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As filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2024
1933 Act File
No. 333-282878 |
1940 Act File No. 811-23912 |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
x
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
x Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
¨ Post-Effective Amendment No.
and
x REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
x
Amendment No. 7
Pearl Diver Credit Co Inc.
PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC.
(Registrant Exact Name as Specified in Charter)
747 Third Avenue
Suite 3603
New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(833) 736-6777
(Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code)
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
(Name and address of agent for service)
Copies of Communications to:
Thomas S. Harman Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2541
|
Vlad M. Bulkin
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
1919 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006-3404
|
Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
¨
Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.
¨
Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under
the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
¨
Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.
¨
Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become
effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.
¨
Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional
securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.
It is proposed that this filing will become
effective (check appropriate box):
¨
when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities Act.
If appropriate, check the following box:
¨
This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
¨
This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
¨
This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
¨
This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
Check each box that appropriately characterizes
the Registrant:
x
Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company
Act”)).
¨
Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the
Investment Company Act).
¨
Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under
the Investment Company Act).
¨
A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form).
¨
Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act).
¨
Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)).
¨
If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.
x
New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration
Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities
Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DECEMBER
10, 2024
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Shares
PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC.
% Series A Term Preferred Stock Due 2029
Liquidation Preference $25 per Share
We are a newly organized, externally
managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, or the “1940 Act.” Our primary investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return
with a secondary objective to generate high current income. We will seek to achieve our investment objectives by investing primarily in
equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are collateralized by portfolios of sub-investment
grade, senior secured floating-rate debt, issued by a large number of distinct US companies across several industry sectors. We may also
invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the Adviser (defined below) believes are consistent
with our investment objectives, including senior and mezzanine debt tranches of CLOs and CLO loan accumulation facility warehouse (“CLO
Warehouse”) first loss investments.
The Company has adopted a non-fundamental
investment policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets,
plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in credit instruments. The Company defines “credit instruments”
as financial instruments the performance of which is derived from the performance of senior secured loans or pools thereof. Instruments
that the company considers to be “credit instruments” include, but are not limited to, senior, mezzanine, and junior debt
tranches of CLOs, equity tranches of CLOs, and CLO Warehouses.
We were organized as Pearl
Diver Credit Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on April 12, 2023 and, effective July 9, 2024, we converted from a Delaware
limited liability company into a Delaware corporation under the name Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
Pearl Diver Capital LLP, or
the “Adviser,” is our adviser and manages our investments subject to the supervision of our board of directors (the “Board”).
The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and, as of
September 30, 2024, had approximately $2.8 billion of committed assets under management for investment in CLO securities and related investments.
ALPS Fund Services, Inc., or
the “Administrator,” serves as our administrator.
Our portfolio securities are
held pursuant to a custodian agreement between us and US Bank National Association.
SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves
as our transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursement agent, stockholder servicing agent, and redemption and paying agent, as well as
administrator for our dividend reinvestment plan, or the “DRIP.”
We are offering %
Series A Term Preferred Stock Due 2029 (the “Series A Term Preferred Stock”). We are required to redeem all outstanding shares
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on , 2029 at a redemption price of $25 per share, or the “Liquidation Preference,”
plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the Mandatory Redemption Date (as defined below). At any time on or
after , 2026, we may, at our sole option, redeem the outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock at a redemption
price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption
Date (as defined below). If we fail to maintain asset coverage (as defined in Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act) of at least 200%, we will
be required to redeem the number of shares of our preferred stock (which at our discretion may include any number or portion of the Series
A Term Preferred Stock) that, when combined with any debt securities redeemed for failure to maintain the asset coverage required by
the indenture governing such securities, (1) results in us having asset coverage of at least 200%, or (2) if fewer, the maximum number
of shares of preferred stock that can be redeemed out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any redemption
for failure to maintain such asset coverage, we may, in our sole option, redeem such additional number of shares of preferred stock that
will result in asset coverage up to and including 285%. In addition, in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
affairs, holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution equal to the Liquidation
Preference, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but
excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption.
We intend to pay monthly
dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock at an annual rate of % of the Liquidation Preference, or $25 per share
per year, beginning on , 2024. If our distributions exceed our investment company taxable income in a tax year, such
excess will represent a return of capital to our stockholders. No assurance can be given that we will be able to declare such distributions
in future periods, and our ability to declare and pay distributions will be subject to a number of factors, including our results of
operations. See “Distribution Policy.”
The Series A Term Preferred
Stock will rank senior in right of payment to our common stock, will rank equally in right of payment with any shares of preferred stock
we have issued or may issue in the future and will be subordinated in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness. Each holder
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held on each matter
submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and the holders of all of our outstanding preferred stock and common stock will generally vote
together as a single class. The holders of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (together with the holders of any additional series
of preferred stock we may issue in the future) are entitled as a class to elect two of our directors and, if dividends on any outstanding
shares of our preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more, to elect a majority of our directors (and to continue to be so represented
until all dividends in arrears have been paid or otherwise provided for).
We may borrow funds to make
investments. As a result we would be exposed to the risk of borrowing (also known as leverage) which may be considered a speculative investment
technique. Leverage increases the volatility of investments and magnifies the potential for loss on amounts invested thereby increasing
the risk associated with investing in our common stock. See “Financing and Hedging Strategy.” We determine the
net asset value, or “NAV,” per share of our common stock on a monthly basis. Management’s unaudited estimate of our
net asset value per share of our common stock as of September 30, 2024 was $20.05.
We intend to list the Series
A Term Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PDPA” so that trading will begin within 30 days,
subject to notice of issuance. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange, or “NYSE,” under the ticker symbol
“PDCC.” The Series A Term Preferred Stock has no history of public trading.
Investors should consider
their investment goals, time horizon and risk tolerance before investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. An investment in our Series
A Term Preferred Stock is not appropriate for all investors and is not intended to be a complete investment program. In addition, investing
in our Series A Term Preferred Stock may be considered speculative and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of a substantial
loss of investment. Before purchasing any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, you should read the discussion of the principal risks
of investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock, which are summarized in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus.
| |
Per Share | | |
Total(1) | |
Public offering price | |
$ | | | |
$ | | |
Sales load | |
$ | | | |
$ | | |
Proceeds to us before expenses(2) | |
$ | | | |
$ | | |
|
(1) |
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to additional shares of
Series A Term Preferred Stock at the public offering price within days of the date of this prospectus solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in full, the public offering price, sales load and proceeds to us before expenses
will be $ , $ and $ , respectively. See “Underwriting.” |
|
(2) |
Total offering expenses are estimated to be $781,250. |
The underwriters expect
to deliver our Series A Term Preferred Stock to purchasers on or about , 2024.
The date of this prospectus is ,
2024.
|
Joint
Book-Running Managers |
|
|
|
|
Lucid
Capital Markets |
B. Riley Securities |
Kingswood Capital Partners |
|
|
|
|
Lead Managers |
|
|
|
|
InspereX |
|
Janney Montgomery Scott |
This prospectus contains
important information you should know before investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. Please read this prospectus and retain it
for future reference. The Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024 as it may be supplemented, containing additional information
about the Company, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus. The Statement of
Additional Information is available, along with other Company-related materials, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s Internet site
(http://www.sec.gov), and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.
You may also request a free
copy of the Statement of Additional Information, annual and semi-annual reports to stockholders, and additional information about the
Company, and may make other stockholder inquiries, free of charge, by calling (833) 736-6777 or by writing to the Company at 430 W 7th
Street, Suite 219047, Kansas City, MO 64105.
Neither the SEC nor any
state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Table
of Contents
* * * * * *
You should rely only on the information contained
in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information.
If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not,
making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Our business, financial condition
and results of operations may have changed since the date of this prospectus. We will update these documents to reflect material changes
only as required by law.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary highlights some of the
information contained in this prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to a decision
to invest in our securities. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under “Risk Factors”
and the other information included in this prospectus. Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms:
|
• |
The “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., a Delaware
corporation, or, for periods prior to our conversion to a corporation, Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; |
|
• |
“Pearl Diver Capital” and “Adviser” refer to Pearl Diver Capital LLP, a partnership organized under the laws of
the United Kingdom and an SEC-registered investment adviser; |
|
• |
“Administrator” refers to ALPS Fund Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation; and |
|
• |
“Risk-adjusted returns” refers to the profile of expected asset returns across a range of potential macroeconomic scenarios,
and does not imply that a particular strategy or investment should be considered low-risk. |
Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus assumes
no exercise of the option granted to the underwriters to purchase additional shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to cover over-allotments.
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
We are a
newly organized, externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company
under the 1940 Act. We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company, or “RIC,”
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code,” beginning with our 2024 tax year. We
were formed on April 12, 2023 as Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and, effective July 9, 2024, we
converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation under the name Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. On July
18, 2024, our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “PDCC”
following our initial public offering of 2,200,000 shares of our common stock (the “IPO”) at a public offering price of $20.00
per share.
Our primary investment objective is to maximize
our portfolio’s total return with a secondary objective to generate high current income. We will seek to achieve our investment
objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs, collateralized by portfolios of sub-investment grade, senior
secured floating-rate debt, issued by a large number of distinct US companies across several industry sectors. We may also invest in other
securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the Adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives,
including, senior debt tranches of CLOs and CLO Warehouse first loss investments. The amount that we will invest in other securities and
instruments will vary from time to time and, as such, may constitute a material part of our portfolio on any given date, based on the
Adviser’s assessment of prevailing market conditions.
The CLO equity securities in which we primarily
seek to invest are typically unrated and are considered speculative with respect to timing and amount of distributions.
These investment objectives are not fundamental
policies of ours and may be changed by our Board without prior approval of our stockholders. See “Business.”
CLOs represent an efficient way for investors
to access diversified portfolios of broadly syndicated senior secured loans. We seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes
have the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and to outperform other similar CLO securities issued within the respective
vintage period, in the primary CLO market (i.e., acquiring securities at the inception of a CLO), as well as in the secondary CLO
market (i.e., acquiring existing CLO securities).
CLO equity, which is expected to comprise most,
if not all, of the positions in the Company, is an illiquid investment. For the most part, CLO equity trades “by appointment”
and trading prices are heavily negotiated. Projected cashflows to CLO equity involve a number of assumptions about the future, including
interest rates, reinvestment spreads on loans bought in the future, loan default and prepayment rates, and other factors that may be difficult
to predict. As such, CLO equity is considered a “speculative” investment by rating agencies and there is generally no standard
methodology or observable market that allows a buyer or seller to easily price a CLO equity position at the time of trade.
The Company may acquire (i) CLO equity positions
via primary market transactions, (ii) CLO equity positions via secondary market transactions, and (iii) positions of CLO junior debt in
both the primary and secondary markets. In acquiring these investments, the Company may employ leverage. To the extent that the Company
makes a significant investment in a particular CLO equity tranche, we expect to be generally able to influence the CLO’s key terms
and conditions (if acquired in the primary market). Additionally, the Adviser believes that the protective rights associated with holding
a significant position in a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain
CLO debt tranches after a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents that may arise) may reduce the
risk and enhance returns in these investments. The Company may acquire a significant position in a CLO tranche directly or we may benefit
from the advantages of such position where both the Company and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a significant
position in the same CLO, subject to any restrictions on the ability to invest alongside such other accounts. See “Business-Other
Investment Techniques-Co-Investment with Affiliates.”
The Adviser also intends for the Company to make
short-term investments by participating in or providing CLO Warehouse first loss investments to CLO vehicles for the purposes of enabling
them to acquire portfolios of leveraged loans that are intended to be aggregated for ultimate conversion into CLOs. The Company may also
transact in derivative or other instruments for the purposes of hedging the portfolio, or to manage risks.
Pearl Diver Capital LLP
Pearl Diver Capital LLP,
our investment adviser, manages our investments subject to the oversight of our Board pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, or
the “Investment Advisory Agreement.” For a description of the fees and expenses that we pay to the Adviser, see “The
Adviser and the Administrator - Investment Advisory Agreement - Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee” and “The
Adviser and the Administrator - The Administrator and the Services Agreement.”
The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser
with the SEC. As of September 30, 2024, the Adviser had approximately $2.8 billion of total assets under management for investment in
CLO securities, including capital commitments that were undrawn as of such date. The Adviser commenced operations in 2008 and its principal
place of business is located at 52 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YX, United Kingdom. The Adviser is owned by Mr. Indranil (Neil) Basu and
Mr. Chandrajit Chakraborty. The Adviser’s senior management team are also shareholders in the Pearl Diver group holding company,
Pearl Diver Capital Holdings Ltd., of which the Adviser is an affiliate.
The Adviser pursues a differentiated strategy
within the CLO market with:
| • | a singular focus on investing in CLO equity and debt tranches (the Adviser strategically does not manage
its own CLOs in order to mitigate potential conflicts of interest); |
| • | a
16-year track record (firm inception: September 2008) and currently managing $2.8 billion
in CLO tranches; |
| • | a well-respected roster of institutional investors; |
| • | a focus on identifying relative value; and |
| • | a unique and highly agile approach to CLO investments that utilizes proprietary Statistical and Machine
Learning technologies throughout the investment / research process. |
The Adviser’s CLO investment team (the “Investment
Team”) is led by Mr. Chandrajit Chakraborty, Mr. Indranil (Neil) Basu, Mr. Matthew Layton, Mr. Kerrill Gaffney, Mr. Michael Brown
and Mr. Patrick Chan. The Investment Team is jointly and primarily responsible for our day-to-day investment management and the implementation
of our investment strategy and process. See “The Adviser and the Administrator - Portfolio Managers” for biographical
information.
