstances or who
are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift institutions
and certain other financial institutions, real estate investment
trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies,
brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, certain
securities traders, tax-exempt investors, individual retirement
accounts, certain tax-deferred accounts, and foreign investors.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of an
investment in and holding of our securities will depend on the
particular facts of each investors situation. Investors
are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to
the application to their own circumstances of the general
federal income taxation rules described below and with respect
to other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to
them before making an investment in our securities. Unless
otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that the investors are
U.S. persons and hold our securities as capital assets.
More detailed information regarding the federal income tax
consequences of investing in our securities is in the Statement
of Additional Information.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are
informing you that (1) this discussion is not intended to
be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the
U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion was written
by us in connection with the registration of our securities and
our promotion or marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should
seek advice based on his, her or its particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
Company
Federal Income Taxation
We are treated as a corporation for federal and state income tax
purposes. Thus, we are obligated to pay federal and state income
tax on our taxable income. We invest our assets primarily in
MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal
income tax purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we must report
our allocable share of the MLPs taxable income in
computing our taxable income regardless of whether the MLPs make
any distributions. Based upon our review of the historic results
of the type of MLPs in which we invest, we expect that the cash
flow received by us with respect to our MLP investments will
exceed the taxable income allocated to us. There is no assurance
that our expectation regarding the tax character of MLP
distributions will be realized. If this expectation is not
realized, there will be greater tax expense borne by us and less
cash available to distribute to stockholders or to pay to
creditors. In addition, we will take into account in determining
our taxable income the amounts of gain or loss recognized on the
sale of MLP interests. Currently, the maximum regular federal
income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent. We may be
subject to a 20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on
our alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that the
alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue Code generally
provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an
entity level income tax, provided that it distributes all or
substantially all of its income. Our assets do not, and are not
expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes. The
regulated investment company taxation rules therefore have no
application to us or to our stockholders. Although recent
changes to the federal tax laws permit regulated investment
companies to invest up to 25% of their total assets in
securities of MLPs, such changes still would not allow us to
pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not intend to change
our tax status as a result of such legislation.
Federal
Income Taxation of Common and Preferred Stock
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Common
Stock. Unlike a holder of a direct interest in
MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our
income, gains, losses or deductions in computing its own taxable
income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that, under present
law, the common stock will constitute
37
equity, distributions with respect to such shares (other than
distributions in redemption of shares subject to
Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally
constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal
income tax purposes. Generally, a corporations earnings
and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain
specified adjustments. As explained above, based upon the
historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate that the
distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the
MLPs income and our gain on the sale of MLP interests. In
addition, earnings and profits are treated generally, for
federal income tax purposes, as first being used to pay
distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent
remaining, if any, to pay distributions on the common stock.
Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of the distributions of
DCF will be treated as dividend income to common stockholders.
To the extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, the
stockholders basis in shares of stock with respect to
which the distribution is made will be reduced, which may
increase the amount of gain realized upon the sale of such
shares. If a stockholder has no further basis in its shares, the
stockholder will report any excess as capital gain if the
stockholder holds such shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits
generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but are
expected to be treated as qualified dividend income
that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income
taxation for noncorporate investors and are also expected to be
eligible for the dividends received deduction available to
corporate stockholders under Section 243 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate
stockholders is taxed at long-term capital gain rates, which
currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income
generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and
dividends from
non-U.S. corporations
that meet certain criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend
income, the stockholder must hold the shares paying otherwise
qualifying dividend income more than 60 days during the
121-day
period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or
more than 90 days during the
181-day
period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date in the
case of certain preferred stock dividends). A stockholders
holding period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the
stockholder engages in certain risk reduction transactions with
respect to the common or preferred stock. The provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income
are effective through 2010. Thereafter, higher tax rates will
apply unless further legislative action is taken.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply
to the availability of the dividends received deduction,
including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction
that may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period
of the shares of common or preferred stock on which the dividend
is paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder
engages in risk reduction transactions with respect to its
shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the application of these limitations to their
particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan, such stockholder will be treated as receiving
the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of the cash
distribution the stockholder would have received if the
stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by
the Company, the fair market value of the shares issued to the
stockholder.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Preferred
Stock. Under present law, we are of the opinion
that preferred stock will constitute equity, and thus
distributions with respect to preferred stock (other than
distributions in redemption of preferred stock subject to
Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally
constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax
purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as
qualified dividend income that is generally subject
to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate
investors and are also expected to be eligible for the dividends
received deduction available to corporate stockholders under
Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Please see the
discussion above on qualified dividend income and dividends
received deductions.
Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income
tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on the
preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to
pay distributions on the common stock. Distributions in excess
of the Companys earnings and profits, if any, will first
reduce a stockholders adjusted
38
tax basis in his or her preferred stock and, after the adjusted
tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to a
stockholder who holds such shares as a capital asset.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common
or preferred stock by holders will generally be a taxable
transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares
of stock who sell such shares will generally recognize gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net
proceeds of the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares
sold. If the shares are held as a capital asset at the time of
the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or
loss. Similarly, a redemption by us (including a redemption
resulting from our liquidation), if any, of all the shares
actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will
give rise to capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the redemption proceeds
do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other
redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, but
certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code must be satisfied to achieve such
treatment.
Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares were held for more than one year and will be
short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a
noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to
federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of
15%) than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income
(currently a maximum rate of 35%). Under current law, the
maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate
holders is scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years after
2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is generally taxed at
the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a
maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital
losses may be limited.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment
Companies. Employee benefit plans, other
tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may
want to invest in our securities. Employee benefit plans and
most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement
plans, are subject to federal income tax on unrelated business
taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation
for federal income tax purposes, an owner of shares of common
stock will not report on its federal income tax return any of
our items of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a
tax-exempt investor generally will not have UBTI attributable to
its ownership or sale of our common or preferred stock unless
its ownership of the stock is debt-financed. In general, stock
would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of stock incurs
debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt
that would not have been incurred or maintained if the stock had
not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company
or mutual fund, may not have more than 25% of the
value of its total assets, at the close of any quarter, invested
in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded
partnerships, which will include most MLPs. Shares of our common
stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded
partnership and will not be treated as such for purposes of
calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
Backup Withholding. We may be required to
withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion
of all taxable distributions (including redemption proceeds)
payable to stockholders who fail to provide us with their
correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make
required certifications or who have been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they are subject
to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain
corporate and other stockholders specified in the Internal
Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from
backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Any amounts withheld may be credited against the
stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability
provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS in
a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders,
including stockholders who are nonresident alien individuals,
may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain
distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rates as may be
prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may
be subject to state and local taxes.
Federal
Income Taxation of Debt Securities
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Debt
Securities. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that the debt securities will constitute indebtedness of
the Company for federal income tax purposes, which the
39
discussion below assumes. We intend to treat all payments made
with respect to the debt securities consistent with this
characterization.
Taxation of Interest. Payments or accruals of
interest on debt securities generally will be taxable to you as
ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received
(actually or constructively) or accrued, in accordance with your
regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Debt
Securities. Initially, your tax basis in debt
securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to
acquire such debt securities. This basis will increase by the
amounts, if any, that you include in income under the rules
governing market discount, and will decrease by the amount of
any amortized premium on such debt securities, as discussed
below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt securities, or
if any of your debt securities are redeemed, you generally will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued and
unpaid interest, which will be subject to tax as interest in the
manner described above) and your tax basis in the debt
securities relinquished.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the
gain or loss that you recognize on the sale, exchange or
redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be
capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss will generally be
long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt securities
were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital
gain or loss if the disposed debt securities were held for one
year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a
noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to
federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of
15%, although this rate will increase to 20% after
2010) than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income
(currently a maximum rate of 35%). For corporate holders,
capital gain is generally taxed as ordinary income, that is,
currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to
deduct capital losses may be limited.
Amortizable Premium. If you purchase debt
securities at a cost greater than their stated principal amount,
plus accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased
the debt securities at a premium, and you generally may elect to
amortize this premium as an offset to interest income, using a
constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt
securities. If you make the election to amortize the premium, it
generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at
the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that
you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the
election without the consent of the IRS. If you elect to
amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax
basis in the debt securities by the amount of the premium
amortized during your holding period. If you do not elect to
amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your
tax basis in the debt securities. Therefore, if you do not elect
to amortize the premium and you hold the debt securities to
maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as
a capital loss when the debt securities are redeemed.
Market Discount. If you purchase debt
securities at a price that reflects a market
discount, any principal payments on, or any gain that you
realize on the disposition of the debt securities generally will
be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the
market discount that accrued on the debt securities during the
time you held such debt securities. Market discount
is defined under the Internal Revenue Code as, in general, the
excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the
purchase price of the debt security, except that if the market
discount is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at
maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity,
the market discount is considered to be zero. In addition, you
may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of
any interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or
continued to purchase or carry the debt securities that were
acquired at a market discount. In general, market discount will
be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the debt
securities, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income
currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield
basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a
sale of the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to
include market discount on a current basis, the interest
deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you
will increase your basis in the debt security by the amount of
market discount you include in gross income. If you do make such
an election, it will apply to all market discount debt
instruments that you acquire on or after the first day of the
first taxable year to which the election applies. This election
may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
40
Information Reporting and Backup
Withholding. In general, information reporting
requirements will apply to payments of principal, interest, and
premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to the proceeds of
the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than
certain exempt recipients (such as certain corporations).
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of
interest on the debt securities to
non-U.S. Holders
(as defined below) and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with
respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns
reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be
made available to the tax authorities in the country in which
the
non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In addition, for
non-U.S. Holders,
information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the sale of
debt securities within the United States or conducted through
United States-related financial intermediaries unless the
certification requirements described below have been complied
with and the statement described below in Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders
has been received (and the payor does not have actual knowledge
or reason to know that the holder is a United States person) or
the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a portion of all taxable payments (including
redemption proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who
fail to provide us with their correct taxpayer identification
number, who fail to make required certifications or who have
been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup
withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate
and other shareholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code
and the regulations thereunder are exempt from backup
withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any
amounts withheld may be credited against the holders
U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS. If you are a
non-U.S. Holder,
you may have to comply with certification procedures to
establish your
non-U.S. status
in order to avoid backup withholding tax requirements. The
certification procedures required to claim the exemption from
withholding tax on interest income described below will satisfy
these requirements.
Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders. If
you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign corporation
(a
non-U.S. Holder),
the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally
will be exempt from United States federal withholding tax. This
exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid
on the debt securities is not effectively connected with your
conduct of a trade or business in the United States,
(2) you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on the
debt securities is described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code, (3) you do not actually or
constructively own 10 percent or more of the combined
voting power of all classes of the Companys stock entitled
to vote, (4) you are not a controlled foreign corporation
that is related, directly or indirectly to the Company through
stock ownership, and (5) you satisfy the certification
requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the
holder of any debt securities must certify, under penalties of
perjury, that such holder is a
non-U.S. person
and must provide such owners name, address and taxpayer
identification number, if any, on IRS
Form W-8BEN,
or (2) a securities clearing organization, bank or other
financial institution that holds customer securities in the
ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt
securities on behalf of the holder thereof must certify, under
penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and properly
executed IRS
Form W-8BEN
from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt
securities held by a foreign partnership and other
intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a
non-U.S. Holder
that is not excluded from U.S. federal withholding tax
under the portfolio interest exemption as described above
generally will be subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except
where a
non-U.S. Holder
can claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty to reduce or
eliminate such withholding tax and such
non-U.S. Holder
provides the Company with a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN
claiming such exemption or reduction.
Any capital gain that a
non-U.S. Holder
realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of debt
securities generally will be exempt from United States federal
income tax, including withholding tax. This exemption will not
apply to you if your gain is effectively connected with your
conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. or you are an
individual holder and are present in the U.S. for
183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and
either your gain is attributable to an office or other fixed
place of business that you maintain in the U.S. or you have
a tax home in the United States.
41
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
We compute the NAV of our common stock as of the close of
trading of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) no
less frequently than the last business day of each calendar week
and at such other times as the Board may determine. We make our
NAV available for publication quarterly. The NAV per share of
common stock equals our NAV divided by the number of outstanding
shares of common stock. Our NAV equals the value of our total
assets (the value of the securities held plus cash or other
assets, including interest accrued but not yet received) less
(i) all of our liabilities (including accrued expenses and
both current and deferred income taxes), (ii) accumulated
and unpaid dividends on any outstanding preferred stock,
(iii) the aggregate liquidation preference of any
outstanding preferred stock, (iv) accrued and unpaid
interest payments on any outstanding indebtedness, (v) the
aggregate principal amount of any outstanding indebtedness, and
(vi) any distributions payable on our common stock.
Pursuant to an agreement with U.S. Bancorp
Fund Services, LLC (the Accounting Services
Provider), the Accounting Services Provider values our
assets in accordance with Valuation Procedures adopted by the
Board of Directors. The Accounting Services Provider obtains
securities market quotations from independent pricing services
approved by the Adviser and ratified by the Board of Directors.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available
shall be valued at market value. Any other
securities shall be valued at fair value.
Valuation of certain assets at market value will be as follows:
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for equity securities, the Accounting Services Provider will
first use readily available market quotations and will obtain
direct written broker-dealer quotations if a security is not
traded on an exchange or quotations are not available from an
approved pricing service;
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for fixed income securities, the Accounting Services Provider
will use readily available market quotations based upon the last
sale price of a security on the day we value our assets or a
market value from a pricing service or by obtaining a direct
written broker-dealer quotation from a dealer who has made a
market in the security; and
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other assets will be valued at market value pursuant to the
Valuation Procedures.
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If the Accounting Services Provider cannot obtain a market value
or the Adviser determines that the value of a security as so
obtained does not represent a fair value as of the valuation
time (due to a significant development subsequent to the time
its price is determined or otherwise), fair value for the
security shall be determined pursuant to the Valuation
Procedures. A report of any prices determined pursuant to fair
value methodologies will be presented to the Board of Directors
or a designated committee thereof for approval no less
frequently than quarterly.
AUTOMATIC
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
General
Our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan)
allows participating common stockholders to reinvest
distributions including dividends, capital gains and return of
capital in additional shares of our common stock. Shares of
common stock will be issued by us under the Plan when our common
stock is trading at a premium to NAV. If our common stock is
trading at a discount to NAV, shares issued under the Plan will
be purchased on the open market. Shares of common stock issued
directly from us under the Plan will be acquired at the greater
of (1) NAV at the close of business on the payment date of
the distribution or (2) 95% of the market price per common
share on the payment date. Common stock issued under the Plan
when shares are trading at a discount to NAV will be purchased
in the market at a market price. See below for more details
about the Plan.
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment
If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us
or with a brokerage firm that participates in our Plan, all
distributions are automatically reinvested for stockholders by
the Plan Agent, Computershare Investors Services, LLC
(Computershare), in additional shares of our common
stock (unless a stockholder is ineligible or elects otherwise).
Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will
receive all distributions payable in cash paid by check mailed
directly to the stockholder of record (or, if the shares are
held in street or other nominee name, then to
42
such nominee) by Computershare, as dividend paying agent. Such
stockholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to
receive all distributions in cash by sending written
instructions to Computershare, as dividend paying agent, at the
address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely
voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without
penalty by giving notice in writing to the Plan Agent; such
termination will be effective with respect to a particular
distribution if notice is received prior to the record date for
such distribution.
Whenever we declare a distribution payable either in shares or
in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash, and
participants in the Plan will receive the amount set forth below
in shares of common stock. The shares are acquired by the Plan
Agent for the participants account, depending upon the
circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt
of additional common stock directly from us (Additional
Common Stock) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding
common stock on the open market (open-market
purchases) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment
date, the NAV per share of our common stock is equal to or less
than the market price per share of common stock plus estimated
brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein
as market premium), the Plan Agent will receive
Additional Common Stock from us for each participants
account. The number of shares of Additional Common Stock to be
credited to the participants account will be determined by
dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the greater of
(i) the NAV per share of common stock on the payment date,
or (ii) 95% of the market price per share of common stock
on the payment date.
If, on the payment date, the NAV per share of common stock
exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions
(such condition being referred to herein as market
discount), the Plan Agent has until the last business day
before the next date on which the shares trade on an
ex-dividend basis or in no event more than
90 days after the payment date (last purchase
date) to invest the distribution amount in shares acquired
in open-market purchases. We expect to declare and pay quarterly
distributions. Therefore, the period during which open-market
purchases can be made will exist only from the payment date on
the distribution through the date before the next ex-dividend
date. The weighted average price (including brokerage
commissions) of all common stock purchased by the Plan Agent as
Plan Agent will be the price per share of common stock allocable
to each participant. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its
open-market purchases, the market price of a share of common
stock plus estimated brokerage commissions exceeds the NAV per
share as of the payment date, the average per share purchase
price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the NAV of our shares,
resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the
distribution had been paid in Additional Common Stock on the
payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect
to open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan
Agent is unable to invest the full distribution amount in
open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the
market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase
period, the Plan Agent may cease making open-market purchases
and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution amount
in Additional Common Stock at the NAV per common share at the
close of business on the last purchase date.
The Plan Agent maintains all stockholders accounts in the
Plan and furnishes written confirmation of each acquisition made
for the participants account as soon as practicable, but
in no event later than 60 days after the date thereof.
Shares in the account of each Plan participant may be held by
the Plan Agent in non-certificated form in the Plan Agents
name or that of its nominee, and each stockholders proxy
will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the
Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation
materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held
pursuant to the Plan first in accordance with the instructions
of the participants then with respect to any proxies not
returned by such participant, in the same proportion as the Plan
Agent votes the proxies returned by the participants.
There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued
directly by us as a result of distributions payable either in
shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata
share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan
Agents open-market purchases in connection with the
reinvestment of distributions. If a participant elects to have
the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her common stock and
remit the proceeds, such participant will be charged a
transaction fee plus his or her pro rata share of brokerage
commissions on the shares sold.
The automatic reinvestment of distributions will not relieve
participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may
be payable (or required to be withheld) on such distributions.
See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
43
Stockholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not
available to stockholders not participating in the Plan. If the
market price plus commissions of our shares of common stock is
higher than the NAV, participants in the Plan will receive
shares of our common stock at less than they could otherwise
purchase such shares and will have shares with a cash value
greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have
received on their shares. If the market price plus commissions
is below the NAV, participants will receive distributions of
shares of common stock with a NAV greater than the value of any
cash distribution they would have received on their shares.
However, there may be insufficient shares available in the
market to make distributions in shares at prices below the NAV.
Also, because we do not redeem our common stock, the price on
resale may be more or less than the NAV. See Certain
Federal Income Tax Matters for a discussion of the federal
income tax consequences of the Plan.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are
desirable. Accordingly, we reserve the right to amend or
terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Directors
such a change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated by the
Plan Agent or us upon notice in writing mailed to each
participant at least 60 days prior to the effective date of
the termination. Upon any termination, the Plan Agent will cause
a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full shares
held by each participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for
any fraction of a share of common stock at the then current
market value of common stock to be delivered to him or her. If
preferred, a participant may request the sale of all of the
common stock held by the Plan Agent in his or her Plan account
in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such
participant elects in advance of such termination to have the
Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her shares, the Plan Agent
is authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 transaction
fee plus the brokerage commissions incurred for the transaction.
If a participant has terminated his or her participation in the
Plan but continues to have common stock registered in his or her
name, he or she may re-enroll in the Plan at any time by
notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. The
terms and conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan
Agent or by us at any time, except when necessary or appropriate
to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the
SEC or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each
participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days
prior to the effective date thereof. The amendment shall be
deemed to be accepted by each participant unless, prior to the
effective date thereof, the Plan Agent receives notice of the
termination of the participants account under the Plan.
Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Plan Agent
of a successor Plan Agent, subject to our prior written approval
of the successor Plan Agent.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to
Computershare at Two North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois
60602.
Cash
Purchase Option
In the future, we may amend the Plan to implement a cash
purchase option, whereby participants in the Plan may elect to
purchase additional shares of common stock through optional cash
investments in limited amounts on a monthly or other periodic
basis. If and when we implement the cash purchase option under
the Plan, common stockholders will receive notice 60 days
prior to its implementation and further details including
information on the offering price and other terms, the frequency
of offerings and how to participate in the cash purchase option.
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
The information contained under this heading is only a summary
and is subject to the provisions contained in our Charter and
Bylaws and the laws of the State of Maryland.
Common
Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes us to issue up
to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par
value per share. The Board of Directors may, without any action
by the stockholders, amend our Charter from time to time to
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or
the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we
have authority to issue. Additionally, the Charter authorizes
the Board of Directors, without any action by the stockholders,
to classify and reclassify any unissued common stock and
preferred stock into other classes or series of stock from time
to time by setting or changing the terms, preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends or other distributions,
qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each
class or series. Although there is no present intention of doing
so, we could issue a class or
44
series of stock that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction
or a change in control of us that might otherwise be in the
stockholders best interests. Under Maryland law,
stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or
obligations.
All common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any
related prospectus supplement will be, upon issuance, duly
authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. All outstanding common
stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement will be of the same class and will have
identical rights, as described below. Holders of shares of
common stock are entitled to receive distributions when
authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us out of
assets legally available for the payment of distributions.
Holders of common stock have no preference, conversion,
exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have
no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All
shares of common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and
other rights.
Distributions. We intend to pay out
substantially all of our DCF to holders of common stock through
quarterly distributions. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or
paid-in-kind
distributions from MLPs or their affiliates, and interest
payments received on debt securities we own, less current or
anticipated operating expenses, taxes on our taxable income, and
leverage costs we pay (including costs related to Tortoise Notes
and MMP Shares). Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy to
target distributions to common stockholders in an amount equal
to at least 95% of DCF on an annual basis. It is expected that
we will declare and pay a distribution to holders of common
stock at the end of each fiscal quarter. There is no assurance
that we will continue to make regular distributions. All
realized capital gains, if any, net of applicable taxes, will be
retained by us.
If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us
or with a brokerage firm that participates in the Plan,
distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional
common stock under the Plan unless a stockholder elects to
receive distributions in cash. If a stockholder elects to
receive distributions in cash, payment will be made by check.
The federal income tax treatment of distributions is the same
whether they are reinvested in our shares or received in cash.
See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The yield on our common stock will likely vary from period to
period depending on factors including the following:
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market conditions;
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the timing of our investments in portfolio securities;
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the securities comprising our portfolio;
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changes in interest rates (including changes in the relationship
between short-term rates and long-term rates);
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the amount and timing of the use of borrowings and other
leverage by us;
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the effects of leverage on our common stock (discussed above
under Leverage);
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the timing of the investment of offering proceeds and leverage
proceeds in portfolio securities; and
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our net assets and operating expenses.
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Consequently, we cannot guarantee any particular yield on our
common stock, and the yield for any given period is not an
indication or representation of future yields on the common
stock.
Limitations on Distributions. So long as
shares of preferred stock are outstanding, holders of shares of
common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions
from us unless we have paid all accumulated dividends on
preferred stock, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the
1940 Act) with respect to preferred stock would be at least 200%
after giving effect to such distributions. See
Leverage.
So long as senior securities representing indebtedness are
outstanding, holders of shares of common stock will not be
entitled to receive any distributions from us unless we have
paid all accrued interest on such senior indebtedness, and
unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect
to any outstanding senior indebtedness would be at least 300%
after giving effect to such distributions. See
Leverage.
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Liquidation Rights. Common stockholders are
entitled to share ratably in the assets legally available for
distribution to stockholders in the event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate
provision for all known debts and liabilities, including any
outstanding debt securities or other borrowings and any interest
accrued thereon. These rights are subject to the preferential
rights of any other class or series of our stock, including the
preferred stock. The rights of common stockholders upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up are subordinated to the
rights of holders of Tortoise Notes and MMP Shares.
Voting Rights. Each outstanding share of
common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of
directors. The presence of the holders of shares of common stock
entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. The
Charter provides that, except as otherwise provided in the
Bylaws, directors shall be elected by the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares of stock outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon. The Bylaws provide that directors are
elected by a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of
stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. There
is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock
entitled to vote will be able to elect all of the successors of
the class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting
provided that holders of preferred stock have the right to elect
two directors at all times. Pursuant to the Charter and Bylaws,
the Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws to alter the vote
required to elect directors.
Under the rules of the NYSE applicable to listed companies, we
normally will be required to hold an annual meeting of
stockholders in each fiscal year. If we are converted to an
open-end company or if for any other reason the shares are no
longer listed on the NYSE (or any other national securities
exchange the rules of which require annual meetings of
stockholders), we may amend our Bylaws so that we are not
otherwise required to hold annual meetings of stockholders.
Issuance of Additional Shares. The provisions
of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price
of common stock of a closed-end investment company (less
underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the
NAV of such companys common stock (calculated within
48 hours of pricing), unless such sale is made with the
consent of a majority of the companys outstanding common
stockholders. At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on
April 15, 2005, our stockholders granted us the authority
to sell a limited number of shares of our common stock for less
than NAV, subject to the conditions listed below. We believe
that having the ability to issue and sell a limited number of
shares of common stock below NAV benefits all stockholders in
that it allows us to quickly raise cash and capitalize on
attractive investment opportunities while remaining fully
invested at all times. We expect to sell shares of common stock
below NAV only when we have identified attractive near-term
investment opportunities. We may only sell shares of common
stock below NAV in accordance with the following conditions:
1. the aggregate number of shares issued below NAV will not
exceed more than 20% of our outstanding common stock as of any
offering date;
2. we will not sell our shares at a net sale price, after
deduction of all offering expenses and underwriting fees and
commissions, that represents a discount of more than 5% of the
NAV, as determined at any time within 48 hours of pricing
of the shares of common stock to be sold below NAV; and
3. we will only issue shares below NAV if a majority of the
independent directors makes a determination that they reasonably
expect that the investment(s) to be made with the net proceeds
of such issuance will increase stockholder distributions.
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The table below sets forth the pro forma maximum dilutive effect
on our NAV if we were to have issued shares below our NAV as of
May 31, 2006. The table assumes that we issue
2,988,820 shares, which represents all of the shares we are
currently authorized to issue, at a net sale price to us after
deducting all expenses of issuance, including underwriting
discounts and commissions, equal to $27.46, which is 95% of the
NAV of our common shares as of May 31, 2006.
Maximum
Impact of Below NAV Issuances of Common Shares
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Common shares currently outstanding
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14,944,103
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Common shares that currently may
be issued below NAV
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2,988,820
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Total common shares outstanding if
all authorized are issued below NAV
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17,932,923
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Net asset value per share as of
May 31, 2006
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$
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28.91
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Aggregate net asset value of all
currently outstanding common shares based on NAV as of
May 31, 2006
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432,077,223
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Aggregate net proceeds to the
Company (assuming the Company sold all authorized shares and
received net proceeds equal to $27.46 per share (95% of the
NAV as of May 31, 2006))
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82,072,997
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Expected aggregate net asset value
of the Company after issuance
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514,150,220
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NAV per share after issuance
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$
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28.67
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Because the Advisers management fee is based upon our
average monthly Managed Assets, the Advisers interest in
recommending the issuance and sale of common stock below NAV
will conflict with our interests and those of our stockholders.
Market. Our common stock trades on the NYSE
under the ticker symbol TYG. Common stock issued
pursuant to this prospectus and related prospectus supplement
will trade on the NYSE.
Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan Agent. Computershare Investor
Services, LLC, 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, serves
as the transfer agent and agent for the Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan for our common stock. Computershare Trust
Company, Inc., 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois serves
as the dividend paying agent for our common stock.
Preferred
Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes the issuance
of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions or
redemption as determined by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may, without any action by the
stockholders, amend our Charter from time to time to increase or
decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number
of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority
to issue. Additionally, the Charter authorizes the Board of
Directors, without any action by the stockholders, to classify
and reclassify any unissued preferred stock into other classes
or series of stock from time to time by setting or changing the
terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of
redemption for each class or series.
Preferred stock (including outstanding MMP Shares) ranks junior
to our debt securities (including Tortoise Notes), and senior to
all common stock. Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one
class of senior equity securities, which in the aggregate may
represent no more than 50% of our total assets. So long as MMP
Shares are outstanding, additional issuances of preferred stock
must be considered to be of the same class as MMP Shares under
the 1940 Act and interpretations thereunder and must rank on a
parity with the MMP Shares with respect to the payment of
dividends and upon the distribution of our assets. It is
expected that any issuance of preferred stock would be
additional MMP Shares or additional series of MMP Shares. Unless
otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, any preferred stock
will be issued pursuant to articles supplementary (a form of
which is attached as Appendix B to
47
the statement of additional information) in substantially the
same form as outstanding preferred stock and will be subject to
the provisions therein. The terms to be stated in a prospectus
supplement will include the following:
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the form and title of the security;
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the aggregate liquidation preference of preferred stock;
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the dividend rate of the preferred stock;
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the frequency with which auctions will be held;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in auction agents, paying agents or security
registrar; and
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any other terms of the preferred stock.
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Dividends. Holders of preferred stock will be
entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if authorized
by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds
legally available therefor. Unless the prospectus supplement
states otherwise, dividend rates will generally be determined by
the results of an auction for such shares, as more fully
described in the related prospectus supplement. Dividends so
declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under
Maryland law and to the extent available and in preference to
and priority over any distribution declared and payable on the
common stock. Because of our emphasis on investments in MLPs,
which are expected to generate cash in excess of the taxable
income allocated to holders, it is possible that dividends
payable on preferred stock could exceed our earnings and
profits, which would be treated as a tax-free return of capital
to the extent of the basis of the shares on which the dividend
is paid and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the
preferred stock.
Limitations on Dividends. So long as any debt
securities (including Tortoise Notes) are outstanding, holders
of preferred stock will not be entitled to receive any dividends
from us unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with
respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock would
be at least 200% after giving effect to such dividends. See
Leverage.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any
voluntary or our involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to receive
a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to
equal the original purchase price per share plus accumulated and
unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any
distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock. After
payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to
which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will not
be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of
our assets. Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt securities
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise indicated
in the Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise required by applicable
law, holders of preferred stock have one vote per share and vote
together with holders of common stock as a single class.
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred stock,
voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at
least two directors at all times. The remaining directors will
be elected by holders of common stock and preferred stock,
voting together as a single class. In addition, subject to the
prior rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of
senior securities outstanding (including Tortoise Notes), the
holders of any shares of preferred stock have the right to elect
a majority of the directors at any time two years
accumulated dividends on any preferred stock are unpaid. The
1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by
stockholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of
the holders of a majority of shares of any outstanding preferred
stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to
(i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely
affect the preferred stock, and (ii) take any action
requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of
the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in our
subclassification as a closed-end investment company or changes
in its fundamental investment restrictions. See Certain
Provisions in the Companys Charter and Bylaws. As a
result of these voting rights, our ability to take any such
actions may be impeded to the extent that any shares of its
preferred stock are outstanding.
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The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will be
required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences,
rights or powers of holders of preferred stock so as to affect
materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers. The
class vote of holders of preferred stock described above will in
each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize
the action in question.
We will have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable
law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any preferred stock, so
long as we are current in the payment of dividends on the
preferred stock and on any other of our shares ranking on a
parity with the preferred stock with respect to the payment of
dividends or upon liquidation.
Market. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, our preferred stock may be bought or sold
at an auction that normally will be held periodically (every
twenty-eight (28) days for outstanding MMP Shares) by
submitting orders through a broker-dealer who has entered into
an agreement with us (a broker-dealer). Our
preferred stock is not listed on an exchange or automated
quotation system. Preferred stock may be transferred outside of
an auction through a broker-dealer, but we cannot assure you
that any such secondary market will exist or whether it will
provide preferred stockholders with liquidity. The details of
the auction process will be further described in the related
prospectus supplement.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless
otherwise indicated in the related prospectus supplement,
preferred stock will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by one or more share certificates in registered
global form. The global certificates will be held by DTC and
registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of
DTC. DTC will maintain the certificates in specified
denominations per share through its book-entry facilities.
We may treat the persons in whose names any global certificates
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of
receiving payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global certificates, DTC or such nominee
will be considered the sole holder of outstanding preferred
stock.
A global certificate may not be transferred except as a whole by
DTC, its successors or their respective nominees, subject to the
provisions restricting transfers of shares contained in the
related articles supplementary.
Auction Agent, Transfer Agent, Registrar, Dividend Paying
Agent and Redemption Agent. Unless otherwise
stated in a prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York, 101
Barclay Street, New York, New York, serves as the auction agent,
transfer agent, registrar, dividend paying agent and redemption
agent with respect to our preferred stock.
Debt
Securities
General. Under Maryland law and our Charter,
we may borrow money, without prior approval of holders of common
and preferred stock. We may issue debt securities, including
additional Tortoise Notes, or other evidence of indebtedness
(including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure
any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any
borrowings, including without limitation the Tortoise Notes,
will rank senior to the preferred stock and the common stock.
Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior
securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate,
may represent no more than
331/3%
of our total assets. So long as Tortoise Notes are outstanding,
additional debt securities must rank on a parity with Tortoise
Notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the
distribution of our assets. It is expected that any issuance of
debt securities would be additional Tortoise Notes or additional
series of Tortoise Notes. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, any additional debt securities will be
issued pursuant to the indenture dated as of July 14, 2004
(the Indenture) and will be subject to the
provisions therein. A prospectus supplement and a supplemental
indenture (a summary of which is attached as Appendix A to
the statement of additional information) relating to any
additional debt securities will include specific terms relating
to the offering. These terms will include the following:
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the form and title of the security;
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the aggregate principal amount of the securities;
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the interest rate of the securities;
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the maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will
be payable;
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the frequency with which auctions will be held;
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any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in trustees, auction agents, paying agents or
security registrar; and
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any other terms of the securities.
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Interest. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, debt securities will bear interest as
generally determined by the results of an auction for such
securities
and/or by
the Board of Directors, as more fully described in the related
prospectus supplement. Interest on debt securities shall be
payable when due as described in the related prospectus
supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger
an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring
dividends and making other distributions with respect to our
common stock and preferred stock.
Limitations. Under the requirements of the
1940 Act, immediately after issuing any senior securities
representing indebtedness, we must have an asset coverage of at
least 300%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of
our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount
of senior securities representing indebtedness. We currently are
subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or
more rating agencies that have issued ratings for outstanding
Tortoise Notes, including restrictions related to asset coverage
and portfolio composition. Such restrictions may be more
stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Other types of
borrowings also may result in our being subject to similar
covenants in credit agreements.
Events of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Debt
Securities; Remedies. Unless stated otherwise in
the related prospectus supplement, any one of the following
events will constitute an event of default for that
series under the Indenture:
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default in the payment of any interest upon a series of debt
securities when it becomes due and payable and the continuance
of such default for 30 days;
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default in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a
series of debt securities at its stated maturity;
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default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty of ours in the Indenture, and continuance of such
default or breach for a period of 90 days after written
notice has been given to us by the trustee;
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certain voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws;
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if, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months, the debt securities have a 1940 Act asset
coverage of less than 100%; or
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any other event of default provided with respect to
a series, including a default in the payment of any redemption
price payable on the redemption date.
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Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of
outstanding debt securities or the trustee may declare the
principal amount of that series of debt securities immediately
due and payable upon written notice to us. A default that
relates only to one series of debt securities does not affect
any other series and the holders of such other series of debt
securities are not entitled to receive notice of such a default
under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of
maturity occurs automatically with respect to all series. At any
time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a
series of debt securities has been made, and before a judgment
or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series, by written notice to us and the
trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration
and its consequences if all events of default with respect to
that series of debt securities, other than the non-payment of
the
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principal of that series of debt securities which has become due
solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or
waived and other conditions have been met.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of
(a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case
or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our
creditors, as such, or to our assets, or (b) any
liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the
benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and
liabilities of ours, then (after any payments with respect to
any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in
any such event the holders of debt securities shall be entitled
to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due
on or in respect of all debt securities (including any interest
accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or
proceeding), or provision shall be made for such payment in cash
or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the
holders of the debt securities, before the holders of any common
or preferred stock of the Company are entitled to receive any
payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation
preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of debt
securities shall be entitled to receive, for application to the
payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, including
any such payment or distribution which may be payable or
deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness
of ours being subordinated to the payment of the debt
securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of
the debt securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution,
liquidation or other winding up event.
Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation,
service providers including the Adviser, custodian, auction
agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of
various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may include
without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap,
floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions with us
that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests,
security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Company with or
into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of our assets in consideration for the
issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be
deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company.
Voting Rights. Debt securities have no voting
rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise
provided in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of
maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of
default. In connection with any other borrowings (if any), the
1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the lenders
certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of
interest on or repayment of principal.
Market. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, our debt securities may be bought or sold
at an auction held periodically,(every seven (7) or
twenty-eight (28) days for outstanding Tortoise Notes), by
submitting orders through a broker-dealer who has entered into
an agreement with us (a broker-dealer). Our debt
securities are not listed on an exchange or automated quotation
system. Debt securities may be transferred outside of an auction
through a broker-dealer, but we cannot assure you that any such
secondary market will exist or whether it will provide holders
of debt securities with liquidity. The details of the auction
process are further described in the related prospectus
supplement.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless
otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, the debt
securities will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The
global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for
DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated
denominations through its book-entry facilities.
Under the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat
the persons in whose names any notes, including the global
notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of
receiving payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will
be considered the sole holder of outstanding notes under the
Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written
certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or
its nominee.
A global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC,
its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of
beneficial owners in the global note may be transferred or
exchanged for definitive securities in
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accordance with the rules and procedures of DTC. In addition, a
global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a
depository and we do not appoint a successor within 60 days;
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we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect
to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the
Indenture; or
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an event of default has occurred and is continuing.
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In each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the
global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each
person that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the
beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant
proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its
participants and persons who may hold interests through DTC
participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to
take under the Indenture.
Trustee, Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent,
Redemption Agent and Auction Agent. Unless
otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, BNY Midwest Trust
Company, 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, serves as
the trustee under the Indenture and acts as transfer agent,
registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our
debt securities. The Bank of New York serves as the auction
agent with respect to our debt securities.
RATING
AGENCY GUIDELINES
The Rating Agencies, which assign ratings to our senior
securities, impose asset coverage requirements, which may limit
our ability to engage in certain types of transactions and may
limit our ability to take certain actions without confirming
that such action will not impair the ratings. The Tortoise Notes
are currently rated Aaa and AAA by
Moodys Investors Service Inc. (Moodys)
and Fitch Ratings (Fitch), respectively. The MMP
Shares are currently rated Aa2 and AA by
Moodys and Fitch, respectively. Moodys and Fitch,
and any other agency that may rate our debt securities
(including Tortoise Notes) or preferred stock (including MMP
Shares) in the future, are collectively referred to as the
Rating Agencies.
We may, but are not required to, adopt any modification to the
guidelines that may hereafter be established by any Rating
Agency. Failure to adopt any modifications, however, may result
in a change in the ratings described above or a withdrawal of
ratings altogether. In addition, any Rating Agency may, at any
time, change or withdraw any rating. The Board may, without
stockholder approval, modify, alter or repeal certain of the
definitions and related provisions which have been adopted
pursuant to each Rating Agencies guidelines (Rating
Agency Guidelines) only in the event we receive written
confirmation from the Rating Agency or Agencies that any
amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the ratings
then assigned to the senior securities.
We are required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance
requirements with respect to outstanding debt securities and
with respect to outstanding preferred stock: (1) we must
maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted
in accordance with guidelines set forth by each Rating Agency,
at least equal to 115% of the aggregate principal
amount/aggregate liquidation preference of the debt
securities/preferred stock, respectively, plus specified
liabilities, payment obligations and other amounts (the
Basic Maintenance Amount); and (2) we must
satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements.
Basic Maintenance Amounts. We must maintain,
as of each valuation date on which senior securities are
outstanding, eligible assets having an aggregate discounted
value at least equal to 115% of the applicable basic maintenance
amount (Basic Maintenance Amount), which is
calculated separately for debt securities and preferred stock
for each Rating Agency that is then rating the senior securities
and so requires. If we fail to maintain eligible assets having
an aggregated discounted value at least equal to 115% of the
applicable Basic Maintenance Amount as of any valuation date and
such failure is not cured, we will be required in certain
circumstances to redeem certain of the senior securities.
The applicable Basic Maintenance Amount is defined in the Rating
Agencies Guidelines. Each Rating Agency may amend the
definition of the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount from time
to time.
52
The market value of our portfolio securities (used in
calculating the discounted value of eligible assets) is
calculated using readily available market quotations when
appropriate, and in any event, consistent with our valuation
procedures. For the purpose of calculating the applicable Basic
Maintenance Amount, portfolio securities are valued in the same
manner as we calculate our NAV. See Determination of Net
Asset Value.
Each Rating Agencys discount factors, the criteria used to
determine whether the assets held in our portfolio are eligible
assets, and the guidelines for determining the discounted value
of our portfolio holdings for purposes of determining compliance
with the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount are based on Rating
Agency Guidelines established in connection with rating the
senior securities. The discount factor relating to any asset,
the applicable basic maintenance amount requirement, the assets
eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the discounted
value of our portfolio and certain definitions and methods of
calculation relating thereto may be changed from time to time by
the applicable Rating Agency, without our approval, or the
approval of our Board of Directors or stockholders.
A Rating Agencys Guidelines will apply to the senior
securities only so long as that Rating Agency is rating such
securities. We will pay certain fees to Moodys, Fitch and
any other Rating Agency that may provide a rating for the senior
securities. The ratings assigned to the senior securities are
not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the senior securities.