Each member of the Investment Team is a CLO industry
specialist who has been directly involved in the CLO market for the majority of his or her career and has built relationships with key
market participants, including CLO collateral managers, investment banks, and investors. Members of the Investment Team have been involved
in the CLO market as:
| • | the head of the CLO business at various investment banks; |
| • | a CLO equity and debt investor; and |
| • | a CLO collateral manager. |
We believe that the complementary, yet highly
specialized, skill set of each member of the Investment Team, and the established platform consisting of investment management and operations
/ business management, provides the Adviser with a competitive advantage in its CLO-focused investment strategy. See “The
Adviser and the Administrator - Portfolio Managers.”
In addition to managing our investments, the Adviser’s
affiliates and the members of the Investment Team manage investment accounts for other clients, including certain private investment vehicles.
Many of these accounts pursue an investment strategy that may overlap with the strategy that we intend to pursue.
CLO Overview
CLO Structure
We intend to pursue an investment strategy focused
on investing primarily in (i) positions in CLO equity tranches acquired in both primary and secondary market transactions; (ii) CLO debt
tranches; and (iii) other related investments. CLOs are securitization vehicles backed by diversified pools of mostly broadly syndicated
senior secured sub-investment grade corporate loans, otherwise known as leveraged loans. Such pools of underlying assets are often referred
to as CLO “collateral.” While portfolios of most CLOs consist of broadly syndicated senior secured loans, many CLOs enable
the CLO collateral manager to invest up to 10% of the portfolio in second lien loans, unsecured loans, senior secured bonds, and senior
unsecured bonds.
CLOs fund the purchase of their portfolios through
the issuance of equity and debt securities in the form of multiple, primarily floating rate, debt tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically
are rated “AAA” (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to “BB” or “B” (or its equivalent),
which is below-investment grade, at the junior level by a nationally-recognized rating agency. The interest rate on the CLO debt tranches
is the lowest at the AAA-level and generally increases at each level down the rating scale. The CLO equity tranche is unrated and typically
represents approximately 7% to 10% of a CLO’s capital structure. Below is an illustration to reflect a typical CLO in the market.
CLOs have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly
called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and which govern how cash generated from a CLO’s
underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO’s debt and equity investors. One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest
payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from
principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and the proceeds from loan sales. Through the interest waterfall,
any excess interest-related cashflow available - after the required quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain
CLO expenses (such as administration and collateral management fees) are paid - is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors
each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The equity tranche represents the first-loss position, but is entitled to all
of residual interest and principal collections from the underlying assets and therefore exposes investors to relatively higher risk than
the more senior tranches but allows for greater potential upside.
Underlying Assets of CLOs
CLOs are generally required to hold a portfolio
of assets that is highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and that is subject to a variety of asset concentration limitations.
Most CLOs are non-static, revolving structures that allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time (the “reinvestment period”,
which is typically up to five years). The terms and covenants of a typical CLO structure are, with certain exceptions, based primarily
on the cashflow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of the collateral. These covenants include collateral
coverage tests, interest coverage tests, and collateral quality tests.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically
originated and structured by banks on behalf of corporate borrowers with proceeds often used for leveraged buyout transactions, mergers
and acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and financing capital expenditures.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically
distributed by the arranging bank to a diverse group of investors primarily consisting of: CLOs, senior secured loan and high yield bond
mutual funds and closed-end funds, hedge funds, banks, insurance companies, and finance companies. CLOs currently represent 50%-75% of
the demand for newly issued leveraged loans, according to S&P Capital IQ. Senior secured leveraged loans are floating rate instruments,
typically making quarterly interest payments based on a spread over a benchmark rate, which is generally currently the Secured Overnight
Financing Rate (SOFR). As floating rate instruments, they reduce some of the interest rate risk associated with fixed rate securities,
especially in a period of rising rates. Many senior secured loans have a LIBOR/SOFR floor, which may provide a benefit should rates fall
significantly.
Senior secured loans are secured by a first priority
pledge of a company’s assets. Senior secured loans are protected by sitting at the top of a corporate capital structure and cushioned
by any subordinated debt or equity issued by the company. Senior secured loans are also prepayable and typically prepay on average 30%
per year, per LCD.
We believe that the attractive historical performance
of CLO securities is attributable, in part, to the relatively low historical average default rate and relatively high historical average
recovery rate on senior secured leveraged loans, which comprise the vast majority of most CLO portfolios.
A CLO’s indenture typically requires that
the maturity dates of a CLO’s assets (typically five to eight years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter
than the maturity date of the CLO’s liabilities (typically twelve to thirteen years from the date of issuance). However, CLO investors
do face reinvestment risk with respect to a CLO’s underlying portfolio. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments
- We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.”
Most CLOs generally allow for reinvestment over
a specific period of time (the “reinvestment period,” which is typically up to five years). Specifically, CLO collateral managers
may, based on their discretion and expertise, adjust a CLO’s portfolio over time, though such discretion is typically constrained
by asset eligibility and diversification criteria set out in the CLO’s indenture. We believe that skilled CLO collateral managers
can add significant value to both CLO debt and equity investors through a combination of their credit expertise and a strong understanding
of how to manage effectively within the rules-based structure of a CLO.
After the CLO’s reinvestment period has
ended, in accordance with the CLO’s principal waterfall, cash generated from principal payments or other proceeds are distributed
to repay CLO debt investors in order of seniority. That is, the AAA tranche investors are repaid first, the AA tranche investors second,
and so on, with any remaining principal being distributed to the equity tranche investors. In limited instances, principal may be reinvested
after the end of the reinvestment period.
CLOs contain structural features and covenants
designed to enhance the credit protection of CLO debt investors, including overcollateralization tests and interest coverage tests. The
overcollateralization tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of overcollateralization (measured as par value of assets compared
to principal amount of liabilities, subject to certain adjustments). Interest coverage tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of
interest coverage (measured as expected interest revenues on the assets compared to interest payments on the liabilities). If a CLO breaches
an overcollateralization test or interest coverage test, excess interest-related cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution
to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to acquire new loan collateral until the test is satisfied or after the end of the reinvestment
period of the CLO, prepay CLO debt investors in order of seniority until such time as the covenant breach is cured. If the covenant breach
is not or cannot be cured, the CLO equity investors (and potentially other debt tranche investors) may continue to experience a deferral
of cashflow, a partial or total loss of their investment and/or the CLO may eventually experience an event of default. For this reason,
CLO equity investors are often referred to as being in a first loss position. The Adviser will have no control over whether or not the
CLO is able to satisfy its relevant interest coverage tests or overcollateralization tests.
The acquisition of new loan collateral in this
manner may increase the total amount of assets held by the CLO and hence the resulting cash flows to the CLO equity tranche.
Cashflow CLOs do not have mark-to-market triggers
and, with limited exceptions (such assets rated “CCC+” or lower (or their equivalent) to the extent such assets exceed a specified
concentration limit, deeply discounted purchases and defaulted assets), CLO covenants are generally calculated using the par value of
collateral, not the market value or purchase price. As a result, a decrease in the market price of a CLO’s performing collateral
portfolio does not generally result in a requirement for the CLO collateral manager to sell assets (i.e., no forced sales) or for
CLO equity investors to contribute additional capital (i.e., no margin calls).
CLO Market Opportunity
We believe knowledgeable and experienced investors
with specialized experience in CLO securities can earn an attractive risk-adjusted return through investments in CLOs.
The Adviser intends to focus our investments in
CLO Equity.
We believe that CLO equity has the following attractive
fundamental attributes:
| • | Potential for strong absolute and risk-adjusted returns: We believe that CLO equity offers
a potential total return profile that is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis compared to other asset classes over the long-term. |
| • | Protection against rising interest
rates: A CLO’s asset portfolio typically comprises floating rate loans and
the CLO’s liabilities are also predominantly floating rate instruments. CLO equity
provides potential protection against rising interest rates. However, our investments are
still subject to other forms of interest rate risk. For a discussion of the interest rate
risks associated with our investments, see “Risk Factors - Risks
Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to interest rate
risk” and “- CLO Overview.” |
| • | Senior secured nature of the collateral: The primary attributes of senior secured loans
typically include a senior position in a company’s capital structure (there is a cushion provided by subordinated equity and debt
capital). The holder of a senior secured loan has the first lien security interest in a company’s assets. In general, senior secured
loans have a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 40% to 60% at the time of origination based on a borrower’s assessed enterprise
value. |
CLO securities are also subject to a number of
risks as discussed elsewhere in this “Prospectus Summary” section and in more detail in the “Risk
Factors” section of this prospectus. Among our primary targeted investments, the risks associated with CLO equity are generally
greater than those associated with CLO debt.
Our Competitive Advantages
We believe that we are well positioned to take
advantage of investment opportunities in CLO securities and related investments due to the following competitive advantages:
| • | Experienced and specialist investors in CLO securities. The Adviser focuses solely on CLO
securities and related investments. The Adviser benefits from having a team of investment professionals with more than 144 years of collective
experience in analyzing, structuring and trading securitized products. As a “pure play” CLO investor, the Adviser only invests
in CLO tranches and does not invest in any other form of securitization such as mortgages, credit card receivables or student loans. Further,
in order to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, the Adviser does not serve as the collateral manager for any CLOs. |
| • | Track record. The Adviser began managing CLO focused investment funds in 2008 and currently
provides investment management services to nine funds comprising the Pearl Diver Platform. Since 2008, the Adviser has established a track
record of selecting profitable investments with default rates in the underlying collateral pool lower than the average rate for the broader
loan market. |
| • | Methodical investment process. The Adviser uses a look-through approach which includes in-depth
credit analysis of the corporate debt assets in the collateral pool underlying each CLO as well as a highly automated structural analytics
capability for generating projected CLO cash flows under a variety of stressed scenarios. The precise duration of each CLO is estimated
using proprietary duration simulation algorithms. The Adviser employs a proprietary Machine Learning generated data lake that records
and benchmarks every CLO manager’s style and alpha creation metrics continually, helping in the construction of balanced and diversified
CLO tranche portfolios. |
In addition, the Adviser uses a process and model,
for ongoing risk management and monitoring of all the portfolio of investments under management. This involves continued credit analysis
and monitoring of the underlying collateral portfolios inside CLOs, combined with monitoring and reviews of the structural aspects of
each CLO, including the evolution of the various tests and triggers inside CLOs. In essence, the Adviser’s highly differentiated
quantitative approach allows for pricing of every single CLO tranche in the market on a daily basis, allowing the Adviser to take a “relative
value” approach to all CLO investments.
| • | Identification of investment opportunities. The Adviser has extensive relationships at banks,
other funds, brokerage houses and other participants in the securitized products market. Through these relationships, the Adviser is notified
of a wide range of investment opportunities in CLOs and other securitized products. These investment opportunities are notified to the
Adviser either in the course of particular auction processes or as part of private bilateral negotiations with investors or financial
institutions that may hold, or wish to offer or exit, structured credit investments. The Adviser employs a proprietary natural language
processing (“NLP”) based Investment Origination Engine that automates origination and selection of investments from the secondary
markets via auctions and over-the-counter direct trades. The Investment Origination Engine incorporates a memory of relevant trades and
pricing information related to the trades of CLO tranches over time, allowing the Adviser to approach the market in a highly informed
manner. |
| • | Efficient vehicle for gaining exposure to CLO securities. We believe that we are structured
as an efficient vehicle for investors to gain exposure to CLO securities and related investments. We believe our closed-end fund structure
allows the Adviser to take a long-term view from a portfolio management perspective and allows investors to access liquidity through the
exchange. As such, the Adviser can focus principally on maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of stockholders without
the need to liquidate fund assets to meet redemptions. |
The Adviser has historically focused
considerable time and attention seeking to maximize value within their CLO equity tranche portfolios through CLO refinancings and resets.
In a CLO refinancing, typically only the interest rate spread on a CLO’s debt tranches are reduced, and most other terms of the
CLO remain unchanged. The reduction of a CLO’s cost of debt accrues to the benefit of the CLO’s equity investors, such as
the Company.
In a CLO reset, the CLO’s indenture,
which sets forth the terms governing the CLO, is “re-opened” (e.g., the terms of the indenture and the various tranches
of the CLO can be re-negotiated). Among other potential benefits, resetting a CLO renews the reinvestment period on the CLO, typically
by up to five years. We believe that the ability to lengthen the term of our investments in CLO equity tranches is a key benefit of our
permanent structure and we believe many limited-life investment vehicles are not fully able to capture the value of this benefit.
In both resets and refinancings, there
are one-time transaction costs (e.g., dealer fees, attorney fees, and related costs) which typically reduce the next scheduled
distribution to the CLO’s equity tranche. The Adviser, when deciding whether or not to effect a refinancing or reset of a CLO, performs
a cost-benefit analysis that takes these costs into account. In general, a refinancing or reset of a CLO can increase cashflows to the
equity positions held by the Company by lowering the cost of the CLO’s liabilities.
| • | Long-term investment horizon. We believe in a long-term investment horizon for our portfolio.
We seek to maximize the reinvestment periods of our CLOs wherever possible in the primary market. We also plan to extend, wherever appropriate,
the reinvestment periods of CLOs we own in the portfolio today or those we acquire in the secondary markets. We do not plan to purchase
CLOs with the primary goal to “flip,” or trade in the short term, positions that we purchase. |
We believe that the long-term capital
structure of our vehicle confers a number of advantages on our core strategy. First, as a result of our permanent, closed-end structure,
we are not subject to any mandatory liquidation, dissolution or wind-up requirement and, therefore, the Adviser will never have to involuntarily
liquidate a given position to meet a redemption. Involuntary liquidations of positions at inopportune times can often lead to a poor investment
outcome for those positions in particular, but also for the portfolio as a whole, disadvantaging certain investors who do not redeem at
the same time. Second, the Adviser can take a long-term view to making new investments that may not, in the short term, provide high income
relative to their costs. Such CLO investments can often create robust returns through capital appreciation in their underlying loan portfolios
rather than through high current income. Finally, our vehicle allows us to manage our portfolio to provide stable yields through market
cycles. As we rarely will seek to liquidate positions, the current market value of our portfolio is not of primary concern. Rather, we
seek to maximize the dividend yield and ultimate return to our stockholders. In cases where the Adviser believes a position’s future
cashflows will provide an appropriate return to our stockholders, even if the current market price of that position is low, the Adviser
can retain the position in the portfolio to create yield rather than decide to sell the position to prevent short-term NAV deterioration.