Such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the
assigning Rating Agency at any time.
1940 Act Asset Coverage. We are also required
to maintain, with respect to senior securities, as of the last
business day on any month in which any senior securities are
outstanding, asset coverage of at least 300% for debt securities
and 200% for preferred stock (or such other percentage as may in
the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum
asset coverage for senior securities representing shares of a
closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring
dividends on its common stock). If we fail to maintain the
applicable 1940 Act asset coverage as of the last business day
of any month and such failure is not cured as of the last
business day of the following month (the Asset Coverage
Cure Date), we will be required to redeem certain senior
securities.
Notices. Under the current Rating Agency
Guidelines, in certain circumstances, we are required to deliver
to any Rating Agency which is then rating the senior securities
(1) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the
applicable Basic Maintenance Amount; (2) a certificate with
respect to the calculation of the applicable 1940 Act asset
coverage and the value of our portfolio holdings; and (3) a
letter prepared by our independent accountants regarding the
accuracy of such calculations.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Rating
Agency Guidelines, as they may be amended from time to time by
each Rating Agency will be reflected in a written document and
may be amended by each Rating Agency without the vote, consent
or approval of the Company, the Board of Directors or any
stockholder of the Company.
A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided
to any holder of senior securities promptly upon request made by
such holder to the Company by writing the Company at 10801
Mastin Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210.
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS IN THE COMPANYS CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following description of certain provisions of the Charter
and Bylaws is only a summary. For a complete description, please
refer to the Charter and Bylaws, which have been filed as
exhibits to our registration statement on
Form N-2,
of which this prospectus forms a part.
Our Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could delay,
defer or prevent other entities or persons from acquiring
control of us, causing us to engage in certain transactions or
modifying our structure. These provisions may be regarded as
anti-takeover provisions. Such provisions could
limit the ability of stockholders to sell their shares at a
premium over the then-current market prices by discouraging a
third party from seeking to obtain control of us.
53
Classification
of the Board of Directors; Election of Directors
Our Charter provides that the number of directors may be
established only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the
Bylaws, but may not be less than one. The Bylaws provide that,
unless the Bylaws are amended, the number of directors may not
be greater than nine. Subject to any applicable limitations of
the 1940 Act, any vacancy may be filled, at any regular meeting
or at any special meeting called for that purpose, only by a
majority of the remaining directors, even if those remaining
directors do not constitute a quorum. Pursuant to the Charter,
the Board of Directors is divided into three classes:
Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors of
each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and
until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Each year
only one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders.
The classification of the Board of Directors should help to
assure the continuity and stability of our strategies and
policies as determined by the Board of Directors.
The classified Board provision could have the effect of making
the replacement of incumbent directors more time-consuming and
difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead
of one, generally will be required to effect a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors. Thus, the classified Board
provision could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors
will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors
may delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Board,
even though a change in control might be in the best interests
of the stockholders.
Removal
of Directors
The Charter provides that a director may be removed only for
cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. This
provision, when coupled with the provision in the Bylaws
authorizing only the Board of Directors to fill vacant
directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent
directors, except for cause and by a substantial affirmative
vote, and filling the vacancies created by the removal with
nominees of stockholders.
Approval
of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and
Bylaws
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot
dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially
all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in
similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business,
unless declared advisable by the Board of Directors and approved
by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at
least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for
stockholder approval of these matters by a lesser percentage,
but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be
cast on the matter. Our Charter generally provides for approval
of Charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the
stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter also provides
that certain Charter amendments and any proposal for our
conversion, whether by merger or otherwise, from a closed-end
company to an open-end company or any proposal for our
liquidation or dissolution requires the approval of stockholders
entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes entitled
to be cast on such matter. However, if such amendment or
proposal is approved by at least two-thirds of our continuing
directors (in addition to the approval by our Board of Directors
otherwise required), such amendment or proposal may be approved
by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast on such a matter. The continuing
directors are defined in our Charter as the directors
named in our Charter as well as those directors whose nomination
for election by the stockholders or whose election by the
directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the
continuing directors then on the Board of Directors.
Our Charter and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will
have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal any
provision of our Bylaws.
Advance
Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
The Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of
stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board
of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by
stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to notice of the
meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote
at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice
procedures of the Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of
stockholders, only the business specified in the Companys
notice of the meeting may
54
be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for
election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be
made only (1) pursuant to notice of the meeting by the
Company, (2) by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, or (3) provided that the Board of Directors has
determined that Directors will be elected at the meeting, by a
stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has
complied with the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may sell up to $125,000,000 in aggregate initial offering
price of our common stock, preferred stock and debt securities
from time to time under this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement (1) directly to one or more
purchaser; (2) through agents; (3) through
underwriters; (4) through dealers; or (5) pursuant to
our Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Each prospectus supplement
relating to an offering of securities will state the terms of
the offering, including:
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the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers
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any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters
compensation;
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any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers
or agents;
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the public offering or purchase price of the offered securities
and the net proceeds we will receive from the sale; and
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any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be
listed.
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Direct
Sales
We may sell our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional
investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as
defined in the 1933 Act for any resales of the securities.
In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We
may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell
offered securities directly. We will describe the terms of any
of those sales in a prospectus supplement.
By
Agents
We may offer our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities through agents that we designate. We will name any
agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any
commissions payable by us in the prospectus supplement. Unless
otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the agents
will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their
appointment.
By
Underwriters
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or
more underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal
for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best
efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we will
execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the
sale and will name them in the prospectus supplement. In
connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to
have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting
discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive
commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act
as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement,
the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the
securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of
the securities, they will be required to purchase all of the
offered securities. The underwriters may sell the offered
securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as
well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed
or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
55
If a prospectus supplement so indicates, we may grant the
underwriters an option to purchase additional shares of common
stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting
discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of
the prospectus supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By
Dealers
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or
more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The
dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at
fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the
time of resale. We will set forth the names of the dealers and
the terms of the transaction in the prospectus supplement.
General
Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of
securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts
and commission received by them and any profit realized by them
on resale of the offered securities for whom they act as agent,
may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the 1933 Act.
We may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at
prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at
negotiated prices.
Ordinarily, each series of offered securities will be a new
issue of securities and will have no established trading market.
To facilitate an offering of common stock in an underwritten
transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the
underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the common
stock or any other security. Those transactions may include
overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate
covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions
allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
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An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short
position in the common stock for the underwriters own
account.
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An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the
common stock for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining
the price of the common stock.
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Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to
cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the common
stock by bidding for, and purchasing, the common stock or any
other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short
position created in connection with the offering.
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The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate
member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an
offering when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate
member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or
otherwise.
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Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market
price of the securities above independent market levels. The
underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and
may end any of these activities at any time.
Any underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for
offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities,
but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The
offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities
exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid
trading market for the offered securities.
Under agreements entered into with us, underwriters and agents
may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or
to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be
required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in
financial or other business transactions with us and our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
56
The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
independent broker-dealer will not be greater than eight percent
of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security
being sold.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this
prospectus relates to the offering of the securities not yet
issued as of the date of this prospectus.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from
time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in
connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions
after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and,
subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while
it is an underwriter.
A prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement in
electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained
by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number
of securities for sale to their online brokerage account
holders. Such allocations of securities for internet
distributions will be made on the same basis as other
allocations. In addition, securities may be sold by the
underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to
online brokerage account holders.
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
We may issue and sell shares of common stock pursuant to our
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
57
ADMINISTRATOR
AND CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan
Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves as our administrator. We
pay the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate
of 0.07% of the first $300 million of our Managed Assets,
0.06% on the next $500 million of our Managed Assets and
0.04% on the balance of our Managed Assets, subject to a minimum
annual fee of $45,000.
U.S. Bank N.A., 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, serves
as our custodian. We pay the custodian a monthly fee computed at
an annual rate of 0.015% on the first $100 million of our
Managed Assets and 0.01% on the balance of our Managed Assets,
subject to a minimum annual fee of $4,800.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, L.L.P., Kansas City, Missouri,
serves as our counsel. Vedder, Price, Kaufman &
Kammholz, P.C. (Vedder Price), Chicago,
Illinois, is serving as our special counsel in connection with
the offerings under this prospectus and related prospectus
supplements. Certain legal matters in connection with the
securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Vedder
Price. Vedder Price may rely on the opinion of Venable LLP,
Baltimore, Maryland, on certain matters of Maryland law. If
certain legal matters in connection with an offering of
securities are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of
such offering, that counsel will be named in the prospectus
supplement related to that offering.
INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS
A patent application has been filed with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office describing the Advisers
systems and methods for managing a portfolio of MLPs. There is
no assurance that the patent will ultimately be granted. The
scope of the patent, if granted, is not known at this time and
will not necessarily preclude other firms from developing and
operating a portfolio of MLPs.
AVAILABLE
INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. These documents
are available on the SECs EDGAR system and can be
inspected and copied for a fee at the Commissions public
reference room, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Reports, proxy statements, and
other information about us can be inspected at the offices of
the SEC.
This prospectus does not contain all of the information in our
registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and
schedules. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of
any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects
by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found in our Registration
Statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains our Registration Statement,
other documents incorporated by reference, and other information
we have filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy
statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act.
58
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
OF THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Investment Limitations
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S-1
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Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies
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S-3
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Management of the Company
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S-16
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Net Asset Value
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S-25
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Portfolio Transactions
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S-27
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Certain Federal Income Tax Matters
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S-28
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Proxy Voting Policies
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S-35
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Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
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S-36
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Internal Accountant
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S-36
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Additional Information
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S-36
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Audited Financial Statements as of
November 30, 2005
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F-1
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Unaudited Financial Statements as
of February 28, 2006
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F-19
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Appendix A
Summary of Certain Provisions of the Indenture and Form of
Supplemental Indenture
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A-1
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Appendix B Form
of Articles Supplementary
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B-1
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Appendix C Rating
of Investments
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C-1
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59
1,675,050 Shares
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure
Corporation
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Merrill Lynch &
Co.
Stifel Nicolaus
Lehman Brothers
A.G. Edwards
Oppenheimer & Co.
RBC Capital Markets
BB&T Capital
Markets
Morgan Keegan & Company,
Inc.
August 8, 2006
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
JUNE 23, 2006
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the Company, we or
our), is a nondiversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations in
February 2004.
This Statement of Additional Information relates to the offering, from time to time, of up to
$125,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common stock, preferred stock and debt
securities in one or more offerings. This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute
a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with our prospectus dated June 23, 2006 and any
related prospectus supplement. This Statement of Additional Information does not include all
information that you should consider before purchasing any of our securities. You should obtain
and read our prospectus and any related prospectus supplements prior to purchasing any of our
securities. A copy of our prospectus and any related prospectus supplement may be obtained without
charge by calling (888) 728-8784. You also may obtain a copy of our prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement on the SECs web site (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not
defined in this Statement of Additional Information have the meanings ascribed to them in the
prospectus and any related prospectus supplement. This Statement of Additional Information is
dated June 23, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Investment Limitations |
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Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies |
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Management of the Company |
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S-16 |
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Net Asset Value |
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S-25 |
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Portfolio Transactions |
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S-27 |
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Certain Federal Income Tax Matters |
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S-28 |
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Proxy Voting Policies |
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S-35 |
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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S-36 |
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Internal Accountant |
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S-36 |
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Additional Information |
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S-36 |
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Audited Financial Statements as of November 30, 2005 |
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F-1 |
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Unaudited Financial Statements as of February 28, 2006 |
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F-19 |
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Appendix A Summary of Certain Provisions of the Indenture
and Form of Supplemental Indenture |
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A-1 |
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Appendix B Form of Articles Supplementary |
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B-1 |
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Appendix C Rating of Investments |
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C-1 |
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i
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
This section supplements the disclosure in the prospectus and provides additional information
on our investment limitations. Investment limitations identified as fundamental may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities (which for
this purpose and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), means the
lesser of (1) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding
shares are represented or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares).
Investment limitations stated as a maximum percentage of our assets are only applied
immediately after, and because of, an investment or a transaction by us to which the limitation is
applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease
resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in
determining whether the investment complies with our investment limitations. All limitations that
are based on a percentage of total assets include assets obtained through leverage.
Fundamental Investment Limitations
The following are our fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety. We may
not:
(1) issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder;
(2) borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and interpretive
positions of the SEC thereunder;
(3) make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by entering into repurchase
agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities and as otherwise permitted by the
1940 Act and the rules and interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder;
(4) concentrate (invest 25% or more of total assets) our investments in any particular
industry, except that we will concentrate our assets in the group of industries constituting
the energy infrastructure sector;
(5) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that we may be
considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act), in the disposition of restricted securities held in our portfolio;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities
or other instruments, except that we may invest in securities or other instruments backed by
real estate or securities of companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; and
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of
securities or other instruments, except that we may purchase or sell options and futures
contracts or invest in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities.
All other investment policies are considered nonfundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the Board) without prior approval of our outstanding voting securities.
S-1
Nonfundamental Investment Policies
We have adopted the following nonfundamental policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 90% of our total assets in
securities of energy infrastructure companies. |
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 70% of our total assets in
equity securities issued by master limited partnerships (MLPs). |
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We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily
through direct placements. Subject to this policy, we may invest without limitation in
illiquid securities. The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include
securities of private energy infrastructure companies and privately issued securities
of publicly traded energy infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether
issued by public companies or private companies, are generally considered illiquid.
Investments in private companies that do not have any publicly traded shares or units
are limited to 5% of total assets. |
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We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies, including securities rated below investment grade (commonly
referred to as junk bonds). Below investment grade debt securities will be rated at
least B3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) and at least B- by Standard &
Poors Ratings Group (S&P) at the time of purchase, or comparably rated by another
statistical rating organization or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality
by the Adviser. |
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We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any single issuer. |
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We will not engage in short sales. |
For purposes of restrictions (3)-(5), during the periods in which we anticipate receiving
proceeds from an offering of securities pursuant to this registration statement, we include the
amount of the anticipated proceeds in our calculation of total assets. Accordingly, holdings in
the specified securities may temporarily exceed the amounts shown.
Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately
after such borrowing we have asset coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of indebtedness (i.e., such indebtedness may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of our total
assets). Additionally, currently under the 1940 Act, we may not declare any dividend or other
distribution upon our common or preferred stock, or purchase any such stock, unless our aggregate
indebtedness has, at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution or at the
time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after deducting the amount of such
dividend, distribution, or purchase price, as the case may be. Currently under the 1940 Act, we
are not permitted to issue preferred stock unless immediately after such issuance we have asset
coverage of at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred stock (i.e., such
liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the value of our total assets). In addition, currently
under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on our
common stock unless, at the time of such declaration, our total assets less liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by senior securities (determined after deducting the amount of such
dividend or distribution) are at least 200% of such liquidation value.
Under the 1940 Act, a senior security does not include any promissory note or evidence of
indebtedness where such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of
the
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value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan is presumed to
be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. Both
transactions involving indebtedness and any preferred stock issued by us would be considered senior
securities under the 1940 Act, and as such, are subject to the asset coverage requirements
discussed above.
Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to lend money or property to any person,
directly or indirectly, if such person controls or is under common control with us, except for a
loan from us to a company which owns all of our outstanding securities. Currently, under
interpretative positions of the staff of the SEC, we may not have on loan at any given time
securities representing more than one-third of our total assets.
We interpret our policies with respect to borrowing and lending to permit such activities as
may be lawful, to the full extent permitted by the 1940 Act or by exemption from the provisions
therefrom pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC.
We interpret our policy with respect to concentration to include energy infrastructure
companies, as defined in the prospectus and below. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies.
Under the 1940 Act, we may, but do not intend to, invest up to 10% of our total assets in the
aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of our total assets in any one
investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of
the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a shareholder in any
investment company, we will bear our ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would
remain subject to payment of our advisory fees and other expenses with respect to assets so
invested. Holders of common stock would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent
we invest in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies
also may be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein and
in the prospectus. The net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile
and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged
shares. A material decline in net asset value may impair our ability to maintain asset coverage on
preferred stock and debt securities, including any interest and principal for debt securities.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The prospectus presents our investment objective and the principal investment strategies and
risk. This section supplements the disclosure in the prospectus and provides additional
information on our investment policies, strategies and risks. Restrictions or policies stated as a
maximum percentage of our assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which
the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly,
any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances
will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with our restrictions and
policies.
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total return
includes capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we
invest regardless of the tax character of the distribution. There is no assurance that we will
achieve our objective. Our investment objective and the investment policies discussed below are
nonfundamental. Our Board may change the investment objective, or any policy or limitation that is
not fundamental, without a stockholder vote. Stockholders will receive at least 60 days prior
written notice of any change to the nonfundamental investment policy of investing at least 90% of
total assets in energy infrastructure companies. Unlike most other investment companies, we will
not be treated as a regulated investment company under the
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U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code). Therefore, we
will be taxed as a C corporation and will be subject to federal and applicable state corporate
income taxes.
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of total assets (including assets obtained
through leverage) in securities of energy infrastructure companies. Energy infrastructure
companies engage in the business of transporting, processing, storing, distributing or marketing
natural gas, natural gas liquids (primarily propane), coal, crude oil or refined petroleum
products, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such commodities. Companies that provide
energy-related services to the foregoing businesses also are considered energy infrastructure
companies, if they derive at least 50% of revenues from the provision of energy-related services to
such companies. We invest at least 70% of our total assets in a portfolio of equity securities of
energy infrastructure companies that are MLPs that the Adviser believes offer attractive
distribution rates and capital appreciation potential. MLP equity securities (known as units)
currently consist of common units, convertible subordinated units, pay-in-kind units or I-Shares
(I-Shares) and limited liability company common units. We also may invest in other securities,
consistent with our investment objective and fundamental and nonfundamental policies.
The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of issuers and
instruments in which we may invest, strategies the Adviser may employ in pursuit of our investment
objective and a discussion of related risks. The Adviser may not buy these instruments or use
these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help us achieve our objective.
Energy Infrastructure Companies
For purposes of our policy of investing 90% of our total assets in securities of energy
infrastructure companies, an energy infrastructure company is one that derives each year at least
50% of its gross income from Qualifying Income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code or
one that derives at least 50% of its revenues from the provision of services directly related to
the generation of Qualifying Income. Qualifying Income is defined as including any income and
gains from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation
(including pipelines transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or
natural resource (including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber).
MLPs are limited partnerships that derive each year at least 90% of their gross income from
Qualifying Income and are taxed as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, thereby,
eliminating federal income tax at the entity level. The business of energy infrastructure MLPs is
affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because most MLPs derive revenue and income
based upon the volume of the underlying commodity transported, processed, distributed, and/or
marketed. Specifically, processing and coal MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity
prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to
energy commodity prices, although the Adviser seeks high quality MLPs that are able to mitigate or
manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure
to oil and gas price volatility because although they do not own the underlying energy commodity,
the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity the MLP delivers to
its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids. The MLP
sector in general could be hurt by market perception that MLPs performance and valuation are
directly tied to commodity prices.
Energy infrastructure companies (other than most pipeline MLPs) do not operate as public
utilities or local distribution companies, and therefore are not subject to rate regulation by
state or federal utility commissions. However, energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
greater competitive factors than utility companies, including competitive pricing in the absence of
regulated tariff rates, which could cause a reduction in revenue and which could adversely affect
profitability. Most pipeline MLPs are subject to government regulation concerning the
construction, pricing and operation of
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pipelines. Pipeline MLPs are able to set prices (rates or tariffs) to cover operating costs,
depreciation and taxes, and provide a return on investment. These rates are monitored by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which seeks to ensure that consumers receive adequate
and reliable supplies of energy at the lowest possible price while providing energy suppliers and
transporters a just and reasonable return on capital investment and the opportunity to adjust to
changing market conditions.
Energy infrastructure MLPs in which we will invest generally can be classified in the
following categories:
Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural
gas liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil or refined
petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate
ancillary businesses such as storage and marketing of such products. Revenue is derived
from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed
to cyclical economic forces due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature.
In addition, most pipeline MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do
not own the product being shipped.
Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well
as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids (NGLs).
Revenue is derived from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment
or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end
user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have
some participation in the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion of
revenue.
Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are distributors of propane to homeowners for space and
water heating. Revenue is derived from the resale of the commodity on a margin over
wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is a key to profitability. Propane serves
approximately 3% of the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes
beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution pipelines. Approximately 70% of
annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating season (October through March).
Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility type functions similar to
electricity and natural gas.
Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and manage coal reserves. Revenue is derived from
production and sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal producers.
Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in the United States. Demand for
electricity and supply of alternative fuels to generators are the primary drivers of coal
demand. Coal MLPs are subject to operating and production risks, such as: the MLP or a
lessee meeting necessary production volumes; federal, state and local laws and regulations
which may limit the ability to produce coal; the MLPs ability to manage production costs
and pay mining reclamation costs; and the effect on demand that the Clean Air Act standards
have on coal-end users.
Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine shipping MLPs are primarily marine transporters of
natural gas, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive revenue
from charging customers for the transportation of these products utilizing the MLPs
vessels. Transportation services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or contract,
the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the length of use of a particular vessel,
the amount of cargo transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a vessel
or other factors.
MLPs typically achieve distribution growth by internal and external means. MLPs achieve
growth internally by experiencing higher commodity volume driven by the economy and population, and
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through the expansion of existing operations including increasing the use of underutilized
capacity, pursuing projects that can leverage and gain synergies with existing infrastructure and
pursuing so called greenfield projects. External growth is achieved by making accretive
acquisitions. While opportunities for growth by acquisition appear abundant based on current
market conditions, especially for smaller MLPs, the Adviser expects MLPs to grow primarily through
internal means.
MLPs are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and health and safety
laws as well as laws and regulations specific to their particular activities. Such laws and
regulations address: health and safety standards for the operation of facilities, transportation
systems and the handling of materials; air and water pollution requirements and standards; solid
waste disposal requirements; land reclamation requirements; and requirements relating to the
handling and disposition of hazardous materials. Energy infrastructure MLPs are subject to the
costs of compliance with such laws applicable to them, and changes in such laws and regulations may
affect adversely their results of operations.
MLPs operating interstate pipelines and storage facilities are subject to substantial
regulation by FERC, which regulates interstate transportation rates, services and other matters
regarding natural gas pipelines including: the establishment of rates for service; regulation of
pipeline storage and liquified natural gas facility construction; issuing certificates of need for
companies intending to provide energy services or constructing and operating interstate pipeline
and storage facilities; and certain other matters. FERC also regulates the interstate
transportation of crude oil, including: regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline
companies; establishing equal service conditions to provide shippers with equal access to pipeline
transportation; and establishment of reasonable rates for transporting petroleum and petroleum
products by pipeline.
Energy infrastructure MLPs may be subject to liability relating to the release of substances
into the environment, including liability under federal SuperFund and similar state laws for
investigation and remediation of releases and threatened releases of hazardous materials, as well
as liability for injury and property damage for accidental events, such as explosions or discharges
of materials causing personal injury and damage to property. Such potential liabilities could have
a material adverse effect upon the financial condition and results of operations of energy
infrastructure MLPs.
Energy infrastructure MLPs are subject to numerous business related risks, including:
deterioration of business fundamentals reducing profitability due to development of alternative
energy sources, changing demographics in the markets served, unexpectedly prolonged and precipitous
changes in commodity prices and increased competition which takes market share; the lack of growth
of markets requiring growth through acquisitions; disruptions in transportation systems; the
dependence of certain MLPs upon the energy exploration and development activities of unrelated
third parties; availability of capital for expansion and construction of needed facilities; a
significant decrease in natural gas production due to depressed commodity prices or otherwise; the
inability of MLPs to successfully integrate recent or future acquisitions; and the general level of
the economy.
Non-MLPs. Although we emphasize investments in MLPs, we also may invest in energy
infrastructure companies that are not organized as MLPs. Non-MLP companies may include companies
that operate energy assets but which are organized as corporations or limited liability companies
rather than in partnership form. Generally, the partnership form is more suitable for companies
that operate assets which generate more stable cash flows. Companies that operate midstream
assets (e.g., transporting, processing, storing, distributing and marketing) tend to generate more
stable cash flows than those that engage in exploration and development or delivery of products to
the end consumer. Non-MLP companies also may include companies that provide services directly
related to the generation of income from energy-related assets, such as oil drilling services,
pipeline construction and maintenance, and compression services.
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The energy industry and particular energy infrastructure companies may be adversely affected
by possible terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is
possible that facilities of energy infrastructure companies, due to the critical nature of their
energy businesses to the United States, could be direct targets of terrorist attacks or be
indirectly affected by attacks on others. They may incur significant additional costs in the
future to safeguard their assets. In addition, changes in the insurance markets after September
11, 2001 may make certain types of insurance more difficult to obtain or obtainable only at
significant additional cost. To the extent terrorism results in a lower level economic activity,
energy consumption could be adversely affected, which would reduce revenues and impede growth.
Terrorist or war related disruption of the capital markets could also affect the ability of energy
infrastructure companies to raise needed capital.
Master Limited Partnerships
Under normal circumstances we invest at least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of
MLPs. An MLP is an entity that is taxed as a partnership and that derives each year at least 90%
of its gross income from Qualifying Income. An MLP is typically a limited partnership, the
interests in which (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter.
Organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules eliminates federal
income tax at the entity level.
An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other
partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the
partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company
management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in a
MLP, he or she becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several
nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets
or part of its business into a MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets full
value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to
address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of
the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to a MLP, although the tax consequences make this an
unappealing option for most corporations. Also, a newly formed company may operate as a MLP from
its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell
assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP
structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP
limited partner unit holders.
In the case of an MLP buying assets from its sponsor or general partner, the transaction is
intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help
insure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an
independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often
obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since
both parties normally have a significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see
that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.
MLPs tend to pay relatively higher distributions than other types of companies, and we intend
to use these MLP distributions in an effort to meet our investment objective.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash
flows, the terms of MLPs typically provide that the general partner receives a larger portion of
the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general
partner receives a greater interest
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in the incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners. Although the
percentages vary among MLPs, the general partners marginal interest in distributions generally
increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated distribution target level moving to up to 25% and
ultimately to 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless, the
aggregate amount of distributions to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach
higher target levels. Given this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive to
streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase
distributions to all partners.
Because the MLP itself does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its
investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other distributions
from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble
corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for federal income tax purposes.
The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investors basis in his
MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investors basis in the MLP interest,
capital gain. The investors original basis is the price paid for the units. The basis is
adjusted downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and
losses, and upwards with each allocation of income and gain.
The partner generally will not incur federal income tax on distributions until (1) he sells
his MLP units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease resulting
from prior distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference
between the sales price and the investors adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes.
For a further discussion and a description of MLP federal income tax matters, see the section
entitled Certain Federal Income Tax MattersFederal Income Taxation of MLPs.
The Companys Investments
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Equity Securities. Consistent with our investment objective, we may invest up to 100% of our
total assets in equity securities issued by energy infrastructure MLPs, including common units,
convertible subordinated units, I-Shares and common units, subordinated units and preferred units
of limited liability companies (that are treated as MLPs for federal income tax purposes) (LLCs)
(each discussed below). We also may invest up to 30% of total assets in equity securities of
non-MLPs.
The value of equity securities will be affected by changes in the stock markets, which may be
the result of domestic or international political or economic news, changes in interest rates or
changing investor sentiment. At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change
substantially. Equity securities risk will affect our net asset value per share, which will
fluctuate as the value of the securities held by us change. Not all stock prices change uniformly
or at the same time, and not all stock markets move in the same direction at the same time. Other
factors affect a particular stocks prices, such as poor earnings reports by an issuer, loss of
major customers, major litigation against an issuer, or changes in governmental regulations
affecting an industry. Adverse news affecting one company can sometimes depress the stock prices
of all companies in the same industry. Not all factors can be predicted.
Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater risk than is associated with
investing in more established companies. Smaller capitalization companies may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be more
vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments than larger, more established
companies.
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MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent an equity ownership interest in a
partnership, providing limited voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the companys
success through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation,
common unit holders do not elect directors annually and generally have the right to vote only on
certain significant events, such as mergers, a sale of substantially all of the assets, removal of
the general partner or material amendments to the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by
their partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings.
Common unit holders generally have first right to a minimum quarterly distribution (MQD) prior to
distributions to the convertible subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including
incentive distributions). Common unit holders typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not
met. In the event of liquidation, MLP common unit holders have first rights to the partnerships
remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid
in full. MLP common units trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
Limited Liability Company Common Units. Some energy infrastructure companies in which we may
invest have been organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are generally treated in the same manner as MLPs for
federal income tax purposes and, unless otherwise noted, the term MLP includes all entities that
are treated in the same manner as MLPs for federal income tax purposes, regardless of their form of
organization. Consistent with our investment objective and policies, we may invest in common units
or other securities of such LLCs including preferred and subordinated units and debt securities.
LLC common units represent an equity ownership interest in an LLC, entitling the holders to a share
of the LLCs success through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs
typically do not pay federal income tax at the entity level and are required by their operating
agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings. LLC common unit
holders generally have first right to a MQD prior to distributions to subordinated unit holders and
typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of liquidation, LLC common
unit holders have a right to the LLCs remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders and
preferred unit holders, if any, have been paid in full. LLC common units typically trade on a
national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are no incentives that entitle
management or other unit holders to increased percentages of cash distributions as distributions
reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders typically have voting rights with
respect to the LLC, whereas MLP common units have limited voting rights.
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP convertible subordinated units typically are issued
by MLPs to founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell assets to MLPs, and
institutional investors. The purpose of the convertible subordinated units is to increase the
likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed to
common unit holders. We expect to purchase convertible subordinated units in direct placements
from such persons. Convertible subordinated units generally are not entitled to distributions
until holders of common units have received specified MQD, plus any arrearages, and may receive
less in distributions upon liquidation. Convertible subordinated unit holders generally are
entitled to MQD prior to the payment of incentive distributions to the general partner, but are not
entitled to arrearage rights. Therefore, they generally entail greater risk than MLP common units.
They are generally convertible automatically into the senior common units of the same issuer at a
one-to-one ratio upon the passage of time or the satisfaction of certain financial tests. These
units generally do not trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and there is no active
market for convertible subordinated units. The value of a convertible security is a function of
its worth if it were converted into the underlying common units. Convertible subordinated units
generally have similar voting rights to MLP common units. Distributions may be paid in cash or
in-kind.
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MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP I-units. I-units are equity
securities issued to affiliates of MLPs, typically a limited liability company, that owns an
interest in and manages the MLP. The issuer has management rights but is not entitled to incentive
distributions. The I-Share issuers assets consist exclusively of MLP I-units. Distributions by
MLPs to I-unit holders are made in the form of additional I-units, generally equal in amount to the
cash received by common unit holders of the MLP. Distributions to I-Share holders are made in the
form of additional I-Shares, generally equal in amount to the I-units received by the I-Share
issuer. The issuer of the I-Share is taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, investors receive a Form 1099, are not allocated their proportionate share of income
of the MLPs and are not subject to state income tax filing obligations solely as a result of
holding such I-Shares.
Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities of energy
infrastructure companies, including certain securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds).
The debt securities we invest in may have fixed or variable principal payments and all types of
interest rate and dividend payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero
coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. If a security satisfies
our minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below such
rating, we will not be required to dispose of such security. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser
will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in our best interest and our
stockholders best interests.
Below Investment Grade Debt Securities. We may invest up to 25% of our assets in below
investment grade securities. The below investment grade debt securities in which we invest are
rated from B3 to Ba1 by Moodys, from B- to BB+ by S&Ps, are comparably rated by another
nationally recognized rating agency or are unrated but determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality.
Investment in below investment grade securities involves substantial risk of loss. Below
investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as junk
bonds and are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers ability to pay
interest and principal and are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse
economic and business developments. The market values for high yield securities tend to be very
volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment grade debt securities. For these
reasons, investment in below investment grade securities is subject to the following specific
risks:
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increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating
economic environment; |
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality; |
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adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer unable to make
interest and/or principal payments; and |
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if a negative perception of the below investment grade debt market develops, the
price and liquidity of below investment grade debt securities may be depressed. This
negative perception could last for a significant period of time. |
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of a
below investment grade debt issuer to make principal payments and interest payments than an
investment grade issuer. The principal amount of below investment grade securities outstanding has
proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of issuers have used below investment grade
securities for corporate financing. An economic downturn could affect severely the ability of
highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon
maturity. Similarly, down-turns in
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profitability in specific industries, such as the energy infrastructure industry, could
adversely affect the ability of below investment grade debt issuers in that industry to meet their
obligations. The market values of lower quality debt securities tend to reflect individual
developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality securities, which react
primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Factors having an adverse impact
on the market value of lower quality securities we own may have an adverse effect on our net asset
value and the market value of our common stock. In addition, we may incur additional expenses to
the extent we are required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on
our portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, we may be required to foreclose on an issuers
assets and take possession of its property or operations. In such circumstances, we would incur
additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential liabilities from operating any business
acquired.
The secondary market for below investment grade securities may not be as liquid as the
secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on our
ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet our liquidity needs. There are
fewer dealers in the market for below investment grade securities than investment grade
obligations. The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between
the bid and asked price is generally much larger than higher quality instruments. Under adverse
market or economic conditions, the secondary market for below investment grade securities could
contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular
issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, we could find it more difficult to
sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such
securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated
securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating our net
asset value.
Because investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower
quality debt securities of the type in which we may invest a portion of our assets, the yields and
prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In
the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers
creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in
higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price
volatility.
We will not invest in distressed, below investment grade securities (those that are in default
or the issuers of which are in bankruptcy). If a debt security becomes distressed while held by
us, we may be required to bear extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover our
investment if it is recoverable at all.
See Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information for a description of ratings of
Moodys, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and S&P.
Restricted, Illiquid and Thinly-Traded Securities. We may invest up to 30% of our total
assets in restricted securities, primarily through direct placements of MLP securities. Restricted
securities obtained by means of direct placement are less liquid than securities traded in the open
market; therefore, we may not be able to readily sell such securities. Investments currently
considered by the Adviser to be illiquid because of such restrictions include convertible
subordinated units and certain direct placements of common units. Such securities are unlike
securities that are traded in the open market and which can be expected to be sold immediately if
the market is adequate. The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower
or higher than our most recent determination of their fair value. Additionally, the value of these
securities typically requires more reliance on the judgment of the Adviser than that required for
securities for which there is an active trading market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these
S-11
securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, we may not be
able to realize these securities true value, or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to
an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, or in a registered public offering. The Adviser
has the ability to deem restricted securities as liquid. To enable us to sell our holdings of a
restricted security not registered under the 1933 Act, we may have to cause those securities to be
registered. When we must arrange registration because we wish to sell the security, a considerable
period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the
security is registered so that we could sell it. We would bear the risks of any downward price
fluctuation during that period.
In recent years, a large institutional market has developed for certain securities that are
not registered under the 1933 Act, including private placements, repurchase agreements, commercial
paper, foreign securities and corporate bonds and notes. These instruments are often restricted
securities because the securities are either themselves exempt from registration or sold in
transactions not requiring registration, such as Rule 144A transactions. Institutional investors
generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the general public, but instead will often
depend on an efficient institutional market in which such unregistered securities can be readily
resold or on an issuers ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact that there
are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or certain institutions is
not dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act establishes a safe harbor from the registration requirements of
the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Institutional
markets for restricted securities that exist or may develop as a result of Rule 144A may provide
both readily ascertainable values for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an
investment. An insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing Rule
144A-eligible securities held by us, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such
portfolio securities and we might not be able to dispose of such securities promptly or at
reasonable prices.
We also may invest in securities that may not be restricted, but are thinly-traded. Although
securities of certain MLPs trade on the NYSE, the AMEX, the NASDAQ National Market or other
securities exchanges or markets, such securities may trade less than those of larger companies due
to their relatively smaller capitalizations. Such securities may be difficult to dispose of at a
fair price during times when we believe it is desirable to do so. Thinly-traded securities are
also more difficult to value, and the Advisers judgment as to value will often be given greater
weight than market quotations, if any exist. If market quotations are not available, thinly-traded
securities will be valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board. Investment of
our capital in thinly-traded securities may restrict our ability to take advantage of market
opportunities. The risks associated with thinly-traded securities may be particularly acute in
situations in which our operations require cash and could result in us borrowing to meet our short
term needs or incurring losses on the sale of thinly-traded securities.
Commercial Paper. We may invest in commercial paper. Commercial paper is a debt obligation
usually issued by corporations and may be unsecured or secured by letters of credit or a surety
bond. Commercial paper usually is repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the
issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the
risk that the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial
paper, also known as rollover risk.
Asset-backed commercial paper is a debt obligation generally issued by a corporate-sponsored
special purpose entity to which the corporation has contributed cash-flowing receivables like
credit card receivables, auto and equipment leases, and other receivables. Investment in
asset-backed commercial
S-12
paper is subject to the risk that insufficient proceeds from the projected cash flows of the
contributed receivables are available to repay the commercial paper.
U.S. Government Securities. We may invest in U.S. Government Securities. There are two broad
categories of U.S. Government-related debt instruments: (a) direct obligations of the U.S.
Treasury, and (b) securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies.
Examples of direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury are Treasury bills, notes, bonds and other
debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These instruments are backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. They differ primarily in interest rates, the length of maturities
and the dates of issuance. Treasury bills have original maturities of one year or less. Treasury
notes have original maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have original
maturities of greater than ten years.
Some agency securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and
others are backed only by the rights of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds and Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds), while still others,
such as the securities of the Federal Farm Credit Bank, are supported only by the credit of the
issuer. With respect to securities supported only by the credit of the issuing agency or by an
additional line of credit with the U.S. Treasury, there is no guarantee that the U.S. Government
will provide support to such agencies, and such securities may involve risk of loss of principal
and interest.
Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into repurchase agreements backed by U.S. Government
Securities. A repurchase agreement arises when we purchase a security and simultaneously agree to
resell it to the vendor at an agreed upon future date. The resale price is greater than the
purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon market rate of return that is effective for the period of
time we hold the security and that is not related to the coupon rate on the purchased security.
Such agreements generally have maturities of no more than seven days and could be used to permit us
to earn interest on assets awaiting long term investment. We require continuous maintenance by our
custodian for our account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book-Entry System of collateral in an
amount equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the securities that are the subject of a
repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are considered
illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase
agreement, we could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses,
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while we
seek to enforce our rights thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to
income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing our rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary
purposes with banks and securities dealers if the creditworthiness of the bank or securities dealer
has been determined by the Adviser to be satisfactory. A reverse repurchase agreement is a
repurchase agreement in which we are the seller of, rather than the investor in, securities and
agree to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price. Use of a reverse repurchase agreement
may be preferable to a regular sale and later repurchase of securities because it avoids certain
market risks and transaction costs.
At the time when we enter into a reverse repurchase agreement, liquid assets (cash, U.S.
Government Securities or other high-grade debt obligations) having a value at least as great as
the purchase price of the securities to be purchased will be segregated on our books and held by
our custodian throughout the period of the obligation. The use of reverse repurchase agreements
creates leverage which increases our investment risk. If the income and gains on securities
purchased with the proceeds of these transactions exceed the cost, our earnings or net asset value
will increase faster than otherwise would be the case; conversely, if the income and gains fail to
exceed the cost, earnings or net asset value would
S-13
decline faster than otherwise would be the case. We intend to enter into reverse repurchase
agreements only if the income from the investment of the proceeds is greater than the expense of
the transaction, because the proceeds are invested for a period no longer than the term of the
reverse repurchase agreement.
Margin Borrowing. Although we do not currently intend to, we may in the future use margin
borrowing of up to 33 1/3% of total assets for investment purposes when the Adviser believes it
will enhance returns. Margin borrowings create certain additional risks. For example, should the
securities that are pledged to brokers to secure margin accounts decline in value, or should
brokers from which we have borrowed increase their maintenance margin requirements (i.e., reduce
the percentage of a position that can be financed), then we could be subject to a margin call,
pursuant to which we must either deposit additional funds with the broker or suffer mandatory
liquidation of the pledged securities to compensate for the decline in value. In the event of a
precipitous drop in the value of our assets, we might not be able to liquidate assets quickly
enough to pay off the margin debt and might suffer mandatory liquidation of positions in a
declining market at relatively low prices, thereby incurring substantial losses. For these
reasons, the use of borrowings for investment purposes is considered a speculative investment
practice. Any use of margin borrowing by us would be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act,
including the prohibition from us issuing more than one class of senior securities, and the asset
coverage requirements discussed earlier in this Statement of Additional Information. See
Investment Limitations.
Interest Rate Transactions. In an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure, we currently use, and may in the future use, interest rate
transactions such as swaps, caps and floors. The use of interest rate transactions is a highly
specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree to pay to
the other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the counterparty) a fixed rate
payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to us a variable rate payment that is
intended to approximate our variable rate payment obligation on any variable rate borrowings. The
payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of the swap. In an interest rate cap, we
would pay a premium to the counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a
specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive from the
counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. In an interest
rate floor, we would be entitled to receive, to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate, payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party
selling the interest rate floor. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of
interest rate transactions could enhance or decrease distributable cash flow (generally, cash from
operations less certain operating expenses and reserves) available to the shares of our common
stock. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate
transactions could decline, and could result in a decline in the net asset value of the shares of
our common stock. In addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, we
would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate transaction to offset
our cost of financial leverage. When interest rate swap transactions are outstanding, we will
segregate liquid assets with our custodian in an amount equal to our net payment obligation under
the swap.
Delayed-Delivery Transactions. Securities may be bought and sold on a delayed-delivery or
when-issued basis. These transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities
at a predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after the customary
settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until
the security is delivered. We may receive fees or price concessions for entering into
delayed-delivery transactions.
S-14
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the purchaser assumes the rights and
risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the
security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required
until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with our investments.
If we remain substantially fully invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are
outstanding, the delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When
delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, we will segregate appropriate liquid assets with our
custodian to cover the purchase obligations. When we have sold a security on a delayed-delivery
basis, we do not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other
party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, we could miss a
favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
Securities Lending. We may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or institutional
investors. Securities lending allows us to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the
same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be delays in the recovery of loaned
securities, or even a loss of rights in collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially,
loans will be made only to parties deemed by the Adviser to be of good credit and legal standing.
Furthermore, loans of securities will only be made if, in the Advisers judgment, the consideration
to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
The Adviser understands that it is the current view of the SEC staff that we may engage in
loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1) we must receive 100% collateral in the
form of cash or cash equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the securities loaned
(determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of the collateral; (3) after giving notice, we
must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) we must receive reasonable interest on the loan
or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest, or other
distributions on the securities loaned and to any increase in market value; (5) we may pay only
reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board must be able to vote
proxies on the securities loaned, either by terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative
arrangement with the borrower.
Temporary and Defensive Investments. Pending investment of offering or leverage proceeds, we
may invest such proceeds in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
instrumentalities or agencies, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the highest category by a rating
agency or other fixed income securities deemed by the Adviser to be of similar quality
(collectively, short-term securities), or we may invest in cash or cash equivalents, all of which
are expected to provide a lower yield than the securities of energy infrastructure companies. We
also may invest in short-term securities or cash on a temporary basis to meet working capital needs
including, but not limited to, for collateral in connection with certain investment techniques, to
hold a reserve pending payment of distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and
settlement of trades.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest up to 100% of our total assets in
short-term securities or cash. The yield on short-term securities or cash may be lower than the
returns on MLPs or yields on lower rated fixed income securities. To the extent we invest in
short-term securities or cash for defensive purposes, such investments are inconsistent with, and
may result in us not achieving, our investment objective.
S-15
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors provides broad supervision over our affairs, including
supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser. Our officers are responsible for our
day-to-day operations. Our directors and officers and their principal occupations and other
affiliations during the past five years are set forth below. Each director and officer will hold
office until his successor is duly elected and qualifies, or until he resigns or is removed in the
manner provided by law. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors of each
class are elected to serve three year terms and until their successors are duly elected and
qualify. Each year only one class of directors is elected by the stockholders. Unless otherwise
indicated, the address of each director and officer is 10801 Mastin Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland
Park, Kansas 66210. The Board of Directors consists of a majority of directors who are not
interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser or its affiliates.
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Position(s) Held |
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Number of |
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Other Public |
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With Company and |
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Principal |
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Portfolios in Fund |
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Company |
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Length of Time |
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Occupation During |
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Complex Overseen by |
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Directorships Held |
Name and Age |
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Served |
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Past Five Years |
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Director2 |
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by Director |
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Independent Directors |
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Conrad S.
Ciccotello, 45
|
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Director since 2003
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Tenured Associate
Professor of Risk
Management and
Insurance, Robinson
College of
Business, Georgia
State University
(faculty member
since 1999);
Director of
Graduate Personal
Financial Planning
(PFP) Programs,
Editor, Financial
Services Review,
(an academic
journal dedicated
to the study of
individual
financial
management);
formerly, faculty
member,
Pennsylvania State
University.
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3 |
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None |
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John R. Graham, 60
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Director since 2003
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Executive-in-Residence and Professor of
Finance, College of
Business
Administration,
Kansas State
University (has
served as a
professor or
adjunct professor
since 1970);
Chairman of the
Board, President
and CEO, Graham
Capital Management,
Inc., primarily a
real estate
development and
investment company
and a venture
capital company;
and Owner of Graham
Ventures, a
business services
and venture capital
firm; formerly,
CEO, Kansas Farm
Bureau Financial
Services, including
seven affiliated
insurance or
financial service
companies
(1979-2000).
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3 |
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Erie Indemnity
Company; Erie
Family Life
Insurance Company;
Kansas State Bank |
S-16
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Position(s) Held |
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Number of |
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Other Public |
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With Company and |
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Principal |
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Portfolios in Fund |
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Company |
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Length of Time |
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Occupation During |
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Complex Overseen by |
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Directorships Held |
Name and Age |
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Served |
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Past Five Years |
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Director2 |
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by Director |
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Charles E. Heath, 63
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Director since 2003
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Retired in 1999.
Formerly, Chief
Investment Officer,
GE Capitals
Employers
Reinsurance
Corporation
(1989-1999).
Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA)
since 1974.
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3 |
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None |
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Interested Directors and Officers1 |
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H. Kevin Birzer, 46
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Director and
Chairman of the
Board since 2003
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Managing Director
of the Adviser
since 2002;
Partner/Senior
Analyst, Fountain
Capital
(1990-present);
formerly, Vice
President,
Corporate Finance
Department, Drexel
Burnham Lambert
(1986-1989); Vice
President, F.
Martin Koenig &
Co., an investment
management firm
(1983-1986).
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3 |
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None |
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Terry C. Matlack, 50
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Director and Chief
Financial Officer
since 2003, Chief
Compliance Officer
from 2004 through
May 2006; Assistant
Treasurer since
November 2005;
Treasurer from 2003
to November 2005
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Managing Director
of the Adviser
since 2002;
Managing Director,
KCEP
(2001-present);
formerly,
President,
GreenStreet
Capital, a private
investment firm
(1998-2001).
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3 |
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None |
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David J. Schulte, 45
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
since 2003
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Managing Director
of the Adviser
since 2002;
Managing Director,
KCEP
(1993-present); CFA
since 1992.
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N/A |
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None |
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Zachary A. Hamel, 40
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Secretary since 2003
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Managing Director
of the Adviser
since 2002;
Partner/Senior
Analyst with
Fountain Capital
(1997-present).
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N/A |
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None |
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Kenneth P. Malvey,
41
|
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Treasurer since
November 2005;
Assistant Treasurer
from 2003 to
November 2005
|
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Managing Director
of the Adviser
since 2002;
Partner/Senior
Analyst, Fountain
Capital Management
(2002-present);
formerly,
Investment Risk
Manager and member
of the Global
Office of
Investments, GE
Capitals Employers
Reinsurance
Corporation
(1996-2002).
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N/A |
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None |
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(1) |
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As a result of their respective positions held with the Adviser or its affiliates, these
individuals are considered our interested persons within the meaning of the 1940 Act. |
S-17
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(2) |
|
This number includes Tortoise North American Energy Corporation (TYN) and Tortoise Energy
Capital Corporation (TYY) but excludes Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation (TTO). The
Adviser also serves as investment adviser to TYN, TYY and TTO. |
Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation (TTO), a private investment fund, commenced
operations in December 2005. TTO invests in privately held and micro-cap public companies in the
U.S. energy infrastructure sector. The following individuals who are included in the table above
hold the following positions with TTO: Messrs. Ciccotello, Graham and Heath are directors; Mr.
Birzer is a director and the Chairman of the Board; Mr. Matlack is a director and the Chief
Financial Officer; Mr. Schulte is the President and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Hamel is the
Secretary; and Mr. Malvey is the Treasurer.
We have an audit committee that consists of three directors (the Audit Committee) who are
not interested persons within the meaning of the 1940 Act (Independent Directors). The Audit
Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello (Chairman), Charles E. Heath and John R. Graham. The
Audit Committees function is to oversee our accounting policies, financial reporting and internal
control system. The Audit Committee makes recommendations regarding the selection of our
independent auditors, reviews the independence of such firm, reviews the scope of the audit and
internal controls, considers and reports to the Board on matters relating to our accounting and
financial reporting practices, and performs such other tasks as the full Board deems necessary or
appropriate. The Audit Committee held 2 meetings in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2005.
We also have a Nominating and Governance Committee (formerly the Nominating Committee) that
consists exclusively of three Independent Directors. The Nominating and Governance Committees
function is to (i) identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend to the
Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders and to fill any vacancies;
(ii) monitor the structure and membership of Board committees; recommend to the Board director
nominees for each committee; (iii) review issues and developments related to corporate governance
issues and develop and recommend to the Board corporate governance guidelines and procedures, to
the extent necessary or desirable; and (iv) actively seek individuals who meet the standards for
directors set forth in our Bylaws, who meet the requirements of any applicable laws or exchange
requirements and who are otherwise qualified to become board members for recommendation to the
Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider shareholder recommendations for
nominees for membership to the Board so long as such recommendations are made in accordance with
our Bylaws. The Nominating and Governance Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello, John R.
Graham (Chairman), and Charles E. Heath. The Nominating Committee (which became the Nominating and
Governance Committee in December 2005) held 0 meetings in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2005.
We also have a Compliance Committee formed in December 2005 that consists exclusively of three
Independent Directors. The Compliance Committees function is to review and assess managements
compliance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, monitor compliance with our Code
of Ethics, and handle other matters as the Board or committee chair deems appropriate. The
Compliance Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello, John R. Graham and Charles E. Heath
(Chairman).
Directors and officers who are interested persons of the Company or the Administrator will
receive no salary or fees from us. For the current fiscal year, each Independent Director receives
from us an annual retainer of $15,000 (plus an additional $6,000 for the Chairman of the Audit
Committee and an additional $1,000 for each other committee Chairman) and a fee of $2,000 (and
reimbursement for related expenses) for each meeting of the Board or Audit Committee attended in
person (or $1,000 for each Board or Audit Committee meeting attended telephonically, or for each
Audit Committee meeting attended in person that is held on the same day as a Board meeting), and an
additional $1,000 for each
S-18
other committee meeting attended in person or telephonically. No director or officer will be
entitled to receive pension or retirement benefits from us.
The table below sets forth the compensation paid to the directors by us for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2005.
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Aggregate |
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|
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Compensation From the |
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Company and Fund |
|
|
Aggregate |
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Complex Paid to |
Name and Position |
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Compensation From the |
|
Directors (3 |
With the Company |
|
Company |
|
Companies) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conrad S. Ciccotello |
|
$ |
35,500 |
|
|
$ |
69,000 |
|
John R. Graham |
|
$ |
32,500 |
|
|
$ |
59,333 |
|
Charles E. Heath |
|
$ |
38,500 |
|
|
$ |
65,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Terry C. Matlack |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned
by each director of the Company as of May 31, 2006.
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Aggregate Dollar |
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Range of Equity |
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Securities in all |
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Aggregate Dollar |
|
Registered Investment |
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Range of Company |
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Companies Overseen by |
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Securities |
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Director in Family of |
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Beneficially Owned By |
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Investment Companies |
Name of Director |
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Director* |
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(3 Companies) |
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Independent Directors |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello |
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
John R. Graham |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Charles E. Heath |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
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|
Interested Directors |
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|
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|
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Terry C. Matlack |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
As of May 31, 2006, the officers and directors of the Company, as a group, own less than 1%
of any class of the Companys outstanding shares of stock. |
Control Persons
As of May 31, 2006, the following persons owned of record or beneficially more than 5% of our
common shares:
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Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. |
|
|
11.40 |
% |
501 North Broadway |
|
|
|
|
St. Louis, MO 63102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Safekeeping |
|
|
8.94 |
% |
4 Corporate Place |
|
|
|
|
Piscataway, NJ 08854 |
|
|
|
|
S-19
|
|
|
|
|
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. |
|
|
8.64 |
% |
1221 Avenue of the Americas |
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|
New York, NY 10036 |
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|
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|
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|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. |
|
|
7.29 |
% |
101 Montgomery St. |
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San Francisco, CA 94104 |
|
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|
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|
Davenport & Company LLC. |
|
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5.82 |
% |
One James Center |
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901 East Cary Street |
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Richmond, VA 23219 |
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Lehman Brothers Inc. |
|
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5.77 |
% |
745 Seventh Avenue |
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New York, NY 10019 |
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. |
|
|
5.21 |
% |
125 Broad Street |
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|
New York, NY 10004 |
|
|
|
|
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the
liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages
except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty which is established by a final
judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Charter contains such a provision which
eliminates directors and officers liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and
the 1940 Act.
The Charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act,
to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of ours and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate
investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a
director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person
may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her status as a present or
former director or officer of ours and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in
advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent
permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer
or any individual who, while a director of ours and at our request, serves or has served another
corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan
or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made a party to the
proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability
to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her
status as a present or former director or officer of ours and to pay or reimburse his or her
reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Charter and Bylaws also
permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any
of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of ours or a predecessor of ours. The
1940 Act prohibits us from indemnifying any director, officer or other individual from any liability resulting directly
from the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of duties or reckless
disregard of applicable obligations and duties of the directors, officers or other individuals.
S-20
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our Charter
does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any
proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her
service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former
directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and
reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may
be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities
unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to
the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the
director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a
suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and
then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer upon the corporations receipt of (a) a written affirmation by
the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of
conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or
her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is
ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Investment Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser) serves as our investment adviser. The
Adviser was formed by Fountain Capital Management, L.L.C. (Fountain Capital) and Kansas City
Equity Partners, L.C. (KCEP) in October 2002 to provide portfolio management services exclusively
with respect to energy infrastructure investments. The Adviser is controlled equally by Fountain
Capital and KCEP, each of which own half of all of the voting shares of the Adviser.
Fountain Capital was formed in 1990 and is focused primarily on providing investment advisory
services to institutional investors with respect to below investment grade debt. Atlantic Asset
Management, L.L.C. (Atlantic) is a minority owner, and an affiliate, of Fountain Capital.
Atlantic was formed in 1992 and provides, directly or through affiliates, a variety of fixed income
investment advisory services including investment grade bond and high-yield bond strategies,
investment grade collateralized debt obligations and mortgage hedge funds.
KCEP was formed in 1993 and is focused solely on managing two private equity funds. The first
of those funds, a start-up and early-stage venture capital fund launched in 1994, is in the process
of winding down. As a part of that process, this fund has entered into a consensual order of
receivership, which was necessary to allow it to distribute its remaining $1.6 million of assets to
the Small Business Administration (the SBA). The consensual order acknowledged a capital
impairment condition and the resulting nonperformance by this fund of its agreement with the SBA.
Mr. Schulte is a managing director of KCEP and was involved with this fund. The second fund is an
$85 million private equity fund founded in 1998. KCEP focuses on private equity investments,
including investments in two natural resource infrastructure companies.
The Adviser is located at 10801 Mastin Boulevard, Suite 222, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. The
Adviser specializes in managing portfolios of MLPs and other energy infrastructure companies. As
of May 31, 2006, the Adviser had approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management in the
energy infrastructure industry.
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement), the Adviser, subject
to overall supervision by the Board, manages our investments. The Adviser regularly provides us
with
S-21
investment research advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment program
for us, consistent with our investment objective and policies.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility of a team of portfolio
managers consisting of David J. Schulte, H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel, Kenneth P. Malvey, and
Terry C. Matlack, all of whom are Managers of the Adviser and share responsibility for such
investment management. It is the policy of the investment committee, that any one member can
require the Adviser to sell a security and any one member can veto the committees decision to
invest in a security. Messrs. Matlack and Schulte are full-time employees of the Adviser. The
other members of the investment committee are affiliates of, but not employees of, the Adviser, and
each have significant responsibilities with KCEP or Fountain Capital. All members of the
investment committee have undertaken to provide such services as necessary to fulfill the
obligations of the Adviser to the Company.
The following table provides information about the number of and total assets in other
accounts managed on a day-to-day basis by each of the portfolio managers as of May 31, 2006.
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|
Number of Accounts |
|
Total Assets of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets of |
|
Paying a |
|
Accounts Paying a |
Name of Manager |
|
Number of Accounts |
|
Accounts |
|
Performance Fee |
|
Performance Fee* |
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
774,494,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
257,488,599 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
56,498,350 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
208 |
|
|
$ |
1,914,574,935 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Zachary A. Hamel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
774,494,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
257,488,599 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
56,498,350 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
208 |
|
|
$ |
1,914,574,935 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Kenneth P. Malvey |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
774,494,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
257,488,599 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
56,498,350 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
208 |
|
|
$ |
1,914,574,935 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Terry C. Matlack |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
774,494,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
83,498,350 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
83,498,350 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
184 |
|
|
$ |
158,337,165 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
David J. Schulte |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered investment companies |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
774,494,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other pooled investment vehicles |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
83,498,350 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
83,498,350 |
|
Other accounts |
|
|
184 |
|
|
$ |
158,337,165 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
None of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel or Malvey receive any direct compensation
from the Company or any other of the managed accounts reflected in the table shown above. All such
accounts are managed by the Adviser, Fountain Capital or KCEP. Messrs. Schulte and Matlack are
full-time employees of the Adviser and receive a fixed salary for the services they provide.
Messrs. Birzer, Hamel and Malvey are employees of Fountain Capital and receive a fixed salary for
the services they provide. Fountain Capital is paid a fixed monthly fee, subject to adjustment,
for the services of Messrs. Birzer, Hamel and Malvey. Each of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel and Malvey own an
equity interest in either KCEP or Fountain Capital, the two entities that control the Adviser, and
each thus benefits from increases in the net income of the Adviser, KCEP or Fountain Capital.
S-22
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by
each of the portfolio managers as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Company Securities |
Name of Manager |
|
Beneficially Owned by Manager |
H. Kevin Birzer |
|
Over $100,000 |
Zachary A. Hamel |
|
Over $100,000 |
Kenneth P. Malvey |
|
Over $100,000 |
Terry C. Matlack |
|
Over $100,000 |
David J. Schulte |
|
Over $100,000 |
In addition to portfolio management services, the Adviser is obligated to supply our
Board and officers with certain statistical information and reports, to oversee the maintenance of
various books and records and to arrange for the preservation of records in accordance with
applicable federal law and regulations. Under the Advisory Agreement, we pay to the Adviser
quarterly, as compensation for the services rendered and expenses paid by it, a fee equal on an
annual basis to 0.95% of our average monthly Managed Assets. Managed Assets means the total assets
of the Company (including any assets attributable to leverage that may be outstanding) minus
accrued liabilities other than (1) deferred taxes, (2) debt entered into for the purpose of
leverage and (3) the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock.
The Adviser has agreed contractually to reimburse us for expenses, including the investment
advisory fee and other expenses in the amount of 0.10% of average monthly Managed Assets through
February 28, 2009.
Because the management fees paid to the Adviser are based upon a percentage of our Managed
Assets, fees paid to the Adviser will be higher if we are leveraged; thus, the Adviser will have an
incentive to use leverage. Because the fee reimbursement agreement is based on Managed Assets, to
the extent we are engaged in leverage, the gross dollar amount of the Advisers fee reimbursement
obligations to us will increase. The Adviser intends to use leverage only when it believes it will
serve the best interests of our stockholders. Our average monthly Managed Assets are determined
for the purpose of calculating the management fee by taking the average of the monthly
determinations of Managed Assets during a given calendar quarter. The fees are payable for each
calendar quarter within five days of the end of that quarter.
For our initial fiscal year beginning February 27, 2004 and ending November 30, 2004, the
Adviser received $2,006,155 as compensation for advisory services, net of $640,855, in reimbursed
fees and expenses. For our fiscal year ending November 30, 2005, the Adviser received $4,804,810
as compensation for advisory services, net of $1,534,870, in reimbursed fees and expenses.
The Advisory Agreement provides that we will pay all expenses other than those expressly
stated to be payable by the Adviser, which expenses payable by us shall include, without implied
limitation: (1) expenses of maintaining the Company and continuing our existence and related
overhead, including, to the extent services are provided by personnel of the Adviser or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (2)
registration under the 1940 Act; (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with
the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments including placement
and similar fees in connection with direct placements in which we
participate; (4) auditing, accounting and legal expenses; (5) taxes and interest; (6)
governmental fees; (7) expenses of listing our shares with a stock exchange, and expenses of
issuance, sale, repurchase and redemption (if any) of our interests, including expenses of
conducting tender offers for the purpose of repurchasing our interests; (8) expenses of registering
and qualifying us and our shares under federal and
S-23
state securities laws and of preparing and
filing registration statements and amendments for such purposes; (9) expenses of communicating with
stockholders; including website expenses and the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing press
releases, reports and other notices to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy
solicitations therefor; (10) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (11)
insurance expenses; (12) association membership dues; (13) fees, expenses and disbursements of
custodians and subcustodians for all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of
funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination
of net asset values); (14) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend paying
agents, stockholder servicing agents and registrars for all services to us; (15) compensation and
expenses of our directors who are not members of the Advisers organization; (16) pricing and
valuation services employed by us; (17) all expenses incurred in connection with leveraging of our
assets through a line of credit, or issuing and maintaining preferred stock or instruments
evidencing indebtedness of the Company; (18) all expenses incurred in connection with the offering
of our common and preferred stock and debt securities; and (19) such non-recurring items as may
arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and our
obligation to indemnify our directors, officers and stockholders with respect thereto.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will not be liable in any way for any
default, failure or defect in any of the securities comprising our portfolio if it has satisfied
the duties and the standard of care, diligence and skill set forth in the Advisory Agreement.
However, the Adviser shall be liable to us for any loss, damage, claim, cost, charge, expense or
liability resulting from the Advisers willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence or
disregard by the Adviser of the Advisers duties or standard of care, diligence and skill set forth
in the Advisory Agreement or a material breach or default of the Advisers obligations under the
Advisory Agreement.
The Advisory Agreement has a term ending on December 31st of each year and is therefore
submitted to the Board of Directors for renewal in December of each year. A discussion regarding
the basis of the Board of Directors decision to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement will
be available in our Semi-Annual Report to stockholders for the six-month period ended May 31 of the
following year. The Advisory Agreement will continue from year to year, provided such continuance
is approved by a majority of the Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding
voting securities. Additionally, the Advisory Agreement must be approved annually by vote of a
majority of the Independent Directors. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or
us, without penalty, on sixty (60) days written notice to the other. The Advisory Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Code of Ethics
We and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which
is applicable to officers, directors and designated employees of ours and the Adviser
(collectively, the Codes). Subject to certain limitations, the Codes permit covered persons to
invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by us. The Codes contain
provisions and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between
personal investment activities of covered persons and the interests of investment advisory clients
such as us. Among other things, the Codes prohibit certain types of transactions absent prior
approval, impose time periods during which personal transactions may not be made in certain
securities, and require submission of duplicate broker confirmations and statements and quarterly
reporting of securities transactions. Exceptions to these and
other provisions of the Codes may be granted in particular circumstances after review by
appropriate personnel.
S-24
Our Code of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commissions
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at (202) 551-5850. Our Code
of Ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commissions
Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request
at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Securities and Exchange
Commissions Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
NET ASSET VALUE
We will compute our net asset value for our shares of common stock as of the close of trading
on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) no less frequently than the last business day of each
calendar week and at such other times as the Board may determine. We make our net asset value
available for publication quarterly. Our investment transactions are generally recorded on a trade
date plus one day basis, other than for quarterly and annual reporting purposes. For purposes of
determining the net asset value of a share of common stock, our net asset value will equal the
value of our total assets (the value of the securities we hold, plus cash or other assets,
including interest accrued but not yet received) less (1) all of its liabilities (including without
limitation accrued expenses and both current and deferred income taxes), (2) accumulated and unpaid
interest payments and dividends on any outstanding debt or preferred stock, respectively, (3) the
aggregate liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock, (4) the aggregate principal amount
of any outstanding senior notes, including any series of Tortoise Notes, and (5) any distributions
payable on the common stock. The net asset value per share of our common stock will equal our net
asset value divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.
Pursuant to an agreement with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the Accounting Services
Provider), the Accounting Services Provider will value our assets in accordance with Valuation
Procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The Accounting Services Provider will obtain
securities market quotations from independent pricing services approved by the Adviser and ratified
by the Board. Securities for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued at
market value. Any other securities shall be valued at fair value.
Valuation of certain assets at market value will be as follows. For equity securities, the
Accounting Services Provider will first use readily available market quotations and will obtain
direct written broker-dealer quotations if a security is not traded on an exchange or quotations
are not available from an approved pricing service. For fixed income securities, the Accounting
Services Provider will use readily available market quotations based upon the last sale price of a
security on the day we value our assets or a market value from a pricing service or by obtaining a
direct written broker-dealer quotation from a dealer who has made a market in the security. For
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, the Accounting Services Provider will
use readily available market quotations. If no sales are reported on any exchange or
over-the-counter (OTC) market for an option, futures contract or option on futures contracts, the
Accounting Services Provider will use the calculated mean based on bid and asked prices obtained
from the primary exchange or OTC market.
If the Accounting Services Provider cannot obtain a market value or the Adviser determines
that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair value as of the valuation
time (due to a significant development subsequent to the time its price is determined or
otherwise), fair value for the security shall be determined pursuant to the Valuation Procedures
adopted by the Board. The Valuation Procedures provide that the Adviser will consider a variety of
factors with respect to the individual issuer and security in determining and monitoring the
continued appropriateness of fair value, including, without limitation, financial statements and
fundamental data with respect to the issuer, cost, the amount of any
S-25
discount, restrictions on
transfer and registration rights and other information deemed relevant. A report
of any prices determined pursuant to certain preapproved methodologies will be presented to
the Board or a designated committee thereof for approval no less frequently than quarterly. The
Valuation Procedures currently provide for methodologies to be used to fair value equity
securities, debt securities and control securities. With respect to equity securities, among the
factors used to fair value a security subject to restrictions on resale is whether the security has
a common share counterpart trading in a public market. If a security does not have a common share
counterpart, the security shall be valued initially and thereafter by the Adviser based on all
relevant factors, including, but not limited to, cost, and such valuation will be presented to the
Board for review and ratification. If a security has a common share counterpart trading in a
public market or is convertible into publicly-traded common shares, the Adviser shall determine an
appropriate percentage discount for the security in light of its resale restrictions and other
factors.
With respect to debt securities, among the various factors that can affect the value of such
securities are (i) whether the issuing company has freely trading debt securities of the same
maturity and interest rate; (ii) whether the issuing company has an effective registration
statement in place for the securities; and whether a market is made in the securities. Subject to
the particular considerations of an issue, debt securities generally will be valued at amortized
cost.
With respect to control securities (equity securities of an issuer that is deemed to be an
affiliate of ours due to our ownership or the beneficial ownership of our Adviser of 10% or more of
the outstanding shares of the same class of such issuer), if the class of security continues to
trade in a public market or is covered by a currently effective registration statement, the
security ordinarily will be valued at the common share market price. If the class of the security
ceases to trade in a public market or is otherwise not tradeable, the security shall be valued by
the Adviser based on all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, cost, and such valuation
will be presented to the our Board for review and ratification.
The foregoing methods for fair valuing securities may be used only as long as the Adviser
believes they continue to represent fair value and the discussion above is qualified in its
entirety by our Valuation Procedures.
In computing net asset value, we will review the valuation of the obligation for income taxes
separately for current taxes and deferred taxes due to the differing impact of each on (i) the
anticipated timing of required tax payments and (ii) the impact of each on the treatment of
distributions by us to our stockholders.
The allocation between current and deferred income taxes is determined based upon the value of
assets reported for book purposes compared to the respective net tax bases of assets for federal
income tax purposes. It is anticipated that cash distributions from MLPs in which we invest will
not equal the amount of taxable income allocable to us primarily as a result of depreciation and
amortization deductions recorded by the MLPs. This may result, in effect, in a portion of the cash
distribution received by us not being treated as income for federal income tax purposes. The
relative portion of such distributions not treated as income for tax purposes will vary among the
MLPs, and also will vary year by year for each MLP, but in each case will reduce our remaining tax
basis, if any, in the particular MLP. The Adviser will be able to directly confirm the portion of
each distribution recognized as taxable income when it receives annual tax reporting information
from each MLP.
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Execution of Portfolio Transactions
The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Company,
broker-dealer selection, and negotiation of brokerage commission rates. The Advisers primary
consideration in effecting a security transaction will be to obtain the best execution. In
selecting a broker-dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the
following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability, integrity and
financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and the difficulty in executing the order;
and the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer to our investment performance on a
continuing basis. Accordingly, our price in any transaction may be less favorable than that
available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of
the execution services offered.
The ability to invest in direct placements of MLP securities is critical to our ability to
meet our investment objective because of the limited number of MLP issuers available for investment
and, in some cases, the relative small trading volumes of certain securities. Accordingly, we may
from time to time enter into arrangements with placement agents in connection with direct placement
transactions.
In evaluating placement agent proposals, we consider each brokers access to issuers of MLP
securities and experience in the MLP market, particularly the direct placement market. In addition
to these factors, we consider whether the proposed services are customary, whether the proposed fee
schedules are within the range of customary rates, whether any proposal would obligate us to enter
into transactions involving a minimum fee, dollar amount or volume of securities, or into any
transaction whatsoever, and other terms such as indemnification provisions.
Subject to such policies as the Board may from time to time determine, the Adviser shall not
be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty solely by reason of its having
caused us to pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research services to the Adviser an
amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Adviser
determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of
the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either
that particular transaction or the Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to us and to
other clients of the Adviser as to which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser
is further authorized to allocate the orders placed by it on our behalf to such brokers and dealers
who also provide research or statistical material or other services to us or the Adviser. Such
allocation shall be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser shall determine and the Adviser
will report on said allocations regularly to the Board indicating the brokers to whom such
allocations have been made and the basis therefor. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2004
and November 30, 2005, we paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $114,532 and $18,465,
respectively and direct placement fees of $1,668,861 and $80,000, respectively.
Portfolio Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Although we cannot
accurately predict our annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under
normal circumstances. From the commencement of operations through November 30, 2004, our actual
portfolio turnover rate was 1.39%. For the year ended November 30, 2005, the portfolio turnover
rate was 4.92%. However, portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the
execution of investment decisions for us. A higher turnover rate results in correspondingly
greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. High
portfolio turnover also may result in recognition of gains that will increase our taxable income,
possibly resulting in an increased tax liability, as well as
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increasing our current and accumulated earnings and profits resulting in a greater portion of
the distributions on our stock being treated as taxable dividends for federal income tax purposes.
See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating
to us and our investments in MLPs and to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our securities.
The discussion generally applies only to holders of securities that are U.S. holders. You will be
a U.S. holder if you are an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S.
domestic corporation, or any other person that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net
income basis in respect of an investment in our securities. This summary deals only with U.S.
holders that hold our securities as capital assets and who purchase the securities in connection
with the offering(s) herein. It does not address considerations that may be relevant to you if you
are an investor that is subject to special tax rules, such as a financial institution, insurance
company, regulated investment company, real estate investment trust, investor in pass-through
entities, U.S. holder of securities whose functional currency is not the United States dollar,
tax-exempt organization, dealer in securities or currencies, trader in securities or commodities
that elects mark to market treatment, a person who holds the securities in a qualified tax deferred
account such as an IRA, or a person who will hold the securities as a position in a straddle,
hedge or as part of a constructive sale for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this
discussion does not address the possible application of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the applicable Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings, as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information, all of which may change. Any
change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.
As stated above, this discussion does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation
that may be relevant to a particular holder of our securities in light of such holders particular
circumstances and income tax situation. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors
as to the specific tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
securities, including the application and the effect of state, local, foreign and other tax laws
and the possible effects of changes in U.S. or other tax laws.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are informing you that (1) this
discussion is not intended to be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion
was written by us in connection with the registration of our securities and our promotion or
marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should seek advice based on his, her or its particular
circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Taxation of the Company
We are treated as a C corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. We compute and
pay federal and state income tax on our taxable income. Thus, we are subject to federal income tax
on our taxable income at tax rates up to 35%. Additionally, in certain instances we could be
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax of 20% on our alternative minimum taxable income to
the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
As indicated above, we generally invest our assets primarily in MLPs. MLPs generally are
treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Since partnerships are generally not
subject to federal income tax, the partnerships partners must report as their income their
proportionate share of the
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partnerships income. Thus, as a partner in MLPs, we will report our proportionate share of
the MLPs income in computing our federal taxable income, irrespective of whether any cash or other
distributions are made by the MLPs to us. We will also take into account in computing our taxable
income any other items of our income, gain, deduction or loss. We anticipate that these may
include interest income earned on our investment in debt securities, deductions for our operating
expenses and gain or loss recognized by us on the sale of MLP interests or any other security.
As explained below, based upon the historic performance of MLPs, we anticipate initially that
our proportionate share of the MLPs taxable income will be significantly less than the amount of
cash distributions we receive from the MLPs. In such case, we anticipate that we will not incur
federal income tax on a significant portion of our cash flow, particularly after taking into
account our current operational expenses. If the MLPs taxable income is a significantly greater
portion of the MLPs cash distributions, we will incur additional current federal income tax
liability, possibly in excess of the cash distributions we receive.
We anticipate that each year we will turn over a certain portion of our investment assets. We
will recognize gain or loss on the disposition of all or a portion of our interests in MLPs in an
amount equal to the difference between the sales price and our basis in the MLP interests sold. To
the extent we receive MLP cash distributions in excess of the taxable income reportable by us with
respect to such MLP interest, our basis in the MLP interest will be reduced and our gain on the
sale of the MLP interest likewise will be increased.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the federal income tax laws. The
Internal Revenue Code generally provide that a regulated investment company does not pay an entity
level income tax, provided that it distributes all or substantially all of its income. Our assets
do not, and are not expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated investment
company for federal income tax purposes. The regulated investment company taxation rules have no
application to us or our stockholders. Although recent changes to the federal tax laws permit
regulated investment companies to invest up to 25% of the value of their total assets in securities
of MLPs, such changes still would not allow us to pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not
intend to change our tax status as a result of such legislation.
Federal Income Taxation of MLPs
MLPs are similar to corporations in many respects, but differ in others, especially in the way
they are taxed for federal income tax purposes. A corporation is a distinct legal entity, separate
from its stockholders and employees and is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax
purposes as well. Like individual taxpayers, a corporation must pay a federal income tax on its
income. To the extent the corporation distributes its income to its stockholders in the form of
dividends, the stockholders must pay federal income tax on the dividends they receive. For this
reason, it is said that corporate income is double-taxed, or taxed at two levels.
An MLP that satisfies the Qualifying Income rules described below, and does not elect
otherwise, is treated for federal income tax purposes as a pass-through entity. No federal income
tax is paid at the partnership level. A partnerships income is considered earned by all the
partners; it is allocated among all the partners in proportion to their interests in the
partnership (generally as provided in the partnership agreement), and each partner pays tax on his,
her or its share of the partnerships income. All the other items that go into determining taxable
income and tax owed are passed through to the partners as well capital gains and losses,
deductions, credits, etc. Partnership income is thus said to be single-taxed or taxed only at one
level that of the partner.
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The Internal Revenue Code generally requires publicly-traded partnerships to be treated as
corporations for federal income tax purposes. However, if the publicly-traded partnership
satisfies certain requirements and does not elect otherwise, the publicly-traded partnership will
be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, referred to herein as an MLP. Under
these requirements, an MLP must derive each year at least 90% of its gross income from Qualifying
Income.
Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale
or disposition of real property, certain income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and
income and gain from certain mineral or natural resources activities. Mineral or natural resources
activities that generate Qualifying Income include income and gains from the exploration,
development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines
transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or natural resource
(including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber). This means that most MLPs today are in
energy, timber, or real estate related businesses.
Because the MLP itself does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its
investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash or other payment from the MLP.
It is important to note that an MLP investor is taxed on his share of partnership income whether or
not he actually receives any cash or other property from the partnership. The tax is based not on
money or other property he actually receives, but his proportionate share of what the partnership
earns. However, most MLPs make it a policy to make quarterly distributions to their partners that
will comfortably exceed any income tax owed. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP
distributions are treated differently. The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to
the extent of the investors basis in his MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds
the investors basis in the MLP interest, capital gain. The investors original basis is generally
the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downward with each distribution and allocation
of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of income and
gain.
The partner generally will not be taxed on MLP distributions until (1) he sells his MLP units
and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease resulting from prior
distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the
sales price and the investors adjusted basis is the gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
At tax filing season an MLP investor will receive a Schedule K-1 form showing the investors
share of each item of the partnerships income, gain, loss, deductions and credits. The investor
will use that information to figure the investors taxable income (MLPs generally provide their
investors with material that walks them through all the steps). If there is net income derived
from the MLP, the investor pays federal income tax at his, her or its tax rate. If there is a net
loss derived from the MLP, it is generally considered a passive loss under the Internal Revenue
Code and generally may not be used to offset income from other sources, but must be carried
forward.
Because we are a corporation, we, and not our stockholders, will report the income or loss of
the MLPs. Thus, our stockholders will not have to deal with any Schedules K-1 reporting income and
loss items of the MLPs. Stockholders, instead, will receive a Form 1099 from us. In addition, due
to our broad public ownership, we do not expect to be subject to the passive loss limitation rules
mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Common and Preferred Stock
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Common Stock Distributions. Unlike a holder of a direct
interest in MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our income, gains, losses
or deductions in computing its own taxable income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that,
under present
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law, our shares of common stock will constitute equity, distributions with respect to such
shares (other than distributions in redemption of shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Generally, a
corporations earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified
adjustments. As explained above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate
that the distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the MLPs income. In addition,
earnings and profits are treated generally, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to
pay distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay
distributions on the common stock. Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of the distributions of
distributable cash flow (DCF) will be treated as dividend income to common stockholders. To the
extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits,
such distributions will be treated as a return of capital and the stockholders basis in shares of
stock with respect to which the distributions are made will be reduced and, if a stockholder has no
further basis in the shares, the stockholder will report any excess as capital gain if the
stockholder holds such shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income that is generally
subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also
expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders
under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate stockholders is taxed at long-term capital
gain rates, which currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income generally includes
dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain
criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend income, the stockholder must hold the shares paying
otherwise qualifying dividend income more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days
before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days
before the ex-dividend date in the case of certain preferred stock dividends). A stockholders
holding period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the stockholder engages in certain risk
reduction transactions with respect to the common or preferred stock. The provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through 2010.
Thereafter, higher tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply to the availability of the
dividends received deduction, including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction that
may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period of the shares on which the dividend is
paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder engages in risk reduction transactions with
respect to its shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
application of these limitations to their particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, such
stockholder will be treated as receiving the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of cash distribution the stockholder would have
received if the stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by the Company, the
fair market value of the shares issued to the stockholder.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Preferred Stock Distributions. Under present law, we believe
that our preferred stock will constitute equity for federal income tax purposes, and thus
distributions with respect to the preferred stock (other than distributions in redemption of
preferred stock subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally constitute
dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such
shares, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Earnings and profits are generally treated,
for federal income tax purposes, as first being
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allocable to
distributions on the preferred stock and then to the extent remaining, if any, to
distributions on our common stock. Dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to
holders, but are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income that is generally subject to
reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors, as described above. In the
case of corporate holders of preferred stock, subject to applicable requirements and limitations,
dividends may be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporations under
Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code (see discussion above). Distributions in excess of our
earnings and profits allocable to preferred stock, if any, will first reduce a shareholders
adjusted tax basis in his or her shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will
constitute capital gains to a holder who holds such shares as a capital asset. Because we have
elected not to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code, we are
not entitled to designate any dividends made with respect to our stock as capital gain
distributions.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common or preferred stock by holders will generally be
a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares who sell such shares will
generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of
the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold. If the shares are held as a capital
asset at the time of the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss.
Similarly, a redemption by us (including a redemption resulting from our liquidation), if any, of
all the shares actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to
capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the
redemption proceeds do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also
give rise to capital gain or loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code must be satisfied to achieve such treatment.
Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held
for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder
generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of 15%)
than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). Under
current law, the maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate holders is
scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years after 2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is
generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%.
A holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment Companies. Employee benefit
plans, other tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may want to invest in our
securities. Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal income
tax on unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation for federal income
tax purposes, an owner of shares will not report on its federal income tax return any of our items
of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a tax-exempt investor generally will not have UBTI
attributable to its ownership or sale of our stock unless its ownership of the stock is
debt-financed. In general, stock would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of stock incurs
debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt that would not have been incurred
or maintained if the stock had not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company, or mutual fund, may not
have more than 25% of the value of its total assets, at the close of any fiscal quarter, invested
in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships, which will include most
MLPs. Shares of our stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and will
not be treated as such for purposes of calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
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Backup Withholding. We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a
portion of all taxable distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to stockholders who
fail to provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required
certifications or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they are
subject to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from
backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against the stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders, including stockholders who are nonresident alien
individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or
such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may be
subject to state and local taxes.
Debt Securities
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Debt Securities. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that our debt securities will constitute indebtedness for federal income tax purposes,
which the discussion below assumes. We intend to treat all payments made with respect to the debt
securities consistent with this characterization.
Taxation of Interest. Payments or accruals of interest on debt securities generally will be
taxable to you as ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received (actually or
constructively) or accrued, in accordance with your regular method of accounting for federal income
tax purposes.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Debt Securities. Initially, your tax basis in debt
securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to acquire such debt securities. This
basis will increase by the amounts, if any, that you include in income under the rules governing
market discount, and will decrease by the amount of any amortized premium on such debt securities,
as discussed below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt securities, or if any of your debt
securities are redeemed, you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
the amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued and unpaid interest, which will be
subject to tax as interest in the manner described above) and your tax basis in the debt securities
relinquished.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the gain or loss that you recognize
on the sale, exchange or redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be capital gain
or loss. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt
securities were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the
disposed debt securities were held for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by
a noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate
(currently a maximum rate of 15%, although this rate will increase to 20% after 2010) than net
short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). For corporate
holders, capital gain is generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at
a maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Amortizable Premium. If you purchase debt securities at a cost greater than their stated
principal amount, plus accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased the debt
securities at a premium, and you generally may elect to amortize this premium as an offset to
interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt securities. If
you make the election to amortize the premium, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that
you hold at the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently
acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. If you
elect to amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax
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basis in the debt securities by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding
period. If you do not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your
tax basis in the debt securities. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize the premium and you
hold the debt securities to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as a
capital loss when the debt securities are redeemed.