Over time, this creates, in our opinion, a better opportunity to create a stable dividend stream for our investors.
| • | Efficient tax structure. A closed-end management investment company typically does not incur
significant entity-level tax costs, because it is generally entitled to deduct distributions to its stockholders. As a result, a closed-end
management investment company will generally not incur any U.S. federal income tax costs, so long as the closed-end management investment
company qualifies as a RIC and distributes substantially all of its income to its stockholders on a current basis. |
| • | Portfolio level monitoring. Our portfolio monitoring comprises a number of methods. The
Adviser uses standard industry technology to analyze and monitor our positions. Such technology includes an industry leading CLO database
and cashflow “engine,” or generator, and other analytics suites used to compare CLOs across the market and run cashflow projections
and other metrics. We also use other proprietary algorithms and databases to evaluate and model investments on a daily basis. The Adviser,
on behalf of its clients, also uses its position as an important participant in the CLO market to have periodic updates with the various
CLO managers, which often take the form of a credit review of the underlying CLO loan portfolios. Finally, the Adviser uses its market
relationships to contextualize the performance of a given CLO relative to its vintage, its competitors, and to the leveraged loan market
at the time. |
Our Structure and Formation
Transaction
We were organized as Pearl Diver Credit Company,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on April 12, 2023 and, effective July 9, 2024, we converted from a Delaware limited liability
company into a Delaware corporation under the name Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Our initial investment portfolio was purchased
by us prior to the effectiveness of our registration statement and the IPO.
Portfolio Composition
As of September 30, 2024, our investment portfolio
consisted of 41 CLO equity investments with an aggregate fair value of $134,056,895. Below is a description of the portfolio investments
that we held as of September 30, 2024.
Issuer | |
Investment | |
Maturity Date | |
Par | | |
Cost | | |
Fair Value | | |
% of Total
Investment | |
37 Capital Clo 1, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/16/2034 | |
| 8,500,000 | | |
| 5,525,390 | | |
| 4,746,400 | | |
| 3.54 | % |
37 Capital CLO II | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/17/2034 | |
| 7,849,885 | | |
| 5,171,167 | | |
| 5,519,254 | | |
| 4.12 | % |
ALM VII R LTD 0.000%,SERIES 144A | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/15/2036 | |
| 8,042,000 | | |
| 2,533,064 | | |
| 2,540,741 | | |
| 1.90 | % |
AMMC CLO 24, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/22/2035 | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| 4,055,537 | | |
| 3,889,875 | | |
| 2.90 | % |
Anchorage Capital CLO 7, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/28/2037 | |
| 12,000,000 | | |
| 3,764,987 | | |
| 3,829,200 | | |
| 2.86 | % |
Apex Credit CLO 2021-II LLC | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/20/2034 | |
| 3,450,000 | | |
| 1,633,593 | | |
| 1,876,455 | | |
| 1.40 | % |
Ares LIX CLO, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/25/2034 | |
| 3,500,000 | | |
| 2,039,047 | | |
| 2,371,950 | | |
| 1.77 | % |
ARES Loan Funding III, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/25/2034 | |
| 4,000,000 | | |
| 2,371,845 | | |
| 3,817,200 | | |
| 2.85 | % |
Ares LXIII CLO, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/20/2035 | |
| 2,000,000 | | |
| 1,405,275 | | |
| 1,651,000 | | |
| 1.23 | % |
Ares LXIV CLO, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/16/2035 | |
| 5,072,177 | | |
| 3,522,020 | | |
| 3,877,187 | | |
| 2.89 | % |
Ares XXXIX CLO, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/20/2037 | |
| 6,246,752 | | |
| 2,761,713 | | |
| 2,832,902 | | |
| 2.11 | % |
Bain Capital Credit CLO 2024-3, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/16/2037 | |
| 3,790,000 | | |
| 2,956,581 | | |
| 3,097,567 | | |
| 2.31 | % |
Balboa Bay Loan Funding 2021-1, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/20/2034 | |
| 2,626,500 | | |
| 1,284,341 | | |
| 1,341,091 | | |
| 1.00 | % |
BLUEM 2022-35A SUB | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/23/2035 | |
| 4,500,000 | | |
| 3,115,032 | | |
| 2,884,500 | | |
| 2.15 | % |
BlueMountain CLO XXXII, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/16/2034 | |
| 6,400,548 | | |
| 4,145,661 | | |
| 3,750,081 | | |
| 2.80 | % |
BSP 2021-23A SUB | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/25/2034 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,972,000 | | |
| 3,630,000 | | |
| 2.71 | % |
CIFC Funding 2015-IV, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/20/2034 | |
| 10,000,000 | | |
| 3,613,172 | | |
| 3,678,000 | | |
| 2.74 | % |
Elmwood CLO 18, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/18/2033 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 2,682,334 | | |
| 4,114,200 | | |
| 3.07 | % |
Generate Clo 11, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/20/2035 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,618,790 | | |
| 4,333,500 | | |
| 3.23 | % |
Generate CLO 14, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/22/2037 | |
| 4,000,000 | | |
| 3,355,902 | | |
| 3,295,200 | | |
| 2.46 | % |
Harvest US CLO 2024-1, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/20/2037 | |
| 7,437,582 | | |
| 5,443,077 | | |
| 5,414,560 | | |
| 4.04 | % |
Harvest US CLO 2024-2, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/15/2037 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 4,192,105 | | |
| 4,249,500 | | |
| 3.17 | % |
HPS Loan Management 2021- 16, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/23/2035 | |
| 1,800,000 | | |
| 1,125,539 | | |
| 1,028,700 | | |
| 0.77 | % |
ICG US Clo 2020-1, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/22/2035 | |
| 5,300,000 | | |
| 2,603,166 | | |
| 1,565,090 | | |
| 1.17 | % |
LCM 39, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/16/2034 | |
| 7,675,000 | | |
| 5,430,047 | | |
| 6,252,055 | | |
| 4.66 | % |
Marble Point CLO XXI, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/17/2034 | |
| 3,800,000 | | |
| 2,038,875 | | |
| 1,815,260 | | |
| 1.35 | % |
OAKCL 2019-3A SUB | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/20/2034 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 3,494,851 | | |
| 3,523,200 | | |
| 2.63 | % |
Oaktree CLO 2021-2, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
1/16/2035 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,542,725 | | |
| 3,357,000 | | |
| 2.50 | % |
OCP CLO 2023-26, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/17/2036 | |
| 4,250,000 | | |
| 2,999,845 | | |
| 3,503,700 | | |
| 2.61 | % |
PPM CLO 5, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/18/2034 | |
| 10,000,000 | | |
| 5,833,623 | | |
| 4,970,000 | | |
| 3.71 | % |
Regatta XIX Funding, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
4/20/2035 | |
| 7,653,000 | | |
| 6,281,466 | | |
| 6,482,856 | | |
| 4.84 | % |
Regatta XXII Funding, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/20/2035 | |
| 1,250,000 | | |
| 1,039,302 | | |
| 1,054,000 | | |
| 0.79 | % |
Rockford Tower CLO 2021-1, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/20/2034 | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 720,584 | | |
| 570,900 | | |
| 0.43 | % |
RR 19, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/15/2035 | |
| 7,242,000 | | |
| 5,769,804 | | |
| 5,498,851 | | |
| 4.10 | % |
RR 20, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/15/2037 | |
| 3,600,000 | | |
| 2,964,159 | | |
| 2,629,440 | | |
| 1.96 | % |
RR 23, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/15/2035 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,050,452 | | |
| 2,983,000 | | |
| 2.23 | % |
Shackleton 2019-XIV Clo, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/20/2034 | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| 2,242,900 | | |
| 2,123,700 | | |
| 1.58 | % |
TCW CLO 2024-2, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/17/2037 | |
| 6,050,000 | | |
| 4,841,681 | | |
| 5,152,180 | | |
| 3.84 | % |
Vibrant CLO XIII, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
7/17/2034 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,026,450 | | |
| 3,121,500 | | |
| 2.33 | % |
Vibrant CLO XIV, Ltd. | |
Subordinated Notes | |
10/20/2034 | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| 1,795,802 | | |
| 1,685,100 | | |
| 1.25 | % |
| |
| |
| |
| | | |
| 131,963,904 | | |
| 134,056,895 | | |
| 100.00 | % |
| |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total investments at fair value as of September 30, 2024 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
$ | 131,963,904 | | |
$ | 134,056,895 | | |
| 100.0 | % |
Financing and Hedging Strategy
Leverage by the Company. We may
use leverage as and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage
instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes, or preferred stock and leverage
attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. Over the long term, management expects us to operate under normal
market conditions generally with leverage within a range of 25% to 35% of total assets, although the actual amount of our leverage will
vary over time. We currently anticipate incurring leverage by entering into one or more credit facilities or through the issuance of preferred
stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, or debt securities within the first twelve months following the completion of the
IPO. We plan to enter into revolving facilities that will allow us to draw capital in the case that current cash available to pay dividends
is lower than our anticipated run-rate cash dividend, or in the case that asset values in the CLO market fall in a way as to make new
investments attractive. The Adviser would decide whether or not it is beneficial to us to use leverage at any given time. Such facilities
would be committed, but subject to certain restrictions that may not allow us to draw capital even if the Adviser deems it favorable to
do so. Such facilities, if drawn, would become senior in priority to our common stock. The facilities would also charge us an undrawn
commitment fee that we would pay on an ongoing basis, regardless of whether we draw on the facilities or not.
Certain instruments that create leverage are considered
to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing or deemed
borrowing), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset coverage
of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness
not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect
to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required
under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred
stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over
the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding
shares of preferred stock.
Any leverage facilities that we may enter into
will be revolving and thus the actual amount of leverage we will incur may vary from time to time. We may use leverage opportunistically
or otherwise choose to deviate from our current expectations. We may use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments at
any time based on the Adviser’s assessment of market conditions and the investment environment, including forms of leverage other
than preferred stock, debt securities, and/or credit facilities. In addition, we may borrow for temporary, emergency, or other purposes
as permitted under the 1940 Act, which indebtedness would be in addition to the asset coverage requirements described above. By leveraging
our investment portfolio, we may create an opportunity for increased net income and capital appreciation. However, the use of leverage
also involves significant risks and expenses, which will be borne entirely by our common stockholders, and our leverage strategy may not
be successful. For example, the more leverage is employed, the more likely a substantial change will occur in the NAV per share of our
common stock. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be magnified to the extent leverage is utilized.
See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for
gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.”
While we cannot control the market value of our
investments, the Adviser can determine to draw on our planned leverage facility to purchase new assets at a time of market dislocation.
Such purchases, if made, can mitigate price drops in the current portfolio by making new asset purchases at a discount. Further, such
purchases can potentially contribute to an increase in the net asset value of the portfolio upon a market rebound.
Derivative Transactions. We may
engage in “Derivative Transactions,” as described below, from time to time. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions,
we expect to do so to hedge against interest rate, credit, currency, and/or other risks, or for other investment or risk management purposes.
We may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems
it appropriate to do so. We may purchase and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and over-the-counter,
or “OTC,” options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as
swaps, caps, floors, or collars, and credit transactions and credit default swaps. We also may purchase and sell derivative instruments
that combine features of these instruments. Collectively, we refer to these financial management techniques as “Derivative Transactions.”
Our use of Derivative Transactions, if any, will generally be deemed to create leverage for us and involves significant risks. No assurance
can be given that our strategy and use of derivatives will be successful, and our investment performance could diminish compared with
what it would have been if Derivative Transactions were not used. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments - We
are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative Transactions in which we participate.”
Operating and Regulatory Structure
We are a
newly organized, externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company
under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are required to meet certain regulatory tests. See “Regulation
as a Closed-End Management Investment Company.” In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually,
as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, beginning with our 2024 tax year.
Our investment activities are managed by the Adviser
and overseen by our Board. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay the Adviser a base management fee based on our
“Total Equity Base” as well as an incentive fee based on our “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.” “Total
Equity Base” means the net asset value attributable to the common stock (prior to the application of the base management fee or
incentive fee), and the paid-in or stated capital of the preferred interests in the Company (howsoever called), including the Series A
Term Preferred Stock, if any. “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means interest income, dividend income, and any other
income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company
receives from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including
the base management fee and any interest expense and/or dividends paid on any issued and outstanding debt or preferred interests, but
excluding the incentive fee). See “The Adviser and the Administrator - Investment Advisory Agreement - Base Management Fee
and Incentive Fee.”
We have also entered into an administration agreement,
which we refer to as the “Services Agreement,” under which we have agreed to reimburse the Administrator for our allocable
portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Services Agreement. See “The
Adviser and the Administrator - The Administrator and the Services Agreement.”