Market Discount. If you purchase debt securities at a price that reflects a market
discount, any principal payments on, or any gain that you realize on the disposition of, the debt
securities generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market
discount that accrued on the debt securities during the time you held such debt securities.
Market discount is defined under the Internal Revenue Code as, in general, the excess of the
stated redemption price at maturity over the purchase price of the debt security, except that if
the market discount is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the
number of complete years to maturity, the market discount is considered to be zero. In addition,
you may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of any interest paid on any
indebtedness that you incurred or continued to purchase or carry the debt securities that were
acquired at a market discount. In general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably
over the term of the debt securities, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a
ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of
the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current
basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you will increase
your basis in the debt security by the amount of market discount you include in gross income. If
you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you
acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. This
election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. In general, information reporting requirements
will apply to payments of principal, interest, and premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to
the proceeds of the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than certain exempt
recipients (such as certain corporations). Information reporting generally will apply to payments
of interest on the debt securities to non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) and the amount of tax, if
any, withheld with respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such
interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the
country in which the non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax
treaty. In addition, for non-U.S. Holders, information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the
sale of debt securities within the United States or conducted through United States-related
financial intermediaries unless the certification requirements described below have been complied
with and the statement described below in Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders has been received (and the
payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person)
or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of all taxable
payments (including redemption proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who fail to provide
us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required certifications or
who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if we have been
so notified). Certain corporate and other shareholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and
the regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the holders U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS. If you are a non-U.S.
Holder, you may have to comply with certification procedures to establish your non-U.S. status in
order to avoid backup withholding tax
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requirements. The certification procedures required to claim the exemption from withholding
tax on interest income described below will satisfy these requirements.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign
corporation (a non-U.S. Holder), the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally will be exempt from United States federal
withholding tax. This exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid on the debt
securities is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United
States, (2) you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on the debt securities is described in
Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, (3) you do not actually or constructively own 10
percent or more of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, (4) you
are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related, directly or indirectly to us through
stock ownership, and (5) you satisfy the certification requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the holder of any debt securities must
certify, under penalties of perjury, that such holder is a non-U.S. person and must provide such
owners name, address and taxpayer identification number, if any, on IRS Form W-8BEN, or (2) a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customer
securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt securities on behalf
of the holder thereof must certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and
properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt securities held by a foreign partnership
and other intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a non-U.S. Holder that is not excluded from U.S.
federal withholding tax under the portfolio interest exemption as described above generally will be
subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except where a non-U.S. Holder can claim the benefits of an
applicable tax treaty to reduce or eliminate such withholding tax and such non-U.S. Holder provides
us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN claiming such exemption or reduction.
Any capital gain that a non-U.S. Holder realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of
debt securities generally will be exempt from United States federal income tax, including
withholding tax. This exemption will not apply to you if your gain is effectively connected with
your conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. or you are an individual holder and are present in
the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and either your gain is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the U.S. or you
have a tax home in the United States.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
We and the Adviser have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (Proxy Policy), which
we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in our best interests and our
stockholders best interests. Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Board has delegated
responsibility for implementing the Proxy Policy to the Adviser. Because of the unique nature of
MLPs in which we primarily invest, the Adviser shall evaluate each proxy on a case-by-case basis.
Because proxies of MLPs are expected to relate only to extraordinary measures, we do not believe it
is prudent to adopt pre-established voting guidelines.
In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to the voting of equity securities
other than MLP equity units, on routine matters, such as election of directors or approval of
auditors, the proxies usually will be voted with management unless the Adviser determines it has a
conflict or the Adviser determines there are other reasons not to vote with management. On
non-routine matters, such as amendments to governing instruments, proposals relating to
compensation and stock option and equity
S-35
compensation plans, corporate governance proposals and stockholder proposals, the Adviser will
vote, or abstain from voting if deemed appropriate, on a case-by-case basis in a manner it believes
to be in the best economic interest of our stockholders. In the event requests for proxies are
received with respect to debt securities, the Adviser will vote on a case-by-case basis in a manner
it believes to be in the best economic interest of our stockholders.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for monitoring corporate actions and ensuring that
(1) proxies are received and forwarded to the appropriate decision makers; and (2) proxies are
voted in a timely manner upon receipt of voting instructions. We are not responsible for voting
proxies we do not receive, but will make reasonable efforts to obtain missing proxies. The Chief
Executive Officer shall implement procedures to identify and monitor potential conflicts of
interest that could affect the proxy voting process, including (1) significant client
relationships; (2) other potential material business relationships; and (3) material personal and
family relationships. All decisions regarding proxy voting shall be determined by the Investment
Committee of the Adviser and shall be executed by the Chief Executive Officer. Every effort shall
be made to consult with the portfolio manager and/or analyst covering the security. We may
determine not to vote a particular proxy, if the costs and burdens exceed the benefits of voting
(e.g., when securities are subject to loan or to share blocking restrictions).
If a request for proxy presents a conflict of interest between our stockholders on the one
hand, and the Adviser, the principal underwriters, or any affiliated persons of us, on the other
hand, management may (i) disclose the potential conflict to the Board of Directors and obtain
consent; or (ii) establish an ethical wall or other informational barrier between the persons
involved in the conflict and the persons making the voting decisions.
Information regarding how we voted proxies for the period from our commencement of operations
through June 30, 2005, is available without charge by calling us at 1-888-728-8784. You also may
access this information on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The Advisers website at
www.tortoiseadvisors.com provides a link to all of our reports filed with the SEC.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP, 1200 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, serves as our independent
registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP provides audit and audit-related services,
tax return preparation and assistance and consultation in connection with review of our filings
with the SEC.
INTERNAL ACCOUNTANT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (U.S. Bancorp) serves as our internal accountant. For its
services, we pay U.S. Bancorp a fee computed at $24,500 for the first $50 million of our Managed
Assets, 0.0125% on the next $200 million of Managed Assets and 0.0075% on the balance of our
Managed Assets. For the period beginning February 27, 2004 through November 30, 2004, we paid U.S.
Bancorp $40,061 for internal accounting services. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2005, we
paid U.S. Bancorp $60,831 for internal accounting services.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the common
stock, preferred stock and debt securities offered hereby, has been filed by us with the SEC. The
prospectus, prospectus supplement, and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all
of the
S-36
information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto.
Please refer to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to us and the
offering of our securities. Statements contained in the prospectus, prospectus supplement, and
this Statement of Additional Information as to the contents of any contract or other document
referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to a Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration Statement may be
inspected without charge at the SECs principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or
any part thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the
SEC.
S-37
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Audited, as of November 30, 2005
F-1
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corporation (the Company), including the schedule of investments, as of November 30,
2005, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the
statements of changes in net assets and financial highlights for the periods indicated therein.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of
material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our
procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2005, by correspondence
with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at November 30, 2005, the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets and
financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
January 6, 2006
F-2
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
COMMON STOCK0.9%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing0.9%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex Energy, Inc. (Cost $2,280,917) |
|
|
56,836 |
|
|
$ |
3,715,369 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS166.9%
+
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal1.2%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Resource Partners L.P. |
|
|
86,400 |
|
|
$ |
4,975,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude/Refined Products Pipelines99.4%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buckeye Partners, L.P. |
|
|
568,802 |
|
|
|
24,805,455 |
|
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
904,000 |
|
|
|
41,584,000 |
|
Holly Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
427,070 |
|
|
|
16,519,068 |
|
Kinder Morgan Management, LLC # |
|
|
1,436,408 |
|
|
|
68,803,943 |
|
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. |
|
|
1,668,474 |
|
|
|
53,641,439 |
|
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.^ |
|
|
521,739 |
|
|
|
15,568,692 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
656,500 |
|
|
|
19,478,355 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P.^ |
|
|
325,200 |
|
|
|
9,060,072 |
|
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. |
|
|
1,247,155 |
|
|
|
49,536,997 |
|
Sunoco Logistics Partners, L.P. |
|
|
934,625 |
|
|
|
35,469,019 |
|
TEPPCO Partners, L.P. |
|
|
812,745 |
|
|
|
29,900,888 |
|
Valero, L.P. |
|
|
709,874 |
|
|
|
37,268,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
401,636,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas/Natural Gas Liquid Pipelines16.1%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise GP Holdings, L.P. |
|
|
71,400 |
|
|
|
2,463,300 |
|
Enterprise Products Partners, L.P. |
|
|
2,248,940 |
|
|
|
56,290,968 |
|
Northern Border Partners, L.P. |
|
|
144,600 |
|
|
|
6,172,974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,927,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing33.1%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copano Energy, LLC |
|
|
91,950 |
|
|
|
3,447,205 |
|
Copano Energy, LLC^ |
|
|
531,701 |
|
|
|
19,534,695 |
|
Crosstex Energy L.P.^ |
|
|
160,009 |
|
|
|
4,957,079 |
|
Crosstex Energy L.P.^ |
|
|
108,578 |
|
|
|
3,449,523 |
|
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. |
|
|
1,804,600 |
|
|
|
60,941,342 |
|
Hiland Partners, L.P. |
|
|
36,548 |
|
|
|
1,450,225 |
|
Markwest Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
805,810 |
|
|
|
37,937,535 |
|
Williams Partners, L.P. |
|
|
59,750 |
|
|
|
2,011,782 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,729,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping5.1%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K-Sea Transportation Partners, L.P. |
|
|
71,300 |
|
|
|
2,489,083 |
|
K-Sea Transportation Partners, L.P.^ |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
16,245,000 |
|
Teekay LNG Partners, L.P. |
|
|
67,200 |
|
|
|
1,883,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,617,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane Distribution12.0%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inergy, L.P. |
|
|
1,767,979 |
|
|
|
44,641,470 |
|
Inergy, L.P.^ |
|
|
82,655 |
|
|
|
1,848,992 |
|
Inergy Holdings, L.P. |
|
|
61,761 |
|
|
|
2,204,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,695,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Master Limited Partnerships (Cost $540,092,473) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
674,581,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Value |
|
PROMISSORY NOTES1.6%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping1.6%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E.W. Transportation,
LLCUnregistered, 8.56%, Due
3/31/2009 (Cost $6,309,278)
^@ |
|
$ |
6,379,054 |
|
|
|
6,309,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS1.3%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First American Government Obligations Money Market FundClass
Y, 3.67% (Cost $5,329,456)(1) |
|
|
5,329,456 |
|
|
|
5,329,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS170.7% + (Cost $554,012,124) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
689,935,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auction Rate Senior Notes(40.8%)+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(165,000,000 |
) |
Interest Rate Swap Contracts0.7%+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$345,000,000 notionalUnrealized Appreciation, Net(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,902,516 |
|
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets(13.3%)+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(53,564,865 |
) |
Preferred Shares at Redemption Value(17.3%)+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(70,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS100.00%+
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
404,273,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+ |
|
Calculated as a percentage of net assets applicable to common stockholders. |
|
^ |
|
Fair valued securities represent a total market value of $76,973,331 which represents 19.1% of net assets. These
securities are deemed to be restricted; see Note 6 for further disclosure. |
|
# |
|
Security distributions are paid in kind. |
|
@ |
|
Security is a variable rate instrument. Interest rate is as of November 30, 2005. |
|
(1) |
|
7-day effective yield. |
|
(2) |
|
See Note 10 for further disclosure. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-4
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Investments at value (cost $554,012,124) |
|
$ |
689,935,849 |
|
Cash |
|
|
45,422 |
|
Receivable for Adviser reimbursement |
|
|
275,801 |
|
Receivable for investments sold |
|
|
366,959 |
|
Interest and dividend receivable |
|
|
37,763 |
|
Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
2,902,516 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
2,413,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
695,977,765 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Payable to Adviser |
|
|
1,139,177 |
|
Dividend payable on preferred shares |
|
|
183,726 |
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
391,924 |
|
Current tax liability |
|
|
214,261 |
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
54,775,177 |
|
Auction rate senior notes payable: |
|
|
|
|
Series A, due July 15, 2044 |
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
Series B, due July 15, 2044 |
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
Series C, due April 10, 2045 |
|
|
55,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
221,704,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Shares |
|
|
|
|
$25,000 liquidation value per share applicable to 2,800
outstanding shares (7,500 shares authorized) |
|
|
70,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
$ |
404,273,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Consist of |
|
|
|
|
Capital stock, $0.001 par value; 14,905,515 shares
issued and outstanding (100,000,000 shares authorized) |
|
$ |
14,906 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
318,834,703 |
|
Accumulated net investment loss, net of income tax effect |
|
|
(2,907,862 |
) |
Undistributed realized gain, net of income tax effect |
|
|
3,875,986 |
|
Net unrealized gain on investments and interest rate
swap contracts, net of income tax effect |
|
|
84,455,767 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
$ |
404,273,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value per common share outstanding (net assets
applicable to common shares, divided by common shares
outstanding) |
|
$ |
27.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-5
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income |
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master limited partnerships |
|
$ |
36,171,740 |
|
Less return of capital on distributions |
|
|
(30,211,629 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Distribution income from master limited partnerships |
|
|
5,960,111 |
|
Dividends from common stock |
|
|
95,813 |
|
Dividends from money market mutual funds |
|
|
486,361 |
|
Interest |
|
|
634,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Income |
|
|
7,176,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees |
|
|
6,339,680 |
|
Administrator fees |
|
|
437,139 |
|
Professional fees |
|
|
405,980 |
|
Reports to stockholders |
|
|
193,624 |
|
Directors fees |
|
|
102,170 |
|
Custodian fees and expenses |
|
|
67,768 |
|
Fund accounting fees |
|
|
60,831 |
|
Registration fees |
|
|
46,182 |
|
Stock transfer agent fees |
|
|
14,508 |
|
Other expenses |
|
|
121,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses before Interest Expense and Auction Agent Fees |
|
|
7,789,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
4,812,145 |
|
Auction agent fees |
|
|
478,051 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Interest Expense and Auction Agent Fees |
|
|
5,290,196 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
13,079,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less expense reimbursement by Adviser |
|
|
(1,534,870 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Expenses |
|
|
11,545,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss, before income taxes |
|
|
(4,368,154 |
) |
Current tax expense |
|
|
(214,261 |
) |
Deferred tax benefit |
|
|
1,917,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total income taxes |
|
|
1,703,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss |
|
|
(2,664,574 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments |
|
|
7,264,671 |
|
Net realized loss on interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
(854,814 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain, before deferred tax expense |
|
|
6,409,857 |
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
(2,499,844 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments and interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
3,910,013 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments |
|
|
57,338,735 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation of interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
3,111,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain, before deferred tax expense |
|
|
60,449,781 |
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
(23,863,156 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
36,586,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments |
|
|
40,496,638 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders |
|
|
(1,639,910 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Resulting from Operations |
|
$ |
36,192,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-6
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27, |
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
2004(1) through |
|
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
November 30, 2004 |
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss |
|
$ |
(2,664,574 |
) |
|
$ |
(243,288 |
) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and interest rate
swap settlements |
|
|
3,910,013 |
|
|
|
(34,027 |
) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest
rate swap contracts |
|
|
36,586,625 |
|
|
|
47,869,142 |
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(1,639,910 |
) |
|
|
(152,568 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets applicable to common
stockholders resulting from operations |
|
|
36,192,154 |
|
|
|
47,439,259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(26,506,341 |
) |
|
|
(12,278,078 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common stockholders |
|
|
(26,506,341 |
) |
|
|
(12,278,078 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from initial public offering of 11,000,000 common
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
275,000,000 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of 1,600,000 common shares in
connection with exercising an overallotment option granted
to underwriters of the initial public offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000,000 |
|
Proceeds from secondary offering of 1,755,027 common shares |
|
|
47,999,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of 263,254 common shares in
connection with exercising an overallotment option granted
to underwriters of the secondary offering |
|
|
7,199,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated
with the issuance of common shares |
|
|
(2,443,688 |
) |
|
|
(14,705,165 |
) |
Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated
with the issuance of preferred shares |
|
|
(356,815 |
) |
|
|
(725,000 |
) |
Issuance of 203,080 and 61,107 common shares from
reinvestment of dividend distributions to stockholders,
respectively |
|
|
5,635,662 |
|
|
|
1,453,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets, applicable to common
stockholders, from capital share transactions |
|
|
58,035,144 |
|
|
|
301,022,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
|
67,720,957 |
|
|
|
336,184,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
|
336,552,543 |
|
|
|
368,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period |
|
$ |
404,273,500 |
|
|
$ |
336,552,543 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated net investment loss, net of deferred tax
benefit, at end of period |
|
$ |
(2,907,862 |
) |
|
$ |
(243,288 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Commencement of Operations. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-7
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master limited partnerships |
|
$ |
36,171,740 |
|
Interest and dividend income received |
|
|
1,183,801 |
|
Purchases of long-term investments |
|
|
(172,064,905 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments |
|
|
31,230,812 |
|
Purchases of short-term investments |
|
|
(2,487,089 |
) |
Payments for interest rate swap contracts, net |
|
|
(854,814 |
) |
Interest expense paid |
|
|
(5,349,296 |
) |
Operating expenses paid |
|
|
(6,003,206 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(118,172,957 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
55,199,985 |
|
Issuance of preferred stock |
|
|
35,000,000 |
|
Issuance of auction rate senior notes payable |
|
|
55,000,000 |
|
Common and preferred stock issuance costs |
|
|
(2,632,812 |
) |
Debt issuance costs |
|
|
(804,099 |
) |
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(1,498,670 |
) |
Dividends paid to common stockholders |
|
|
(26,324,865 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
113,939,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash |
|
|
(4,233,418 |
) |
Cashbeginning of period |
|
|
4,278,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cashend of period |
|
$ |
45,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders
resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders resulting from
operations |
|
|
36,192,154 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets applicable to common
stockholders resulting from operations to net cash used in operating
activities: |
|
|
|
|
Purchases of long-term investments, net of return of capital adjustments |
|
|
(141,853,276 |
) |
Proceeds from sales of long-term investments |
|
|
31,230,812 |
|
Purchases of short-term investments |
|
|
(2,487,089 |
) |
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
24,445,159 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
(60,449,781 |
) |
Realized gains on investments and interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
(6,409,857 |
) |
Accretion of discount on investments |
|
|
(19,327 |
) |
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
|
|
50,730 |
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
1,639,910 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Increase in interest and dividend receivable |
|
|
(13,732 |
) |
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
(523,770 |
) |
Increase in payable to Adviser, net of expense reimbursement |
|
|
290,078 |
|
Increase in current tax liability |
|
|
214,261 |
|
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
(479,229 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments |
|
|
(154,365,111 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(118,172,957 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Cash Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
Reinvestment of distributions by common stockholders in additional common
shares |
|
$ |
5,635,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-8
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27, 2004(1) |
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
through |
|
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
November 30, 2004 |
|
Per Common Share Data(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
26.53 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Public offering price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00 |
|
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on initial public
offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.17 |
) |
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of
preferred shares |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
Premiums and underwriting discounts and offering costs on
secondary offering(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss(8) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments(8) |
|
|
2.67 |
|
|
|
3.77 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase from investment operations |
|
|
2.51 |
|
|
|
3.74 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Preferred Stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Common Stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(1.79 |
) |
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common stockholders |
|
|
(1.79 |
) |
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period |
|
$ |
27.12 |
|
|
$ |
26.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end of period |
|
$ |
28.72 |
|
|
$ |
27.06 |
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market Value(3) |
|
|
13.06 |
% |
|
|
12.51 |
% |
Supplemental Data and Ratios |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period
(000s) |
|
|
404,274 |
|
|
|
336,553 |
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets before
waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
9.10 |
% |
|
|
15.20 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets after waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
8.73 |
% |
|
|
14.92 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets before
waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
3.15 |
% |
|
|
2.01 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets after waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
2.78 |
% |
|
|
1.73 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense), without regard to non-recurring organizational
expenses, to average net assets before
waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
3.15 |
% |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense), without regard to non-recurring organizational
expenses, to average net assets after
waiver:(4)(6)(9) |
|
|
2.78 |
% |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
Ratio of net
investment loss to average net assets before
waiver:(4)(6)(10) |
|
|
(1.42) |
% |
|
|
(0.45) |
% |
F-9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27, 2004(1) |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
through |
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
November 30, 2004 |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
waiver:(4)(6)(10) |
|
|
(1.05 |
)% |
|
|
(0.17 |
)% |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
current and deferred income tax expense, before
waiver:(4)(9) |
|
|
(7.37 |
)% |
|
|
(13.37 |
)% |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
current and deferred income tax expense, after
waiver:(4)(9) |
|
|
(7.00 |
)% |
|
|
(13.65 |
)% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
4.92 |
% |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
Tortoise Auction Rate Senior Notes, end of period (000s) |
|
$ |
165,000 |
|
|
$ |
110,000 |
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares, end of period (000s) |
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
Per common share amount of auction rate senior notes
outstanding at end of period |
|
$ |
11.07 |
|
|
$ |
8.67 |
|
Per common share amount of net assets, excluding auction rate
senior notes, at end of period |
|
$ |
38.19 |
|
|
$ |
35.21 |
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of auction rate
senior notes
|
Series A |
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
4,378 |
|
Series B |
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
4,378 |
|
Series C |
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred shares |
|
$ |
169,383 |
|
|
$ |
265,395 |
|
Asset coverage ratio of auction rate senior notes(5) |
|
|
387 |
% |
|
|
438 |
% |
Asset coverage ratio of MMP shares(11) |
|
|
272 |
% |
|
|
332 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Commencement of Operations. |
|
(2) |
|
Information presented relates to a share of common stock outstanding for the entire period. |
|
(3) |
|
Not Annualized for periods less than a year. Total investment return is calculated assuming
a purchase of common stock at the market price on the first day and a sale at the current
market price on the last day of the period reported. The calculation also assumes
reinvestment of dividends at actual prices pursuant to the Companys dividend reinvestment
plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
|
(4) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one full year. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period divided by auction rate
senior notes outstanding at the end of the period. |
|
(6) |
|
The expense ratios and net investment ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments
to preferred stockholders. |
|
(7) |
|
The amount is less than $0.01 per share, and represents the premium on the secondary offering
of $0.14 per share, less the underwriting discounts and offering costs of $0.14 per share for
the year ending November 30, 2005. |
|
(8) |
|
The ratios for the period ended November 30, 2004, do not reflect the change in estimate of
investment income and return of capital. See note 2. |
|
(9) |
|
The Company accrued $24,659,420 and $30,330,018 for the year ended November 30, 2005 and for
the period from February 27, 2004 through November 30, 2004, respectively, in current and
deferred income taxes. |
|
(10) |
|
The ratio excludes net deferred income tax benefit on net investment income. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period, divided by the sum of
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares outstanding at the end of the period. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-10
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2005
1. Organization
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. (the Company) was organized as a Maryland corporation on
October 29, 2003, and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Companys investment objective is
to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current dividends paid to shareholders.
The Company seeks to provide its shareholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in the energy
infrastructure sector. The Company commenced operations on February 27, 2004. The Companys
shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol TYG.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
A. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets and liabilities, recognition of distribution income and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
B. Investment Valuation
The Company primarily owns securities that are listed on a securities exchange. The Company values
those securities at their last sale price on that exchange on the valuation date. If the security
is listed on more than one exchange, the Company will use the price of the exchange that it
generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities
listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily
represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on such day,
the security will be valued at the mean between bid and ask price on such day.
The Company may invest up to 30 percent of its total assets in restricted securities. Restricted
securities are subject to statutory or contractual restrictions on their public resale, which may
make it more difficult to obtain a valuation and may limit the Companys ability to dispose of
them. Investments in private placement securities and other securities for which market quotations
are not readily available will be valued in good faith by using fair value procedures approved by
the Board of Directors. Such fair value procedures consider factors such as discounts to publicly
traded issues, securities with similar yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and rating.
The Company generally values its interest rate swap contracts by discounting the future cash flows
from the stated terms of the interest rate swap agreement by using interest rates currently
available in the market, or based on dealer quotations, if available.
The Company generally values short-term debt securities at prices based on market quotations for
such securities, except those securities purchased with 60 days or less to maturity are valued on
the basis of amortized cost, which approximates market value.
F-11
If events occur that will affect the value of the Companys portfolio securities before the net
asset value has been calculated (a significant event), the portfolio securities so affected will
generally be priced using a fair value procedure.
C. Security Transactions and Investment Income
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade
date). Realized gains and losses are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is
recognized on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from the Companys
investments in master limited partnerships (MLPs) generally are comprised of ordinary income,
capital gains and return of capital from the MLP. The Company records investment income and return
of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are
based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These
estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax
reporting periods are concluded, as the actual character of these distributions are not known until
after the Companys fiscal year-end.
For the period from February 27, 2004 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2004, the
Company estimated the allocation of investment income and return of capital for the distributions
received from MLPs within the Statement of Operations. For this period, the Company had estimated
approximately 18 percent as investment income and approximately 82 percent as return of capital.
Subsequent to November 30, 2004, the Company reclassified the amount of investment income and
return of capital it recognized based on the 2004 tax reporting information received from the
individual MLPs. This reclassification amounted to a decrease in pre-tax net investment income of
approximately $2.2 million or $0.15 per share ($1.3 million or $0.09 per share, net of deferred tax
benefit), and a corresponding increase in unrealized appreciation of investments for the year ended
November 30, 2005. The reclassification is reflected in the accompanying financial statements, and
had no impact on the net assets applicable to common stockholders.
D. Dividends to Stockholders
Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character of dividends
to common stockholders made during the year may differ from their ultimate characterization for
federal income tax purposes. For the period ended November 30, 2004, and the year ended November
30, 2005, the Companys dividend, for book purposes, was comprised entirely of return of capital as
a result of the net investment loss incurred by the Company in each reporting period. For the
periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2005, for tax purposes, the Company determined the current
dividend to common stockholders is also comprised of 100 percent return of capital.
Dividends to preferred shareholders are based on variable rates set at auctions, normally held
every 28 days. Dividends on preferred shares are accrued on a daily basis for the subsequent 28
day period at a rate as determined on the auction date. Dividends on preferred shares are payable
every 28 days, on the first day following the end of the dividend period.
E. Federal Income Taxation
The Company, as a corporation, is obligated to pay federal and state income tax on its taxable
income. The Company invests its assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited partner in the MLPs, the Company
reports its allocable share of the MLPs taxable income in computing its own taxable income. The
Companys tax expense or benefit will
F-12
be included in the Statement of Operations based on the component of income or gains (losses) to
which such expense or benefit relates. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
F. Organization Expenses, Offering and Debt Issuance Costs
The Company is responsible for paying all organizational expenses, which are expensed as incurred.
Offering costs related to the issuance of common and preferred stock are charged to additional
paid-in capital when the shares are issued. Offering costs (excluding underwriter commissions) of
$695,476 and $905,165 were charged to additional paid-in capital for the year ended November 30,
2005 and for the period from February 27, 2004 through November 30, 2004, respectively. Debt
issuance costs related to the auction rate senior notes payable are capitalized and amortized over
the period the notes are outstanding. The amounts of such costs (excluding underwriter
commissions) capitalized in the year ended November 30, 2005 and the period from February 27, 2004
through November 30, 2004 were $254,099 and $724,986, respectively.
G. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate swap contracts) to
manage interest rate risk. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment
and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. The
Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. All
derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in value during the
reporting period, and amounts accrued under the agreements, included as unrealized gains or losses
in the Statement of Operations. Monthly cash settlements under the terms of the interest rate swap
agreements are recorded as realized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations.
H. Indemnifications
Under the Companys organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against
certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company. In addition, in
the normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that provide general
indemnification to other parties. The Companys maximum exposure under these arrangements is
unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet
occurred, and may not occur. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to
these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
I. Reclassification
Certain amounts from prior year were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
3. Concentration of Risk
The Companys investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on
current dividends paid to its shareholders. Under normal circumstances, the Company intends to
invest at least 90 percent of its total assets in securities of domestic energy infrastructure
companies, and will invest at least 70 percent of its total assets in equity securities of MLPs.
The Company will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in any single issuer as of the
time of purchase. The Company may invest up to 25 percent of its assets in debt securities, which
may include below investment grade securities. Companies that primarily invest in a particular
sector may experience greater volatility than companies
F-13
investing in a broad range of industry sectors. The Company may, for defensive purposes,
temporarily invest all or a significant portion of its assets in investment grade securities,
short-term debt securities and cash or cash equivalents. To the extent the Company uses this
strategy, it may not achieve its investment objectives.
4. Agreements
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC
(the Adviser). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay the Adviser a fee equal to
an annual rate of 0.95 percent of the Companys average monthly total assets (including any assets
attributable to leverage) minus the sum of accrued liabilities (other than deferred income taxes,
debt entered into for purposes of leverage and the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding
preferred shares) (Managed Assets), in exchange for the investment advisory services provided. For
the period following the commencement of the Companys operations through February 28, 2006, the
Adviser has agreed to waive or reimburse the Company for fees and expenses in an amount equal to
0.23 percent of the average monthly Managed Assets of the Company. For years ending February 28,
2007, 2008 and 2009, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reimburse the Company for fees and expenses
in an amount equal to 0.10 percent of the average monthly Managed Assets of the Company.
The Company has engaged U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC to serve as the Companys administrator.
The Company will pay the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.07 percent of
the first $300 million of the Companys Managed Assets, 0.06 percent on the next $500 million of
Managed Assets and 0.04 percent on the balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a
minimum annual fee of $45,000.
Computershare Investor Services, LLC serves as the Companys transfer agent, dividend paying agent,
and agent for the automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Companys custodian. The Company pays the custodian a monthly fee
computed at an annual rate of 0.015 percent on the first $100 million of the Companys Managed
Assets and 0.01 percent on the balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a minimum annual
fee of $4,800.
5. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Components of the
Companys deferred tax assets and liabilities as of November 30, 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
$ |
6,566,312 |
|
Organization costs |
|
|
63,056 |
|
Other |
|
|
214,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,843,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on investment securities and interest rate
swap contracts |
|
|
54,142,234 |
|
Basis reduction of investment in MLPs |
|
|
7,476,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,618,806 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred tax liability |
|
$ |
54,775,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-14
For the year ended November 30, 2005, the components of income tax expense include foreign taxes of
$214,261 and deferred federal and state income taxes (net of federal tax benefit) of $21,915,988
and $2,529,171, respectively. As of November 30, 2005, the Company had a net operating loss for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $19,171,000. If not utilized, this net operating loss
will expire as follows: $2,833,000 and $16,338,000 in the years ending November 30, 2024 and 2025,
respectively.
Total income taxes differ from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
rate of 35 percent to net investment income and realized and unrealized gains on investments and
interest rate swap contracts before taxes as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Application of statutory income tax rate |
|
$ |
21,872,019 |
|
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit |
|
|
2,499,659 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
287,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
24,659,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
At November 30, 2005, the cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes was
$534,841,426 and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income
tax purposes were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Gross unrealized appreciation |
|
$ |
155,094,423 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation |
|
$ |
155,094,423 |
|
|
|
|
|
6. Restricted Securities
Certain of the Companys investments are restricted and are valued as determined in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Directors and more fully described in Note 2. The table
below shows the number of units held or principal amount, the acquisition dates, acquisition costs,
value per unit of such securities and percent of net assets which the securities comprise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Units or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of Net |
|
Investment Security |
|
Principal Amount |
|
|
Acquisition Date |
|
|
Acquisition Cost |
|
|
Value Per Unit |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K-Sea Transportation Partners,
L.P. |
|
Common Units |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
6/01/05 |
|
|
$ |
16,080,000 |
|
|
$ |
32.49 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
% |
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. |
|
Subordinated Units |
|
|
521,739 |
|
|
|
4/13/05 |
|
|
|
14,999,996 |
|
|
|
29.84 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Copano Energy, LLC |
|
Common Units |
|
|
531,701 |
|
|
|
8/01/05 |
|
|
|
15,000,089 |
|
|
|
36.74 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
Crosstex Energy, L.P. |
|
Subordinated Units |
|
|
160,009 |
|
|
|
6/24/05 |
|
|
|
5,350,004 |
|
|
|
30.98 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Crosstex Energy, L.P. |
|
Common Units |
|
|
108,578 |
|
|
|
11/01/05 |
|
|
|
4,000,014 |
|
|
|
31.77 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
Common Units |
|
|
325,200 |
|
|
|
9/30/05 |
|
|
|
9,824,902 |
|
|
|
27.86 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
Inergy, L.P. |
|
Subordinated Units |
|
|
82,655 |
|
|
|
9/14/04- |
|
|
|
2,232,123 |
|
|
|
22.37 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/04/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E.W. Transportation, LLC |
|
Promissory Note |
|
$ |
6,379,054 |
|
|
|
5/03/04 |
|
|
|
8,569,500 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
76,056,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. Investment Transactions
For the year ended November 30, 2005, the Company purchased (at cost) and sold securities (at
proceeds) in the amount of $172,064,905 and $31,230,812 (excluding short-term debt securities and
interest rate swaps), respectively.
F-15
8. Auction Rate Senior Notes
The Company has issued $60,000,000, $50,000,000, and $55,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
auction rate senior notes Series A, Series B, and Series C, respectively (collectively, the
Notes). The Notes were issued in denominations of $25,000. The principal amount of the Notes
will be due and payable on July 15, 2044 for Series A and Series B, and April 10, 2045 for Series
C. Fair value of the notes approximates carrying amount because the interest rate fluctuates with
changes in interest rates available in the current market.
Holders of the Notes are entitled to receive cash interest payments at an annual rate that may vary
for each rate period. Interest rates for Series A, Series B, and Series C as of November 30, 2005
were 4.30 percent, 4.34 percent, and 4.25 percent, respectively. The weighted average interest
rates for Series A and Series B for the year ended November 30, 2005, were 3.40 percent and 3.43
percent, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for Series C for the period from April
11, 2005 through November 30, 2005 was 3.72 percent. These rates include the applicable rate based
on the latest results of the auction, plus commissions paid to the auction agent in the amount of
0.25 percent. For each subsequent rate period, the interest rate will be determined by an auction
conducted in accordance with the procedures described in the Notes prospectus. Generally, the
rate period will be 28 days for Series A and Series B, and 7 days for Series C. The Notes will not
be listed on any exchange or automated quotation system.
The Notes are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company. The Notes are also
subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet an asset coverage ratio required by
law, or fails to cure a deficiency as stated in the Companys rating agency guidelines in a timely
manner.
The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, will rank: (1) senior to all the Companys outstanding preferred shares; (2) senior
to all of the Companys outstanding common shares; (3) on a parity with any unsecured creditors of
the Company and any unsecured senior securities representing indebtedness of the Company; and (4)
junior to any secured creditors of the Company.
9. Preferred Shares
The Company has 7,500 authorized preferred shares, of which 2,800 shares (1,400 MMP Shares and
1,400 MMP II Shares) are currently outstanding. The MMP and MMP II Shares have rights determined
by the Board of Directors. The MMP and MMP II Shares have a liquidation value of $25,000 per share
plus any accumulated, but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared.
Holders of the MMP and MMP II Shares are entitled to receive cash dividend payments at an annual
rate that may vary for each rate period. The dividend rates for MMP and MMP II Shares as of
November 30, 2005 were 4.37 percent and 4.35 percent, respectively. The weighted average dividend
rate for MMP shares for the year ended November 30, 2005, was 3.44 percent. The weighted average
dividend rate for MMP II shares for the period from July 11, 2005 through November 30, 2005, was
4.03 percent. These rates include the applicable rate based on the latest results of the auction,
plus commissions paid to the auction agent in the amount of 0.25 percent. Under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Company may not declare dividends or make other distribution on shares of
common stock or purchases of such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or
purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding Preferred Shares would be less than 200
percent.
The MMP and MMP II Shares are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company.
The MMP and MMP II Shares are also subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet
F-16
an asset coverage ratio required by law, or fails to cure a deficiency as stated in the Companys
rating agency guidelines in a timely manner.
The holders of MMP and MMP II Shares have voting rights equal to the holders of common stock (one
vote per share) and will vote together with the holders of shares of common stock as a single class
except on matters affecting only the holders of preferred stock or the holders of common stock.
10. Interest Rate Swap Contracts
The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to protect itself from increasing
interest expense on its leverage resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. A decline in
interest rates may result in a decline in the value of the swap contracts, which may result in a
decline in the net assets of the Company. In addition, if the counterparty to the interest rate
swap contracts defaults, the Company would not be able to use the anticipated receipts under the
swap contracts to offset the interest payments on the Companys leverage. At the time the interest
rate swap contracts reach their scheduled termination, there is a risk that the Company would not
be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as
favorable as on the expiring transaction. In addition, if the Company is required to terminate any
swap contract early due to the Company failing to maintain a required 300 percent asset coverage of
the liquidation value of the outstanding auction rate senior notes or if the Company loses its
credit rating on its auction rate senior notes, then the Company could be required to make a
termination payment, in addition to redeeming all or some of the auction rate senior notes.
Details of the interest rate swap contracts outstanding as of November 30, 2005, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Rate Paid |
|
|
Floating Rate Received |
|
Appreciation/ |
|
Counterparty |
|
Maturity Date |
|
|
Notional Amount |
|
|
by The Company |
|
|
by The Company |
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
7/10/2007 |
|
|
$ |
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
3.54 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
$ |
1,116,589 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A.* |
|
|
7/10/2011 |
|
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.63 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
499,536 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
7/17/2007 |
|
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
3.56 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
943,766 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A.* |
|
|
7/17/2011 |
|
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.64 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
409,492 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
5/1/2014 |
|
|
|
55,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
% |
|
1 week U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
1,296,705 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
11/12/2020 |
|
|
|
35,000,000 |
|
|
|
5.20 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
(667,614 |
) |
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
11/18/2020 |
|
|
|
35,000,000 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
(695,958 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
345,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,902,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The Company has entered into additional interest rate swap contracts for Series A and Series
B notes with settlements commencing on 7/10/2007 and 7/17/2007, respectively. |
The Company is exposed to credit risk on the interest rate swap contracts if the counterparty
should fail to perform under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts. The amount of credit
risk is limited to the net appreciation of the interest rate swap contract, as no collateral is
pledged by the counterparty.
The net realized loss on interest rate swap settlements of $854,814 is derived by summing the
interest rate swap expense of $848,850 and the change in interest rate swap expense payable from
November 30, 2004 of $5,964.
11. Common Stock
The Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized and 14,905,515 shares outstanding at
November 30, 2005. Transactions in common shares for the period February 27, 2004 (commencement of
operations) to November 30, 2004 and the year ended November 30, 2005, were as follows:
F-17
|
|
|
|
|
Shares at February 27, 2004 |
|
|
23,047 |
|
Shares sold through initial public offering and exercise of overallotment
options |
|
|
12,600,000 |
|
Shares issued through reinvestment of dividends |
|
|
61,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares at November 30, 2004 |
|
|
12,684,154 |
|
Shares sold through secondary offering and exercise of overallotment options |
|
|
2,018,281 |
|
Shares issued through reinvestment of dividends |
|
|
203,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares at November 30, 2005 |
|
|
14,905,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
12. Subsequent Event
On December 9, 2005, the Companys Board of Directors authorized the Company to file with the SEC
one or more shelf registrations to permit the Company to issue, in one or more offerings: (1)
Common Stock, including Common Stock issued pursuant to the Companys Dividend Reinvestment Plan;
(2) Preferred Stock; and (3) debt securities of the Company as the Board of Directors or a duly
appointed committee shall deem to be in the best interests of the Company.
F-18
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited, as of February 28, 2006
F-19
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
COMMON STOCK1.0%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing1.0%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex Energy, Inc. (Cost $2,172,703) |
|
|
54,136 |
|
|
$ |
4,307,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS AND RELATED COMPANIES167.9%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal0.9%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Resource Partners, L.P. |
|
|
71,800 |
|
|
$ |
3,781,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude/Refined Products Pipelines99.4%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buckeye Partners, L.P. |
|
|
568,802 |
|
|
|
25,175,177 |
|
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
904,000 |
|
|
|
40,408,800 |
|
Holly Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
427,070 |
|
|
|
17,129,778 |
|
Kinder Morgan Management, LLC(3) |
|
|
1,464,699 |
|
|
|
64,051,287 |
|
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. |
|
|
2,190,213 |
|
|
|
68,969,807 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
656,500 |
|
|
|
20,318,675 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P.(2) |
|
|
325,200 |
|
|
|
9,450,312 |
|
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. |
|
|
1,247,155 |
|
|
|
55,885,016 |
|
Sunoco Logistics Partners, L.P. |
|
|
934,625 |
|
|
|
40,058,028 |
|
TEPPCO Partners, L.P. |
|
|
812,745 |
|
|
|
29,608,300 |
|
Valero, L.P. |
|
|
709,874 |
|
|
|
36,927,645 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
407,982,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas/Natural Gas Liquid Pipelines15.7%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise GP Holdings, L.P. |
|
|
71,400 |
|
|
|
2,845,290 |
|
Enterprise Products Partners, L.P. |
|
|
2,248,940 |
|
|
|
54,604,263 |
|
Northern Border Partners, L.P. |
|
|
144,600 |
|
|
|
6,955,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,404,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing33.8%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copano Energy, LLC |
|
|
91,950 |
|
|
|
3,740,526 |
|
Copano Energy, LLC(2) |
|
|
531,701 |
|
|
|
21,198,919 |
|
Crosstex Energy, L.P. |
|
|
160,009 |
|
|
|
5,920,333 |
|
Crosstex Energy, L.P.(2) |
|
|
108,578 |
|
|
|
3,776,343 |
|
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. |
|
|
1,804,600 |
|
|
|
64,460,312 |
|
Hiland Partners, L.P. |
|
|
36,548 |
|
|
|
1,498,468 |
|
Markwest Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
|
805,810 |
|
|
|
36,261,450 |
|
Williams Partners, L.P. |
|
|
59,750 |
|
|
|
1,977,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138,834,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping5.3%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K-Sea Transportation Partners, L.P. |
|
|
571,300 |
|
|
|
19,806,971 |
|
Teekay LNG Partners, L.P. |
|
|
67,200 |
|
|
|
2,042,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,849,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane Distribution12.8%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inergy, L.P. |
|
|
1,767,979 |
|
|
$ |
48,336,546 |
|
Inergy, L.P.(2) |
|
|
82,655 |
|
|
|
2,001,904 |
|
Inergy Holdings, L.P. |
|
|
61,761 |
|
|
|
2,099,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,438,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Master Limited Partnerships and Related Companies (Cost $531,602,985) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
689,291,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
Promissory Note 1.5%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping 1.5%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E.W. Transportation, LLC Unregistered, 8.72%, Due 3/31/2009 (Cost
$6,133,985)(2)(4) |
|
$ |
6,197,549 |
|
|
|
6,133,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Investments 1.5%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First American Government Obligations Money Market
Fund Class Y, 4.16%(5) (Cost $6,196,023) |
|
|
6,196,023 |
|
|
|
6,196,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments 171.9%(1) (Cost $546,105,696) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
705,929,205 |
|
Auction Rate Senior Notes (40.2%)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(165,000,000 |
) |
Interest Rate Swap Contracts 0.7%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$345,000,000 notional Unrealized Appreciation, Net(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,965,831 |
|
Liabilities in Excess of Cash and Other Assets (15.4%)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63,252,871 |
) |
Preferred Shares at Redemption Value (17.0%)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(70,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders 100.0%(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
410,642,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Calculated as a percentage of net assets applicable to common stockholders. |
|
(2) |
|
Fair valued securities represent a total market value of $42,561,463 which represents 10.4%
of net assets. These securities are deemed to be restricted; see Note 6 for further
disclosure. |
|
(3) |
|
Security distributions are paid in kind. Related company of master limited partnership. |
|
(4) |
|
Security is a variable rate instrument. Interest rate is as of February 28, 2006. |
|
(5) |
|
Rate indicated is the 7-day effective yield. |
|
(6) |
|
See Note 10 for further disclosure. |
F-21
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Investments at value (cost $546,105,696) |
|
$ |
705,929,205 |
|
Cash |
|
|
6,511,031 |
|
Receivable for Adviser reimbursement |
|
|
263,596 |
|
Receivable for investments sold |
|
|
|
|
Interest and dividend receivable |
|
|
39,240 |
|
Distribution receivable |
|
|
|
|
Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swap contracts, net |
|
|
2,965,831 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
2,557,302 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
718,266,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Payable to Adviser |
|
|
1,088,765 |
|
Dividend payable on common shares |
|
|
7,154,647 |
|
Dividend payable on preferred shares |
|
|
133,017 |
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
272,046 |
|
Current tax liability |
|
|
58,500 |
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
63,917,065 |
|
Auction rate senior notes payable: |
|
|
|
|
Series A, due July 15, 2044 |
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
Series B, due July 15, 2044 |
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
Series C, due April 10, 2045 |
|
|
55,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
237,624,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Shares |
|
|
|
|
$25,000 liquidation value per share applicable to 2,800
outstanding shares (7,500 shares authorized) |
|
|
70,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
$ |
410,642,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Consist of |
|
|
|
|
Capital stock, $0.001 par value; 14,905,515 shares issued
and outstanding (100,000,000 shares authorized) |
|
$ |
14,906 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
310,907,047 |
|
Accumulated net investment loss, net of deferred tax benefit |
|
|
(3,468,317 |
) |
Undistributed realized gain, net of deferred tax expense |
|
|
4,116,258 |
|
Net unrealized gain on investments and interest rate swap
contracts, net of deferred tax expense |
|
|
99,072,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
$ |
410,642,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value per common share outstanding (net assets
applicable to common shares, divided by common shares
outstanding) |
|
$ |
27.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-22
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
December 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
through |
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
Investment Income |
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master limited partnerships |
|
$ |
10,600,860 |
|
Less return of capital on distributions |
|
|
(8,132,187 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Distribution income from master limited partnerships |
|
|
2,468,673 |
|
Dividends from common stock |
|
|
30,988 |
|
Dividends from money market mutual funds |
|
|
53,431 |
|
Interest |
|
|
143,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Income |
|
|
2,696,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees |
|
|
1,646,552 |
|
Administrator fees |
|
|
114,464 |
|
Professional fees |
|
|
95,911 |
|
Reports to stockholders |
|
|
33,140 |
|
Directors fees |
|
|
29,178 |
|
Custodian fees and expenses |
|
|
16,274 |
|
Fund accounting fees |
|
|
14,794 |
|
Registration fees |
|
|
14,041 |
|
Stock transfer agent fees |
|
|
3,373 |
|
Other expenses |
|
|
22,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses before Interest Expense and Auction Agent Fees |
|
|
1,989,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
1,805,794 |
|
Auction agent fees |
|
|
159,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Interest Expense and Auction Agent Fees |
|
|
1,965,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
3,955,197 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less expense reimbursement by Adviser |
|
|
(398,639 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Expenses |
|
|
3,556,558 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss, before income taxes |
|
|
(860,278 |
) |
Current tax expense |
|
|
(58,500 |
) |
Deferred tax benefit |
|
|
358,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit |
|
|
299,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss |
|
|
(560,455 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments |
|
$ |
380,366 |
|
Net realized gain on interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
13,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain, before deferred tax expense |
|
|
393,888 |
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
(153,616 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments and interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
240,272 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments |
|
|
23,899,784 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation of interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
63,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain, before deferred tax expense |
|
|
23,963,099 |
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
(9,346,595 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
14,616,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments |
|
|
14,856,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders |
|
|
(773,009 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Resulting from Operations |
|
$ |
13,523,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-23
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
through |
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss |
|
$ |
(560,455 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,664,574 |
) |
Net realized gain on investments and interest rate swap
settlements |
|
|
240,272 |
|
|
|
3,910,013 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest
rate swap contracts |
|
|
14,616,504 |
|
|
|
36,586,625 |
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(773,009 |
) |
|
|
(1,639,910 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets applicable to common
stockholders resulting from operations |
|
|
13,523,312 |
|
|
|
36,192,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(7,154,647 |
) |
|
|
(26,506,341 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common stockholders |
|
|
(7,154,647 |
) |
|
|
(26,506,341 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from secondary offering of 1,755,027 common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,999,988 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of 263,254 common shares in
connection with exercising an overallotment option granted
to underwriters of the secondary offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,199,997 |
|
Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated
with the issuance of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,443,688 |
) |
Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated
with the issuance of preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(356,815 |
) |
Issuance of 203,080 common shares from reinvestment of
dividend distributions to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,635,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets, applicable to common
stockholders, from capital share transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,035,144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders |
|
|
6,368,665 |
|
|
|
67,720,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
|
404,273,500 |
|
|
|
336,552,543 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period |
|
$ |
410,642,165 |
|
|
$ |
404,273,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated net investment loss, net of deferred tax
benefit, at end of period |
|
$ |
(3,468,317 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,907,862 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-24
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
December 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
through |
|
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from master limited partnerships |
|
$ |
10,600,860 |
|
Interest and dividend income received |
|
|
221,788 |
|
Purchases of long-term investments |
|
|
(157,675 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments |
|
|
1,183,191 |
|
Purchases of short-term investments, net |
|
|
(499,609 |
) |
Proceeds from interest rate swap settlements, net |
|
|
13,522 |
|
Interest expense paid |
|
|
(2,034,307 |
) |
Operating expenses paid |
|
|
(2,038,443 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
7,289,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(823,718 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(823,718 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash |
|
|
6,465,609 |
|
Cashbeginning of period |
|
|
45,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cashend of period |
|
$ |
6,511,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders
resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders resulting from
operations |
|
$ |
13,523,312 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets applicable to common
stockholders resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating
activities: |
|
|
|
|
Purchases of long-term investments |
|
|
(157,675 |
) |
Return of capital adjustments |
|
|
8,132,187 |
|
Proceeds from sales of long-term investments |
|
|
1,183,191 |
|
Purchases of short-term investments, net |
|
|
(499,609 |
) |
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
9,141,888 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and interest rate swap contracts |
|
|
(23,963,099 |
) |
Realized gains on investments and interest rate swap settlements |
|
|
(393,888 |
) |
Accretion of discount on investments |
|
|
(4,342 |
) |
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
|
|
14,198 |
|
Dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
773,009 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Increase in interest and dividend receivable |
|
|
(1,477 |
) |
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
(143,847 |
) |
Decrease in receivable for investments sold |
|
|
|
|
Decrease in current tax liability |
|
|
(155,761 |
) |
Decrease in payable to Adviser, net of expense reimbursement |
|
|
(38,207 |
) |
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
(120,553 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments |
|
|
(6,233,985 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
7,289,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-25
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27, |
|
|
|
December 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004(1) |
|
|
|
through February |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
through |
|
|
|
28, 2006 |
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
November 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Common Share Data(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
27.12 |
|
|
$ |
26.53 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Public offering price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.00 |
|
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on initial public
offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.17 |
) |
Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of
preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
Premiums and underwriting discounts and offering costs on
secondary offering(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from Investment Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss(4) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments(4) |
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
2.67 |
|
|
|
3.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase from investment operations |
|
|
0.96 |
|
|
|
2.51 |
|
|
|
3.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Preferred Stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to preferred stockholders |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Dividends to Common Stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
(0.48 |
) |
|
|
(1.79 |
) |
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends to common stockholders |
|
|
(0.48 |
) |
|
|
(1.79 |
) |
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period |
|
$ |
27.55 |
|
|
$ |
27.12 |
|
|
$ |
26.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share market value, end of period |
|
$ |
29.42 |
|
|
$ |
28.72 |
|
|
$ |
27.06 |
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market Value(5) |
|
|
4.22 |
% |
|
|
13.06 |
% |
|
|
12.51 |
% |
Supplemental Data and Ratios |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period
(000s) |
|
$ |
410,642 |
|
|
|
404,274 |
|
|
|
336,553 |
|
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
12.97 |
% |
|
|
9.10 |
% |
|
|
15.20 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (including current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets after waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
12.58 |
% |
|
|
8.73 |
% |
|
|
14.92 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
3.96 |
% |
|
|
3.15 |
% |
|
|
2.01 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense) to average net assets after waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
3.57 |
% |
|
|
2.78 |
% |
|
|
1.73 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense), without regard to non-recurring organizational
expenses, to average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
3.96 |
% |
|
|
3.15 |
% |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
Ratio of expenses (excluding current and deferred income tax
expense), without regard to non-recurring organizational
expenses, to average net assets after
waiver:(6)(7)(8) |
|
|
3.57 |
% |
|
|
2.78 |
% |
|
|
1.62 |
% |
F-26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 27, |
|
|
|
December 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004(1) |
|
|
|
through February |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
through |
|
|
|
28, 2006 |
|
|
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
November 30, 2004 |
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets before
waiver:(6)(7)(9) |
|
|
(1.30 |
)% |
|
|
(1.42 |
)% |
|
|
(0.45 |
)% |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after
waiver:(6)(7)(9) |
|
|
(0.91 |
)% |
|
|
(1.05 |
)% |
|
|
(0.17 |
)% |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after current
and deferred income tax expense, before waiver:(6)(8) |
|
|
(10.31 |
)% |
|
|
(7.37 |
)% |
|
|
(13.37 |
)% |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after current
and deferred income tax expense, after waiver:(6)(8) |
|
|
(9.92 |
)% |
|
|
(7.00 |
)% |
|
|
(13.65 |
)% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
0.02 |
% |
|
|
4.92 |
% |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
Tortoise Auction Rate Senior Notes, end of period (000s) |
|
$ |
165,000 |
|
|
$ |
165,000 |
|
|
$ |
110,000 |
|
Tortoise Preferred Shares, end of period (000s) |
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
Per common share amount of auction rate senior notes outstanding
at end of period |
|
$ |
11.07 |
|
|
$ |
11.07 |
|
|
$ |
8.67 |
|
Per common share amount of net assets, excluding auction rate
senior notes, at end of period |
|
$ |
38.62 |
|
|
$ |
38.19 |
|
|
$ |
35.21 |
|
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of auction rate
senior notes
|
Series A |
|
$ |
3,913 |
|
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
4,378 |
|
Series B |
|
$ |
3,913 |
|
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
4,378 |
|
Series C |
|
$ |
3,913 |
|
|
$ |
3,874 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Asset coverage, per $25,000 liquidation value per share of
preferred shares |
|
$ |
171,658 |
|
|
$ |
169,383 |
|
|
$ |
265,395 |
|
Asset coverage ratio of auction rate senior notes(10) |
|
|
391 |
% |
|
|
387 |
% |
|
|
438 |
% |
Asset coverage ratio of MMP shares(11) |
|
|
275 |
% |
|
|
272 |
% |
|
|
332 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Commencement of Operations. |
|
(2) |
|
Information presented relates to a share of common stock outstanding for the entire period. |
|
(3) |
|
The amount is less than $0.01 per share, and represents the premium on the secondary offering
of $0.14 per share, less the underwriting discounts and offering costs of $0.14 per share for
the year ending November 30, 2005. |
|
(4) |
|
The per common share data for the period ended November 30, 2004, do not reflect the change
in estimate of investment income and return of capital. See note 2 of the Accompanying Notes
to the Financial Statements. |
|
(5) |
|
Not Annualized for periods less than a year. Total investment return is calculated assuming
a purchase of common stock at the market price on the first day and a sale at the current
market price on the last day of the period reported. The calculation also assumes
reinvestment of dividends at actual prices pursuant to the Companys dividend reinvestment
plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
|
(6) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one full year. |
|
(7) |
|
The expense ratios and net investment ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments
to preferred stockholders. |
|
(8) |
|
The Company accrued $24,659,420 and $30,330,018 for the year ended November 30, 2005 and for
the period from February 27, 2004 through November 30, 2004, respectively, in current and
deferred income taxes. |
|
(9) |
|
The ratio excludes net deferred income tax benefit on net investment income. |
|
(10) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period divided by auction rate
senior notes outstanding at the end of the period. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares at the end of the period, divided by the sum of
auction rate senior notes and MMP shares outstanding at the end of the period. |
See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-27
TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
February 28, 2006
1. Organization
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. (the Company) was organized as a Maryland corporation on
October 29, 2003, and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Companys investment objective is
to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current dividends paid to shareholders.
The Company seeks to provide its shareholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in the energy
infrastructure sector. The Company commenced operations on February 27, 2004. The Companys
shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TYG.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
A. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets and liabilities, recognition of distribution income and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
B. Investment Valuation
The Company primarily owns securities that are listed on a securities exchange. The Company values
those securities at their last sale price on that exchange on the valuation date. If the security
is listed on more than one exchange, the Company will use the price of the exchange that it
generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities
listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily
represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on such day,
the security will be valued at the mean between bid and ask price on such day.
The Company may invest up to 30 percent of its total assets in restricted securities. Restricted
securities are subject to statutory or contractual restrictions on their public resale, which may
make it more difficult to obtain a valuation and may limit the Companys ability to dispose of
them. Investments in private placement securities and other securities for which market quotations
are not readily available will be valued in good faith by using fair value procedures approved by
the Board of Directors. Such fair value procedures consider factors such as discounts to publicly
traded issues, securities with similar yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and rating.
If events occur that will affect the value of the Companys portfolio securities before the net
asset value has been calculated (a significant event), the portfolio securities so affected will
generally be priced using a fair value procedure.
The Company generally values short-term debt securities at prices based on market quotations for
such securities, except those securities purchased with 60 days or less to maturity are valued on
the basis of amortized cost, which approximates market value.
F-28
The Company generally values its interest rate swap contracts by discounting the future cash flows
from the stated terms of the interest rate swap agreement by using interest rates currently
available in the market, or based on dealer quotations, if available.
C. Security Transactions and Investment Income
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade
date). Realized gains and losses are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is
recognized on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from the Companys
investments in master limited partnerships (MLPs) generally are comprised of ordinary income,
capital gains and return of capital from the MLP. The Company records investment income and return
of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are
based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These
estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax
reporting periods are concluded, as the actual character of these distributions are not known until
after the fiscal year-end of the Company.
D. Dividends to Stockholders
Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character of dividends
to common stockholders made during the year may differ from their ultimate characterization for
federal income tax purposes. For the year ended November 30, 2005 and the period ended February
28, 2006, the Companys dividends, for book purposes, were comprised entirely of return of capital
as a result of the net investment loss incurred by the Company in each reporting period. For the
year ended November 30, 2005, for tax purposes, the Company determined the dividends to common
stockholders were comprised of 100 percent return of capital.
Dividends to preferred stockholders are based on variable rates set at auctions, normally held
every 28 days. Dividends on preferred shares are accrued on a daily basis for the subsequent 28
day period at a rate as determined on the auction date. Dividends on preferred shares are payable
every 28 days, on the first day following the end of the dividend period.
E. Federal Income Taxation
The Company, as a corporation, is obligated to pay federal and state income tax on its taxable
income. The Company invests its assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited partner in the MLPs, the Company
reports its allocable share of the MLPs taxable income in computing its own taxable income. The
Companys tax expense or benefit will be included in the Statement of Operations based on the
component of income or gains (losses) to which such expense or benefit relates. Deferred income
taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
F. Organization Expenses, Offering and Debt Issuance Costs
The Company is responsible for paying all organizational expenses, which were expensed as incurred.
Offering costs related to the issuance of common and preferred stock are charged to additional
paid-in capital when the shares are issued. Offering costs (excluding underwriter commissions) of
$164,530 were charged to additional paid-in capital for the MMP II preferred shares issued in July
of 2005. Debt issuance costs related to the auction rate senior notes payable are capitalized and
amortized over the
F-29
period the notes are outstanding. The amount of such capitalized costs (excluding underwriter
commissions) for Auction Rate Senior Notes Series C issued in April of 2005, was $254,099.
G. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate swap contracts) to
manage interest rate risk. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment
and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. The
Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. All
derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in value during the
reporting period, and amounts accrued under the agreements, included as unrealized gains or losses
in the Statement of Operations. Monthly cash settlements under the terms of the interest rate swap
agreements are recorded as realized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations.
H. Indemnifications
Under the Companys organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against
certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company. In addition, in
the normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that provide general
indemnification to other parties. The Companys maximum exposure under these arrangements is
unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet
occurred, and may not occur. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to
these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
3. Concentration of Risk
The Companys investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on
current dividends paid to its shareholders. Under normal circumstances, the Company intends to
invest at least 90 percent of its total assets in securities of domestic energy infrastructure
companies, and will invest at least 70 percent of its total assets in equity securities of MLPs.
The Company will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in any single issuer as of the
time of purchase. The Company may invest up to 25 percent of its assets in debt securities, which
may include below investment grade securities. Companies that primarily invest in a particular
sector may experience greater volatility than companies investing in a broad range of industry
sectors. The Company may, for defensive purposes, temporarily invest all or a significant portion
of its assets in investment grade securities, short-term debt securities and cash or cash
equivalents. To the extent the Company uses this strategy, it may not achieve its investment
objectives.
4. Agreements
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC
(the Adviser). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay the Adviser a fee equal to
an annual rate of 0.95 percent of the Companys average monthly total assets (including any assets
attributable to leverage) minus the sum of accrued liabilities (other than deferred income taxes,
debt entered into for purposes of leverage and the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding
preferred shares) (Managed Assets), in exchange for the investment advisory services provided.
For the period following the commencement of the Companys operations through February 28, 2006,
the Adviser has agreed to waive or reimburse the Company for fees and expenses in an amount equal
to 0.23 percent of the average monthly Managed Assets of the Company. For years ending February
28, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reimburse the Company for fees and
expenses in an amount equal to 0.10 percent of the average monthly Managed Assets of the Company.
F-30
The Company has engaged U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC to serve as the Companys administrator.
The Company pays the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.07 percent of the
first $300 million of the Companys Managed Assets, 0.06 percent on the next $500 million of
Managed Assets and 0.04 percent on the balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a
minimum annual fee of $45,000.
Computershare Investor Services, LLC serves as the Companys transfer agent, dividend paying agent,
and agent for the automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Companys custodian. The Company pays the custodian a monthly fee
computed at an annual rate of 0.015 percent on the first $100 million of the Companys Managed
Assets and 0.01 percent on the balance of the Companys Managed Assets, subject to a minimum annual
fee of $4,800.
5. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Components of the
Companys deferred tax assets and liabilities as of February 28, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
$ |
8,564,090 |
|
Organization costs |
|
|
58,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,622,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on investment securities and interest rate
swap contracts |
|
|
63,487,843 |
|
Basis reduction of investment in MLPs |
|
|
9,051,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,539,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred tax liability |
|
$ |
63,917,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
For the period from December 1, 2005 to February 28, 2006, the components of income tax expense
include foreign taxes of $58,500 and deferred federal and state income taxes (net of federal tax
benefit) of $8,204,258 and $937,630, respectively. As of November 30, 2005, the Company had a net
operating loss for federal income tax purposes of approximately $19,171,000. If not utilized, this
net operating loss will expire as follows: $2,833,000 and $16,338,000 in the years ending November
30, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Total income taxes differ from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
rate of 35 percent to net investment income and realized and unrealized gains on investments and
interest rate swap contracts before taxes for the period from December 1, 2005 through February 28,
2006, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Application of statutory income tax rate |
|
$ |
8,223,848 |
|
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit |
|
|
939,868 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
36,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
9,200,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
6. Restricted Securities
Certain of the Companys investments are restricted and are valued as determined in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Directors and more fully described in Note 2. The table
below
F-31
shows the number of units held or principal amount, the acquisition dates, acquisition costs, value
per unit of such securities and percent of net assets which the securities comprise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Units or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of Net |
|
Investment Security |
|
Principal Amount |
|
|
Acquisition Date |
|
|
Acquisition Cost |
|
|
Value Per Unit |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copano Energy, LLC |
|
Common Units |
|
|
531,701 |
|
|
|
8/01/05 |
|
|
$ |
15,000,089 |
|
|
$ |
39.87 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
Crosstex Energy, L.P. |
|
Common Units |
|
|
108,578 |
|
|
|
11/01/05 |
|
|
|
4,000,014 |
|
|
|
34.78 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Pacific Energy Partners, L.P. |
|
Common Units |
|
|
325,200 |
|
|
|
9/30/05 |
|
|
|
9,824,902 |
|
|
|
29.06 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
Inergy, L.P. |
|
Subordinated Units |
|
|
82,655 |
|
|
|
9/14/04- |
|
|
|
2,232,123 |
|
|
|
24.22 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/04/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E.W. Transportation, LLC |
|
Promissory Note |
|
$ |
6,197,549 |
|
|
|
5/03/04 |
|
|
|
8,569,500 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
39,626,628 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. Investment Transactions
For the period ended February 28, 2006, the Company purchased (at cost) and sold securities (at
proceeds) in the amount of $157,675 and $1,183,191 (excluding short-term debt securities and
interest rate swaps), respectively.
8. Auction Rate Senior Notes
The Company has issued $60,000,000, $50,000,000, and $55,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
auction rate senior notes Series A, Series B, and Series C, respectively (collectively, the
Notes). The Notes were issued in denominations of $25,000. The principal amount of the Notes
will be due and payable on July 15, 2044 for Series A and Series B, and April 10, 2045 for Series
C. Fair value of the notes approximates carrying amount because the interest rate fluctuates with
changes in interest rates available in the current market.
Holders of the Notes are entitled to receive cash interest payments at an annual rate that may vary
for each rate period. Interest rates for Series A, Series B, and Series C as of February 28, 2006
were 4.79 percent, 4.80 percent, and 4.81 percent, respectively. The weighted average interest
rates for Series A, Series B, and Series C for the period ended February 28, 2006, were 4.63
percent, 4.64 percent, and 4.51 percent, respectively. These rates include the applicable rate
based on the latest results of the auction, plus commissions paid to the auction agent in the
amount of 0.25 percent. For each subsequent rate period, the interest rate will be determined by
an auction conducted in accordance with the procedures described in the Notes prospectus.
Generally, the rate period will be 28 days for Series A and Series B, and 7 days for Series C. The
Notes are not listed on any exchange or automated quotation system.
The Notes are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company. The Notes are also
subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet an asset coverage ratio required by
law, or fails to cure a deficiency as stated in the Companys rating agency guidelines in a timely
manner.
The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, will rank: (1) senior to all the Companys outstanding preferred shares; (2) senior
to all of the Companys outstanding common shares; (3) on a parity with any unsecured creditors of
the Company and any unsecured senior securities representing indebtedness of the Company; and (4)
junior to any secured creditors of the Company.
9. Preferred Shares
The Company has 7,500 authorized Money Market Preferred (MMP) Shares, of which 2,800 shares
(1,400 MMP Shares and 1,400 MMP II Shares) are currently outstanding. The MMP and MMP II Shares
F-32
have rights determined by the Board of Directors. The MMP and MMP II Shares have a liquidation
value of $25,000 per share plus any accumulated, but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared.
Holders of the MMP and MMP II Shares are entitled to receive cash dividend payments at an annual
rate that may vary for each rate period. The dividend rates for MMP and MMP II Shares as of
February 28, 2006, were 4.80 percent and 4.88 percent, respectively. The weighted average dividend
rate for MMP and MMP II Shares for the period ended February 28, 2006, were 4.64 percent and 4.71
percent, respectively. These rates include the applicable rate based on the latest results of the
auction, plus commissions paid to the auction agent in the amount of 0.25 percent. Under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company may not declare dividends or make other distribution on
shares of common stock or purchases of such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution
or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding MMP Shares would be less than 200
percent.
The MMP and MMP II Shares are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company.
The MMP and MMP II Shares are also subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet
an asset coverage ratio required by law, or fails to cure a deficiency as stated in the Companys
rating agency guidelines in a timely manner.
The holders of MMP and MMP II Shares have voting rights equal to the holders of common stock (one
vote per share) and will vote together with the holders of shares of common stock as a single class
except on matters affecting only the holders of preferred stock or the holders of common stock.
10. Interest Rate Swap Contracts
The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to protect itself from increasing
interest expense on its leverage resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. A decline in
interest rates may result in a decline in the value of the swap contracts, which may result in a
decline in the net assets of the Company. In addition, if the counterparty to the interest rate
swap contracts defaults, the Company would not be able to use the anticipated receipts under the
swap contracts to offset the interest payments on the Companys leverage. At the time the interest
rate swap contracts reach their scheduled termination, there is a risk that the Company would not
be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as
favorable as on the expiring transaction. In addition, if the Company is required to terminate any
swap contract early due to the Company failing to maintain a required 300 percent asset coverage of
the liquidation value of the outstanding auction rate senior notes or if the Company loses its
credit rating on its auction rate senior notes, then the Company could be required to make a
termination payment, in addition to redeeming all or some of the auction rate senior notes.
Details of the interest rate swap contracts outstanding as of February 28, 2006, were as follows:
|
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Unrealized |
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Fixed Rate Paid by |
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Floating Rate Received |
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Appreciation/ |
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Counterparty |
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Maturity Date |
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Notional Amount |
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the Company |
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by the Company |
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(Depreciation) |
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|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
7/10/2007 |
|
|
$ |
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
3.54 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
$ |
1,164,255 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A.* |
|
|
7/10/2011 |
|
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.63 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
610,359 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
7/17/2007 |
|
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
3.56 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
1,005,206 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A.* |
|
|
7/17/2011 |
|
|
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.64 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
499,466 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
5/01/2014 |
|
|
|
55,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
% |
|
1 week U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
1,489,314 |
|
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
11/12/2020 |
|
|
|
35,000,000 |
|
|
|
5.20 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
(880,707 |
) |
U. S. Bank, N.A. |
|
|
11/18/2020 |
|
|
|
35,000,000 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
% |
|
1 month U.S. Dollar LIBOR |
|
|
(922,062 |
) |
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|
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$ |
345,000,000 |
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$ |
2,965,831 |
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* |
|
The Company has entered into additional interest rate swap contracts for Series A and Series
B notes with settlements commencing on 7/10/2007 and 7/17/2007, respectively. |
F-33
The Company is exposed to credit risk on the interest rate swap contracts if the counterparty
should fail to perform under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts. The amount of credit
risk is limited to the net appreciation of the interest rate swap contract, as no collateral is
pledged by the counterparty.
11. Common Stock
The Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized and 14,905,515 shares outstanding at
February 28, 2006. Transactions in common shares for the year ended November 30, 2005 were as
follows:
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Shares at November 30, 2004 |
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12,684,154 |
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Shares sold through secondary offering and exercise of overallotment options |
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2,018,281 |
|
Shares issued through reinvestment of dividends |
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|
203,080 |
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|
Shares at November 30, 2005 |
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14,905,515 |
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|
|
There were no transactions in common shares for the period from December 1, 2005 through
February 28, 2006.
12. Subsequent Event
On March 1, 2006, the Company paid a dividend in the amount of $0.48 per share, for a total of
$7,154,647. Of this total, the dividend reinvestment amounted to $1,063,107.
F-34
APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE
AND FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the indenture dated July 13, 2004 (the
Original Indenture) and the Supplemental Indenture dated . This summary does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture, a copy of
which is on file with the SEC.
DEFINITIONS
AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate on any date means (i) the interest equivalent of (1)
the 7-day rate, in the case of a Rate Period which is a Standard Rate Period or shorter, (2) the
30-day rate, in the case of Rate Periods greater than 7 days but fewer than or equal to 31 days, or
(3) the 180-day rate, in the case of all other Rate Periods, on financial commercial paper on
behalf of issuers whose corporate bonds are rated AA by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by
another nationally recognized rating agency, as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date; or (ii) if the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average
of the interest equivalent of such rates on financial commercial paper placed on behalf of such
issuers, as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by the Commercial Paper Dealers to the Auction
Agent for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date (rounded to the
next highest .001 of 1%). If any Commercial Paper Dealer does not quote a rate required to
determine the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, such rate shall be determined on the basis of
the quotations (or quotation) furnished by the remaining Commercial Paper Dealers (or Dealer), if
any, or, if there are no such Commercial Paper Dealers, by the Auction Agent. For purposes of this
definition, (A) Commercial Paper Dealers shall mean (1) Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Lehman
Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs & Co.; (2) in
lieu of any thereof, its respective Affiliate or successor; and (3) in the event that any of the
foregoing shall cease to quote rates for financial commercial paper of issuers of the sort
described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally recognized dealer in financial commercial
paper of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the
Corporation, and (B) interest
equivalent of a rate stated on a discount basis for financial commercial paper of a given number
of days maturity shall mean a number equal to the quotient (rounded upward to the next higher
one-thousandth of 1%) of (1) such rate expressed as a decimal, divided by (2) the difference
between (x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the product of such rate
expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which such commercial paper shall
mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
Affiliate means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the
Company; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with
the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled
by, in control of or under common control with such corporation one of the directors or executive
officers of which also is a Director of the Company be deemed to be an Affiliate solely because
such director or executive officer also is a Director of the Company.
Agent Member means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act on
behalf of a Bidder.
All Hold Rate means 80% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
Applicable Rate means, with respect to each series of Tortoise Notes for each Rate Period
(i) if Sufficient Clearing Orders exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Winning Bid Rate,
(ii) if
A-1
Sufficient Clearing Orders do not exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Maximum
Rate, (iii) in the case where all the Tortoise Notes of a series are the subject of Hold Orders for
the Auction in respect thereof, the All Hold Rate, and (iv) if an Auction is not held for any
reason (including the circumstance where there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer), the Maximum
Rate.
Auction means each periodic operation of the procedures set forth in Appendix IAuction
Procedures.
Auction Agent means The Bank of New York unless and until another commercial bank, trust
company, or other financial institution appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters
into an agreement with the Company to follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining
the Applicable Rate.
Auction Date means the first Business Day next preceding the first day of a Rate Period for
each series of Tortoise Notes.
Auction Procedures means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Appendix I
hereto.
Authorized Denominations means $25,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
Beneficial Owner, with respect to each series of Tortoise Notes, means a customer of a
Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction
Agent) as a holder of such series of Tortoise Notes.
Bid shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Bidder shall have the meaning in Appendix IAuction Procedures; provided, however, that
neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof shall be permitted to be a Bidder in an Auction,
except that any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Company may be a Bidder in an Auction,
but only if the Orders placed by such Broker-Dealer are not for its own account.
Board of Directors or Board means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly
authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
Broker-Dealer means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by law to
perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been selected
by the Company and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement that remains effective.
Broker-Dealer Agreement means an agreement among the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer,
pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
Business Day means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which
is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law to close.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commercial Paper Dealers has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate.
Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A-2
Default Rate means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
Deposit Securities means cash and any obligations or securities, including short term money
market instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least AAA, A-2 or SP-2 by Fitch, except that
such obligations or securities shall be considered Deposit Securities only if they are also rated
at least P-2 by Moodys.
Discount Factor means the Moodys Discount Factor (if Moodys is then rating the Tortoise
Notes), Fitch Discount Factor (if Fitch is then rating the Tortoise Notes) or an Other Rating
Agency Discount Factor, whichever is applicable.
Discounted Value means the quotient of the Market Value of an Eligible Asset divided by the
applicable Discount Factor, provided that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is currently
callable, Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the call price,
whichever is lower, and that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is prepayable, Discounted Value
will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the par value, whichever is lower.
Eligible Assets means Moodys Eligible Assets or Fitchs Eligible Assets (if Moodys or
Fitch are then rating the Tortoise Notes) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets, whichever is
applicable.
Existing Holder, with respect to Tortoise Notes of a series, shall mean a Broker-Dealer (or
any such other Person as may be permitted by the Company) that is listed on the records of the
Auction Agent as a holder of Tortoise Notes of such series.
Fitch means Fitch Ratings and its successors at law.
Fitch Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Fitch Guidelines for use
in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with Fitchs ratings of
Tortoise Notes.
Fitch Eligible Asset means assets of the Company set forth in the Fitch Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection
with Fitchs ratings of Tortoise Notes.
Fitch Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Fitch, as may be amended from time to time,
in connection with Fitchs ratings of Tortoise Notes.
Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Holder means, with respect to Tortoise Notes, the registered holder of notes of each series
of Tortoise Notes as the same appears on the books or records of the Company.
LIBOR means, for purposes of determining the Reference Rate, (i) the rate for deposits in
U.S. dollars for the designated Rate Period, which appears on display page 3750 of Moneylines
Telerate Service (Telerate Page 3750) (or such other page as may replace that page on that
service, or such other service as may be selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. or its successors) as of
11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is the Business Day on the Auction Date or, if the Auction
Date is not a Business Day, the Business Day preceding the Auction
Date (the LIBOR Determination Date), or (ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750
or such other page as may replace such Telerate Page 3750, (A) Lehman Brothers Inc. shall determine
the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations of the reference banks to leading banks in the London
interbank market for deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Rate Period in an amount
determined by Lehman Brothers Inc. by reference to requests for quotations as of
A-3
approximately
11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date made by Lehman Brothers Inc. to the reference banks, (B) if
at least two of the reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean
of such quotations, (C) if only one or none of the reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR
shall be deemed to be the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations that leading banks in The City
of New York, New York selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Issuers approval) are
quoting on the relevant LIBOR Determination Date for deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated
Rate Period in an amount determined by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Issuers approval)
that is representative of a single transaction in such market at such time by reference to the
principal London office of leading banks in the London interbank market; provided, however, that if
Lehman Brothers Inc. is not a Broker-Dealer or does not quote a rate required to determine LIBOR,
LIBOR will be determined on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by any other
Broker-Dealer selected by the Issuer to provide such rate or rates not being supplied by Lehman
Brothers Inc.; provided further, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. and/or a substitute Broker-Dealer are
required but unable to determine a rate in accordance with at least one of the procedures provided
above, LIBOR shall be the most recently determinable LIBOR. If the number of Rate Period days
shall be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 21 days, such rate shall be the seven-day LIBOR rate; (ii)
more than 21 but fewer than 49 days, such rate shall be one-month LIBOR rate; (iii) 49 or more but
fewer than 77 days, such rate shall be the two-month LIBOR rate; (iv) 77 or more but fewer than 112
days, such rate shall be the three-month LIBOR rate; (v) 112 or more but fewer than 140 days, such
rate shall be the four-month LIBOR rate; (vi) 140 or more but fewer than 168 days, such rate shall
be the five-month LIBOR rate; (vii) 168 or more but fewer 189 days, such rate shall be the
six-month LIBOR rate; (viii) 189 or more but fewer than 217 days, such rate shall be the
seven-month LIBOR rate; (ix) 217 or more but fewer than 252 days, such rate shall be the
eight-month LIBOR rate; (x) 252 or more but fewer than 287 days, such rate shall be the nine-month
LIBOR rate; (xi) 287 or more but fewer than 315 days, such rate shall be the ten-month LIBOR rate;
(xii) 315 or more but fewer than 343 days, such rate shall be the eleven-month LIBOR rate; and
(xiii) 343 or more days but fewer than 365 days, such rate shall be the twelve-month LIBOR rate.
Market Value means the market value of an asset of the Company as determined as follows:
For equity securities, the value obtained from readily available market quotations. If an
equity security is not traded on an exchange or not available from a Board-approved pricing
service, the value obtained from written broker-dealer quotations. For fixed-income securities, the
value obtained from readily available market quotations based on the last updated sale price or the
value obtained from a pricing service or the value obtained from a written broker-dealer quotation
from a dealer who has made a market in the security. Market value for other securities will mean
the value obtained pursuant to the Companys Valuation Procedures. If the market value of a
security cannot be obtained, or the Companys investment adviser determines that the value of a
security as so obtained does not represent the fair value of a security, fair value for that
security shall be determined pursuant to methodologies established by the Board of Directors.
Maximum Rate means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate equal
to the applicable percentage of the Reference Rate, subject to upward but not
downward adjustment in the discretion of the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Company would be in
compliance with the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount.
Minimum
Rate means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Rate Period of ___ days or fewer,
70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of business on the Business Day next
preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on any Auction Date with respect to a
Rate Period of more than the Standard Rate Period.
A-4
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors at
law.
Moodys Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Moodys Guidelines for
use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with Moodys ratings
of Tortoise Notes.
Moodys Eligible Assets means assets of the Company set forth in the Moodys Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection
with Moodys ratings of Tortoise Notes.
Moodys Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Moodys, as may be amended from time to
time, in connection with Moodys ratings of Tortoise Notes.
1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage means asset coverage, as determined in accordance
with Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 300% with respect to all outstanding senior
securities representing indebtedness of the Company, including all Outstanding Tortoise Notes (or
such other asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum
asset coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness of a closed-end investment company
as a condition of declaring dividends on its common stock), determined on the basis of values
calculated as of a time within 48 hours next preceding the time of such determination.
Notes means Securities of the Company ranking on a parity with the Tortoise Notes that may
be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture.
Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Original Issue Date means, with respect to Series ___ of Tortoise Notes, ___.
Other Rating Agency means each rating agency, if any, other than Moodys or Fitch then
providing a rating for the Tortoise Notes pursuant to the request of the Company.
Other Rating Agency Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Other Rating
Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the
Companys assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of Tortoise Notes.
Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets means assets of the Company set forth in the Other
Rating Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the
Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of
Tortoise Notes.
Other Rating Agency Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by each Other Rating Agency, as
may be amended from time to time, in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of Tortoise
Notes.
Outstanding or outstanding means, as of any date, Tortoise Notes theretofore issued by the
Company except, without duplication, (i) any Tortoise Notes theretofore canceled, redeemed or
repurchased by the Company, or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or with respect to which
the Company has given notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent
sufficient funds to redeem such Tortoise Notes and (ii) any Tortoise Notes represented by any
certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in connection with any Auction, any series of Tortoise Notes as
to which the Company or
A-5
any person known to the Auction Agent to be an Affiliate of the Company
shall be the Existing Holder thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding; and (B)
for purposes of determining the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount, Tortoise Notes held by the
Company shall be disregarded and not deemed Outstanding but Tortoise Notes held by any Affiliate of
the Company shall be deemed Outstanding.
Paying Agent means BNY Midwest Trust Company unless and until another entity appointed by a
resolution of the Board of Directors enters into an agreement with the Company to serve as paying
agent, which paying agent may be the same as the Trustee or the Auction Agent.
Person or person means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a company, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
Potential Beneficial Owner, with respect to a series of Tortoise Notes, shall mean a
customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of Tortoise Notes of such series but
that wishes to purchase Tortoise Notes of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of Tortoise
Notes of such series that wishes to purchase additional Tortoise Notes of such series.
Potential Holder, with respect to Tortoise Notes of such series, shall mean a Broker-Dealer
(or any such other person as may be permitted by the Company) that is not an Existing Holder of
Tortoise Notes of such series or that is an Existing Holder of Tortoise Notes of such series that
wishes to become the Existing Holder of additional Tortoise Notes of such series.