Conflicts of Interest
Our executive officers and directors, and the
Adviser and its officers and employees, including the Investment Team, may have conflicts of interest as a result of the other activities
in which they engage. Our executive officers and directors, as well as other current and potential future affiliated persons, officers,
and employees of the Adviser and certain of its affiliates, may serve as officers, directors, or principals of, or manage the accounts
for, other entities with investment strategies that substantially or partially overlap with the strategy that we intend to pursue. Accordingly,
they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us
or our stockholders. The Adviser has entered into, and may in the future enter into additional, business arrangements with certain of
our stockholders. In such cases, such stockholders may have an incentive to vote shares held by them in a manner that takes such arrangements
into account. As a result of these relationships and separate business activities, the Adviser has conflicts of interest in allocating
management time, services, and functions among us, other advisory clients and other business activities. See “Conflicts of
Interest.”
In order to address such conflicts of interest,
we have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Similarly, the Adviser has separately adopted the “Adviser Code
of Ethics.” The Adviser Code of Ethics requires the officers and employees of the Adviser to act in the best interests of the Adviser
and its client accounts (including us), act in good faith and in an ethical manner, avoid conflicts of interests with the client accounts
to the extent reasonably possible, and identify and manage conflicts of interest to the extent that they arise. Personnel subject to each
code of ethics may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by
us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. Our directors and officers, and the officers
and employees of the Adviser, are also required to comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and make prompt
reports to supervisory personnel of any actual or suspected violations of law.
Pursuant to the Adviser’s investment allocation
policies and procedures, the Adviser seeks to allocate investment opportunities among accounts in a manner that is fair and equitable
over time. There is no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to any particular account equitably in the short term or that
any such account, including us, will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for it. See “Conflicts
of Interest - Code of Ethics and Compliance Procedures.”
Co-Investment with Affiliates. In
certain instances, we expect to co-invest on a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of the Adviser’s
affiliates, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and the Adviser’s written allocation procedures.
We and the Adviser have submitted an application for exemptive relief to the SEC to permit us and certain of our affiliates to participate
in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser, or certain of its affiliates, subject to certain
conditions. There can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained. A copy of the application for exemptive relief, including
all of the conditions and the related order, will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Recent
Developments
On July
17, 2024, we consummated our initial public offering of 2,200,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per
share. On July 19, 2024, we issued an additional 330,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per share in
connection with the full exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in our IPO. Our common stock began trading
on the NYSE on July 18, 2024.
Effective
July 26, 2024, the Board accepted the resignation of Ivana Kovačić as Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the
Company and appointed Jerald Francis Wirzman to succeed Ms. Kovačić as CCO, effective upon the resignation of Ms. Kovačić.
The appointment was made in connection with the departure of Ms. Kovačić from ALPS Fund Services, Inc. to pursue other opportunities
effective July 26, 2024. Mr. Wirzman will serve as CCO of the Company until his successor is duly appointed or until his resignation or
removal.
On
November 4, 2024, we declared a monthly dividend for our common stock of $0.22 per share for November and December 2024 and January 2025.
The dividends were payable on November 29, 2024 to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2024, December 31, 2024 to stockholders
of record as of December 17, 2024 and January 31, 2025 for stockholders of record as of January 17, 2025.
As
of September 30, 2024, management’s unaudited estimated NAV per share was $20.05. The estimated total NAV of our common stock
was $136.3 million as of September 30, 2024. For the period from our IPO on July 18, 2024 to September 30, 2024, management’s
unaudited estimate of our net investment income per share of common stock was $0.40 per share. As it relates to the financial
information for the period from July 18, 2024 to September 30, 2024, the preliminary financial estimates provided herein have been
prepared by, and are the responsibility of, management. Neither Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public
accounting firm, nor any other independent accountants, have audited, reviewed, compiled, or performed any procedures with respect
to the accompanying preliminary financial information and, accordingly, Deloitte & Touche LLP does not express an opinion or any
other form of assurance with respect thereto. These estimates are not a comprehensive statement of our financial condition or
results for the period from July 18, 2024 to September 30, 2024, and have not undergone our typical fiscal year-end financial
closing procedures. We advise you that current estimates of our NAV per share may differ materially from future NAV estimates or
determinations, including the determination for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, which will be reported in our Annual
Report on Form N-CSR.
Summary Risk Factors
The value of our assets, as well as the market
price of shares of our listed securities, will fluctuate. Our investments should be considered risky, and you may lose all or part of
your investment in us. Investors should consider their financial situation and needs, other investments, investment goals, investment
experience, time horizons, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance before investing in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. An investment in
the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be speculative in that it involves a high degree of risk and should not be considered a complete
investment program. We are designed primarily as a long-term investment vehicle, and our securities are not an appropriate investment
for a short-term trading strategy. We can offer no assurance that returns, if any, on our investments will be commensurate with the risk
of investment in us, nor can we provide any assurance that enough appropriate investments that meet our investment criteria will be available.
The following is a summary of certain principal
risks of an investment in us. See “Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of the risks of investing in
shares of our Series A Term Preferred Stock, including certain risks not summarized below.
| • | Risks of Investing in CLOs and Other Structured Finance Securities. CLOs and other structured
finance securities are generally backed by a pool of credit assets that serve as collateral. Accordingly, CLO and structured finance securities
present risks similar to those of other types of credit investments, including default (credit), interest rate, and prepayment risks.
In addition, CLOs and other structured finance securities are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts, which
increases the risk of dispute over the interpretation and enforceability of such documents relative to other types of investments. There
is also a risk that the trustee of a CLO does not properly carry out its duties to the CLO, potentially resulting in loss to the CLO.
CLOs are also inherently leveraged vehicles and are subject to leverage risk. See “Risks Related to Our Investments - Our
investments in CLO securities and other structured finance securities involve certain risks.” |
| • | Dependence on CLO Managers Risk. The performance of the CLOs in which we invest is highly
dependent on the quality of the respective CLO Managers. The CLO Manager’s responsibilities include managing insolvency proceedings,
loan workouts and modifications, liquidations, and reporting on the performance of the loan pool to the trustee. |
| • | Interest Rate Risk. The price of certain of our investments may be significantly affected
by changes in interest rates. In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, loan defaults may
increase and result in credit losses which may adversely affect the Company’s cash flow, fair value of its assets and operating
results. |
| • | Market Risk. Political, regulatory, economic and social developments, and developments that
impact specific economic sectors, industries, or segments of the market, can affect the value of our investments. A disruption or downturn
in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital, reduce the availability of suitable investment
opportunities for us, or adversely and materially affect the value of our investments, any of which would negatively affect our business. |
| • | Credit Risk. If (1) a CLO in which we invest, (2) an underlying asset of any such CLO, or
(3) any other type of credit investment in our portfolio declines in value or fails to pay interest or principal when due because the
issuer or debtor, as the case may be, experiences a decline in its financial status, our income, NAV, and/or market price would be adversely
impacted. |
| • | Subordinated Securities. CLO equity securities that we may acquire are subordinated to more
senior tranches of CLO debt. CLO equity securities are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of superior priority
interests in the same CLO. |
| • | High-Yield Investment Risk. The CLO equity securities that we hold and intend to acquire
are typically unrated and are therefore considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.
The collateral of underlying CLOs are also typically higher-yield, sub-investment grade investments. Investing in CLO equity securities
and other high-yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely impact
our performance. |
| • | Leverage Risk. The use of leverage, whether directly or indirectly through investments such
as CLO equity securities that inherently involve leverage, may magnify our risk of loss. CLO equity securities are very highly leveraged
(with CLO equity securities typically being leveraged nine to 13 times), and therefore the CLO securities that we hold and in which we
intend to invest are subject to a higher degree of loss since the use of leverage magnifies losses. |
| • | Liquidity Risk. The market for CLO securities is more limited than the market for other
credit related investments. As such, we may not be able to sell such investments quickly, or at all. If we are able to sell such investments,
the prices we receive may not reflect our assessment of their fair value or the amount paid for such investments by us. |
| • | Prepayment Risk. The assets underlying the CLO securities in which we intend to invest are
subject to prepayment by the underlying corporate borrowers. In addition, the CLO securities and related investments in which we invest
are subject to prepayment risk. If we or a CLO collateral manager are unable to reinvest prepaid amounts in a new investment with an expected
rate of return at least equal to that of the investment repaid, our investment performance will be adversely impacted. |
| • | Reinvestment Risk. CLOs will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales that
may be reinvested in substitute assets, subject to compliance with applicable investment tests. If the CLO collateral manager causes the
CLO to purchase substitute assets at a lower yield than those initially acquired (for example, during periods of loan compression or as
may be required to satisfy a CLO’s covenants) or sale proceeds are maintained temporarily in cash, it would reduce the excess interest-related
cash flow, thereby having a negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment
period for a CLO may terminate early, which would cause the holders of the CLO’s securities to receive principal payments earlier
than anticipated. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a
comparable return relative to the credit risk assumed. |
| • | Counterparty Risk. We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which could make it difficult
for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on obligations, thereby resulting in potentially significant losses. |
| • | CLO Warehouse Risk. The Company will invest in participations in CLO Warehouses provided
for the purposes of enabling the borrowers to acquire assets (“Collateral”) which are ultimately intended to be used to collateralize
securities to be issued pursuant to a CLO transaction. The Company’s participation in any CLO Warehouse may take the form of notes
(“Warehouse Equity”) which are subordinated to the interests of one or more senior lenders under the CLO Warehouse. If the
relevant CLO transaction does not proceed for any reason (which may include a decision on the part of the CLO Manager not to proceed with
the closing of such transaction (“closing”)), the realised value of the Collateral may be insufficient to repay any outstanding
amounts owing to the Company in respect of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior lenders under the terms of
the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence that the Company may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse. This
shortfall may be attributable to, amongst other things, a fall in the value of the Collateral between the date of the Company’s
participation in the CLO Warehouse and the date that the Collateral is realized. |
| • | Reference Interest Rate Risk.
The CLO debt securities in which we typically invest earn interest at, and obtain
financing at, a floating rate, which has traditionally been based on the London Interbank
Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). After June 30, 2023, all tenors of LIBOR have either
ceased to be published or, in the case of 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR
settings, are no longer being published on a representative basis. As a result, the relevant
credit markets have transitioned away from LIBOR to other benchmarks. The primary replacement
rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR for loans and CLO debt securities is the Secured Overnight Financing
Rate (“SOFR”), which measures the cost of overnight borrowings through repurchase
agreement transactions collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. As of January 1, 2022,
all new issue CLO securities utilize SOFR as the LIBOR replacement rate. For CLOs issued
prior to 2022, the use of LIBOR is being phased out as loan portfolios transition to utilizing
the SOFR. The ongoing risks associated with transitioning from LIBOR to term SOFR or an alternative
benchmark rate may be difficult to assess or predict. To the extent that the rate utilized
for senior secured loans held by a CLO differs from the rate utilized in calculating interest
on the debt securities issued by the CLO, there is a basis risk between the two rates (e.g.,
SOFR or another benchmark rate or the 1-month term SOFR rate and the 3-month term SOFR rate).
This means the CLO could experience an interest rate mismatch between its assets and liabilities,
which could have an adverse impact on the cash flows distributed to CLO equity investors
as well as our net investment income and portfolio returns until such mismatch is corrected
or minimized, if at all, which would be expected to occur when both the underlying senior
secured loans and the CLO securities utilize the same benchmark index rate. At this time,
it is not possible to predict the full effects of the phasing out of LIBOR on U.S. senior
secured loans, on CLO debt securities, and on the underlying assets of the specific CLOs
in which we intend to invest. |
| • | Fair Valuation of Our Portfolio Investments. Generally there is a more limited public market
for the CLO investments we target. As a result, we value these securities at least quarterly, or more frequently as may be required from
time to time, at fair value. Our determinations of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through
the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate,
possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments. |
| • | Limited Investment Opportunities Risk. The market for CLO securities is more limited than
the market for other credit related investments. We can offer no assurances that sufficient investment opportunities for our capital will
be available. |
| • | Non-Diversification Risk. We are a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act
and may hold a narrower range of investments than a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. |
| • | Currency Risk. Although we intend to primarily make investments denominated in U.S. dollars,
we may make investments denominated in other currencies. Our investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject
to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in relation to the U.S. dollar. |
| • | Hedging Risk. Hedging transactions seeking to reduce risks may result in poorer overall
performance than if we had not engaged in such hedging transactions, and they may also not properly hedge our risks. To the extent that
we use derivatives to hedge our investment risks, we will be subject to risks specific to derivatives transactions. Such risks include
counterparty risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, leverage risk, and volatility risk. |
| • | Conflicts of Interest Risk. Our executive officers and directors, and the Adviser and certain
of its affiliates and their officers and employees, including the Investment Team, have several conflicts of interest as a result of the
other activities in which they engage. See “Conflicts of Interest.” |
| • | Incentive Fee Risk. Our inventive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee
payable to the Adviser may incentivize the Adviser to pursue speculative investments and use leverage in a manner that adversely impacts
our performance. |
| • | Limited Prior Operating History. We were formed in April 2023 and commenced operations on
July 18, 2024 and are therefore are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including
the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of your investment could decline substantially. |
| • | Refinancing Risk. If we incur debt financing and subsequently refinance such debt, the replacement
debt may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions. If we fail to extend, refinance, or replace such debt financings
prior to their maturity on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of such
financings, which would limit our ability to grow. |
| • | Key Personnel Risk. We are dependent upon the key personnel of the Adviser for our future
success. |
| • | Tax Risk. In order to qualify as a RIC each year, the Company must satisfy both an annual
income and asset diversification test. The Company intends to take certain positions regarding the qualification of CLO equity under the
asset diversification test for which there is a lack of guidance. If the Internal Revenue Service were to disagree with the Company’s
position and none of the applicable mitigation provisions are available, we could fail to qualify as a RIC. If we fail to qualify for
tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for any reason, or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate
taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, as well as the amount of income available for distributions, and the amount of such distributions,
to the holders of our equity securities or obligations, and for payments to the holders of our equity securities or obligations. |
| • | Conversion Tax Risk. If the Company’s assets had an aggregate unrealized built-in
gain at the time of the tax-free conversion to a corporation, we would be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax (currently 21%) on
all or a portion of such unrealized appreciation recognized during the succeeding 5-year period, unless we make an election to recognize
such gain. |
| • | Global Economy Risk. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected,
and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region, or financial
market. |
| • | Risks Relating to an Investment in the Series A Preferred Stock. |
| • | Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series A Preferred Stock, and we cannot
assure you that the market price of the Series A Preferred Stock will not decline following the offering. |
| • | A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating assigned by a rating agency to us or the Series
A Preferred Stock, if any, or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of the Series A Preferred Stock to
decline significantly. |
| • | Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not
be able to reinvest their funds. |
| • | Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock bear dividend risk. |
| • | There is a risk of delay in our redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, and we may fail to redeem
such securities as required by their terms. |
| • | A liquid secondary trading market may not develop for the Series A Preferred Stock. |
| • | Increases in market yields or interest rates would result in a decline in the price of the Series A Preferred
Stock. |
Our Corporate Information
Our offices are located at 747 Third Avenue, Suite
3603, New York, New York and our telephone number is (833) 736-6777.