Rate Period means, with respect to a series of Tortoise Notes, the period commencing on the
Original Issue Date thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Original Issue
Date thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day following each
Rate Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Company.
Rating Agency means each of Fitch (if Fitch is then rating Tortoise Notes), Moodys (if
Moodys is then rating Tortoise Notes) and any Other Rating Agency.
Rating Agency Guidelines mean Fitch Guidelines (if Fitch is then rating Tortoise Notes),
Moodys Guidelines (if Moodys is then rating Tortoise Notes) and any Other Rating Agency
Guidelines.
Reference Rate means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and Default
Rate, the greater of (1) applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Rate Period of fewer
than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Rate Period of 184 days or more), or
(2) the applicable LIBOR Rate.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
Securities Depository means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns or
any successor securities depository selected by the Company that agrees to follow the procedures
required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the Tortoise Notes Series
_.
Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Special Rate Period means a Rate Period that is not a Standard Rate Period.
Specific Redemption Provisions means, with respect to any Special Rate Period of more than
one year, either, or any combination of a period (a Non-Call Period) determined by the Board of
A-6
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the Tortoise Notes subject to
such Special Rate Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Company consisting of a
number of whole years as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers, during each year of which the Tortoise Notes subject to such Special Rate Period
shall be redeemable at the Companys option and/or in connection with any mandatory redemption at a
price equal to the principal amount plus accumulated but unpaid interest plus a premium expressed
as a percentage or percentages of $25,000 or expressed as a formula using specified variables as
determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers.
Standard
Rate Period means a Rate Period of ___ days.
Stated Maturity with respect to Tortoise Notes Series ___, shall mean ___.
Submission Deadline means 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standard time, on any Auction Date or such
other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the Auction
Agent as specified by the Auction Agent from time to time.
Submitted Bid shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Submitted Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Submitted Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Submitted Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have the meaning specified in Appendix IAuction Procedures.
Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date has the meaning set forth
in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
Tortoise
Notes Series ___ means the Series ___ of the Tortoise Notes or any other Notes
hereinafter designated as Series ___ of the Tortoise Notes.
Treasury Index Rate means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S.
Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to maturity as the length of the applicable Rate Period, determined, to the extent necessary,
by linear interpolation based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next
longer number of 30-day periods to maturity treating all Rate Periods with a length greater than
the longest maturity for such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in all
cases based upon data set forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if
the most recent such statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding
the date of computation, the foregoing computations shall be based upon the average of comparable
data as quoted to the Company by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities
selected by the Company.
Trustee means BNY Midwest Trust Company or such other person who is named as a trustee
pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
Valuation Date means every Friday, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding
Business Day; provided, however, that the first Valuation Date may occur on any other date
established
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by the Company; provided, further, however, that such first Valuation Date shall be not
more than one week from the date on which Tortoise Notes Series C initially are issued.
NOTE DETAILS, FORM OF NOTES AND REDEMPTION OF NOTES
Interest
(a) The Holders of any series of Tortoise Notes shall be entitled to receive interest payments
on their Tortoise Notes at the Applicable Rate, determined as set forth in paragraph (c) below, and
no more, payable on the respective dates determined as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Interest
on the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of any series issued on the Original Issue Date shall accumulate
from the Original Issue Date.
(b)(i) Interest shall be payable, subject to subparagraph (b)(ii) below, on each series of
Tortoise Notes, with respect to any Rate Period on the first Business Day following the last day of
such Rate Period; provided, however, if the Rate Period is greater than 30 days then on a monthly
basis on the first Business Day of each month within such Rate Period and on the Business Day
following the last day of such Rate Period.
(ii) If a day for payment of interest resulting from the application of subparagraph
(b)(i) above is not a Business Day, then the Interest Payment Date shall be the first
Business Day following such day for payment of interest in the case of a series of Tortoise
Notes designated as Series _.
(iii) The Company shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Business Day next preceding each Interest Payment Date for each series of
Tortoise Notes, an aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in the City
of New York, New York, equal to the interest to be paid to all Holders of such Tortoise
Notes on such Interest Payment Date. The Company shall not be required to establish any
reserves for the payment of interest.
(iv) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of interest shall be held in
trust for the payment of such interest by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders
specified in subparagraph (b)(v) below. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent in accordance
with the foregoing but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of
interest, including interest earned on such moneys, will, to the extent permitted by
law, be repaid to the Company at the end of 90 days from the date on which such moneys were
to have been so applied.
(v) Each interest payment on a series of Tortoise Notes shall be paid on the Interest
Payment Date therefor to the Holders of that series as their names appear on the security
ledger or security records of the Company on the Business Day next preceding such Interest
Payment Date. Interest in arrears for any past Rate Period may be declared and paid at any
time, without reference to any regular Interest Payment Date, to the Holders as their names
appear on the books or records of the Company on such date, not exceeding 15 days preceding
the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No interest will be
payable in respect of any Interest Payment or payments which may be in arrears.
(c)(i) The interest rate on Outstanding Tortoise Notes of each series during the period from
and after the Original Issue Date to and including the last day of the initial Rate Period therefor
shall be equal to the rate per annum set forth under (a) above. For each subsequent Rate Period
with respect to the Tortoise Notes Outstanding thereafter, the interest rate shall be equal to the
rate per annum that results
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from an Auction; provided, however, that if an Auction for any
subsequent Rate Period of a series of Tortoise Notes is not held for any reason or if Sufficient
Clearing Bids have not been made in an Auction (other than as a result of all series of Tortoise
Notes being the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), then the interest rate on a series of Tortoise
Notes for any such Rate Period shall be the Maximum Rate (except during a Default Period when the
interest rate shall be the Default Rate, as set forth in (c)(ii) below). The All Hold Rate will
apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the Outstanding series of Tortoise Notes
are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per annum at which interest is
payable on a series of Tortoise Notes as determined pursuant to this paragraph (c)(i) shall be the
Applicable Rate. For Standard Rate Periods or less only, the Applicable Rate resulting from an
Auction will not be less than the Minimum Rate.
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to a
particular series will commence on any date the Company fails to deposit irrevocably in
trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) the
full amount of any declared interest on that series payable on the Interest Payment Date
(an Interest Default) or (B) the full amount of any redemption price (the Redemption
Price) payable on the date fixed for redemption (the Redemption Date) (a Redemption
Default) and together with an Interest Default, hereinafter referred to as Default).
Subject to the cure provisions of (c)(iii) below, a Default Period with respect to an
Interest Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 12:00
noon, New York City time, all unpaid interest and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have
been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case
of an Interest Default, the Applicable Rate for each Rate Period commencing during a
Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each subsequent Rate Period
commencing after the beginning of a Default Period shall be a Standard Rate Period;
provided, however, that the commencement of a Default Period will not by itself cause the
commencement of a new Rate Period. No Auction shall be held during a Default Period with
respect to an Interest Default applicable to that series of Tortoise Notes.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to an Interest Default or Redemption Default
shall be deemed to commence if the amount of any interest or any Redemption
Price due (if such default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Company) is
deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New
York City time within three Business Days after the applicable Interest Payment Date or
Redemption Date, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of
such non-payment based on the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 360
for each series. The Default Rate shall be equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three
(3).
(iv) The amount of interest payable on each Interest Payment Date of each Rate Period
of less than one (1) year (or in respect of interest on another date in connection with a
redemption during such Rate Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate
(or the Default Rate) for such Rate Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction, the
numerator of which will be the number of days in such Rate Period (or portion thereof) that
such Tortoise Notes were outstanding and for which the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate
was applicable and the denominator of which will be 360, multiplying the amount so obtained
by $25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent. During any Rate
Period of one (1) year or more, the amount of interest per Tortoise Note payable on any
Interest Payment Date (or in respect of interest on another date in connection with a
redemption during such Rate Period) shall be computed as described in the preceding
sentence.
(d) Any Interest Payment made on any series of Tortoise Notes shall first be credited against
the earliest accrued but unpaid interest due with respect to such series.
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Redemption
(a)(i) After the initial Rate Period, subject to the provisions of the Indenture and to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Company may, at its option, redeem in whole or in part out
of funds legally available therefor a series of Tortoise Notes designated in the Indenture as (A)
having a Rate Period of one year or less, on the Business Day after the last day of such Rate
Period by delivering a notice of redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior
to the date fixed for such redemption, at a redemption price equal to the aggregate principal
amount, plus an amount equal to accrued but unpaid interest thereon (whether or not earned) to the
date fixed for redemption (Redemption Price), or (B) having a Rate Period of more than one year,
on any Business Day prior to the end of the relevant Rate Period by delivering a notice of
redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior to the date fixed for such
redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific
Redemption Provisions at the time of the designation of such Rate Period as set forth in the
Indenture; provided, however, that during a Rate Period of more than one year no series of Tortoise
Notes will be subject to optional redemption except in accordance with any Specific Redemption
Provisions approved by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers at the
time of the designation of such Rate Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not
give a notice of or effect any redemption pursuant to this paragraph (a)(i) unless, on the date on
which the Company intends to give such notice and on the date of redemption (a) the Company has
available certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding
the applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount (including any
applicable premium) due to Holders of a series of Tortoise Notes by reason of the redemption of
such Tortoise Notes on such date fixed for the redemption and (b) the Company would have Eligible
Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance
Amount immediately subsequent to such redemption, if such
redemption were to occur on such date, it being understood that the provisions of paragraph
(d) below shall be applicable in such circumstances in the event the Company makes the deposit and
takes the other action required thereby.
(ii) If the Company fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with
an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to 115 percent of the Tortoise Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount or, as of the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act Tortoise
Notes Asset Coverage, and such failure is not cured within ten Business Days following such
Valuation Date in the case of a failure to maintain the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance
Amount or on the last Business Day of the following month in the case of a failure to
maintain the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage as of such last Business Day (each an
Asset Coverage Cure Date), the Tortoise Notes will be subject to mandatory redemption out
of funds legally available therefor. The principal amount of Tortoise Notes to be redeemed
in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (A) the minimum principal amount of
Tortoise Notes the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the
opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Company
having Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to 115 percent of
the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount, or sufficient to satisfy 1940 Act Tortoise
Notes Asset Coverage, as the case may be, in either case as of the relevant Asset Coverage
Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum principal amount of Tortoise Notes
the redemption of which would have such result, all Tortoise Notes then Outstanding will be
redeemed), and (B) the maximum principal amount of Tortoise Notes that can be redeemed out
of funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory Redemption Date at the
Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in subparagraph (a)(iii) below.
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(iii) In determining the Tortoise Notes required to be redeemed in accordance with the
foregoing subparagraph (a)(ii), the Company shall allocate the principal amount of Tortoise
Notes required to be redeemed to satisfy the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the
1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among the Holders of
Tortoise Notes in proportion to the principal amount of Tortoise Notes they hold, by lot or
such other method as the Company shall deem equitable, subject to the further provisions of
this subparagraph (iii). The Company shall effect any required mandatory redemption
pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above no later than 40 days after the Asset Coverage Cure
Date (the Mandatory Redemption Date), except that if the Company does not have funds
legally available for the redemption of, or is not otherwise legally permitted to redeem,
the principal amount of Tortoise Notes which would be required to be redeemed by the
Company under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) above if sufficient funds were available,
or the Company otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such Mandatory
Redemption Date, the Company shall redeem those Tortoise Notes, and other Notes, on the
earliest practicable date on which the Company will have such funds available, upon notice
pursuant to paragraph (b) below to record owners of the Tortoise Notes to be redeemed and
the Paying Agent. The Company will deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to
redeem the specified principal amount of Tortoise Notes with respect to a redemption
required under subparagraph (a)(ii) above, by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, of the
Business Day immediately preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the
Outstanding Tortoise Notes are to be redeemed pursuant to this subparagraph (iii), the
principal amount of Tortoise Notes to be redeemed shall be redeemed pro rata from the
Holders of such Tortoise Notes in proportion to the principal amount of such Tortoise Note
held by such Holders, by lot or by such other method as the Company shall deem
fair and equitable, subject, however, to the terms of any applicable Specific
Redemption Provisions. Mandatory Redemption Price means the Redemption Price plus (in
the case of a Rate Period of one year or more only) a redemption premium, if any,
determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set
forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the Company will file a
notice of its intention to redeem with the Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice
required under Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision. In addition, the Company
shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent and the Trustee (the Notice of
Redemption) containing the information set forth below (i) in the case of an optional redemption
pursuant to subparagraph (a)(i) above, one Business Day prior to the giving of notice to the
Holders and (ii) in the case of a mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above, on
or prior to the 30th day preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. The Trustee will use its
reasonable efforts to provide notice to each Holder of Tortoise Notes called for redemption by
electronic or other reasonable means not later than the close of business on the Business Day
immediately following the day on which the Trustee determines the Tortoise Notes to be redeemed
(or, during a Default Period with respect to such Tortoise Notes, not later than the close of
business on the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Trustee receives Notice of
Redemption from the Company). The Trustee shall confirm such notice in writing not later than the
close of business on the third Business Day preceding the date fixed for redemption by providing
the Notice of Redemption to each Holder of Tortoise Notes called for redemption, the Paying Agent
(if different from the Trustee) and the Securities Depository. Notice of Redemption will be
addressed to the registered owners of each series of Tortoise Notes at their addresses appearing on
the books or records of the Company. Such Notice of Redemption will set forth (i) the date fixed
for redemption, (ii) the principal amount and identity of Tortoise Notes to be redeemed, (iii) the
redemption price (specifying the amount of accrued interest to be included therein), (iv) that
interest on the Tortoise Notes to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such date fixed for
redemption, and (v) the 1940 Act provision under which redemption shall be made. No defect in the
Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the validity of the
redemption proceedings, except as required
A-11
by applicable law. If fewer than all Tortoise Notes
held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption mailed to such Holder shall also
specify the principal amount of Tortoise Notes to be redeemed from such Holder.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) above, no Tortoise Notes may be redeemed
unless all interest on the Outstanding Tortoise Notes and all Notes of the Company ranking on a
parity with the Tortoise Notes, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for
payment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of all
Outstanding Tortoise Notes pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or
exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all Outstanding Tortoise
Notes.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds sufficient to redeem any Tortoise Notes with the Paying Agent
and the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Trustee under paragraph (b) above, interest on
such Tortoise Notes shall cease to accrue and such Tortoise Notes shall no longer be deemed to be
Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation, for purposes of calculating whether the
Company has maintained the requisite Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage), and all rights of the Holder of the Tortoise Notes so called for
redemption shall cease and terminate, except the right of such Holder to receive the redemption
price specified in the Indenture, but without any interest
or other additional amount. Such redemption price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the
nominee of the Securities Depository. The Company shall be entitled to receive from the Paying
Agent, promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in
excess of (i) the aggregate redemption price of the Tortoise Notes called for redemption on such
date and (ii) such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of the Tortoise Notes called for
redemption may be entitled. Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of two years from
such redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be paid to the Company, after which
time the Holders of Tortoise Notes so called for redemption may look only to the Company for
payment of the redemption price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be entitled. The
Company shall be entitled to receive, from time to time after the date fixed for redemption, any
interest earned on the funds so deposited.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been given is not
made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such
redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available
or such redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem any series of Tortoise
Notes shall be deemed to exist at any time after the date specified for redemption in a Notice of
Redemption when the Company shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit in trust with
the Paying Agent the redemption price with respect to any Tortoise Notes for which such Notice of
Redemption has been given. Notwithstanding the fact that the Company may not have redeemed any
Tortoise Notes for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, interest may be paid on a series of
Tortoise Notes and shall include those Tortoise Notes for which Notice of Redemption has been given
but for which deposit of funds has not been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of any Tortoise
Notes called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the benefit of Holders
of Tortoise Notes to be redeemed.
(g) So long as any Tortoise Notes are held of record by the nominee of the Securities
Depository, the redemption price for such Tortoise Notes will be paid on the date fixed for
redemption to the nominee of the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for
distribution to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in the Indenture limits any
right of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire any Tortoise Notes outside of an Auction at
any
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price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional
or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the
payment of interest on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any series
of Tortoise Notes for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Company is in compliance
with the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to 115 percent of the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount after
giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. If less than all the
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of any series are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Company, the
Company shall give notice of such transaction to the Trustee, in accordance with the procedures
agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
(i) The Board of Directors may, without further consent of the holders of the Tortoise Notes
or the holders of shares of capital stock of the Company, authorize, create or issue any class or
series of Notes, including other series of Tortoise Notes, ranking prior to or on a parity with the
Tortoise Notes to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, if, upon issuance, either
(A) the net proceeds from the sale of such Notes (or such portion thereof needed to redeem or
repurchase the Outstanding Tortoise Notes) are deposited with the Trustee in accordance with
paragraph (d) above, Notice of Redemption as contemplated by paragraph (b) above has been delivered
prior thereto or is sent promptly thereafter, and such proceeds are used to redeem all Outstanding
Tortoise Notes or (B) the Company would meet the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage, the
Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and the requirements set forth below in Certain Other
Restrictions.
Designation of Rate Period
The initial Rate Period for Tortoise Notes Series ___shall be ___( ) days. The Company
will designate the duration of subsequent Rate Periods of each series of Tortoise Notes; provided,
however, that no such designation is necessary for a Standard Rate Period and, provided further,
that any designation of a Special Rate Period shall be effective only if (i) notice thereof shall
have been given as provided in the Indenture, (ii) any failure to pay in a timely manner to the
Trustee the full amount of any interest on, or the redemption price of, Tortoise Notes shall have
been cured as provided above, (iii) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have existed in an Auction held
on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, (iv)
if the Company shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption with respect to any Tortoise Notes, the
redemption price with respect to such Tortoise Notes shall have been deposited with the Paying
Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a Special Rate Period, the Company has confirmed
that as of the Auction Date next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period, it has
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Tortoise Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount, and the Company has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice
of such designation and otherwise complied with the Rating Agency Guidelines.
If the Company proposes to designate any Special Rate Period, not fewer than 7 (or two
Business Days in the event the duration of the Rate Period prior to such Special Rate Period is
fewer than 8 days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such Special Rate
Period, notice shall be (i) made by press release and (ii) communicated by the Company by
telephonic or other means to the Trustee and confirmed in writing promptly thereafter. Each such
notice shall state (A) that the Company proposes to exercise its option to designate a succeeding
Special Rate Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) that the Company will by
3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such
Special Rate Period, notify the Auction Agent and Trustee, who will promptly notify the
Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination, subject to certain conditions, to proceed with
such Special Rate Period, subject to the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y) its
determination not to proceed with such Special Rate Period, in which latter event the succeeding
Rate Period shall be a Standard Rate Period.
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No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the
first day of any proposed Special Rate Period, the Company shall deliver to the Auction Agent and
Trustee, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Company has determined to designate the next
succeeding Rate Period as a Special Rate Period, specifying the first and last days thereof
and (B) the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Company has determined not to exercise its option to
designate a Special Rate Period.
If the Company fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any proposed
Special Rate Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation described above by
3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such
proposed Special Rate Period, the Company shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction
Agent with respect to such Rate Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii) above, thereby
resulting in a Standard Rate Period.
Restrictions on Transfer
Tortoise Notes may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an order placed in an Auction, (b) to
or through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Company or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
a transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be effective unless the selling Existing
Holder or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the case of an Existing Holder whose
Tortoise Notes are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction Agent, or the Broker-Dealer
or Agent Member of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer between persons holding Tortoise
Notes through different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of such transfer. The
certificates representing the Tortoise Notes issued to the Securities Depository will bear legends
with respect to the restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions will be issued to
the Transfer Agent and/or Registrar.
1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage
The Company shall maintain, as of the last Business Day of each month in which any Tortoise
Notes are Outstanding, asset coverage with respect to the Tortoise Notes which is equal to or
greater than the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage; provided, however, that subparagraph
(a)(ii) of Redemption above shall be the sole remedy in the event the Company fails to do so.
Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount
So long as the Tortoise Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating the
Tortoise Notes, the Company shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Eligible Assets having an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than 115 percent of the Tortoise Notes Basic
Maintenance Amount; provided, however, that subparagraph (a)(ii) of Redemption above shall be the
sole remedy in the event the Company fails to do so.
Certain Other Restrictions
For so long as any Tortoise Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating the
Tortoise Notes, the Company will not engage in certain proscribed transactions set forth in the
Rating Agency Guidelines, unless it has received written confirmation from each such Rating Agency
that proscribes the applicable transaction in its Rating Agency Guidelines that any such action
would not impair the rating then assigned by such Rating Agency to a series of Tortoise Notes.
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For so long as any Tortoise Notes are Outstanding, the Company will not declare, pay or set
apart for payment any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in
shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, common shares or other
shares of capital stock of the Company) upon any class of shares of capital stock of the Company,
unless, in every such case, immediately after such transaction, the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset
Coverage would be achieved after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase
price, as the case may be; provided, however, that dividends may be declared upon any
preferred shares of capital stock of the Company if the Tortoise Notes and any other senior
securities representing indebtedness of the Company have an asset coverage of at least 200% at the
time of declaration thereof, after deducting the amount of such dividend.
Compliance Procedures For Asset Maintenance Tests
For so long as any Tortoise Notes are Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating such
Tortoise Notes:
(a) As of each Valuation Date, the Company shall determine in accordance with the procedures
specified in the Indenture (i) the Market Value of each Eligible Asset owned by the Company on that
date, (ii) the Discounted Value of each such Eligible Asset using the Discount Factors, (iii)
whether the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount is met as of that date, (iv) the value of the
total assets of the Company, less all liabilities, and (v) whether the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes
Asset Coverage is met as of that date.
(b) Upon any failure to maintain the required Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940
Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage on any Valuation Date, the Company may use reasonable commercial
efforts (including, without limitation, altering the composition of its portfolio, purchasing
Tortoise Notes outside of an Auction or in the event of a failure to file a Rating Agency
Certificate (as defined below) on a timely basis, submitting the requisite Rating Agency
Certificate) to re-attain (or certify in the case of a failure to file on a timely basis, as the
case may be) the required Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset
Coverage on or prior to the Asset Coverage Cure Date.
(c) Compliance with the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and 1940 Act Tortoise Notes
Asset Coverage tests shall be determined with reference to those Tortoise Notes which are deemed to
be Outstanding.
(d) The Company shall deliver to each Rating Agency which is then rating Tortoise Notes and
any other party specified in the Rating Agency Guidelines all certificates that are set forth in
the respective Rating Agency Guidelines regarding 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage, Tortoise
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and/or related calculations at such times and containing such
information as set forth in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines (each, a Rating Agency
Certificate).
(e) In the event that any Rating Agency Certificate is not delivered within the time periods
set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines, the Company shall be deemed to have failed to maintain
the Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage, as the
case may be, on such Valuation Date for purposes of paragraph (b) above. In the event that any
Rating Agency Certificate with respect to an applicable Asset Coverage Cure Date is not delivered
within the time periods set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines, the Company shall be deemed to
have failed to have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the
Tortoise Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or to meet the 1940 Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage, as the
case may be, as of the related Valuation Date, and such failure shall be deemed not to have been
cured as of such Asset Coverage Cure Date for purposes of the mandatory redemption provisions.
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Delivery of Notes
Upon the execution and delivery of the Indenture, the Company shall execute and deliver to the
Trustee, and the Trustee shall authenticate, the Tortoise Notes and deliver them to The Depository
Trust Company as provided in the Indenture.
Prior to the delivery by the Trustee of any of the Tortoise Notes, there shall have been filed
with or delivered to the Trustee the following:
(a) A resolution duly adopted by the Company, certified by the Secretary or other Authorized
Officer thereof, authorizing the execution and delivery of the Supplemental Indenture and the
issuance of the Tortoise Notes;
(b) Duly executed copies of the Supplemental Indenture and a copy of the Indenture;
(c) Rating letters from each Rating Agency rating the Tortoise Notes; and
(d) An opinion of counsel pursuant to the requirements of the Indenture.
Trustees Authentication Certificate
The Trustees authentication certificate upon the Tortoise Notes shall be substantially in the
form provided. No Tortoise Note shall be secured hereby or entitled to the benefit hereof, or
shall be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless a certificate of authentication, substantially
in such form, has been duly executed by the Trustee; and such certificate of the Trustee upon any
Tortoise Note shall be conclusive evidence and the only competent evidence that such Bond has been
authenticated and delivered. The Trustees certificate of authentication shall be deemed to have
been duly executed by it if manually signed by an authorized officer of the Trustee, but it shall
not be necessary that the same person sign the certificate of authentication on all of the Tortoise
Notes issued.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
Events of Default
An Event of Default means any one of the following events set forth below (whatever the
reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by
operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) default in the payment of any interest upon a series of Tortoise Notes when it becomes due
and payable and the continuance of such default for thirty (30) days; or
(b) default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium on, a series of Tortoise Notes
at its Stated Maturity; or
(c) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in the
Indenture, and continuance of such default or breach for a period of ninety (90) days after there
has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee a written notice
specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a
Notice of Default; or
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(d) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for
relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal
or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order
adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any
applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its
property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such
decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of
60 consecutive days; or
(e) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable
Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case
or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a
decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any
applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of
a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or
State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking
possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar
official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay
its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in
furtherance of any such action; or
(f) if, pursuant to Section 18(a)(1)(c)(ii) of the 1940 Act on the last business day of each
of twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar months, the 1940 Act Tortoise Notes Asset Coverage is less
than 100%; or
(g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to a series of Tortoise Notes, including
a default in the payment of any Redemption Price payable on the date fixed for redemption.
Unless otherwise noted, an Event of Default that relates only to one series of Tortoise Notes
will not affect any other series.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment
If an Event of Default with respect to Tortoise Notes of a series at the time Outstanding
occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of that series may declare the
principal amount of all the Tortoise Notes of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a
notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by holders), and upon any such
declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.
If an Event of Default specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) above with respect to Tortoise Notes of
any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Tortoise Notes of that
series shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee
or any holder, become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Tortoise Notes of any
series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained
by the Trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise
Notes of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul
such declaration and its consequences if:
(a) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay
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(i) all overdue interest on all Tortoise Notes of that series,
(ii) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Tortoise Notes of that series
which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest
thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Tortoise Notes,
(iii) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue
interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Tortoise Notes,
(iv) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
(b) all Events of Default with respect to Tortoise Notes of that series, other than the
non-payment of the principal of Tortoise Notes of that series which have become due solely by such
declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee
The Company covenants that if:
(a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Tortoise Notes when such interest
becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 90 days, or
(b) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Tortoise
Notes at the Maturity thereof, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the
benefit of the holders of such Tortoise Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such
Tortoise Notes for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any
overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Tortoise Notes, and, in addition
thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
agents and counsel.
If an Event of Default with respect to Tortoise Notes of any series occurs and is continuing,
the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
holders of Tortoise Notes of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee
shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific
enforcement of any covenant or agreement in the Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted in the Indenture, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
Application of Money Collected
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture relating to an
Event of Default shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee
and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest,
upon presentation of the Tortoise Notes and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially
paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under the Indenture;
and
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SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any
premium and interest on the Tortoise Notes in respect of which or for the benefit of which such
money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the
amounts due and payable on such Tortoise Notes for principal and any premium and interest,
respectively.
Limitation On Suits
No holder of any Tortoise Notes of any series shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a
receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless
(a) such holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of
Default with respect to the Tortoise Notes of that series;
(b) the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise
Notes of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in
respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(c) such holder or holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity
has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during
such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise
Notes of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such holders shall have any right in any
manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of the Indenture to affect, disturb
or prejudice the rights of any other of such holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or
preference over any other of such holders or to enforce any right under the Indenture, except in
the manner provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such holders.
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest
Notwithstanding any other provision in the Indenture, the holder of any Tortoise Notes shall
have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any
premium and (subject to the provisions of any supplemental indenture) interest on such Tortoise
Notes on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Tortoise Notes (or, in the case of
redemption, on the Redemption Date), and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment
and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies
If the Trustee or any holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy
under the Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has
been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such holder, then and in every such case, subject to
any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Trustee and the holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
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Rights and Remedies Cumulative
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Tortoise Notes, no right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to the
Trustee or to the holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right
and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other
right and remedy given or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The
assertion or employment of any right or remedy, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Control By Holders
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes
of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on
the Trustee, with respect to the Tortoise Notes of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the Indenture, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not
inconsistent with such direction.
Waiver of Past Defaults
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes
of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the Tortoise Notes of such series waive any past
default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Tortoise Notes of
such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the holder of each Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom
shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the Indenture; but no such waiver shall
extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
The Indenture shall upon request of the Company cease to be of further effect (except as to
any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of any Tortoise Notes expressly
provided for herein or in the terms of such security), and the Trustee, at the expense of the
Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of the
Indenture, when
(a) Either:
(i) all Tortoise Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (1)
securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as
provided in the Indenture; and (2) Tortoise Notes for whose payment money has theretofore
been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid
to the
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Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in the Indenture) have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(ii) all such Tortoise Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
have become due and payable, or will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within
one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory
to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of this subsection (ii) has deposited
or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust money in an amount
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such securities not theretofore
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the
date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the
Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Trust;
and
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, the obligations of the Company to
the Trustee under the Indenture and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant
to subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) above, the obligations of the Trustee under certain
provisions of the Indenture shall survive.
THE TRUSTEE
Certain Duties and Responsibilities
(1) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(A) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Indenture and as required by the Trust Indenture Act, and no
implied covenants or obligations shall be read into the Indenture against the Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to
the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon
certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of the
Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision of
the Indenture are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be
under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the
requirements of the Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of
mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(2) In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the same degree of care and
skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his or her own affairs.
(3) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or
consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit)
irrespective of
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whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless
of the form of action.
(4) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligations arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond
its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or
terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and
interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and
hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are
consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as
practicable under the circumstances.
(5) No provision of the Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for
its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except
that:
(A) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (1)(A) of
this Section;
(B) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in
ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(C) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be
taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding securities of any series, determined as provided in the
Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Trustee, under the Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series; and
(D) no provision of the Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties, or
in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for
believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability
is not reasonably assured to it.
Notice of Defaults
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Tortoise Notes of any series, the Trustee shall
give the Holders of Tortoise Notes of such series notice of such default as and to the extent
provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default with
respect to Tortoise Notes of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least
90 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose hereof, the term default means any event
which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect
to Tortoise Notes of such series.
Certain Rights of Trustee
Subject to the provisions under Certain Duties and Responsibilities above:
(a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or
parties;
A-22
(b) any request or direction of the Company shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company
Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently
evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of the Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a
matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Trustee may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers Certificate;
(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such
counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders pursuant to the Indenture,
unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory
to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with
such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document,
but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or
investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company,
personally or by agent or attorney;
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers or perform any duties hereunder either
directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any
misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by
it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights
or powers conferred upon it by the Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any
event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee, and such notice references the Tortoise Notes and the Indenture;
(j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee,
including its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee
in each of its capacities hereunder; and
(k) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers Certificate setting forth
the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified
actions pursuant to the Indenture, which Officers Certificate may be signed by any person
authorized to sign an Officers Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any
such certificate previously delivered and not superceded.
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Compensation and Reimbursement
The Company agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing
between the parties for all services rendered by it (which compensation shall not be limited by any
provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(b) except as otherwise expressly provided, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all
reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with
any provision of the Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may
be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(c) to indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless
against, any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims or expenses including taxes (other than
taxes imposed on the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted
by the Company, a holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default,
the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation
for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal
or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.
The provisions hereof shall survive the termination of the Indenture.
Conflicting Interests
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the
manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and the Indenture.
To the extent not prohibited by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a
conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under the Indenture with respect to Tortoise
Notes of more than one series.
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee shall
become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with
the applicable requirements.
The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Tortoise Notes of one or more series by
giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor
Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 60 days after the giving of such notice
of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Tortoise
Notes of such series.
The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Tortoise Notes of any series by Act
of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series,
delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor
Trustee shall
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not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of a notice of removal
pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the expense of the Company,
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Tortoise Notes of such series.
If at any time:
(a) the Trustee shall fail to comply after written request therefor by the Company or by any
holder who has been a bona fide holder of Tortoise Notes for at least six months, or
(b) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible and shall fail to resign after written request
therefor by the Company or by any such holder, or
(c) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent
or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may
remove the Trustee with respect to all Tortoise Notes, or (ii) any holder who has been a bona fide
holder of Tortoise Notes for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly
situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect
to all Tortoise Notes and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall
occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Tortoise Notes of one or more
series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees
with respect to the Tortoise Notes of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Tortoise Notes of one or more or all of such
series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of
any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements. If, within one year
after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor
Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of any series shall be appointed by Act of the holders
of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series delivered to the
Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its
acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements, become the successor
Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of such series and to that extent supersede the
successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
If no successor Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of any series shall have been so
appointed by the Company or the holders and accepted appointment in the manner required, any holder
who has been a bona fide holder of Tortoise Notes of such series for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction
for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of such series.
The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect
to the Tortoise Notes of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Tortoise Notes of any series to all holders of Tortoise Notes of such series in the manner
provided. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Tortoise
Notes of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Tortoise
Notes, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the
Company and to
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the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation
or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any
further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring
Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes
of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee
with respect to the Tortoise Notes of one or more series shall execute and deliver a supplemental
indenture wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain
such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each
successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to
the Tortoise Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee
relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Tortoise Notes, shall
contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights,
powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of that or
those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the
retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one
Trustee, it being understood that nothing in the Indenture shall constitute such Trustees
co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts
hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such
Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such
successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Tortoise Notes of
that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of
the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver
to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Tortoise Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates.
Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments
for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights,
powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such
successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible.
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which
the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the
corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided
such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible, without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Tortoise Notes
shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by
merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication
and deliver the Tortoise Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee
had itself authenticated such Tortoise Notes.
A-26
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only On Certain Terms
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or
lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall
not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company, unless:
(a) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by
conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as
an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing
under the laws of any domestic or foreign jurisdiction and shall expressly assume, by an indenture
supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Tortoise
Notes and the performance or observance of every covenant of the Indenture on the part of the
Company to be performed or observed;
(b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which
becomes an obligation of the Company or any subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having
been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing;
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a
supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture
comply and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture provided for relating to such transaction
have been complied with.
Successor Substituted
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or
any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an
entirety, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or
to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and
may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect as if
such successor Person had been named as the Company in the Indenture, and thereafter, except in the
case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under
the Indenture and the Tortoise Notes.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Defeasance and Discharge
Upon the Companys exercise of its option (if any) to have the provisions of the Indenture
relating to Defeasance applied to any Tortoise Notes or any series of Tortoise Notes, as the case
may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations, with respect to
such Tortoise Notes as provided in the Indenture on and after the date the conditions set forth are
satisfied (hereinafter called Defeasance). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the
Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such
Tortoise Notes and to have satisfied
A-27
all its other obligations under such Tortoise Notes and the Indenture insofar as such Tortoise
Notes are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper
instruments acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise
terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of holders of such Tortoise Notes to receive,
solely from the trust fund, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on
such Tortoise Notes when payments are due, (2) the Companys obligations with respect to such
Tortoise Notes, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee.
Covenant Defeasance
Upon the Companys exercise of its option (if any) to have provisions of the Indenture
relating to Covenant Defeasance applied to any Tortoise Notes or any series of Tortoise Notes, as
the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under certain provisions of
the Indenture for the benefit of the holders of such Tortoise Notes and (2) the occurrence of any
event specified in the Indenture, and any such covenants provided pursuant to certain provisions of
the Indenture shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect
to such Tortoise Notes as provided in the Indenture on and after the date the conditions are
satisfied (hereinafter called Covenant Defeasance). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance
means that, with respect to such Tortoise Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have
no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified
section of the Indenture, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere in
the Indenture, or by reason of any reference in any such section or article of the Indenture to any
other provision in the Indenture or in any other document, but the remainder of the Indenture and
such Tortoise Notes shall be unaffected thereby.
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
(a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee
(or another trustee which satisfies the requirements and agrees to comply with the provisions of
the relevant Article of the Indenture applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of
making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the
benefits of the holders of such Tortoise Notes, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government
Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in
accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any
payment, money in an amount, or (iii) such other obligations or arrangements as may be specified
with respect to such Tortoise Notes, or (iv) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the
opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written
certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by
the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any
premium and interest on such Tortoise Notes on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture and such Tortoise Notes. As used in the Indenture, U.S. Government
Obligation means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America
for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or
(ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or
instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed
as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or
(ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the Company thereof, and (y) any depositary
receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Tortoise Notes Act) as custodian
with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by
such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific
payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and
held, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any
deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such
A-28
depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(b) In the event of an election to have Defeasance and Discharge apply to any Tortoise Notes
or any series of Tortoise Notes, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the
Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (ii) since the date of this instrument,
there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (i) or (ii) to the
effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of such Tortoise Notes
will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit,
Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Tortoise Notes and will be subject to
Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the
case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
(c) In the event of an election to have Covenant Defeasance apply to any Tortoise Notes or any
series of Tortoise Notes, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of such Tortoise Notes will not recognize gain or
loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be
effected with respect to such Tortoise Notes and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same
amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant
Defeasance were not to occur.
(d) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate to the effect
that neither such Tortoise Notes nor any other Tortoise Notes of the same series, if then listed on
any Tortoise Notes exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.
(e) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of
Default with respect to such Tortoise Notes or any other Tortoise Notes shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified, at any time on
or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition
shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(f) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting
interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Tortoise Notes are in default
within the meaning of such Act).
(g) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by
which it is bound.
(h) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such
deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless
such trust shall be registered under the Investment Company Act or exempt from registration
thereunder.
(i) No event or condition shall exist that would prevent the Company from making payments of
the principal of (and any premium) or interest on the Tortoise Notes of such series on the date of
such deposit or at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being
understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(j) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance have been complied with.
A-29
(k) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the
effect that (i) the trust funds deposited pursuant hereto will not be subject to any rights of any
holders of indebtedness or equity of the Company, and (ii) after the 90th day following the
deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally, except that if a
court were to rule under any such law in any case or proceeding that the trust funds remained
property of the Company, no opinion is given as to the effect of such laws on the trust funds
except the following: (A) assuming such trust funds remained in the possession of the trustee with
whom such funds were deposited prior to such court ruling to the extent not paid to holders of such
Tortoise Notes, such trustee would hold, for the benefit of such holders, a valid and perfected
security interest in such trust funds that is not avoidable in bankruptcy or otherwise and (B) such
holders would be entitled to receive adequate protection of their interests in such trust funds if
such trust funds were used.
A-30
APPENDIX A-I
TORTOISE NOTES AUCTION PROCEDURES
1. Orders.
(a) Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for a series of Tortoise Notes:
|
(i) |
|
each Beneficial Owner of Tortoise Notes of such
series may submit to its Broker-Dealer information as to: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner desires to
continue to hold without regard to the Applicable Rate for
Tortoise Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate
Period of such series; |
|
|
(B) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell if
the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series for the
next succeeding Rate Period of Tortoise Notes of such series
shall be less than the rate per annum specified by such
Beneficial Owner; and/or |
|
|
(C) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell
without regard to the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of
such series for the next succeeding Rate Period of Tortoise
Notes of such series; |
and
|
(ii) |
|
one or more Broker-Dealers, using lists of
Potential Beneficial Owners, shall in good faith for the purpose of
conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially reasonable manner,
contact Potential Beneficial Owners (by telephone or otherwise),
including Persons that are not Beneficial Owners, on such lists to
determine the principal amount of Tortoise Notes, if any, of such
series which each such Potential Beneficial Owner offers to purchase if
the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series for the next
succeeding Rate Period of Tortoise Notes of such series shall not be
less than the rate per annum specified by such Potential Beneficial
Owner. |
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|
|
|
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or
Potential Beneficial Owner to a Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer
to the Auction Agent, of information referred to in clause (i) (A),
(i) (B), (i) (C) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter
referred to as an Order and collectively as Orders and each
Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial Owner placing an Order
with a Broker-Dealer, and such Broker-Dealer placing an Order with
the Auction Agent, is hereinafter referred to as a Bidder and
collectively as Bidders; an Order containing the information
referred to in clause (i)(A) of this |
A-I-1
|
|
|
paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a Hold Order and
collectively as Hold Orders; an Order containing the information
referred to in clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is
hereinafter referred to as a Bid and collectively as Bids; and an
Order containing the information referred to in clause (i)(C) of this
paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a Sell Order and
collectively as Sell Orders. |
(b) (i) A Bid by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of Tortoise Notes of a series
subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series specified in such Bid
if the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series
determined on such Auction Date shall be less than the rate
specified therein; |
|
|
(B) |
|
such principal amount or a
lesser principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such
series to be determined as set forth in clause (iv) of
paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Appendix I if the Applicable
Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series determined on such
Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein; or |
|
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(C) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series specified in such Bid
if the rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum
Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series, or such principal
amount or a lesser principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise
Notes of such series to be determined as set forth in clause
(iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Appendix I if the
rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate
for Tortoise Notes of such series and Sufficient Clearing Bids
for Tortoise Notes of such series do not exist. |
|
(ii) |
|
A Sell Order by a Beneficial Owner or an
Existing Holder of Tortoise Notes of a series of Tortoise Notes subject
to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer
to sell: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series specified in such
Sell Order; or |
|
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(B) |
|
such principal amount or a
lesser principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such
series as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section
4 of this Appendix I if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series do not exist; |
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a Broker-Dealer that is an Existing Holder
with respect to a series of Tortoise Notes shall not be liable to any
Person for failing to sell such Tortoise Notes pursuant to a Sell
Order described in the proviso to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of this
Appendix I if (1) such Tortoise Notes were transferred by the
Beneficial Owner thereof without compliance by such Beneficial Owner
or its transferee Broker-Dealer (or other transferee person, if
permitted by the Company) with the provisions of the Indenture or (2)
such Broker-Dealer has
A-I-2
informed the Auction Agent pursuant to the terms of its Broker-Dealer
Agreement that, according to such Broker-Dealers records, such
Broker-Dealer believes it is not the Existing Holder of such Tortoise
Notes.
|
(iii) |
|
A Bid by a Potential Beneficial Owner or a
Potential Holder of Tortoise Notes of a series subject to an Auction on
any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to purchase: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series specified in such Bid
if the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series
determined on such Auction Date shall be higher than the rate
specified therein; or |
|
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(B) |
|
such principal amount or a
lesser principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such
series as set forth in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of Section 4
of this Appendix I if the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of
such series determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to
the rate specified therein. |
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
(a) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission
Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders for Tortoise Notes of a series subject to an Auction on
such Auction Date obtained by such Broker-Dealer, designating itself (unless otherwise permitted by
the Company) as an Existing Holder in respect of Tortoise Notes subject to Orders submitted or
deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in respect of Tortoise Notes
subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners, and shall specify with respect to
each such Order:
|
(i) |
|
the name of the Bidder placing such Order
(which shall be the Broker-Dealer unless otherwise permitted by the
Company); |
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(ii) |
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the aggregate principal amount of Tortoise
Notes of such series that are the subject of such Order; |
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(iii) |
|
to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing
Holder of Tortoise Notes of such series: |
|
(A) |
|
the principal amount of
Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series subject to any Hold
Order of such Existing Holder; |
|
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(B) |
|
the principal amount of
Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series subject to any Bid of
such Existing Holder and the rate specified in such Bid; and |
|
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(C) |
|
the principal amount of
Tortoise Notes, if any, of such series subject to any Sell
Order of such Existing Holder; and |
|
(iv) |
|
to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder
of Tortoise Notes of such series, the rate and principal amount of
Tortoise Notes of such series specified in such Potential Holders Bid. |
A-I-3
(b) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the
decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round such rate up to the next highest one thousandth (.001)
of 1%.