THE OFFERING
Set forth below is additional information regarding
this offering of our securities:
Securities Offered |
shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock
An additional shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock are issuable pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. |
Plan of Distribution |
Lucid
Capital Markets, LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC are acting as joint bookrunners and InspereX LLC and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC are acting as lead managers on the Series A Term Preferred Stock. See “Underwriting.” |
Use of Proceeds |
We intend to use the proceeds from the sale of our Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to this prospectus to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
Listing |
We
intend to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “PDPA.” Trading in Series A Term Preferred
Stock on the NYSE is expected to begin within 30 days after the date of this prospectus. Prior to the expected commencement of trading,
the underwriters may, but are not obligated, to make a market in Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Liquidation Preference |
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution equal to $25 per share, or the “Liquidation Preference,” plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the payment date. |
Dividends |
We intend to pay monthly dividends
on the Series A Term Preferred Stock at a fixed annual rate of % of the Liquidation Preference ($ per share
per year), or the “Dividend Rate.” Our Board may determine not to pay, or may be precluded from paying, such dividends
if our Board believes it is not in the best interest of our stockholders or if we fail to maintain the asset coverage required by
the 1940 Act. See “Description of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock — Dividends — Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate — Default
Period” in this prospectus. The Dividend Rate will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve
30-day months.
|
|
Cumulative
cash dividends on each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock are payable monthly, when, as and if declared, or under authority granted,
by our Board out of funds legally available for such payment. Only holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the record date for
a Dividend Period will be entitled to receive dividends and distributions payable with respect to such Dividend Period, and holders
of Series A Term Preferred Stock who sell shares before such a record date and purchasers of Series A Term Preferred Stock who purchase
shares after such a record date should take the effect of the foregoing provisions into account in evaluating the price to be received
or paid for such Series A Term Preferred Stock. See “Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock — Dividends — General”
and “— Dividend Periods” in this prospectus. |
Ranking |
The Series A Term Preferred Stock will
rank:
· senior
to our common stock in priority of payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding-up
of our affairs;
· equal
in priority with all other series of preferred stock we may issue in the future as to priority of payment of dividends and as to distributions
of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the winding-up of our affairs; and
· subordinate
in right of payment to the holders of any existing and future indebtedness. |
Mandatory Term Redemption |
We are required to redeem all
outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on , 2029, or the “Mandatory Redemption Date,”
at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such
shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the Mandatory Redemption
Date. See “Description of Our Series A Term Preferred Stock - Redemption.”
We cannot effect any modification of or repeal our obligation to redeem
the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Redemption Date without the prior unanimous approval of the holders of the Series A
Term Preferred Stock. |
Leverage |
Subject to the asset coverage requirements
of the 1940 Act, we may issue additional series of preferred stock (or additional shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock), but we
may not issue additional classes of capital stock that rank senior or junior to the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to priority of payment
of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of our affairs.
|
|
We may use leverage as and to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including funds borrowed
from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes or preferred stock and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase
agreements or similar transactions. See “Prospectus Summary — Financing and Hedging Strategy — Leverage
by the Company” in this prospectus. We expect that we will, or that we may need to, raise additional capital in the future
to fund our continued growth, and we may do so by entering into a credit facility, issuing additional shares of preferred stock or debt
securities or through other leveraging instruments.
Certain instruments that create leverage
are considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred
stock), we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such
shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference
of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
With respect to senior securities representing
indebtedness (i.e., borrowings or deemed borrowings), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required
under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our
total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding
senior securities representing indebtedness. |
Mandatory Redemption for
Asset Coverage |
If we fail to maintain asset coverage
(as defined in Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act) of at least 200% as of the close of business on the last business day of any calendar quarter
and such failure is not cured by the close of business on the date that is 30 calendar days following the filing date of our Annual Report
on Form N-CSR, Semiannual Report on Form N-CSRS or Reports on Form N-PORT, as applicable, for that quarter, or the “Asset Coverage
Cure Date,” then we will be required to redeem, within 90 calendar days of the Asset Coverage Cure Date, the number of shares of
our preferred stock (which at our discretion may include any number or portion of the Series A Preferred Stock), that, when combined with
any debt securities redeemed for failure to maintain the asset coverage required by the indenture governing such securities (if applicable),
(1) results in us having asset coverage of at least 200%, or (2) if fewer, the maximum number of shares of our preferred stock that can
be redeemed out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any redemption for failure to maintain such asset coverage,
we may, in our sole option, redeem such additional number of shares of our preferred stock that will result in asset coverage up to and
including 285%. |
|
If shares of the Series A Preferred
Stock are to be redeemed for failure to maintain asset coverage of at least 200%, such shares will be redeemed at a redemption price equal
to the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not declared, but excluding interest
on accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. See “Description
of Our Series A Preferred Stock — Redemption — Redemption for Failure to Maintain Asset Coverage” in this
prospectus. |
Optional Redemption |
At any time on or after , 2026, we may, in our sole option, redeem the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in whole or, from time to time, in part, out of funds legally available for such redemption, at the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. See “Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock — Redemption — Optional Redemption” in this prospectus. |
Voting Rights |
Except as otherwise
provided in our certificate of incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”) or as otherwise required by law, (1) each holder
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held on each matter
submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and (2) the holders of all outstanding preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred
Stock and common stock, will vote together as a single class; provided that holders of preferred stock (including the Series A Term Preferred
Stock) voting separately as a single class, will be entitled to elect two (2) of our directors, or the “Preferred Directors,”
and, if we fail to pay dividends on any outstanding shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, in an amount
equal to two (2) full years of dividends, and continuing until such failure is cured, will be entitled to elect a majority of our directors.
See “Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock —Voting
Rights” in this prospectus. |
Conversion Rights |
The Series A Term Preferred Stock has no conversion rights. |
Redemption and Paying
Agent |
SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves as our redemption and paying agent (the “Redemption and Paying Agent”). |
U.S. Federal Income
Taxes |
The Company intends to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Company generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that is timely distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to stockholders, as applicable. To qualify and maintain its qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes each taxable year, the Company is required to meet certain specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements, and is required to distribute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of its net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses each tax year to stockholders, as applicable. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Matters.” |
Risk Factors |
Investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the information set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” before deciding to invest in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. |
Available Information |
We will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This information is available free of charge by writing us at Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203. |
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
We
have recently commenced operations. As a result, no financial performance information is available. Additional information about
our financial performance will be available in our annual and semi-annual reports.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock
involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, you should consider carefully
the following information before making an investment in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. The risks set out below are not the only risks
we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us might also impair our operations
and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our listed securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of
your investment.
Risks Related to Our Investments
Our investments in CLO securities and other structured finance
securities involve certain risks.
We may invest in primarily below investment grade
(“high yield”) equity and debt securities of CLOs. The CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments purchased by us will generally
represent the most junior parts of the capital structure of the CLO and will not be rated by any rating agency, or if rated, will be rated
below AA/Aa. While all of our CLO investments are subject to the risk of loss, our investments in mezzanine debt and equity CLO investments
will be subject to the greatest risk of loss and will be more directly affected by any losses or delays in payment on the related collateral.
We will invest in CLOs that are managed by various managers, and in some CLOs with underlying collateral consisting of static pools selected
by the related manager. The performance of any particular CLO will depend, among other things, on the level of defaults experienced on
the related collateral, as well as the timing of such defaults and the timing and amount of any recoveries on such defaulted collateral
and (except in the case of static pool CLOs) the impact of any trading of the related collateral. There can be no assurances that any
level of investment return will be achieved by investors. It is possible that our investments in the CLOs will result in a loss on an
aggregate basis (even if some investments do not suffer a loss) and therefore investors could incur a loss on their investment. Because
the payments on certain of our CLO investments (primarily, CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments) are subordinated to payments on
the senior obligations of the respective CLO, these investments represent subordinated, leveraged investments in the underlying collateral.
Therefore, changes in the value of these CLO investments are anticipated to be greater than the change in the value of the underlying
collateral, which themselves are subject to, among other things, credit, liquidity and interest rate risk, which are described below.
Moreover, our CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments will have different degrees of leverage based on the capital structure of the
CLO. Investors should consider with particular care the risks of the leverage present in our investments because, although the use of
leverage by a CLO creates an opportunity for substantial returns on the related investment, the subordination of such investment to the
senior debt securities issued by that CLO increases substantially the likelihood that we could lose our entire investment in such investment
if the underlying collateral is adversely affected by, among other things, the occurrence of defaults.
We may also invest in interests in warehousing
facilities. Prior to the closing of a CLO, an investment bank or other entity that is financing the CLO's structuring may provide a warehousing
facility to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of initial assets. Capital raised during the closing of the CLO is then used to purchase
the portfolio of initial assets from the warehousing facility. A warehousing facility may have several classes of loans with differing
seniority levels with a subordinated or "equity" class typically purchased by the manager of the CLO or other investors. One
of the most significant risks to the holder of the subordinated class of a warehouse facility is the market value fluctuation of the loans
acquired. Subordinated equity holders generally acquire the first loss positions which bear the impact of market losses before more senior
positions upon settling the warehouse facility. Further, warehouse facility transactions often include event of default provisions and
other collateral threshold requirements that grant senior holders or the administrator certain rights (including the right to liquidate
warehouse positions) upon the occurrence of various triggering events including a decrease in the value of warehouse collateral. In addition,
a subordinate noteholder may be asked to maintain a certain level of loan-to-value ratio to mitigate this market value risk. As a result,
if the market value of collateral loans decreases, the subordinated noteholder may need to provide additional funding to maintain the
warehouse lender's loan-to-value ratio.
Our investments in the primary CLO market involve certain additional
risks due to the need to fully “ramp” the portfolio.
Between the pricing date and the effective date
of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period,
the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility
and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio
of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the target initial par amount
of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely
affect the timing and amount of distributions on the CLO equity securities and the timing and amount of interest or principal payments
received by holders of the CLO debt securities and could result in early redemptions, which may cause CLO equity and debt investors to
receive less than face value of their investment.
Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification
among CLO securities which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities experience a high level
of defaults on collateral.
Our portfolio may hold investments in a limited
number of CLO securities. As our portfolio may be less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to
failure if one or more of the CLOs in which we are invested experiences a high level of defaults on its collateral. Similarly, the aggregate
returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down
the value of any one investment. We may also invest in multiple CLOs managed by the same CLO collateral manager, thereby increasing our
risk of loss in the event the CLO collateral manager were to fail, experience the loss of key portfolio management employees or sell its
business.
Failure to maintain adequate diversification
of underlying obligors across the CLOs in which we invest would make us more vulnerable to defaults.
Even if we maintain adequate diversification across
different CLO issuers, we may still be subject to concentration risk since CLO portfolios tend to have a certain amount of overlap across
underlying obligors. This trend is generally exacerbated when demand for bank loans by CLO issuers outpaces supply. Market analysts have
noted that the overlap of obligor names among CLO issuers has increased recently, and is particularly evident across CLOs of the same
year of origination, as well as with CLOs managed by the same asset manager. To the extent we invest in CLOs that have a high percentage
of overlap, this may increase the likelihood of defaults on our CLO investments occurring at the same time.
Our portfolio is focused on CLO securities,
and the CLO securities in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
Our portfolio is focused on securities issued
by CLOs and related investments, and the CLOs in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
As a result, a downturn in the CLO industry or in any particular industry that the CLOs in which we invest are concentrated could significantly
impact the aggregate returns we realize.
Failure by a CLO in which we are invested to satisfy certain
tests will harm our operating results.
The failure by a CLO in which we invest to satisfy
financial covenants, including over-collateralization tests and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments
to us. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn,
reduce the payments we, as holder of equity and junior debt tranches, would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur
expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial
covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect
our operating results and cashflows.
Negative loan ratings migration may also place pressure on the
performance of certain of our investments.
Per the terms of a CLO’s indenture, assets
rated “CCC+” or lower or their equivalent in excess of applicable limits typically do not receive full par credit for purposes
of calculation of the CLO’s overcollateralization tests. As a result, negative rating migration could cause a CLO to be out of compliance
with its overcollateralization tests. This could cause a diversion of cashflows away from the CLO junior debt and equity tranches in favor
of the more senior CLO debt tranches until the relevant overcollateralization test breaches are cured. This could have a negative impact
on our NAV and cashflows.
Our investments in CLOs and other investment vehicles result
in additional expenses to us.
To the extent that we invest in CLO securities,
we will bear our ratable share of a CLO’s expenses, including management and performance fees. In addition to the management and
performance fees borne by our investments in CLOs, we will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser.
With respect to each of these investments, each holder of our common stock bears his or her share of the management and incentive fee
of the Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees charged by the underlying CLO advisor.
In the course of our investing activities, we
will pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser and reimburse the Adviser for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors
in our securities invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, potentially
resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments.
Our investments in CLO securities may be less transparent to
us and our stockholders than direct investments in the collateral.
We invest primarily in equity tranches of CLOs
and other related investments, including junior and senior debt tranches of CLOs. Generally, there may be less information available to
us regarding the collateral held by such CLOs than if we had invested directly in the debt of the underlying obligors. As a result, our
stockholders will not know the details of the collateral of the CLOs in which we invest or receive the reports issued with respect to
such CLO. In addition, none of the information contained in certain monthly reports nor any other financial information furnished to us
as an investor in a CLO is audited and reported upon, nor is an opinion expressed, by an independent public accountant. Our CLO investments
are also subject to the risk of leverage associated with the debt issued by such CLOs and the repayment priority of equity holders in
such CLOs.
CLO investments involve complex documentation and accounting
considerations.
CLOs and other structured finance securities in
which we intend to invest are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts. As a result, the risk of dispute over
interpretation or enforceability of the documentation may be higher relative to other types of investments.
The accounting and tax implications of the CLO
investments that we intend to make are complicated. In particular, reported earnings from CLO equity securities are recorded under U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP,” based upon an effective yield calculation. Current taxable earnings on
certain of these investments, however, will generally not be determinable until after the end of the fiscal year of each individual CLO
that ends within our fiscal year, even though the investments are generating cashflow throughout the fiscal year. The tax treatment of
certain of these investments may result in higher distributable earnings in the early years and a capital loss at maturity, while for
reporting purposes the totality of cashflows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity.
We are dependent on the collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we invest, and those CLOs are generally not registered under the 1940 Act.
We rely on CLO collateral managers to administer
and review the portfolios of collateral they manage. The actions of the CLO collateral managers may significantly affect the return on
our investments; however, we, as investors of the CLO, typically do not have any direct contractual relationship with the collateral managers
of the CLOs in which we invest. The ability of each CLO collateral manager to identify and report on issues affecting its securitization
portfolio on a timely basis could also affect the return on our investments, as we may not be provided with information on a timely basis
in order to take appropriate measures to manage our risks. We will also rely on CLO collateral managers to act in the best interests of
a CLO it manages; however, there can be no assurance that the collateral managers will always act in the best interest of the class or
classes of securities in which we are invested. If any CLO collateral manager were to act in a manner that was not in the best interest
of the CLOs (e.g., with gross negligence, with reckless disregard or in bad faith), this could adversely impact the overall performance
of our investments. Furthermore, since the underlying CLO issuer often provides an indemnity to its CLO collateral manager, we may not
be incentivized to pursue actions against the collateral manager since any such action, if successful, may ultimately be borne by the
underlying CLO issuer and payable from its assets, which could create losses to us as investors in the CLO. In addition, liabilities incurred
by the CLO manger to third parties may be borne by us as investors in CLO equity to the extent the CLO is required to indemnify its collateral
manager for such liabilities.
In addition, the CLOs in which we invest are generally
not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act. As investors in these CLOs, we are not afforded the protections that stockholders
in an investment company registered under the 1940 Act would have.
The collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we intend to invest may not continue to manage such CLOs.
Because we intend to invest in CLO securities
issued by CLOs that are managed by collateral managers that are unaffiliated with the Adviser, there is no guarantee that, for any CLO
we invest in, the collateral manager in place at the time of investment will remain in place through the life of our investment. Collateral
managers are subject to removal or replacement by subject to the consent of the majority of the equity investors in the CLO, and may also
voluntarily resign as collateral manager or assign their role as collateral manager to another entity. There can be no assurance that
any removal, replacement, resignation or assignment of any particular CLO manager’s role will not adversely affect the returns on
the CLO securities in which we intend to invest.
Our investments in CLO securities may be subject to special anti-deferral
provisions that could result in us incurring tax or recognizing income prior to receiving cash distributions related to such income.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute
“passive foreign investment companies,” or “PFICs.” If we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal
income tax purposes in PFICs (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may
be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even
if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate
such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require us to recognize our share of the PFIC’s
income for each tax year regardless of whether we receive any distributions from such PFIC. We must nonetheless distribute such income
to maintain our status as a RIC. We intend to treat our income inclusion with respect to a PFIC with respect to which we have made a qualified
electing fund, or “QEF,” election, as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a
RIC if (i) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion
or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. As such, we may be restricted
in our ability to make QEF elections with respect to our holdings in issuers that could be treated as PFICs in order to ensure our continued
qualification as a RIC and/or maximize our after-tax return from these investments.
If we hold 10% or more of the interests treated
as equity (by vote or value) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation,
or “CFC” (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as a CFC), we may be
treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal
to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If we are
required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in our income, we will be required to distribute such income to maintain our
RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such tax year. We intend to treat our income inclusion
with respect to a CFC as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC either if (i) there is
a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived
with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.
If we are required to include amounts from CLO
securities in income prior to receiving the cash distributions representing such income, we may have to sell some of our investments at
times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities
for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject
to corporate-level income tax.
If a CLO in which we invest fails to comply with certain U.S.
tax disclosure requirements, such CLO may be subject to withholding requirements that could materially and adversely affect our operating
results and cashflows.
The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions
of the Code, or “FATCA,” imposes a withholding tax of 30% on U.S. source periodic payments, including interest and dividends
to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies
with certain reporting requirements regarding its U.S. account holders and its U.S. owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated
as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the
30% withholding. If a CLO in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amount available
to distribute to junior debt and equity holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect the fair value of the CLO’s
securities, our operating results, and cashflows.
Increased competition in the market or a
decrease in new CLO issuances may result in increased price volatility or a shortage of investment opportunities.
In recent years there has been a marked increase
in the number of, and flow of capital into, investment vehicles established to make investments in CLO securities, even though the size
of this market is relatively limited. While we cannot determine the precise effect of such competition, such increase may result in greater
competition for investment opportunities, which may result in an increase in the price of such investments relative to their risk. Such
competition may also result under certain circumstances in increased price volatility or decreased liquidity with respect to certain positions.
In addition, the volume of new CLO issuances and
CLO refinancings varies over time as a result of a variety of factors including new regulations, changes in interest rates, and other
market forces. As a result of increased competition and uncertainty regarding the volume of new CLO issuances and CLO refinancings, we
can offer no assurances that we will deploy all of our capital in a timely manner or at all. Prospective investors should understand that
we may compete with other investment vehicles, as well as investment and commercial banking firms, which have substantially greater resources,
in terms of financial wherewithal and research staffs, than may be available to us.
We may be subject to risks associated with any subsidiaries.
We may in the future invest indirectly through
one or more subsidiaries. Such subsidiaries may include entities that are wholly-owned or primarily controlled by the Company that engage
primarily in investment activities in securities or other assets. In the event that we invest through a subsidiary, we will comply with
the provisions of Section 8 of the 1940 Act governing investment policies on an aggregate basis with any such subsidiary. The Company
also intends to comply with the provisions of Section 18 of the 1940 Act governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis
with any subsidiary, including such that the Company will treat a subsidiary’s debt as its own for purposes of Section 18. Any subsidiary
will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody. Any subsidiary would not be separately
registered under the 1940 Act and would not be subject to all the investor protections and substantive regulation of the 1940 Act, although
any such subsidiary will be managed pursuant to applicable 1940 Act compliance policies and procedures of the Company. In addition, changes
in the laws of the jurisdiction of formation of any future subsidiary could result in the inability of such subsidiary to operate as anticipated.
Additionally, any investment adviser to such subsidiaries will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory
contracts as if it were an investment adviser to the Company under Section 2(a)(20) of the 1940 Act.
We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk.
Since we may incur leverage (including through
credit facilities, preferred stock and/or debt securities) to make investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference
between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds.
The Federal Reserve began raising interest rates
in 2022 and continued to do so through July 2023. After holding rates steady for much of 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the interest
rate paid on reserve balances effective September 19, 2024.
In a rising interest rate environment, any leverage
that we incur may bear a higher interest rate than our current leverage. There may not, however, be a corresponding increase in our investment
income. Any reduction in the level of rate of return on new investments relative to the rate of return on our current investments, and
any reduction in the rate of return on our current investments, could adversely impact our net investment income, reducing our ability
to service the interest obligations on, and to repay the principal of, our indebtedness, as well as our capacity to pay distributions
to our stockholders. See “- Reference Rate Floor Risk.”
The fair value of certain of our investments may
be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, our investments
in senior secured loans through investments in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility.
For example, because CLO debt securities are floating rate securities, a reduction in interest rates would generally result in a reduction
in the coupon payment and cashflow we receive on our CLO debt investments. Further, although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate
the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be a difference between the timing of interest rate resets on the assets and liabilities
of a CLO. Such a mismatch in timing could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition,
CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest
rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of an economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that may adversely
affect our cashflow, fair value of our assets, and operating results. In the event that our interest expense were to increase relative
to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, our return on investments and cash available for distribution to stockholders or
to make other payments on our securities would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry
a greater exposure to interest rate risk.
Reference Rate Floor Risk. Because
CLOs generally issue debt on a floating rate basis, an increase in the applicable reference rate (which is generally expected to be term
SOFR) will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Many of the senior secured loans held by these CLOs have reference rate floors such that,
when the applicable reference rate is below the stated floor, the stated floor (rather than actual reference rate itself) is used to determine
the interest payable under the loans. Therefore, if the applicable reference rate increases but stays below the average reference rate
floor of the senior secured loans held by a CLO, there would not be a corresponding increase in the investment income of such CLOs. The
combination of increased financing costs without a corresponding increase in investment income in such a scenario could result in the
CLO not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
Interest Index Risk. The CLO equity
and debt securities in which we invest earn interest at, and CLOs in which we typically invest earn interest at, and obtain financing
at, a floating rate, which has traditionally been based on LIBOR. After June 30, 2023, all tenors of LIBOR have either ceased to be published
or, in the case of 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings, are no longer being published on a representative basis. As
a result, the relevant credit markets have transitioned away from LIBOR to other benchmarks. The primary replacement rate for U.S. dollar
LIBOR for loans and CLO debt securities is SOFR, which measures the cost of overnight borrowings through repurchase agreement transactions
collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. As of January 1, 2022, all new issue CLO securities utilize SOFR as the LIBOR replacement
rate.
We will invest in CLOs issued prior to
2022 through the secondary market that may be in the process of transitioning their debt securities or underlying assets away from LIBOR.
The ongoing transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of any changes in the pricing of our investments, changes to the
documentation for certain of our investments and the pace of such changes, disputes and other actions regarding the interpretation of
current and prospective loan documentation or modifications to processes and systems. To the extent that the replacement rate utilized
for senior secured loans held by a CLO differs from the rate utilized by the CLO itself, there is a basis risk between the two rates (e.g.,
SOFR, BSBY or other available rates, which could include the prime rate or the Federal funds rate). This means the CLO could experience
an interest rate mismatch between its assets and liabilities, which could have an adverse impact on the cash flows distributed to CLO
equity investors as well as our net investment income and portfolio returns until such mismatch is corrected or minimized, which would
be expected to occur to the extent that both the underlying senior secured loans and the CLO securities utilize the same rate.
Potential
Effects of Alternative Reference Rates. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority announcement or other regulatory changes or announcements, the establishment of SOFR, SONIA or any other alternative reference
rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom, in the U.S., or elsewhere. If no replacement conventions
develop, it is uncertain what effect broadly divergent interest rate calculation methodologies in the markets will have on the price and
liquidity of CLO securities and the ability of the collateral manager to effectively mitigate interest rate risks. As such, the potential
effect of any such event on our net investment income cannot yet be determined.
Interest Rate Mismatch. Many underlying
corporate borrowers can elect to pay interest based on various reference rates (such as 1-month term SOFR, 3-month term SOFR and/or other
rates) in respect of the loans held by CLOs in which we intend to invest, in each case plus an applicable spread, whereas CLOs generally
pay interest to holders of the CLO’s debt tranches based on 3-month term SOFR plus a spread. The 3-month term SOFR rate currently
exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate, which may result in many underlying corporate borrowers electing to pay interest based on the 1-month
term SOFR rate, to the extent that they are entitled to so elect. This mismatch in the rate at which CLOs earn interest and the rate at
which they pay interest on their debt tranches could negatively impact the cashflows on a CLO’s equity tranche, which may in turn
adversely affect our cashflows and results of operations. Unless spreads are adjusted to account for these mismatches, the negative impacts
may worsen to the extent the difference between the 3-month term SOFR rate exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate increases.
Fluctuations
in Interest Rates. In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve increased certain interest rates as part of its efforts to combat rising
inflation, and in September 2024 the U.S. Federal Reserve decreased such rates. Changes in interest rates (or the expectation of such
changes) may adversely affect the CLO securities that we invest in or increase risks associated with such investments. The senior secured
loans underlying CLOs typically have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting
in losses for the CLOs in which we invest. In addition, increasing interest rates may lead to higher prepayment rates, as corporate borrowers
look to avoid escalating interest payments or refinance floating rate loans. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - Our
investments are subject to prepayment risk.” Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs
of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within CLOs have reference rate floors, if the applicable reference rate
is below the average reference rate floor, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income, which could result in the CLO
not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
For detailed discussions of the risks
associated with a rising interest rate environment, see “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject
to interest rate risk,” and “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to risks
associated with investing in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.”