(c) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of a series held by
any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline, the
Auction Agent shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of such Existing
Holder covering the principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by such
Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that
if an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by any
Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline for an
Auction relating to a Special Rate Period consisting of more than 7 Rate Period Days, the Auction
Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of such Existing Holder
covering the principal amount of outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by such Existing
Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent.
(d) If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder is submitted to the Auction Agent covering in
the aggregate more than the principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of a series subject to
an Auction held by such Existing Holder, such Orders shall be considered valid in the following
order of priority:
|
(i) |
|
all Hold Orders for Tortoise Notes of such
series shall be considered valid, but only up to and including in the
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series
held by such Existing Holder, and if the aggregate principal amount of
Tortoise Notes of such series subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series
held by such Existing Holder, the principal amount of Tortoise Notes
subject to each such Hold Order shall be reduced pro rata to cover the
principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by
such Existing Holder; |
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(ii) |
|
(A) any Bid for Tortoise Notes of such series
shall be considered valid up to and including the excess of the
principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series subject
to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above; |
|
(B) |
|
subject to subclause (A), if
more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for Tortoise Notes of
such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with the same
rate and the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise
Notes of such series subject to such Bids is greater than such
excess, such Bids shall be considered valid up to and including
the amount of such excess, and the principal amount of Tortoise
Notes of such series subject to each Bid with the same rate
shall be reduced pro rata to cover the principal amount of
Tortoise Notes of such series equal to such excess; |
|
|
(C) |
|
subject to subclauses (A) and
(B), if more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for Tortoise
Notes of such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with
different rates, such Bids shall be |
A-I-4
|
|
|
considered valid in the ascending order of their respective
rates up to and including the amount of such excess; and |
|
(D) |
|
in any such event, the
principal amount, if any, of such Outstanding Tortoise Notes of
such series subject to any portion of Bids considered not valid
in whole or in part under this clause (ii) shall be treated as
the subject of a Bid for Tortoise Notes of such series by or on
behalf of a Potential Holder at the rate therein specified; and |
|
(iii) |
|
all Sell Orders for Tortoise Notes of such
series shall be considered valid up to and including the excess of the
principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by
such Existing Holder over the aggregate principal amount of Tortoise
Notes of such series subject to valid Hold Orders referred to in clause
(i) above and valid Bids referred to in clause (ii) above. |
(e) If more than one Bid for one or more Tortoise Notes of a series is submitted to the
Auction Agent by or on behalf of any Potential Holder, each such Bid submitted shall be a separate
Bid with the rate and principal amount therein specified.
(f) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its
Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any
Auction Date, shall be irrevocable.
3. Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate.
(a) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for a series of Tortoise
Notes, the Auction Agent shall assemble all valid Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by the
Broker-Dealers in respect of Tortoise Notes of such series (each such Order as submitted or deemed
submitted by a Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a Submitted Hold
Order, a Submitted Bid or a Submitted Sell Order, as the case may be, or as a Submitted
Order and collectively as Submitted Hold Orders, Submitted Bids or Submitted Sell Orders, as
the case may be, or as Submitted Orders) and shall determine for such series:
|
(i) |
|
the excess of the aggregate principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series over the principal amount of
Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series subject to Submitted Hold
Orders (such excess being hereinafter referred to as the Available
Tortoise Notes of such series); |
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(ii) |
|
from the Submitted Orders for Tortoise Notes of
such series whether: |
|
(A) |
|
the aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series subject to
Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying one or more
rates between the Minimum Rate (for Standard Rate Periods or
less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for all Rate Periods) for
Tortoise Notes of such series; exceeds or is equal to the sum
of: |
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(B) |
|
the aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series subject to
Submitted Bids of Existing Holders |
A-I-5
|
|
|
specifying one or more rates between the Minimum Rate (for
Standard Rate Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate
(for all Rate Periods) for Tortoise Notes of such series; and |
|
(C) |
|
the aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series subject to
Submitted Sell Orders (in the event such excess or such
equality exists (other than because all of the Outstanding
Tortoise Notes of such series are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders), such Submitted Bids in subclause (A) above being
hereinafter referred to collectively as Sufficient Clearing
Bids for Tortoise Notes of such series); and |
|
(iii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Tortoise Notes
of such series exist, the lowest rate specified in such Submitted Bids
(the Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series) which if: |
|
(A) |
|
(I) each such Submitted Bid of
Existing Holders specifying such lowest rate and |
|
(II) |
|
all other such
Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying lower
rates were rejected, thus entitling such Existing
Holders to continue to hold the Tortoise Notes of such
series that are subject to such Submitted Bids; and |
|
(B) |
|
(I) each such Submitted Bid of
Potential Holders specifying such lowest rate and |
|
(II) |
|
all other such
Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying lower
rates were accepted; would result in such Existing
Holders described in subclause (A) above continuing to
hold an aggregate principal amount of Outstanding
Tortoise Notes of such series which, when added to the
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes
of such series to be purchased by such Potential Holders
described in subclause (B) above, would equal not less
than the Available Tortoise Notes of such series. |
(b) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this Section 3, the Auction Agent shall advise the Company of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate for
the series of Tortoise Notes for which an Auction is being held on the Auction Date and, based on
such determination, the Applicable Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series for the next succeeding
Rate Period thereof as follows:
|
(i) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Tortoise Notes
of such series exist, that the Applicable Rate for all Tortoise Notes
of such series for the next succeeding Rate Period thereof shall be
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series so
determined; |
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(ii) |
|
if Sufficient Clearing Bids for Tortoise Notes
of such series do not exist (other than because all of the Outstanding
Tortoise Notes of such series |
A-I-6
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are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), that the Applicable Rate for
all Tortoise Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate Period
thereof shall be equal to the Maximum Rate for Tortoise Notes of such
series; or |
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(iii) |
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if all of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of
such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders, that the Applicable
Rate for all Tortoise Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate
Period thereof shall be All Hold Rate. |
4. Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of
Tortoise Notes. Existing Holders shall continue to hold the Tortoise Notes that are subject to
Submitted Hold Orders, and, based on the determinations made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3
of this Appendix I, the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected by
the Auction Agent and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below:
(a) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of Tortoise Notes have been made, all Submitted
Sell Orders with respect to Tortoise Notes of such series shall be accepted and, subject to the
provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 4, Submitted Bids with respect to Tortoise
Notes of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority
and all other Submitted Bids with respect to Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected:
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(i) |
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Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series specifying any rate that is higher than the
Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be accepted,
thus requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the Tortoise Notes
subject to such Submitted Bids; |
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(ii) |
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Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series specifying any rate that is lower than the Winning
Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected, thus
entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Tortoise
Notes subject to such Submitted Bids; |
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(iii) |
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Potential Holders Submitted Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series specifying any rate that is lower than the Winning
Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be accepted; |
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(iv) |
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each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for
Tortoise Notes of such series specifying a rate that is equal to the
Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected,
thus entitling such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Tortoise
Notes subject to such Submitted Bid, unless the aggregate principal
amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes subject to all such Submitted Bids
shall be greater than the principal amount of Tortoise Notes
(remaining Tortoise Notes) in the excess of the Available Tortoise
Notes of such series over the principal amount of Tortoise Notes
subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this
paragraph (a), in which event such Submitted Bid of such Existing
Holder shall be rejected in part, and such Existing Holder shall be
entitled to continue to hold Tortoise Notes subject to such Submitted
Bid, but only in an amount equal to the principal amount of Tortoise
Notes of such series obtained by multiplying the remaining principal
amount by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the principal |
A-I-7
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amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes held by such Existing Holder
subject to such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be
the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes subject
to such Submitted Bids made by all such Existing Holders that
specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of
such series; and |
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(v) |
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each Potential Holders Submitted Bid for
aggregate principal amount of such series specifying a rate that is
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for aggregate principal amount of such
series shall be accepted but only in an amount equal to the principal
amount of Tortoise Notes of such series obtained by multiplying the
principal amount of Tortoise Notes in the excess of the Available
Tortoise Notes of such series over the principal amount of Tortoise
Notes subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) through (iv)
of this paragraph (a) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be
the principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes subject to such
Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate
principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes subject to such
Submitted Bids made by all such Potential Holders that specified a rate
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series. |
(b) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of Tortoise Notes have not been made (other than
because all of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders),
subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 4, Submitted Orders for Tortoise Notes
of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all
other Submitted Bids for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected:
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(i) |
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Existing Holders Submitted Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series specifying any rate that is equal to or lower than
the Maximum Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected,
thus entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the Tortoise
Notes subject to such Submitted Bids; |
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(ii) |
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Potential Holders Submitted Bids for Tortoise
Notes of such series specifying any rate that is equal to or lower than
the Maximum Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be accepted;
and |
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(iii) |
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Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for
Tortoise Notes of such series specifying any rate that is higher than
the Maximum Rate for Tortoise Notes of such series and the Submitted
Sell Orders for Tortoise Notes of such series of each Existing Holder
shall be accepted, thus entitling each Existing Holder that submitted
or on whose behalf was submitted any such Submitted Bid or Submitted
Sell Order to sell the Tortoise Notes of such series subject to such
Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order, but in both cases only in an
amount equal to the principal amount of Tortoise Notes of such series
obtained by multiplying the principal amount of Tortoise Notes of such
series subject to Submitted Bids described in clause (ii) of this
paragraph (b) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the
principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such series held by
such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell
Order and the denominator of which shall be the |
A-I-8
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aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Tortoise Notes of such
series subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders. |
(c) If all of the Outstanding Tortoise Notes of a series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders,
all Submitted Bids for Tortoise Notes of such series shall be rejected.
(d) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (a) or
clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4, any Existing Holder would be entitled or required
to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase, less than an Authorized
Denomination of Tortoise Notes on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as it
shall determine in its sole discretion, round up or down the principal amount of Tortoise Notes of
such series to be purchased or sold by any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date
as a result of such procedures so that the principal amount of Tortoise Notes so purchased or sold
by each Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date shall be equal to an Authorized
Denomination.
(e) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this Section
4, any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than an Authorized
Denomination of Tortoise Notes on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as it
shall determine in its sole discretion, allocate Tortoise Notes of such series or purchase among
Potential Holders so that only Tortoise Notes of such series in Authorized Denominations are
purchased on such Auction Date as a result of such procedures by any Potential Holder, even if such
allocation results in one or more Potential Holders not purchasing Tortoise Notes of such series on
such Auction Date.
(f) Based on the results of each Auction for a series of Tortoise Notes, the Auction Agent
shall determine the aggregate principal amount of Tortoise Notes of such series to be purchased and
the aggregate principal amount of Tortoise Notes of such series to be sold by Potential Holders and
Existing Holders and, with respect to each Potential Holder and Existing Holder, to the extent that
such aggregate principal amount of Tortoise Notes and such aggregate principal amount of Tortoise
Notes to be sold differ, determine to which other Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they
shall deliver, or from which other Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall receive, as
the case may be, Tortoise Notes of such series. Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction
Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the contrary, in the event an Existing Holder or
Beneficial Owner of Tortoise Notes of a series with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid
to the Auction Agent for such Tortoise Notes that was accepted in whole or in part, or submitted or
is deemed to have submitted a Sell Order for such Tortoise Notes that was accepted in whole or in
part, fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver such Tortoise Notes against payment therefor,
partial deliveries of Tortoise Notes that have been made in respect of Potential Holders or
Potential Beneficial Owners Submitted Bids for Tortoise Notes of such series that have been
accepted in whole or in part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and Potential
Beneficial Owners.
(g) Neither the Company nor the Auction Agent nor any affiliate of either shall have any
responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder or a Potential Holder
to deliver Tortoise Notes of any series or to pay for Tortoise Notes of any series sold or purchased
pursuant to the Auction Procedures or otherwise.
A-I-9
APPENDIX B FORM OF ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
SERIES ___ MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the Company), a Maryland corporation, certifies
to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: Under a power contained in Article V, of the charter of the Company (the Charter),
the Board of Directors by duly adopted resolutions classified and designated ___ shares of
authorized but unissued Preferred Stock (as defined in the Charter) as shares of Series ___ Money
Market Cumulative Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $___ per share, with the following
preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, which, upon any restatement
of the Charter, shall become part of Article V of the Charter, with any necessary or appropriate
renumbering or relettering of the sections or subsections hereof.
MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES
DESIGNATION
MMP Shares: ___ shares of Preferred Stock are classified and designated as Series ___ Money
Market Cumulative Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $___ per share (MMP Shares). The
initial Dividend Period for the MMP Shares shall be the period from and including the Original
Issue Date thereof to but excluding ___, 200_. Each MMP Share shall have an Applicable Rate
for its initial Dividend Period equal to ___% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of
___, 200_. Each MMP Share shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the
Charter applicable to shares of Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares), as are set forth in Part I
and Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares. The MMP Shares shall constitute a separate series of
Preferred Shares.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of Part I hereof, the Board of Directors of the
Company may, in the future, authorize the issuance of additional MMP Shares with the same
preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption and other terms herein
described, except that the initial Dividend Period, the Applicable Rate for the initial Dividend
Period and the initial Dividend Payment Date shall be as set forth in an Articles Supplementary
relating to such additional MMP Shares.
As used in Part I and Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares, capitalized terms shall have
the meanings provided in Section 17 of Part I.
I. MMP SHARES TERMS
1. Number of Shares; Ranking. (a) The initial number of authorized MMP Shares is
___ shares. No fractional MMP Shares shall be issued.
(b) Any MMP Shares which at any time have been redeemed or purchased by the Company shall,
after redemption or purchase, be returned to the status of authorized but unissued Preferred
Shares, without further designation as to series.
(c) The MMP Shares shall rank on a parity with shares of any other series of Preferred Shares
(including any other MMP Shares) as to the payment of dividends to which the shares
B-1
are entitled and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
affairs of the Company.
(d) No Holder of MMP Shares shall have, solely by reason of being a Holder, any preemptive
right, or, unless otherwise determined by the Directors, other right to acquire, purchase or
subscribe for any MMP Shares, shares of common stock of the Company (Common Shares) or other
securities of the Company which it may hereafter issue or sell.
(e) No Holder of MMP Shares shall be entitled to exercise the rights of an objecting
stockholder under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the MGCL) or any
successor provision.
2. Dividends. (a) The Holders of MMP Shares shall be entitled to receive cash
dividends, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by the Company, out of
funds legally available therefor, at the rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate, determined as
set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 2, and no more, payable on the respective dates
determined as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2. Dividends on Outstanding MMP Shares
issued on the Original Issue Date shall accumulate from the Original Issue Date.
(b) (i) Dividends shall be payable when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and
declared by the Company following the initial Dividend Payment Date, subject to subparagraph
(b)(ii) of this Section 2, on MMP Shares, with respect to any Dividend Period on the first Business
Day following the last day of the Dividend Period; provided, however, if the Dividend Period is
greater than 30 days, then on a monthly basis on the first Business Day of each month within the
Dividend Period and on the Business Day following the last day of the Dividend Period.
(ii) If a day for payment of dividends resulting from the application of subparagraph
(b)(i) above is not a Business Day, then the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first
Business Day that falls after such day for payment of dividends.
(iii) The Company shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the Business Day next preceding each Dividend Payment Date for the MMP Shares, an
aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in the City of New York, New
York, equal to the dividends to be paid to all Holders of such shares on such Dividend
Payment Date. The Company shall not be required to establish any reserves for the payment
of dividends.
(iv) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of dividends shall be held in
trust for the payment of such dividends by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders
specified in subparagraph (b)(v) of this Section 2. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent in
accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of
dividends, will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Company at the end of 90
days from the date on which such moneys were to have been so applied.
(v) Each dividend on MMP Shares shall be paid on the Dividend Payment Date therefor to
the Holders as their names appear on the share ledger or share records of the Company on the
Business Day next preceding such Dividend Payment Date. Dividends in arrears for any past
Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular
Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders as their names appear on the share ledger or share
records of the Company on such date, not exceeding 15 days preceding the payment date
thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No interest will be payable in respect
of any dividend payment or payments which may be in arrears.
B-2
(c) (i) The dividend rate on Outstanding MMP Shares during the period from and after the
Original Issue Date to and including the last day of the initial Dividend Period therefor shall be
equal to the rate per annum set forth under Designation above. For each subsequent Dividend
Period with respect to the MMP Shares Outstanding thereafter, the dividend rate shall be equal to
the rate per annum that results from an Auction; provided, however, that if Sufficient Clearing
Bids have not been made in an Auction (other than as a result of all MMP Shares being the subject
of Submitted Hold Orders), then the dividend rate on the MMP Shares for any such Dividend Period
shall be the Maximum Rate (except during a Default Period when the dividend rate shall be the
Default Rate (as set forth in Section 2(c) (ii) below)). If an Auction for any subsequent Dividend
Period is not held for any reason, including because there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer,
then the dividend rate on the MMP Shares for such Dividend Period shall be the Maximum Rate (except
during a Default Period when the dividend rate shall be the Default Rate (as set forth in Section
2(c)(ii) below)).
The All Hold Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the
Outstanding MMP Shares are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per
annum at which dividends are payable on MMP Shares as determined pursuant to this Section 2(c)(i)
shall be the Applicable Rate.
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period will commence on any date
the Company fails to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent
by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) the full amount of any declared dividend payable on
the Dividend Payment Date (a Dividend Default) or (B) the full amount of any redemption
price (the Redemption Price) payable on the date fixed for redemption (the Redemption
Date) (a Redemption Default, and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred
to as Default). Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2(c)(iii) below, a Default
Period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business
Day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, all unpaid dividends and any unpaid
Redemption Price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the
Paying Agent. In the case of a Dividend Default, the Applicable Rate for each Dividend
Period commencing during a Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each
subsequent Dividend Period commencing after the beginning of a Default Period shall be a
Standard Dividend Period; provided, however, that the commencement of a Default Period will
not by itself cause the commencement of a new Dividend Period. No Auction shall be held
during a Default Period.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default shall
be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due (if such
default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Company) is deposited irrevocably in
trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time within
three Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date, together
with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on
the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 360. The Default Rate shall be
equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(iv) The amount of dividends per share payable (if declared) on each Dividend Payment
Date of each Dividend Period (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with
a redemption during such Dividend Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable
Rate (or the Default Rate) for such Dividend Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction,
the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Dividend Period (or portion
thereof) that such share was Outstanding and for which the Applicable Rate or the Default
Rate was applicable and the denominator of which will be 360, multiplying the amount so
obtained by the liquidation preference per share, and rounding the amount so obtained to the
nearest cent.
B-3
(d) Any dividend payment made on MMP Shares shall first be credited against the earliest
accumulated but unpaid dividends due with respect to such Shares.
(e) For so long as the MMP Shares are Outstanding, except as contemplated by Part I of these
terms of the MMP Shares, the Company will not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or
other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of, or options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Common Shares or other shares of capital stock, if any,
ranking junior to the MMP Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation) with respect to Common Shares
or any other shares of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the MMP Shares as to
dividends or upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any Common Shares or any other such junior shares (except by conversion into or
exchange for shares of the Company ranking junior to the MMP Shares as to dividends and upon
liquidation) or any such parity shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the
Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the MMP Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation),
unless (1) there is no event of default under any Borrowings (including the Tortoise Notes) that is
continuing; (2) immediately after such transaction, the Company would have Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the 1940
Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage would be achieved, (3) immediately after the transaction, the Company
would have eligible portfolio holdings with an aggregated discounted value at least equal to the
asset coverage requirements, if any, under any Borrowings, (4) full cumulative dividends on the MMP
Shares due on or prior to the date of the transaction have been declared and paid and (5) the
Company has redeemed the full number of MMP Shares required to be redeemed by any provision for
mandatory redemption contained in Section 3(a)(ii).
3. Redemption. (a) (i) After the initial Dividend Period, subject to the provisions
of this Section 3 and to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, the Company may,
at its option, redeem in whole or in part out of funds legally available therefor MMP Shares herein
designated as (A) having a Dividend Period of one year or less, on the Business Day after the last
day of such Dividend Period by delivering a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent not less than
15 calendar days and not more than 40 calendar days prior to the date fixed for such redemption, at
a redemption price per share equal to $___, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid
dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption (Redemption
Price), or (B) having a Dividend Period of more than one year, on any Business Day prior to the
end of the relevant Dividend Period by delivering a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent not
less than 15 calendar days and not more than 40 calendar days prior to the date fixed for such
redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any, determined solely by the
Board of Directors and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions at the time of
the designation of such Dividend Period as set forth in Section 4 of these terms of the MMP Shares;
provided, however, that during a Dividend Period of more than one year no MMP Shares will be
subject to optional redemption except in accordance with any Specific Redemption Provisions
approved by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers at the time of the
designation of such Dividend Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not give a
notice of or effect any redemption pursuant to this Section 3(a)(i) unless, on the date on which
the Company intends to give such notice and on the date of redemption (1) the Company has available
certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding the
applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount (including any applicable
premium) due to Holders of MMP Shares by reason of the redemption of such MMP Shares on such date
fixed for the redemption and (2) the Company would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount immediately subsequent
to such redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date, it being understood that the
provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 3 shall be applicable in such circumstances in the
event the Company makes the deposit and takes the other action required thereby.
B-4
(ii) If the Company fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with
an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or,
as of the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage, and such
failure is not cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation Date in the case of a
failure to maintain the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or on the last Business Day of
the following month in the case of a failure to maintain the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset
Coverage (each an Asset Coverage Cure Date), the MMP Shares will be subject to mandatory
redemption out of funds legally available therefor. The number of MMP Shares to be redeemed
in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (1) the minimum number of MMP Shares
the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of
business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Company having
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount, or sufficient to satisfy the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage, as the
case may be, in either case as of the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if
there is no such minimum number of shares the redemption of which would have such result,
all MMP Shares then Outstanding will be redeemed), and (2) the maximum number of MMP Shares
that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory
Redemption Date at the Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in subparagraph (a)(iii) of this
Section 3.
(iii) In determining the MMP Shares required to be redeemed in accordance with the
foregoing Section 3(a)(ii), the Company shall allocate the number of shares required to be
redeemed to satisfy the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset
Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among the Holders of MMP Shares in proportion to the
number of shares they hold by lot or by such other method as the Company shall deem fair and
equitable, subject to any mandatory redemption provisions, subject to the further provisions
of this subparagraph (iii). The Company shall effect any required mandatory redemption
pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3 no later than 40 calendar days after the
Asset Coverage Cure Date (the Mandatory Redemption Date), except that if the Company does
not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is not otherwise legally
permitted to redeem, the number of MMP Shares which would be required to be redeemed by the
Company under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3 if sufficient funds were
available, together with shares of other Preferred Shares which are subject to mandatory
redemption under provisions similar to those contained in this Section 3, or the Company
otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such Mandatory Redemption Date,
the Company shall redeem those MMP Shares, and shares of other Preferred Shares which it was
unable to redeem, on the earliest practicable date on which the Company will have such funds
available, upon notice pursuant to Section 3(b) to record owners of the MMP Shares to be
redeemed and the Paying Agent. The Company will deposit with the Paying Agent funds
sufficient to redeem the specified number of MMP Shares with respect to a redemption
required under subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3, by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the Mandatory Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the Outstanding MMP Shares are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 3(a)(iii), the number of shares to be redeemed shall be
redeemed pro rata from the Holders of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares
held by such Holders, by lot or by such other method as the Company shall deem fair and
equitable, subject, however, to the terms of any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions.
Mandatory Redemption Price means the Redemption Price plus (in the case of a Dividend
Period of one year or more only) a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable
Specific Redemption Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 3(a), the Company will file a notice of
its intention to redeem with the Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice
B-5
required under Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision. In addition, the
Company shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent (the Notice of Redemption)
containing the information set forth below (1) in the case of an optional redemption pursuant to
subparagraph (a)(i) above, one Business Day prior to the giving of notice to the Holders, and (2)
in the case of a mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above, on or prior to the
30th day preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. The Auction Agent will use its reasonable
efforts to provide notice to each Holder of MMP Shares called for redemption by electronic or other
reasonable means not later than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the
day on which the Auction Agent determines the shares to be redeemed (or, during a Default Period
with respect to such shares, not later than the close of business on the Business Day immediately
following the day on which the Auction Agent receives Notice of Redemption from the Company). The
Auction Agent shall confirm such notice in writing not later than the close of business on the
third Business Day preceding the date fixed for redemption by providing the Notice of Redemption to
each Holder of shares called for redemption, the Paying Agent (if different from the Auction Agent)
and the Securities Depository. Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of
MMP Shares at their addresses appearing on the share records of the Company. Such Notice of
Redemption will set forth (1) the date fixed for redemption, (2) the number and identity of MMP
Shares to be redeemed, (3) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated dividends to
be included therein and the amount of the redemption premium, if any), (4) that dividends on the
shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such date fixed for redemption, and (5) the
provision under which redemption shall be made. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the
transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as
required by applicable law. If fewer than all shares held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the
Notice of Redemption mailed to such Holder shall also specify the number of shares to be redeemed
from such Holder.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 3, but subject to Section
7(f), no MMP Shares may be redeemed unless all dividends in arrears on the Outstanding MMP Shares
and all shares of capital stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the MMP Shares with respect
to payment of dividends or upon liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set
aside for payment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or
acquisition of all Outstanding MMP Shares pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise
lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all
Outstanding MMP Shares.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds on the date fixed for redemption sufficient to redeem MMP Shares
with the Paying Agent and the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Auction Agent under
paragraph (b) of this Section 3, dividends on such shares shall cease to accumulate and such shares
shall no longer be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation, for
purposes of calculating whether the Company has maintained the requisite MMP Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage), and all rights of the Holder of the
shares so called for redemption shall cease and terminate, except the right of such Holder to
receive the redemption price specified herein, but without any interest or other additional amount.
Such redemption price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the nominee of the Securities
Depository. Upon written request, the Company shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent,
promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of
(1) the aggregate redemption price of the MMP Shares called for redemption on such date and (2)
such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of MMP Shares called for redemption may be entitled.
Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of two years from such redemption date shall,
to the extent permitted by law, be paid to the Company upon its written request, after which time
the Holders of MMP Shares so called for redemption may look only to the Company for payment of the
redemption price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be entitled.
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(e) To the extent that any redemption for which a Notice of Redemption has been given is not
made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such
redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available
or such redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem MMP Shares shall be deemed
to exist at any time after the date specified for redemption in a Notice of Redemption when the
Company shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit in trust with the Paying Agent the
redemption price with respect to any shares for which such Notice of Redemption has been given.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Company may not have redeemed MMP Shares for which a Notice of
Redemption has been given, dividends may be declared and paid on MMP Shares and shall include those
MMP Shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given but for which deposit of funds has not
been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of MMP Shares
called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the benefit of Holders of
shares so to be redeemed.
(g) So long as any MMP Shares are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository,
the redemption price for such shares will be paid on the date fixed for redemption to the nominee
of the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for distribution to the persons for
whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in these terms of the MMP
Shares limits any right of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire any MMP Shares outside of
an Auction at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection
with an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no
arrearage in the payment of dividends on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with
respect to, any MMP Shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Company is in
compliance with the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount after giving effect to
such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. If fewer than all the Outstanding MMP Shares are
redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Company, the Company shall give notice of such transaction to
the Auction Agent, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
(i) In the case of any redemption pursuant to this Section 3, only whole MMP Shares shall be
redeemed, and in the event that any provision of the Charter would require redemption of a
fractional share, the Auction Agent shall be authorized to round up so that only whole shares are
redeemed.
(j) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, including, without limitation, Sections
2(e), 6(f) and 11 of Part I hereof, the Board of Directors may authorize, create or issue any class
or series of shares of capital stock, including other series of Preferred Shares, ranking prior to
or on a parity with the MMP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, if, upon issuance, the Company would meet the 1940 Act MMP
Shares Asset Coverage, the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the requirements of Section 11
of Part I hereof.
4. Designation of Dividend Period. (a) The initial Dividend Period for the MMP Shares
is as set forth under Designation above. The Company will designate the duration of subsequent
Dividend Periods of MMP Shares; provided, however, that no such designation is necessary for a
Standard Dividend Period and, provided further, that any designation of a Special Dividend Period
shall be effective only if (1) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein, (2) any
failure to pay in a timely manner to the Auction Agent the full amount of any dividend on, or the
redemption price of, MMP Shares shall have been cured as provided above, (3) Sufficient Clearing
Bids shall have existed in an
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Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such proposed Special
Dividend Period, (4) if the Company shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption with respect to any
shares, the redemption price with respect to such shares shall have been deposited with the Paying
Agent, and (5) in the case of the designation of a Special Dividend Period, the Company has
confirmed that as of the Auction Date next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period,
it has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount, and the Company has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice
of such designation and a MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Report to Moodys (if Moodys is then rating
the MMP Shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the MMP Shares) and any Other Rating Agency which
is then rating the MMP Shares and so requires.
(b) If the Company proposes to designate any Special Dividend Period, not fewer than seven (or
two Business Days in the event the duration of the Dividend Period prior to such Special Dividend
Period is fewer than eight days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such
Special Dividend Period, notice shall be (1) made by press release and (2) communicated by the
Company by telephonic or other means to the Auction Agent and confirmed in writing promptly
thereafter. Each such notice shall state (A) that the Company proposes to exercise its option to
designate a succeeding Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B)
that the Company will by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding
the first day of such Special Dividend Period, notify the Auction Agent, who will promptly notify
the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination, subject to certain conditions, to proceed with
such Special Dividend Period, subject to the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y)
its determination not to proceed with such Special Dividend Period, in which latter event the
succeeding Dividend Period shall be a Standard Dividend Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the
first day of any proposed Special Dividend Period, the Company shall deliver to the Auction Agent,
who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Company has determined to designate the next
succeeding Dividend Period as a Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days
thereof and (B) the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Company has determined not to exercise its option to
designate a Special Dividend Period.
If the Company fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of
any proposed Special Dividend Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the
confirmation provided in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this Section 4 by 3:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed
Special Dividend Period, the Company shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the
Auction Agent with respect to such Dividend Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii)
above, thereby resulting in a Standard Dividend Period.
5. Restrictions on Transfer. MMP Shares may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an
order placed in an Auction, (b) to or through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Company or any
Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be
effective unless the selling Existing Holder or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the
case of an Existing Holder whose shares are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction
Agent, or the Broker-Dealer or Agent Member of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer
between persons holding MMP Shares through different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of
such transfer. The certificate representing
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the MMP Shares issued to the Securities Depository will bear legends with respect to the
restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions will be issued to the Transfer Agent
and/or Registrar.
6. Voting Rights. (a) Except as otherwise provided in the Charter or Bylaws, herein
or as otherwise required by applicable law, (1) each holder of MMP Shares shall be entitled to one
vote for each MMP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company, and
(2) the holders of Outstanding Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, and Common Shares shall
vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders; provided, however, that
the holders of Outstanding Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, shall be entitled, as a
class, to the exclusion of the holders of shares of all other classes of stock of the Company, to
elect two Directors of the Company at all times. The identity and class (if the Board of Directors
is then classified) of the nominees for such Directors may be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Subject to paragraph (b) of this Section 6, the holders of outstanding Common Shares and Preferred
Shares, including the MMP Shares, voting together as a single class, shall elect the balance of the
Directors.
(b) During any period in which any one or more of the conditions described below shall exist
(such period being referred to herein as a Voting Period), the number of Directors constituting
the Board of Directors shall automatically increase by the smallest number that, when added to the
two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares,
would constitute a majority of the Board of Directors as so increased by such smallest number; and
the holders of Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, shall be entitled, voting as a class on
a one-vote-per-share basis (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of
shares of the Company), to elect such smallest number of additional Directors, together with the
two Directors that such holders are in any event entitled to elect. A Voting Period shall
commence:
(i) if at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date accumulated dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) on Preferred Shares equal to at least two full years
dividends shall be due and unpaid; or
(ii) if at any time holders of any Preferred Shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to
elect a majority of the Directors of the Company.
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this paragraph
(b) of Section 6 shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting
rights in the holders of Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, upon the further
occurrence of any of the events described in this paragraph (b) of Section 6.
(c) As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the holders of Preferred Shares,
including the MMP Shares, to elect additional Directors as described in paragraph (b) of this
Section 6, the Company shall notify the Auction Agent, and the Auction Agent shall instruct the
Directors to call a special meeting of such holders, and mail a notice of such special meeting to
such holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more than 30 calendar days after the
date of mailing of such notice. If the Company fails to send such notice to the Auction Agent or
if a special meeting is not called, it may be called by any such holder on like notice. The record
date for determining the holders entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be
the close of business on the fifth Business Day preceding the day on which such notice is mailed.
At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of Preferred Shares, including the MMP
Shares, held during a Voting Period at which Directors are to be elected, such holders, voting
together as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of capital
stock of the Company), shall be entitled to elect the number of Directors prescribed in paragraph
(b) of this Section 6 on a one-vote-per-share basis.
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(d) The terms of office of all persons who are Directors of the Company at the time of a
special meeting of holders of the MMP Shares and holders of other Preferred Shares to elect
Directors shall continue, notwithstanding the election at such meeting by the holders and such
other holders of the number of Directors that they are entitled to elect, and the persons so
elected by such holders, together with the two incumbent Directors elected by such holders and the
remaining incumbent Directors, shall constitute the duly elected Directors of the Company.
(e) Simultaneously with the termination of a Voting Period, the terms of office of the
additional Directors elected by the holders of the MMP Shares and holders of other Preferred Shares
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 6 shall terminate, the number of Directors constituting
the Board of Directors shall decrease accordingly, the remaining Directors shall constitute the
Directors of the Company and the voting rights of such holders to elect additional Directors
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 6 shall cease, subject to the provisions of the last
sentence of paragraph (b) of this Section 6.
(f) So long as any of the shares of Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, are
Outstanding, the Company will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding Preferred Shares determined with reference to a majority of outstanding voting
securities as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act (a 1940 Act Majority),
voting as a separate class:
(i) amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers of such class of
Preferred Shares so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers
as defined in Section 6(h) below;
(ii) increase the authorized number of shares of Preferred Shares;
(iii) create, authorize or issue shares of any class of shares of stock ranking senior
to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets, or any securities convertible into, or warrants, options or similar
rights to purchase, acquire or receive, such shares of capital stock ranking senior to or on
a parity with the Preferred Shares or reclassify any authorized shares of capital stock of
the Company into any shares ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares
(except that, notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to the provisions of either Section
3(j) or 11, as applicable, the Board of Directors, without the vote or consent of the
holders of the Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, may from time to time authorize,
create and classify, and the Company may from time to time issue, shares or series of
Preferred Shares, ranking on a parity with the MMP Shares with respect to the payment of
dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up to the
affairs of the Company, and may authorize, reclassify and/or issue any additional MMP
Shares, including shares previously purchased or redeemed by the Company, subject to
continuing compliance by the Company with 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage and MMP Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount requirements);
(iv) institute any proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or consent to
the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or file a petition
seeking or consenting to reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law
relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or consent to the appointment of a receiver,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Company or a
substantial part of its property, or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or,
except as may be required by applicable law, admit in writing its inability to pay its debts
generally as they become due or take any corporate action in furtherance of any such action;
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(v) create, incur or suffer to exist, or agree to create, incur or suffer to exist, or
consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise)
the creation, incurrence or existence of any material lien, mortgage, pledge, charge,
security interest, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or other material
encumbrance of any kind upon any of the Companys assets as a whole, except (A) liens the
validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) liens
for taxes that are not then due and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty,
(C) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances
arising in connection with any indebtedness senior to the MMP Shares or arising in
connection with any futures contracts or options thereon, interest rate swap or cap
transactions, forward rate transactions, put or call options, short sales of securities or
other similar transactions; (D) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security
agreements or other encumbrances arising in connection with any indebtedness permitted under
clause (vi) below and (E) liens to secure payment for services rendered including, without
limitation, services rendered by the Companys custodian and the Auction Agent; or
(vi) create, authorize, issue, incur or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed
money or any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness for borrowed money or any
direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness, except the Company may borrow and issue
senior securities as may be permitted by the Companys investment restrictions; provided,
however, that transfers of assets by the Company subject to an obligation to repurchase
shall not be deemed to be indebtedness for purposes of this provision to the extent that
after any such transaction the Company has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted
Value at least equal to the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of the immediately
preceding Valuation Date.
(g) The affirmative vote of the holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the Outstanding Preferred
Shares, including the MMP Shares, voting as a separate class, shall be required to approve any plan
of reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or any
action requiring a vote of security holders of the Company under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act.
(h) The affirmative vote of the holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the Outstanding shares of
any series of Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, voting separately from any other series,
shall be required with respect to any matter that materially and adversely affects the rights,
preferences, or powers of that series in a manner different from that of other series of classes of
the Companys shares of capital stock. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to
adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any
preferential right of such series; (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of
redemption of such series; or (iii) creates or alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on
transfer applicable to such series. The vote of holders of any shares described in this Section
6(h) will in each case be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of Common
Shares and/or Preferred Shares, if any, necessary to authorize the action in question.
(i) The rights of the MMP Shares or the Holders thereof, including, without limitation, the
interpretation or applicability of any or all covenants or other obligations of the Company
contained herein or of the definitions of the terms contained herein, all such covenants,
obligations and definitions having been adopted pursuant to Rating Agency Guidelines, may from time
to time be modified, altered or repealed by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, based on
a determination by the Board of Directors that such action is necessary or appropriate in
connection with obtaining or maintaining the rating of any Rating Agency with respect to the MMP
Shares or revising the Companys investment restrictions or policies consistent with guidelines of
any Rating Agency, and any such modification, alteration or repeal will not be deemed to affect the
preferences, rights or powers of MMP Shares or the Holders thereof, provided that the Board of
Directors receives written confirmation from
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each relevant Rating Agency (with such confirmation in no event being required to be obtained
from a particular Rating Agency with respect to definitions or other provisions relevant only to
and adopted in connection with another Rating Agencys rating of the MMP Shares) that any such
modification, alteration or repeal would not adversely affect the rating then assigned by such
Rating Agency.
The terms of the MMP Shares are subject to the Rating Agency Guidelines, as reflected
in a written document and as amended from time to time by the respective Rating Agency, for
so long as the MMP Shares are then rated by the applicable Rating Agency. Such Rating
Agency Guidelines may be amended by the respective Rating Agency without the vote, consent
or approval of the Company, the Board of Directors and any holder of shares of Preferred
Shares, including MMP Shares, or any other stockholder of the Company.
In addition, subject to compliance with applicable law, the Board of Directors may
modify the definition of Maximum Rate to increase the percentage amount by which the
Reference Rate is multiplied to determine the Maximum Rate shown therein without the vote or
consent of the holders of the Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, or any other
stockholder of the Company, and without receiving any confirmation from any rating agency
after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such
increase the Company would be in compliance with the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(j) Unless otherwise required by law, Holders of MMP Shares shall not have any relative rights
or preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth herein. The Holders
of MMP Shares shall have no rights to cumulative voting. If the Company fails to pay any dividends
on the MMP Shares, the exclusive remedy of the Holders shall be the right to vote for Directors
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.