Inflation or deflation may negatively affect our portfolio.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain
assets, or income from our portfolio investments, will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation
increases, the real value of the interest paid and repayments made in relation to CLOs may decline. In addition, during any periods of
rising inflation, some obligors may not be able to make the interest payments on CLO Collateral instruments or refinance those obligations,
resulting in payment defaults. It should be noted that, in response to recent world events, including the global financial crisis, the
COVID-19 global pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, countries around the world have injected trillions of dollars into the economy in
an effort to prevent more severe economic turbulence. This unprecedented amount of government funding and support, has given rise to significant
increases in government spending and (in many instances) significant increases to the amount of debt issued by governments in the international
bond markets. There can be no assurance that governments will be able to repay all of this debt in a timely way, or at all. Government
default on debt would have negative consequences for our portfolio, disrupting financial markets generally and potentially impacting the
credit risk of our investments and also of certain assets that provide the credit support for our investments. In addition, the United
States and other countries have experienced, and may in the future experience, supply chain disruptions for a number of goods in the marketplace.
This potential disruption in supply of goods, combined with unprecedented levels of such government spending and monetary policy, has
materially increased inflation of the US dollar and other currencies. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had in
the past, and in the future may have, negative effects on economic and financial markets, which may consequently have a materially adverse
impact on our investment performance.
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time-the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of obligors and
may make obligor defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the portfolio investments. Moreover, if deflation
was to persist and interest rates were to decline, obligors might refinance their obligations in relation to CLO Collateral at lower interest
rates which could shorten the average life of the CLOs.
Our investments are subject to credit risk.
The CLOs in which we invest, and the loans underlying
such CLOs, are subject to the risk of an issuer's, or debtor’s, ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation
(known as "credit risk") and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as "market risk"). Lower-rated or unrated
(i.e., junk) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities,
which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of lower rated securities will fluctuate
over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market's perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic
growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened
concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing
in lower rated tranches of CLOs and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.
Adverse economic developments can disrupt the
market for CLO securities and severely affect the ability of issuers, especially highly leveraged issuers (such as certain CLOs), to service
their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities.
In addition, the secondary market for CLO securities is not as liquid as the secondary market for other types of equity or fixed-income
securities. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to sell these securities, or we may only be able to sell the securities at prices
lower than if such securities were highly liquid. Furthermore, we may experience difficulty in valuing certain CLO securities at certain
times. Under these circumstances, prices realized upon the sale of such securities may be less than the prices used in calculating the
Company's NAV. Prices for CLO securities may also be affected by legislative and regulatory developments.
Lower-rated tranches of CLOs also present risks
based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligations for redemption or if the underlying loans are paid faster than expected,
we may have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Additionally, we may have indirect exposure to
covenant lite loans through out investments in CLOs. Covenant lite loans are loans that have fewer financial maintenance and reporting
covenants. Such loans may comprise a significant portion of the senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest. Accordingly,
to the extent that the CLOs in which we invest hold covenant lite loans, the CLOs may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have
greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in loans with more robust maintenance and reporting covenants.
Our investments are subject to prepayment risk.
Although the Adviser’s valuations and projections
take into account certain expected levels of prepayments, the collateral of a CLO may be prepaid more quickly than expected. Prepayment
rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of factors beyond our control and consequently cannot be accurately predicted.
Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, as a CLO collateral manager might realize excess cash from prepayments earlier
than expected. If a CLO collateral manager is unable to reinvest such cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least
equal to that of the investment repaid, this may reduce our net income and the fair value of that asset.
We may leverage our portfolio, which would
magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.
We may incur leverage, directly or indirectly,
through one or more special purpose vehicles, indebtedness for borrowed money, as well as leverage in the form of Derivative Transactions,
preferred stock, debt securities, and other structures and instruments, in significant amounts and on terms that the Adviser and our Board
deem appropriate, subject to applicable limitations under the 1940 Act. Such leverage may be used for the acquisition and financing of
our investments, to pay fees and expenses, and for other purposes. Such leverage may be secured or unsecured. Any such leverage does not
include leverage embedded or inherent in the CLO structures in which we invest or derivative instruments in which we may invest.
To the extent that we employ additional leverage,
such leverage will have an effect on our portfolio. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be
magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. For instance, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply
than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make distributions and other payments
to our securityholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur
will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The
cumulative effect of the use of leverage with respect to any investments in a market that moves adversely to such investments could result
in a substantial loss that would be greater than if our investments were not leveraged.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we will generally be required to meet certain asset coverage requirements, as defined under the 1940 Act, with respect to any
senior securities. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowings or deemed borrowings), other than
temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured
at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities
that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock), we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%,
as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing
indebtedness, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or
200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law
to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt or redeem shares of preferred stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which
could have a material adverse effect on our operations. In this instance, we might not be able to make certain distributions or pay dividends
of an amount necessary to continue to be subject to tax as a RIC or to avoid incurring a Fund level tax. Further, if our asset coverage
falls below 200%, we may be prevented from declaring dividends by certain sections of the 1940 Act. The amount of leverage that we employ
will depend on the Adviser’s and our Board’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition, any debt facility into which we may
enter would likely impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder
our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our ability to be subject to
tax as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
The following table is furnished in response to
the requirements of the SEC and illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various
annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those
appearing in the table below.
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses) | |
| -10 | % | |
| -5 | % | |
| 0 | % | |
| 5 | % | |
| 10 | % |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholder(1) | |
| -16.2 | % | |
| -9.5 | % | |
| -2.8 | % | |
| 3.8 | % | |
| 10.5 | % |
Based on our assumed leverage described above,
our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.125% to cover interest payments on our
assumed indebtedness.
Our investments may be highly subordinated and subject to leveraged
securities risk.
Our portfolio includes equity investments in CLOs,
which involve a number of significant risks. CLOs are typically very highly levered (with CLO equity securities being leveraged nine to
thirteen times), and therefore the equity tranches in which we intend to invest will be subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In
particular, investors in CLO securities indirectly bear risks of the collateral held by such CLOs. We generally have the right to receive
payments only from the CLOs, and generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO.
While the CLOs we target generally enable an equity investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior secured loans without the expenses
associated with directly holding the same investments, we will generally pay a proportionate share of the CLO’s administrative,
management, and other expenses if we make a CLO equity investment. In addition, we may have the option in certain CLOs to contribute additional
amounts to the CLO issuer for purposes of acquiring additional assets or curing coverage tests, thereby increasing our overall exposure
and capital at risk to such CLO. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of assets underlying CLOs will rise or fall, these
prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLOs’ securities) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events
that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. The interests we intend to acquire in CLOs will likely be thinly traded
or have only a limited trading market. CLO securities are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result,
investments in CLO equity securities are illiquid. See “Risks Related to Our Investments - The lack of liquidity in our investments
may adversely affect our business.”
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with investing
in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.
We invest primarily in securities that are not
rated by a national securities rating service. The primary assets underlying our CLO security investments are senior secured loans, although
these transactions may allow for limited exposure to other asset classes including unsecured loans and high yield bonds. CLOs generally
invest in lower-rated debt securities that are typically rated below Baa/BBB by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. In addition, we may obtain
direct exposure to such financial assets or instruments. Securities that are not rated or are rated lower than Baa by Moody’s or
lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch are sometimes referred to as “high yield” or “junk.” High-yield debt securities
have greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations. High-yield debt securities and loans are generally unsecured
and may be subordinated to certain other obligations of the issuer thereof. The lower rating of high-yield debt securities and below-investment
grade loans reflects a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer, or in general economic conditions,
or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal or interest.
The CLO equity securities that we hold and intend
to acquire are typically unrated and are therefore considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of
principal. The collateral of underlying CLOs are also typically higher-yield, sub-investment grade investments. Investing in CLO equity
securities and other high-yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely
impact our performance.
A portion of the loans held by CLOs in which we
invest may consist of second lien loans. Second lien loans are secured by liens on the collateral securing the loan that are subordinated
to the liens of at least one other class of obligations of the related obligor. Thus, the ability of the CLO issuer to exercise remedies
after a second lien loan becomes a defaulted obligation is subordinated to, and limited by, the rights of the senior creditors holding
such other classes of obligations. In many circumstances, the CLO issuer may be prevented from foreclosing on the collateral securing
a second lien loan until the related first lien loan is paid in full. Moreover, any amounts that might be realized as a result of collection
efforts or in connection with a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding involving a second lien loan must generally be turned over to the
first lien secured lender until the first lien secured lender has realized the full value of its own claims. In addition, certain of the
second lien loans contain provisions requiring the CLO issuer’s interest in the collateral to be released in certain circumstances.
These lien and payment obligation subordination provisions may materially and adversely affect the ability of the CLO issuer to realize
value from second lien loans and adversely affect the fair value of and income from our investment in the CLO’s securities.
An economic downturn or an increase in interest
rates could severely disrupt the market for high-yield debt securities and loans and adversely affect the value of such outstanding securities
and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest.
Issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans
may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The risk associated with acquiring (directly
or indirectly) the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with highly rated securities. For example, during
an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans may be more likely
to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly leveraged. During such periods, timely service of debt obligations
also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts,
or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders
of high-yield debt securities and loans because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to obligations owed to other
creditors of the issuer of such securities. In addition, the CLO issuer may incur additional expenses to the extent it (or any investment
manager) is required to seek recovery upon a default on a high yield bond (or any other debt obligation) or participate in the restructuring
of such obligation.
We are subject to risks associated with loan assignments and
participations.
The CLOs in which we invest will purchase loan
participations and assignments. Loan participations are interests in loans to obligors which are administered by the lending bank or agent
for a syndicate of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank, financial institution or syndicate member (“intermediary bank”).
In a loan participation, the borrower will be deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest, except to the extent the CLO derives
rights from the intermediary bank. Because the intermediary bank does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan participation
is subject to the credit risks generally associated with the underlying borrower. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the
borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper conduct
by the intermediary bank. In addition, in the event the underlying borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the CLO, may
be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the CLO had purchased a direct obligation
of such borrower. Under the terms of a loan participation, the CLO may be regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather than
of the underlying borrower), so that the CLO may also be subject to the risk that the intermediary bank may become insolvent.
Loan assignments are investments in assignments
of all or a portion of certain loans from third parties. When a CLO in which we have invested, purchases assignments from lenders, it
will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. Since assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential
assignees and assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a CLO in which we have invested, may differ from, and be more
limited than, those held by the assigning lender. Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid investments, which are subject to
the risk described below.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect
our business.
High-yield investments, including subordinated
CLO securities and collateral held by CLOs in which we invest, generally have limited liquidity. As a result, prices of high-yield investments
have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a substantial number of holders (or a few holders of a significantly large
“block” of the securities) decided to sell. In addition, we (or the CLOs in which we invest) may have difficulty disposing
of certain high-yield investments because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To the extent that a secondary trading
market for non-investment grade high-yield investments does exist, it would not be as liquid as the secondary market for highly rated
investments. Reduced secondary market liquidity would have an adverse impact on the fair value of the securities and on our direct or
indirect ability to dispose of particular securities in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness
of the issuer of such securities.
As secondary market trading volumes increase,
new loans frequently contain standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading that may improve market liquidity. There can be no
assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity or that the current
level of liquidity will continue. Because holders of such loans are offered confidential information relating to the borrower, the unique
and customized nature of the loan agreement, and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as publicly
traded securities are purchased or sold. Although a secondary market may exist, risks similar to those described above in connection with
an investment in high-yield debt investments are also applicable to investments in lower rated loans.
The securities issued by CLOs generally offer
less liquidity than other investment grade or high-yield corporate debt, and are subject to certain transfer restrictions that impose
certain financial and other eligibility requirements on prospective transferees. Other investments that we may purchase in privately negotiated
transactions may also be illiquid or subject to legal restrictions on their transfer. As a result of this illiquidity, our ability to
sell certain investments quickly, or at all, in response to changes in economic and other conditions and to receive a fair price when
selling such investments, may be limited, which could prevent us from making sales to mitigate losses on such investments. In addition,
CLOs are subject to the possibility of liquidation upon an event of default, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity
and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which
could make it difficult for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on the obligations represented by investments and result in significant
losses.
We may hold investments (including synthetic securities)
that would expose us to the credit risk of our counterparties or the counterparties of the CLOs in which it invests. In the event of a
bankruptcy or insolvency of such a counterparty, we or a CLO in which such an investment is held could suffer significant losses, including
the loss of that part of our or the CLO’s portfolio financed through such a transaction, declines in the value of our investment.
We are subject to risks associated with defaults on an underlying
asset held by a CLO.
A default and any resulting loss as well as other
losses on an underlying asset held by a CLO may reduce the fair value of our corresponding CLO investment. A wide range of factors could
adversely affect the ability of the borrower of an underlying asset to make interest or other payments on that asset. To the extent that
actual defaults and losses on the collateral of an investment exceed the level of defaults and losses factored into its purchase price,
the value of the anticipated return from the investment will be reduced. The more deeply subordinated the tranche of securities in which
we invest, the greater the risk of loss upon a default. For example, CLO equity is the most subordinated tranche within a CLO and is therefore
subject to the greatest risk of loss resulting from defaults on the CLO’s collateral, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise. Any
defaults and losses in excess of expected default rates and loss model inputs will have a negative impact on the fair value of our investments,
will reduce the cashflows that we receive from our investments, adversely affect the fair value of our assets, and could adversely impact
our ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, the holders of the equity and junior debt tranches typically have limited rights with respect
to decisions made with respect to collateral following an event of default on a CLO. In some cases, the senior-most class of notes can
elect to liquidate the collateral even if the expected proceeds are not expected to be able to pay in full all classes of notes. We could
experience a complete loss of our investment in such a scenario.