(k) The foregoing voting provisions will not apply with respect to the MMP Shares if, at or
prior to the time when a vote is required, such shares have been (i) redeemed or (ii) called for
redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
7. Liquidation Rights. (a) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
affairs of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of MMP Shares then
outstanding, together with holders of shares of any class of shares ranking on a parity with the
MMP Shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up, shall be entitled to receive and to be paid
out of the assets of the Company (or the proceeds thereof) available for distribution to its
stockholders after satisfaction of claims of creditors of the Company an amount equal to the
liquidation preference with respect to such shares. The liquidation preference for MMP Shares
shall be $___ per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated dividends thereon (whether or
not earned or declared but without interest) to the date payment of such distribution is made in
full or a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart with the Paying Agent. No redemption
premium shall be paid upon any liquidation even if such redemption premium would be paid upon
optional or mandatory redemption of the relevant shares. In determining whether a distribution
(other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or otherwise, is
permitted under the MGCL, amounts that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the
time of distribution, to satisfy the liquidation preference of the MMP Shares will not be added to
the Companys total liabilities.
(b) If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Company available for distribution among the holders of
all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, shall be insufficient to permit the
payment in full to holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then the available assets
shall be
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distributed among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares,
ratably in any distribution of assets according to the respective amounts which would be payable on
all the shares if all amounts thereon were paid in full.
(c) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, until payment in full is made to the holders of MMP Shares of the
liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, (1) no dividend or other distribution shall be
made to the holders of Common Shares or any other class of shares of capital stock of the Company
ranking junior to MMP Shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up and (2) no purchase,
redemption or other acquisition for any consideration by the Company shall be made in respect of
the Common Shares or any other class of shares of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to
MMP Shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(d) A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Company with or into any other trust or
company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in
consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another trust or company shall not be deemed
to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes
of this Section 7.
(e) After the payment to the holders of Preferred Shares, including MMP Shares, of the full
preferential amounts provided for in this Section 7, the holders of Preferred Shares, including MMP
Shares, as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.
(f) If the assets of the Company or proceeds thereof available for distribution to the Holders
of MMP Shares, upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such
holders are entitled pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7, no such distribution shall be
made on account of any shares of any other class or series of Preferred Shares ranking on a parity
with MMP Shares unless proportionate distributive amounts shall be paid on account of the MMP
Shares, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts to which holders of all such
parity shares are entitled upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(g) Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series or class or classes of stock
ranking on a parity with MMP Shares with respect to the distribution of assets upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, after payment shall have been made in full
to the holders of the MMP Shares as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 7, but not prior
thereto, any other series or class or classes of stock ranking junior to MMP Shares with respect to
the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the
Company shall, subject to any respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be
entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the
MMP Shares shall not be entitled to share therein.
8. Auction Agent. For so long as any MMP Shares are Outstanding, the Auction Agent,
duly appointed by the Company to so act, shall be in each case a commercial bank, trust company or
other financial institution independent of the Company and its Affiliates (which, however, may
engage or have engaged in business transactions with the Company or its Affiliates) and at no time
shall the Company or any of its Affiliates act as the Auction Agent in connection with the Auction
Procedures. If the Auction Agent resigns or for any reason its appointment is terminated during
any period that any MMP Shares are outstanding, the Company shall use its best efforts promptly
thereafter to appoint another qualified commercial bank, trust company or financial institution to
act as the Auction Agent.
9. 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage. The Company shall maintain, as of the last
Business Day of each month in which any shares of the MMP Shares are Outstanding, asset coverage
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with respect to the MMP Shares which is equal to or greater than the 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset
Coverage; provided, however, that Section 3(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy if the Company fails to
do so.
10. MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. So long as the MMP Shares are Outstanding
and Moodys, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating the shares of the
MMP Shares, the Company shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Moodys Eligible Assets (if
Moodys is then rating the MMP Shares), Fitch Eligible Assets (if Fitch is then rating the MMP
Shares) and (if applicable) Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets having an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount; provided, however, that
Section 3(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy in the event the Company fails to do so.
11. Certain Other Restrictions. For so long as any MMP Shares are Outstanding and any
Rating Agency is then rating such shares, the Company will not, unless it has received written
confirmation from each such rating agency that any such action would not impair the rating then
assigned by such Rating Agency to such shares, engage in certain proscribed transactions set forth
in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
12. Compliance Procedures for Asset Maintenance Tests. For so long as any MMP Shares
are Outstanding and Moodys, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating such
shares, the Company shall deliver to each rating agency which is then rating MMP Shares and any
other party specified in the Rating Agency Guidelines all certificates that are set forth in the
respective Rating Agency Guidelines regarding 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage, MMP Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount and/or related calculations at such times and containing such information as set
forth in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines.
13. Notice. All notices or communications hereunder, unless otherwise specified in
these terms of the MMP Shares, shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person,
by telecopier, by electronic means or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notices
delivered pursuant to this Section 13 shall be deemed given on the earlier of the date received or
the date five days after which such notice is mailed, except as otherwise provided in these terms
of the MMP Shares or by the MGCL for notices of Stockholders meetings.
14. Waiver. To the extent permitted by Maryland law, holders of a 1940 Act Majority
of the Outstanding Preferred Shares, including the MMP Shares, acting collectively or voting
separately from any other series, may by affirmative vote waive any provision hereof intended for
their respective benefit in accordance with such procedures as may from time to time be established
by the Board of Directors.
15. Termination. If no MMP Shares are outstanding, all rights and preferences of such
shares established and designated hereunder shall cease and terminate, and all obligations of the
Company under these terms of the MMP Shares, shall terminate.
16. Facts Ascertainable Outside Charter. Subject to the provisions of these terms of
the MMP Shares, the Board of Directors may, by resolution duly adopted, without stockholder
approval (except as otherwise provided by these terms of the MMP Shares or required by applicable
law), modify these terms of the MMP Shares to reflect any modification hereto which the Board of
Directors is entitled to adopt pursuant to the terms of Section 6(i) hereof or otherwise without
stockholder approval. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Directors may
interpret, modify or adjust the provisions of these terms of the MMP Shares to resolve any
inconsistency or ambiguity or to remedy any defect.
17. Definitions. As used in Part I and Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (with terms defined in the singular having
comparable meanings when used in the plural and vice versa), unless the context otherwise requires:
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(a) AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate on any date means (i) the interest equivalent of (1)
the 30-day rate, in the case of a Dividend Period which is a Standard Dividend Period or shorter or
(2) the 180-day rate, in the case of all other Dividend Periods, on financial commercial paper on
behalf of issuers whose corporate bonds are rated AA by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by
another nationally recognized rating agency, as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date; or (ii) if the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average
of the interest equivalent of such rates on financial commercial paper placed on behalf of such
issuers, as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by the Commercial Paper Dealers to the Auction
Agent for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date (rounded to the
next highest .001 of 1%). If any Commercial Paper Dealer does not quote a rate required to
determine the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, such rate shall be determined on the basis of
the quotations (or quotation) furnished by the remaining Commercial Paper Dealers (or Dealer), if
any, or, if there are no such Commercial Paper Dealers, by a nationally recognized dealer in
financial commercial paper of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the Company.
For purposes of this definition, (A) Commercial Paper Dealers shall mean (1) Citigroup Global
Markets Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman
Sachs & Co.; (2) in lieu of any thereof, its respective Affiliate or successor; and (3) if any of
the foregoing shall cease to quote rates for financial commercial paper of issuers of the sort
described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally recognized dealer in financial commercial
paper of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the Company, and (B) interest
equivalent of a rate stated on a discount basis for financial commercial paper of a given number
of days maturity shall mean a number equal to the quotient (rounded upward to the next higher
one-thousandth of 1%) of (1) such rate expressed as a decimal, divided by (2) the difference
between (x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the product of such rate
expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which such financial commercial paper
shall mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
(b) Affiliate means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the
Company; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with
the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled
by, in control of or under common control with such corporation, one of the directors, directors or
executive officers of which also is a Director of the Company be deemed to be an Affiliate solely
because such Director, director or executive officer also is a Director of the Company.
(c) Agent Member means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act
on behalf of a Bidder.
(d) All Hold Rate means 80% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
(e) Applicable Percentage means the percentage associated with the lower of the credit
ratings assigned to the MMP Shares by Moodys or Fitch, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
Fitch |
|
Applicable |
|
Credit Rating |
|
Credit Rating |
|
Percentage |
|
Aa3 or above |
|
AA- or above |
|
|
200 |
% |
A3 to A1 |
|
A- to A+ |
|
|
250 |
% |
Baa3 to Baa1 |
|
BBB- to BBB+ |
|
|
275 |
% |
Below Baa3 |
|
Below BBB- |
|
|
300 |
% |
(f) Applicable Rate means, with respect to the MMP Shares for each Dividend Period (i) if
Sufficient Clearing Orders exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Winning Bid Rate, (ii) if
Sufficient Clearing Orders do not exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Maximum Rate,
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(iii) in the case where all the MMP Shares are the subject of Hold Orders for the
Auction in respect thereof, the All Hold Rate, and (iv) if an Auction is not held for any reason
(including the circumstance where there is no Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer), the Maximum Rate.
(g) Asset Coverage Cure Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(ii).
(h) Auction means each periodic operation of the procedures set forth under Auction
Procedures.
(i) Auction Agent means The Bank of New York unless and until another commercial bank, trust
company, or other financial institution appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters
into an agreement with the Company to follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining
the Applicable Rate.
(j) Auction Date means the first Business Day next preceding the first day of a Dividend
Period.
(k) Auction Procedures means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Part II
hereof.
(l) Beneficial Owner, with respect to MMP Shares, means a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is
listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction Agent) as a holder of
shares of the series.
(m) Bid shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of these
terms of the MMP Shares.
(n) Bidder shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of
these terms of the MMP Shares; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any affiliate
thereof shall be permitted to be a Bidder in an Auction, except that any Broker-Dealer that is an
affiliate of the Company may be a Bidder in an Auction, but only if the Orders placed by such
Broker-Dealer are not for its own account.
(o) Board of Directors or Board means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly
authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
(p) Broker-Dealer means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by
law to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been
selected by the Company and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement that remains effective.
(q) Broker-Dealer Agreement means an agreement among the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer,
pursuant to which the Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
(r) Business Day means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and
which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law to close.
(s) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(t) Commercial Paper Dealers has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate.
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(u) Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(v) Common Shares means the shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the
Company.
(w) Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(x) Default Period has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(y) Default Rate means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(z) Deposit Securities means cash and any obligations or securities, including Short-Term
Money Market Instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least AAA, A-1 or SP-1 by S&P, except
that, for purposes of section 3(a)(i) of this Part I, such obligations or securities shall be
considered Deposit Securities only if they are also rated at least P-2 by Moodys.
(aa) Discount Factor means the Fitch Discount Factor (if Fitch is then rating the MMP
Shares), the Moodys Discount Factor (if Moodys is then rating the MMP Shares) or any Other Rating
Agency Discount Factor (if any Other Rating Agency is then rating the MMP Shares), whichever is
applicable.
(bb) Discounted Value has the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
(cc) Dividend Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(dd) Dividend Payment Date with respect to the MMP Shares means any date on which dividends
are payable pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Part I.
(ee) Dividend Period means, with respect to the MMP Shares, the period commencing on the
Original Issue Date thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Original Issue
Date thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day following each
Dividend Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Company.
(ff) Eligible Assets means Fitchs Eligible Assets or Moodys Eligible Assets (if Moodys or
Fitch are then rating the MMP Shares) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets (if any Other
Rating Agency is then rating the MMP Shares), whichever is applicable.
(gg) Existing Holder, with respect to shares of MMP Shares, shall mean a Broker-Dealer (or
any such other Person as may be permitted by the Company) that is listed on the records of the
Auction Agent as a holder of shares of such series.
(hh) Fitch means Fitch Ratings and its successors at law.
(ii) Fitch Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Fitch Guidelines for
use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with Fitchs ratings
of MMP Shares.
(jj) Fitch Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Fitch, as may be amended from time to
time, in connection with Fitchs ratings of MMP Shares.
(kk) Holder means, with respect to MMP Shares, the registered holder of MMP Shares as the
same appears on the share ledger or share records of the Company.
B-17
(ll) Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of
these terms of the MMP Shares.
(mm) LIBOR on any Auction Date, means (i) the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the
designated Dividend Period, which appears on display page 3750 of Moneylines Telerate Service
(Telerate Page 3750) (or such other page as may replace that page on that service, or such other
service as may be selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. or its successors) as of 11:00 a.m., London
time, on the day that is the London Business Day on the Auction Date or, if the Auction Date is not
a London Business Day, the London Business Day preceding the Auction Date (the LIBOR Determination
Date), or (ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750 or such other page as may
replace such Telerate Page 3750, (A) Lehman Brothers Inc. shall determine the arithmetic mean of
the offered quotations of the reference banks to leading banks in the London interbank market for
deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Dividend Period in an amount determined by Lehman
Brothers Inc. by reference to requests for quotations as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time)
on such date made by Lehman Brothers Inc. to the reference banks, (B) if at least two of the
reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean of such quotations,
(C) if only one or none of the reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall be deemed to be
the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations that leading banks in The City of New York selected
by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Companys approval) are quoting on the relevant LIBOR
Determination Date for deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Dividend Period in an amount
determined by Lehman Brothers Inc. (after obtaining the Companys approval) that is representative
of a single transaction in such market at such time by reference to the principal London offices of
leading banks in the London interbank market; provided, however, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. is
not a Broker-Dealer or does not quote a rate required to determine the LIBOR, the LIBOR will be
determined on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by any other Broker-Dealer
selected by the Company to provide such rate or rates not being supplied by Lehman Brothers Inc.;
provided further, that if Lehman Brothers Inc. and/or a substitute Broker-Dealer are required but
unable to determine a rate in accordance with at least one of the procedures provided above, the
LIBOR shall be the most recently determinable LIBOR. If the number of Dividend Period days shall
be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 21 days, such rate shall be the seven-day LIBOR rate; (ii) more
than 21 but fewer than 49 days, such rate shall be one-month LIBOR rate; (iii) 49 or more but fewer
than 77 days, such rate shall be the two-month LIBOR rate; (iv) 77 or more but fewer than 112 days,
such rate shall be the three-month LIBOR rate; (v) 112 or more but fewer than 140 days, such rate
shall be the four-month LIBOR rate; (vi) 140 or more but fewer that 168 days, such rate shall be
the five-month LIBOR rate; (vii) 168 or more but fewer 189 days, such rate shall be the six-month
LIBOR rate; (viii) 189 or more but fewer than 217 days, such rate shall be the seven-month LIBOR
rate; (ix) 217 or more but fewer than 252 days, such rate shall be the eight-month LIBOR rate; (x)
252 or more but fewer than 287 days, such rate shall be the nine-month LIBOR rate; (xi) 287 or more
but fewer than 315 days, such rate shall be the ten-month LIBOR rate; (xii) 315 or more but fewer
than 343 days, such rate shall be the eleven-month LIBOR rate; and (xiii) 343 or more days but
fewer than 365 days, such rate shall be the twelve-month LIBOR rate.
(nn) London Business Day means any day on which commercial banks are generally open for
business in London.
(oo) MMP Shares means Series ___ Money Market Cumulative Preferred Shares, liquidation
preference $25,000 per share.
(pp) MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date has the meaning set forth
in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
B-18
(qq) Mandatory Redemption Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of this Part
I.
(rr) Mandatory Redemption Price has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of this Part
I.
(ss) Market Value means the market value of an asset of the Company as determined as
follows:
For equity securities, the value obtained from readily available market quotations. If an
equity security is not traded on an exchange or not available from a Board-approved pricing
service, the value obtained from written broker-dealer quotations. For fixed-income securities,
the value obtained from readily available market quotations based on the last updated sale price or
the value obtained from a pricing service or the value obtained from a written broker-dealer
quotation from a dealer who has made a market in the security. Market value for other securities
will mean the value obtained pursuant to the Companys Valuation procedures. If the market value of
a security cannot be obtained, or the Companys investment adviser determines that the value of a
security as so obtained does not represent the fair value of a security, fair value for that
security shall be determined pursuant to methodologies established by the Board of Directors.
(tt) Maximum Rate means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate
equal to the Applicable Percentage of the Reference Rate, subject to upward but not downward
adjustment in the discretion of the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers,
provided that immediately following any such increase the Company would be in compliance with the
MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(uu) Minimum Rate means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Dividend Period of 30 days or
fewer, 70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of business on the Business Day
next preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on any Auction Date with respect
to a Dividend Period of more than the Standard Dividend Period.
(vv) Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or its successors.
(ww) Moodys Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Moodys Guidelines
as eligible for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection with
Moodys ratings of MMP Shares.
(xx) Moodys Eligible Assets means assets of the Company set forth in the Moodys Guidelines
as eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys assets in connection
with Moodys ratings of MMP Shares.
(yy) Moodys Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Moodys, as may be amended from
time to time, in connection with Moodys ratings of MMP Shares.
(zz) 1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
(aaa) 1940 Act MMP Shares Asset Coverage means asset coverage, as determined in accordance
with Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding senior
securities of the Company which are stock, including all outstanding MMP Shares (or such other
asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset
coverage for senior securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of
declaring
B-19
dividends on its common stock), determined on the basis of values calculated as of a time
within 48 hours next preceding the time of such determination.
(bbb) Notice of Redemption means any notice with respect to the redemption of MMP Shares
pursuant to Section 3.
(ccc) Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of
these terms of the MMP Shares.
(ddd) Original Issue Date means, with respect to the MMP Shares, ___, 200_.
(eee) Other Rating Agency means any rating agency other than Fitch or Moodys then providing
a rating for the MMP Shares pursuant to the request of the Company.
(fff) Other Rating Agency Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Other
Rating Agency Guidelines as eligible for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Companys
assets in connection with such Other Rating Agencys ratings of MMP Shares.
(ggg) Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets means assets of the Company designated by any
Other Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the discounted value of the Companys
assets in connection with such Other Rating Agencys rating of MMP Shares.
(hhh) Other Rating Agency Guidelines means the guidelines provided by each Other Rating
Agency, as may be amended from time to time, in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of
MMP Shares.
(iii) Outstanding or outstanding means, as of any date, MMP Shares theretofore issued by
the Company except, without duplication, (i) any MMP Shares theretofore canceled, redeemed or
repurchased by the Company, or delivered to the Auction Agent for cancellation or with respect to
which the Company has given notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent
sufficient funds to redeem such MMP Shares and (ii) any MMP Shares represented by any certificate
in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (A) for purposes of voting rights (including the determination of the number of
shares required to constitute a quorum), any of the MMP Shares to which the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company shall be the Existing Holder shall be disregarded and not deemed
outstanding; (B) in connection with any Auction, any MMP Shares as to which the Company or any
person known to the Auction Agent to be an Affiliate of the Company shall be the Existing Holder
thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding; and (C) for purposes of determining
the MMP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, MMP Shares held by the Company shall be disregarded and
not deemed outstanding but shares held by any Affiliate of the Company shall be deemed outstanding.
(jjj) Paying Agent means Bank of New York unless and until another entity appointed by a
resolution of the Board of Directors enters into an agreement with the Company to serve as paying
agent.
(kkk) Performing means with respect to any asset, the issuer of such investment is not in
default of any payment obligations in respect thereof.
(lll) Person or person means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a
Company, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof.
B-20
(mmm) Potential Beneficial Owner, with respect to shares of MMP Shares, shall mean a
customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series but that wishes
to purchase shares of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that
wishes to purchase additional shares of such series.
(nnn) Potential Holder, with respect to shares of MMP Shares, shall mean a Broker-Dealer (or
any such other person as may be permitted by the Company) that is not an Existing Holder of MMP
Shares of such series or that is an Existing Holder of MMP Shares of such series that wishes to
become the Existing Holder of additional MMP Shares of such series.
(ooo) Preferred Shares means the shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share,
including the MMP Shares, of the Company from time to time.
(ppp) Rating Agency means each of Fitch (if Fitch is then rating MMP Shares), Moodys (if
Moodys is then rating MMP Shares), and any Other Rating Agency.
(qqq) Rating Agency Guidelines mean Fitch Guidelines (if Fitch is then rating MMP Shares),
Moodys Guidelines (if Moodys is then rating MMP Shares) and any Other Rating Agency Guidelines
(if any Other Rating Agency is then rating MMP Shares), whichever is applicable.
(rrr) Redemption Default has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(sss) Redemption Price has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(i) of this Part I.
(ttt) Reference Rate means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and
Default Rate, the greater of (1) the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a
Dividend Period of fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Dividend
Period of 184 days or more), or (2) the applicable LIBOR.
(uuu) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
(vvv) Securities Depository means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and
assigns or any successor securities depository selected by the Company that agrees to follow the
procedures required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the MMP Shares.
(www) Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II
of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(xxx) Special Dividend Period means a Dividend Period that is not a Standard Dividend
Period.
(yyy) Specific Redemption Provisions means, with respect to any Special Dividend Period of
more than one year, either, or any combination of (i) a period (a Non-Call Period) determined by
the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the shares subject
to such Special Dividend Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Company pursuant
to Section 3(a)(ii) and (ii) a period (a Premium Call Period), consisting of a number of whole
years as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during
each year of which the shares subject to such Special Dividend Period shall be redeemable at the
Companys option pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) and/or in connection with any mandatory redemption
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) at a price per share equal to $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid
dividends plus a
B-21
premium expressed as a percentage or percentages of $25,000 or expressed as a formula using specified
variables as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers.
(zzz) Standard Dividend Period means a Dividend Period of ___ days.
(aaaa) Submission Deadline means 1:00 P.M., Eastern Standard time, on any Auction Date or
such other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the
Auction Agent as specified by the Auction Agent from time to time.
(bbbb) Submitted Bid shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part
II of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(cccc) Submitted Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3
of Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(dddd) Submitted Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of
Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(eeee) Submitted Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3
of Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(ffff) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of
Section 3 of Part II of these terms of the MMP Shares.
(gggg) Treasury Index Rate means the average yield to maturity for actively traded
marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to
maturity as the length of the applicable Dividend Period, determined, to the extent necessary, by
linear interpolation based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next
longer number of 30-day periods to maturity treating all Dividend Periods with a length greater
than the longest maturity for such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in
all cases based upon data set forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if
the most recent such statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding
the date of computation, the foregoing computations shall be based upon the average of comparable
data as quoted to the Company by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities
selected by the Company.
(hhhh) Valuation Date has the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
(iiii) Winning Bid Rate has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of Part II of these
terms of the MMP Shares.
18. Interpretation. References to sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses,
paragraphs and subparagraphs are to such sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs
and subparagraphs contained in this Part I or Part II hereof, as the case may be, unless
specifically identified otherwise.
II. AUCTION PROCEDURES
1. Orders. (a) Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of
MMP Shares:
(i) each Beneficial Owner of shares of the series may submit to its Broker-Dealer
information as to:
B-22
(A) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold without
regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period of the shares;
(B) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner offers to sell if the Applicable Rate
for shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of the
series shall be less than the rate per annum specified by the Beneficial Owner;
and/or
(C) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of the series held by the
Beneficial Owner which the Beneficial Owner offers to sell without regard to the
Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of the series; and
(ii) one or more Broker-Dealers, using lists of Potential Beneficial Owners, shall in
good faith for the purpose of conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially reasonable
manner, contact Potential Beneficial Owners (by telephone or otherwise), including Persons
that are not Beneficial Owners, on such lists to determine the number of shares, if any, of
that series which each Potential Beneficial Owner offers to purchase if the Applicable Rate
for shares for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of that series shall not be
less than the rate per annum specified by the Potential Beneficial Owner.
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner
to a Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, of information referred to in
clause (i)(A)(i), (B), (i)(C) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as an
Order and collectively as Orders and each Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial Owner
placing an Order with a Broker-Dealer, and such Broker-Dealer placing an Order with the Auction
Agent, is hereinafter referred to as a Bidder and collectively as Bidders; an Order containing
the information referred to in clause (i)(A) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a
Hold Order and collectively as Hold Orders; an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a Bid and collectively
as Bids; and an Order containing the information referred to in clause (i)(C) of this paragraph
(a) is hereinafter referred to as a Sell Order and collectively as Sell Orders.
(b) (i) A Bid by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of MMP Shares subject to
an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid if the
Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction Date shall be
less than the rate specified therein;
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series to be
determined as set forth in clause (iv) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Part II
if the Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction Date shall
be equal to the rate specified therein; or
(C) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid if the
rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of the
series, or the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series to be
determined as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Part
II if the
B-23
rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of the
series and Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series do not exist.
(ii) A Sell Order by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of MMP Shares
subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of the series specified in the Sell Order;
or
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series as set
forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Part II if Sufficient
Clearing Bids for shares of the series do not exist;
|
|
provided, however, that a Broker-Dealer that is an Existing Holder with respect to shares of
MMP Shares shall not be liable to any Person for failing to sell the shares pursuant to a
Sell Order described in the proviso to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of this Part II if (1) the
shares were transferred by the Beneficial Owner thereof without compliance by the Beneficial
Owner or its transferee Broker-Dealer (or other transferee person, if permitted by the
Company) with the provisions of Section 7 of this Part II or (2) such Broker-Dealer has
informed the Auction Agent pursuant to the terms of its Broker-Dealer Agreement that,
according to the Broker-Dealers records, the Broker-Dealer believes it is not the Existing
Holder of such shares. |
(iii) A Bid by a Potential Beneficial Holder or a Potential Holder of shares of MMP
Shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to
purchase:
(A) the number of outstanding shares of the series specified in the Bid if the
Applicable Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction Date shall be
higher than the rate specified therein; or
(B) the number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of the series as set
forth in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Part II if the Applicable
Rate for shares of the series determined on the Auction Date shall be equal to the
rate specified therein.
(C) No Order for any number of MMP Shares other than whole shares shall be
valid.
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent. (a) Each Broker-Dealer
shall submit in writing to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date
all Orders for MMP Shares subject to an Auction on the Auction Date, designating itself (unless
otherwise permitted by the Company) as an Existing Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders
submitted or deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in respect of
shares subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners, and shall specify with
respect to each Order for the shares:
(i) the name of the Bidder placing the Order (which shall be the Broker-Dealer unless
otherwise permitted by the Company);
(ii) the aggregate number of shares of the series that are the subject of the Order;
B-24
(iii) to the extent that the Bidder is an Existing Holder of shares of the series:
(A) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Hold Order of
the Existing Holder;
(B) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Bid of the
Existing Holder and the rate specified in the Bid; and
(C) the number of shares, if any, of the series subject to any Sell Order of
the Existing Holder; and
(iv) to the extent the Bidder is a Potential Holder of shares of the series, the rate
and number of shares of the series specified in the Potential Holders Bid.
(b) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the
decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round the rate up to the next highest one thousandth (.001)
of 1%.
(c) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding MMP Shares held by any Existing
Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent
shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of the Existing Holder covering the
number of outstanding shares of the series held by the Existing Holder and not subject to Orders
submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that if an Order or Orders covering all of the
outstanding shares of the series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent
prior to the Submission Deadline for an Auction relating to a Special Dividend Period consisting of
more than [___] Dividend Period Days, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have been
submitted by or on behalf of the Existing Holder covering the number of outstanding shares of the
series held by the Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent.
(d) If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder is submitted to the Auction Agent covering in
the aggregate more than the number of outstanding MMP Shares subject to an Auction held by the
Existing Holder, the Orders shall be considered valid in the following order of priority:
(i) all Hold Orders for shares of the series shall be considered valid, but only up to
and including in the aggregate the number of outstanding shares of the series held by such
Existing Holder, and if the number of shares of the series subject to Hold Orders exceeds
the number of outstanding shares of the series held by such Existing Holder, the number of
shares subject to each Hold Order shall be reduced pro rata to cover the number of
outstanding shares of the series held by such Existing Holder;
(ii) (A) any Bid for shares of the series shall be considered valid up to and including
the excess of the number of outstanding shares of the series held by the Existing Holder
over the number of shares of the series subject to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i)
above;
(B) subject to subclause (A), if more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for
shares of the series is submitted to the Auction Agent with the same rate and the
number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Bids is greater than such
excess, the Bids shall be considered valid up to and including the amount of the
excess, and the number of shares of the series subject to each Bid with the same
rate shall be reduced pro rata to cover the number of shares of the series equal to
such excess;
B-25
(C) subject to subclauses (A) and (B), if more than one Bid of an Existing
Holder for shares of the series is submitted to the Auction Agent with different
rates, the Bids shall be considered valid in the ascending order of their respective
rates up to and including the amount of the excess; and
(D) in any such event, the number, if any, of Outstanding shares of the series
subject to any portion of Bids considered not valid in whole or in part under this
clause (ii) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid for shares of the series by or
on behalf of a Potential Holder at the rate therein specified; and
(iii) all Sell Orders for shares of the series shall be considered valid up to and
including the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of the series held by the Existing
Holder over the sum of shares of such series subject to valid Hold Orders referred to in
clause (i) above and valid Bids referred to in clause (ii) above.
(e) If more than one Bid for one or more shares of MMP Shares is submitted to the Auction
Agent by or on behalf of any Potential Holder, each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the
rate and number of shares therein specified.
(f) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its
Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any
Auction Date, shall be irrevocable.
3. Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate.
(a) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of MMP Shares, the
Auction Agent shall assemble all valid Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by the
Broker-Dealers in respect of shares of the series (each Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a
Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a Submitted Hold Order, a Submitted
Bid or a Submitted Sell Order, as the case may be, or as a Submitted Order and collectively as
Submitted Hold Orders, Submitted Bids or Submitted Sell Orders, as the case may be, or as
Submitted Orders) and shall determine for the series:
(i) the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of the series over the number of
Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted Hold Orders (the excess being
hereinafter referred to as the Available MMP Shares);
(ii) from the Submitted Orders for shares of such series whether:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted Bids of
Potential Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum Rate (for
Standard Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for all Dividend
Periods) for shares of the series; exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(B) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted Bids of
Existing Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum Rate (for Standard
Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for all Dividend Periods) for
shares of the series; and
(C) the number of Outstanding shares of the series subject to Submitted Sell
Orders
B-26
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(in the event the excess or the equality exists (other than because the number of shares of
the series in subclauses (B) and (C) above is zero because all of the Outstanding shares of
the series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), the Submitted Bids in subclause (A) above
being hereinafter referred to collectively as Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the
series); and |
(iii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series exist, the lowest rate
specified in such Submitted Bids (the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series) which
if:
(A) (I) each Submitted Bid of Existing Holders specifying the lowest rate and
(II) all other such Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying lower rates were
rejected, thus entitling the Existing Holders to continue to hold the shares of the
series that are subject to the Submitted Bids; and
(B) (I) each Submitted Bid of Potential Holders specifying the lowest rate and
(II) all other the Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying lower rates were
accepted;
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would result in such Existing Holders described in subclause (A) above continuing to hold an
aggregate number of Outstanding shares of the series which, when added to the number of
Outstanding shares of the series to be purchased by the Potential Holders described in
subclause (B) above, would equal not less than the Available MMP Shares. |
(b) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this Section 3, the Auction Agent shall advise the Company of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate for
MMP Shares for which an Auction is being held on the Auction Date and, based on such determination,
the Applicable Rate for shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof as
follows:
(i) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series exist, that the Applicable
Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof shall be
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series so determined;
(ii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of the series do not exist (other than
because all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders),
that the Applicable Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding Dividend
Period thereof shall be equal to the Maximum Rate for shares of the series; or
(iii) if all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders, that the Applicable Rate for all shares of the series for the next succeeding
Dividend Period thereof shall be All Hold Rate.
4. Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of
Shares. Existing Holders shall continue to hold the MMP Shares that are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders, and, based on the determinations made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3 of this
Part II, the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected by the Auction
Agent and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below:
(a) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of MMP Shares have been made, all Submitted Sell
Orders with respect to shares of the series shall be accepted and, subject to the provisions of
paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 4, Submitted Bids with respect to shares of the series shall
be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted Bids
with respect to shares of the series shall be rejected:
B-27
(i) Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate that
is higher than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted, thus
requiring each Existing Holder to sell the MMP Shares subject to the Submitted Bids;
(ii) Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate that
is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be rejected, thus
entitling each Existing Holder to continue to hold the MMP Shares subject to the Submitted
Bids;
(iii) Potential Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted;
(iv) Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying a rate
that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be rejected, thus
entitling the Existing Holder to continue to hold the MMP Shares subject to the Submitted
Bid, unless the number of Outstanding MMP Shares subject to all Submitted Bids shall be
greater than the number of MMP Shares (remaining shares) in the excess of the Available
MMP Shares over the number of MMP Shares subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii)
and (iii) of this paragraph (a), in which event the Submitted Bid of the Existing Holder
shall be rejected in part, and the Existing Holder shall be entitled to continue to hold MMP
Shares subject to the Submitted Bid, but only in an amount equal to the number of MMP Shares
obtained by multiplying the number of remaining shares by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the number of Outstanding MMP Shares held by the Existing Holder subject to the
Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding MMP
Shares subject to the Submitted Bids made by all such Existing Holders that specified a rate
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series; and
(v) Each Potential Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying a rate
that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted but only in
an amount equal to the number of shares of the series obtained by multiplying the number of
shares in the excess of the Available MMP Shares over the number of MMP Shares subject to
Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of this paragraph (a) by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding MMP Shares subject to the
Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding MMP
Shares subject to Submitted Bids made by all such Potential Holders that specified a rate
equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of the series.
(b) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of MMP Shares have not been made (other than
because all of the Outstanding shares of the series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), subject
to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 4, Submitted Orders for shares of the series
shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted
Bids for shares of the series shall be rejected:
(i) Existing Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate that
is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series shall be rejected, thus
entitling Existing Holders to continue to hold the MMP Shares subject to the Submitted Bids;
(ii) Potential Holders Submitted Bids for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series shall be accepted;
and
B-28
(iii) Each Existing Holders Submitted Bid for shares of the series specifying any rate
that is higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of the series and the Submitted Sell Orders
for shares of the series of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus entitling each
Existing Holder that submitted or on whose behalf was submitted any Submitted Bid or
Submitted Sell Order to sell the shares of the series subject to the Submitted Bid or
Submitted Sell Order, but in both cases only in an amount equal to the number of shares of
such series obtained by multiplying the number of shares of the series subject to Submitted
Bids described in clause (ii) of this paragraph (b) by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the number of Outstanding shares of the series held by the Existing Holder subject
to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and the denominator of which shall be the
aggregate number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to all such Submitted Bids and
Submitted Sell Orders.
(c) If all of the Outstanding shares of MMP Shares are subject to Submitted Hold Orders, all
Submitted Bids for shares of the series shall be rejected.
(d) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (a) or
clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4, any Existing Holder would be entitled or required
to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a share
of MMP Shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in the manner as it shall determine in
its sole discretion, round up or down the number of MMP Shares to be purchased or sold by any
Existing Holder or Potential Holder on the Auction Date as a result of the procedures so that the
number of shares so purchased or sold by each Existing Holder or Potential Holder on the Auction
Date shall be whole shares of MMP Shares.
(e) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this Section
4, any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than a whole share of MMP
Shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in the manner as it shall determine in its
sole discretion, allocate MMP Shares or purchase among Potential Holders so that only whole shares
of MMP Shares are purchased on the Auction Date as a result of such procedures by any Potential
Holder, even if the allocation results in one or more Potential Holders not purchasing MMP Shares
on the Auction Date.
(f) Based on the results of each Auction for shares of MMP Shares, the Auction Agent shall
determine the aggregate number of shares of the series to be purchased and the aggregate number of
shares of the series to be sold by Potential Holders and Existing Holders and, with respect to each
Potential Holder and Existing Holder, to the extent that the aggregate number of shares to be
purchased and the aggregate number of shares to be sold differ, determine to which other Potential
Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall deliver, or from which other Potential Holder(s) or
Existing Holder(s) they shall receive, as the case may be, MMP Shares. Notwithstanding any
provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the contrary, in the event an
Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner of shares of MMP Shares with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer
submitted a Bid to the Auction Agent for the shares that was accepted in whole or in part, or
submitted or is deemed to have submitted a Sell Order for such shares that was accepted in whole or
in part, fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver the shares against payment therefor, partial
deliveries of MMP Shares that have been made in respect of Potential Holders or Potential
Beneficial Owners Submitted Bids for shares of the series that have been accepted in whole or in
part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and Potential Beneficial Owners.
(g) Neither the Company nor the Auction Agent nor any affiliate of either shall have any
responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder, a Potential Holder,
a Beneficial Owner, a Potential Beneficial Owner or its respective Agent Member to deliver MMP
Shares or to pay for MMP Shares sold or purchased pursuant to the Auction Procedures or otherwise.
B-29
SECOND: The Series II Money Market Cumulative Preferred Shares have been classified and
designated by the Board of Directors under the authority contained in the charter.
THIRD: These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the Board of Directors in the
manner and by the vote required by law.
FOURTH: The undersigned President of the Company acknowledges these Articles Supplementary to
be the corporate act of the Company and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under
oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that, to the best of his knowledge, information and
belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made
under the penalties of perjury.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
B-30
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused these Articles Supplementary to be signed in its
name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its
Treasurer on this ___ day of
___, 200_.
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ATTEST:
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TORTOISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION |
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Terry C. Matlack
Treasurer
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David J. Schulte
President |
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B-31
APPENDIX C RATING OF INVESTMENTS
MOODYS INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moodys long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income
obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a
financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of
default and any financial loss suffered in the even of default.
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit
risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit
risk.
A Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered
medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to
substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high
credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default,
with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default,
with little prospect for recovery of principal and interest.
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range; and the modifier 3 indicates a
ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
US Municipal and Tax-Exempt Ratings
Municipal ratings are based upon the analysis of four primary factors relating to municipal
finance: economy, debt, finances, and administration/management strategies. Each of the factors is
evaluated individually and for its effect on the other factors in the context of the municipalitys
ability to repay its debt.
Aaa Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Aa Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
A Issuers or issues rated A present above average creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
C-1
Baa Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Ba Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
B Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal
or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Caa Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Ca Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other
US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
C Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other US
municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating category from Aa
through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issuer or obligation ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates
a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
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Description of Moodys Highest Ratings of State and Municipal Notes and Other Short-Term
Loans |
Moodys ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term loans are designated
Moodys Investment Grade (MIG or, for variable or floating rate obligations, VMIG). Such
ratings recognize the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term risk. Factors
affecting the liquidity of the borrower and short-term cyclical elements are critical in short-term
ratings. Symbols used will be as follows:
MIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to
the market for refinancing.
MIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample,
although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack sufficient margins of protection. Demand features rated in this category may be
supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may
lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase
price upon demand.
VMIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded
by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
C-2
VMIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the
strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections
that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded
by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Description of Moodys Short Term Ratings
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term
financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual
short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding
thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay
short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay
short-term obligations.
NP Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime
rating categories.
C-3
FITCH RATINGS
A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (Fitch) ratings symbols and meanings (as
published by Fitch) follows:
Long-Term Credit Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk.
They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be affected adversely by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk.
They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is
not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may,
nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the
case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered
adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair
this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or
financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated
in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but
a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however,
capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic
developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings
signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, And D Default The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their
prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor.
While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision,
the following serve as general guidelines. DDD obligations have the highest potential for
recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. DD indicates potential
recoveries in the range of 50%-90%, and D the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.
Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated
DDD have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or
without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated DD and D are generally undergoing a
formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated DD are likely to satisfy a higher
portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated D have a poor prospect for
repaying all obligations.
C-4
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to
three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity
necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus
vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
Notes to Long-term and Short-term ratings:
"+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-term rating category, to categories
below CCC, or to Short-term ratings other than F1.
NR indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
Withdrawn A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information
available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or
refinanced.
Rating Watch Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a
reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are
designated as Positive, indicating a potential upgrade, Negative, for a potential downgrade, or
Evolving, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch typically is resolved
over a relatively short period.
A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two year
period. Outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does
not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are `stable could
be downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an
action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these
cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
C-5
STANDARD & POORS CORPORATION
A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poors Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies (Standard & Poors or S&P), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P)
follows:
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations,
or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial
paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or
other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation. The issue credit rating is not a
recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment
as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by
Standard & Poors from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poors does not perform an
audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial
information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally
assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for
example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days including
commercial paper.
Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect
to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term
ratings address the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are
assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws
affecting creditors rights. The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk.
As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated
lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above.
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in small
degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the
obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
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BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, AND C Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as
having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and
C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues.
However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions, which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but
the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of
a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
+/- Plus (+) or minus (-). The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
c The c subscript is used to provide additional information to investors that the bank
may terminate its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the
issuer is below an investment-grade level and/or the issuers bonds are deemed taxable.
P The letter p indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes
the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that
payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely
completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon
failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such
likelihood and risk.
* Continuance of the ratings is contingent upon Standard & Poors receipt of an executed
copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows.
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r The r highlights derivative, hybrid, and certain other obligations that Standard &
Poors believes may experience high volatility or high variability in expected returns as a result
of noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are securities with principal or interest return
indexed to equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and interest-only and
principal-only mortgage securities. The absence of an r symbol should not be taken as an
indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.
N.R. Not rated.
Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the
same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of
the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards
Under present commercial bank regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds
rated in the top four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as investment-grade
ratings) generally are regarded as eligible for bank investment. Also, the laws of various states
governing legal investments impose certain rating or other standards for obligations eligible for
investment by savings banks, trust companies, insurance companies, and fiduciaries in general.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Notes
Standard & Poors note ratings reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique
to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing
beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will
be used in making that assessment:
Amortization schedule the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more
likely it will be treated as a note; and
Source of payment the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the
more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a
very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to
adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
A note rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as it
does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are
based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources
it considers reliable.
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S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result
of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.
Commercial Paper
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of
debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several
categories, ranging from A-1 for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. These
categories are as follows:
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard &
Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong.
Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating
categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during
such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or
the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
A commercial rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as
it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are
based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources
it considers reliable.
S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result
of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.
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Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
June 23, 2006