In addition, the collateral of CLOs may require
substantial workout negotiations or restructuring in the event of a default or liquidation. Any such workout or restructuring is likely
to lead to a substantial reduction in the interest rate of such asset and/or a substantial write-down or write-off of all or a portion
the principal of such asset. Any such reduction in interest rates or principal will negatively affect the fair value of our portfolio.
We are subject to risks associated with
CLO Warehouses.
We may invest in CLO Warehouses provided for
the purposes of enabling the borrowers to acquire assets (“Collateral”) which are ultimately intended to be used to collateralize
securities to be issued pursuant to a CLO transaction. Our participation in any CLO Warehouse may take the form of notes (“Warehouse
Equity”) which are subordinated to the interests of one or more senior lenders under the CLO Warehouse. If the relevant CLO transaction
does not proceed for any reason (which may include a decision on the part of the CLO Manager not to proceed with the closing of such transaction
(“closing”)), the realized value of the Collateral may be insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect
of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence
that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse. This shortfall may be attributable to, amongst other things,
a fall in the value of the Collateral between the date of our participation in the CLO Warehouse and the date that the Collateral is realized.
In addition, there are certain circumstances in
which the senior lender(s) under a CLO Warehouse may require the sale or liquidation of Collateral prior to closing (for example, in the
event that the value of the Collateral falls below a prescribed threshold). In this event, the realized value of the Collateral may be
insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior
lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO
Warehouse.
If the closing of a CLO transaction occurs, some
or all of the Collateral may be re-priced for the purposes of determining the final repayment amount due under the CLO Warehouse, or the
rate at which Warehouse Equity converts into securities issued by the relevant CLO vehicle. The effect of such re-pricing may be that
any realized and unrealized losses and/or gains on the Collateral at that point are borne by holders of the Warehouse Equity, with the
consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse.
We are subject to risks associated with the bankruptcy or insolvency
of an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO in which we invest.
In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of
an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO or other vehicle in which we invest, a court or other
governmental entity may determine that our claims or those of the relevant CLO are not valid or not entitled to the treatment we expected
when making our initial investment decision.
Various laws enacted for the protection of debtors
may apply to the underlying assets in our investment portfolio. The information in this and the following paragraph represents a brief
summary of certain points only, is not intended to be an extensive summary of the relevant issues and is applicable with respect to U.S.
issuers and borrowers only. The following is not intended to be a summary of all relevant risks. Similar avoidance provisions to those
described below are sometimes available with respect to non-U.S. issuers or borrowers, and there is no assurance that this will be the
case which may result in a much greater risk of partial or total loss of value in that underlying asset.
If a court in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor
or representative of creditors of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, such as a trustee in bankruptcy, were to find that such
issuer or borrower did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness constituting such
underlying assets and, after giving effect to such indebtedness, the issuer or borrower (1) was insolvent; (2) was engaged in a business
for which the remaining assets of such issuer or borrower constituted unreasonably small capital; or (3) intended to incur, or believed
that it would incur, debts beyond our ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could decide to invalidate, in whole or in
part, the indebtedness constituting the underlying assets as a fraudulent conveyance, to subordinate such indebtedness to existing or
future creditors of the issuer or borrower or to recover amounts previously paid by the issuer or borrower in satisfaction of such indebtedness.
In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, payments made on such underlying assets could
be subject to avoidance as a “preference” if made within a certain period of time (which may be as long as one year under
U.S. Federal bankruptcy law or even longer under state laws) before insolvency.
Our underlying assets may be subject to various
laws for the protection of debtors in other jurisdictions, including the jurisdiction of incorporation of the issuer or borrower of such
underlying assets and, if different, the jurisdiction from which it conducts business and in which it holds assets, any of which may adversely
affect such issuer’s or borrower’s ability to make, or a creditor’s ability to enforce, payment in full, on a timely
basis or at all. These insolvency considerations will differ depending on the jurisdiction in which an issuer or borrower or the related
underlying assets are located and may differ depending on the legal status of the issuer or borrower.
We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative
Transactions in which we participate.
We may in the future purchase and sell a variety
of derivative instruments. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so to hedge against interest rate, currency
credit and/or other risks or for other risk management purposes. We may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent
consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. Derivative Transactions may be volatile and involve
various risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by other instruments. The primary risks related to
Derivative Transactions include counterparty, correlation, illiquidity, leverage, volatility, and OTC trading risks. A small investment
in derivatives could have a large potential impact on our performance, imposing a form of investment leverage on our portfolio. In certain
types of Derivative Transactions, we could lose the entire amount of our investment. In other types of Derivative Transactions, the potential
loss is theoretically unlimited.
The following is a more detailed discussion of
primary risk considerations related to the use of Derivative Transactions that investors should understand before investing in the Series
A Term Preferred Stock.
Counterparty risk. Counterparty
risk is the risk that a counterparty in a Derivative Transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to us, or the risk that
the reference entity in a credit default swap or similar derivative will not be able to honor its financial obligations. Certain participants
in the derivatives market, including larger financial institutions, have experienced significant financial hardship and deteriorating
credit conditions. If our counterparty to a Derivative Transaction experiences a loss of capital, or is perceived to lack adequate capital
or access to capital, it may experience margin calls or other regulatory requirements to increase equity. Under such circumstances, the
risk that a counterparty will be unable to honor its obligations may increase substantially. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, we may
experience significant delays in obtaining recovery (if at all) under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding;
if our claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such prime broker or counterparty and will not have any claim with
respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. The counterparty
risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivatives, since, generally, a clearing organization becomes
substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract,
as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial obligations. However, there can be no assurance
that the clearing house, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to us.
Correlation risk. When used for
hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying
investment sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect
correlation between the value of a derivative and our underlying assets may result in losses on the Derivative Transaction that are greater
than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio. The Adviser may not hedge against a particular risk because it does
not regard the probability of the risk occurring to be sufficiently high as to justify the cost of the hedge, or because it does not foresee
the occurrence of the risk. These factors may have a significant negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value
of shares of our listed securities.
Liquidity risk. Derivative Transactions,
especially when traded in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we would not be able to close
out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity,
OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives
markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable supplies, the participation
of speculators, government regulation and intervention, and technical and operational or system failures. In addition, daily limits on
price fluctuations and speculative position limits on exchanges on which we may conduct transactions in derivative instruments may prevent
prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses.
Leverage risk. Trading in Derivative
Transactions can result in significant leverage and risk of loss. Thus, the leverage offered by trading in derivative instruments will
magnify the gains and losses we experience and could cause our NAV to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if we did
not use the leverage feature in derivative instruments.
Volatility risk. The prices of
many derivative instruments, including many options and swaps, are highly volatile. Price movements of options contracts and payments
pursuant to swap agreements are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal,
monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies.
The value of options and swap agreements also depends upon the price of the securities or currencies underlying them.
OTC trading risk. Derivative Transactions
that may be purchased or sold may include instruments not traded on an organized market. The risk of non-performance by the counterparty
to such Derivative Transaction may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect
to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between
“bid” and “ask” prices for certain derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Such instruments
are often valued subjectively and may result in difficulties pricing or fair valuing the instrument. Improper valuations can result in
increased cash payment requirements to counterparties, or a loss of value, or both. In contrast, cleared derivative transactions benefit
from daily marked-to-market pricing and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions
entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections; however, certain uncleared derivative
transactions are subject to minimum margin requirements which may require us and our counterparties to exchange collateral based on daily
mark-to-market pricing. OTC trading generally exposes us to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with
its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity
problem, causing us to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events
may intervene to prevent settlement, or where we have concentrated our transactions with a single or small group of counterparties.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees
and expenses of the CLO equity securities in which we invest.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees and expenses
(including management fees and other operating expenses) of the CLO equity securities in which we invest. CLO collateral manager fees
are charged on the total assets of a CLO but are assumed to be paid from the residual cashflows after interest payments to the CLO senior
debt tranches. Therefore, these CLO collateral manager fees (which generally range from 0.35% to 0.50% of a CLO’s total assets)
are effectively much higher when allocated only to the CLO equity tranche. The calculation does not include any other operating expense
ratios of the CLOs, as these amounts are not routinely reported to stockholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however,
it is estimated that additional operating expenses of 0.30% to 0.70% could be incurred. In addition, CLO collateral managers may earn
fees based on a percentage of the CLO’s equity cashflows after the CLO equity has earned a positive internal rate of return of its
capital and achieved a specified “hurdle” rate.
We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.
As part of the ordinary management of its portfolio,
a CLO will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales and reinvest those proceeds in substitute assets, subject to compliance
with its investment tests and certain other conditions. The earnings with respect to such substitute assets will depend on the quality
of reinvestment opportunities available at the time. If the CLO collateral manager causes the CLO to purchase substitute assets at a lower
yield than those initially acquired (for example, during periods of loan compression or need to satisfy the CLO’s covenants), or
sale proceeds are maintained temporarily in cash, it would reduce the excess interest-related cashflow that the CLO collateral manager
is able to achieve. The investment tests may incentivize a CLO collateral manager to cause the CLO to buy riskier assets than it otherwise
would, which could result in additional losses. These factors could reduce our return on investment and may have a negative effect on
the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early,
which would cause the holders of the CLO’s securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. In addition, in most
CLO transactions, CLO debt investors are subject to the risk that the holders of a majority of the equity tranche will direct a call of
a CLO, causing such CLO’s outstanding CLO debt securities to be repaid at par earlier than expected and result in a return of capital
to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable
return relative to the called CLO.
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with non-U.S.
investing.
While we invest primarily in CLOs that hold underlying
U.S. assets, most of these CLOs are expected to be organized outside the United States and we may also invest in CLOs that hold collateral
that are non-U.S. assets.
Investing in foreign entities may expose us to
additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations,
political and social instability, restrictions on the types or amounts of investment, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less
liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision
of exchanges, brokers, and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting
and auditing standards, currency fluctuations, and greater price volatility. Further, we, and the CLOs in which we invest, may have difficulty
enforcing creditor’s rights in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition, international trade tensions may
arise from time to time which could result in trade tariffs, embargoes, or other restrictions or limitations on trade. The imposition
of any actions on trade could trigger a significant reduction in international trade, supply chain disruptions, an oversupply of certain
manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods, and possible failure of individual companies or industries which could have
a negative impact on the value of the CLO securities that we hold.
Foreign markets also have different clearance
and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in periods when our assets are uninvested.
Our inability to make intended investments due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause it
to miss investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of an investment due to settlement problems could result either in losses to
the Company due to subsequent declines in the value of such investment or, if we have entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser. Transaction costs of buying and selling foreign securities also are generally higher than
those involved in domestic transactions. Furthermore, foreign financial markets have, for the most part, substantially less volume than
U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic
companies.
The economies of individual non-U.S. countries
may also differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation,
volatility of currency exchange rates, depreciation, capital reinvestment, resources self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
Currency risk. Any of our investments
that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in
relation to the U.S. dollar. Although we will consider hedging any non-U.S. dollar exposures back to U.S. dollars, an increase in the
value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which we make investments would otherwise reduce the effect of increases and
magnify the effect of decreases in the prices of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments in their local markets. Fluctuations in currency
exchange rates will similarly affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of any interest, dividends, or other payments made that are denominated
in a currency other than U.S. dollars.
Any unrealized losses we experience on our portfolio may be an
indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined
in good faith by policies and procedures adopted by our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded
as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of an issuer’s inability to meet its repayment
obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions
of our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations in future periods.
If our distributions exceed our taxable income
and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized
as a return of capital to our common stockholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable to our stockholders.
However, a return of capital distribution will reduce a stockholder’s cost basis in shares of our common stock on which the distribution
was received, thereby potentially resulting in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares of our
common stock are sold or otherwise disposed of.
A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income
for purposes of the income source requirement.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize
will not satisfy the qualifying income requirement applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify
us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such requirement, we may need to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities
classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on their
earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income and fees.
Risks
Related to the Offering
Management
will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds, if any, from this offering and may not use the proceeds effectively.
We intend
to use the net proceeds from this offering to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies described
in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes, although we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses of the
net proceeds, if any, of this offering in accordance with these intended uses. Our management will have significant flexibility in applying
the net proceeds from this offering, and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net
proceeds are being used appropriately. Investors may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the proceeds may not yield any return
on your investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering,
their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Our management may use the net proceeds for purposes that
may not improve our financial condition or market value. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively could impair
our ability to pursue our growth strategy or could require us to raise additional capital. Pending their use, we intend to invest the
net proceeds from the offering in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality
debt investments that mature in one year or less. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus for more information.
These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders.
Risks
Relating to an Investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock
Prior
to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not decline following the offering.
We intend
to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE so that trading on the exchange will begin within 30 days from the date of this
prospectus, subject to notice of issuance. During a period of up to 30 days from the date of this prospectus, the Series A Term Preferred
Stock will not be listed on any securities exchange. Prior to the expected commencement of trading, the underwriters may, but are not
obligated to, make a market in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Consequently, an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock during
this period will be illiquid, and the holders may not be able to sell such securities. If a secondary market does develop during this
period, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation
Preference.
If we
are unable to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on a national securities exchange, the holders of such securities may be unable to
sell them at all or, if they are able to, only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. Even if the Series A Term Preferred
Stock are listed on the NYSE as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for such shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid
compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads
of other securities with comparable terms and features.
A
downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating assigned by a rating agency to us or the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if any,
or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to decline significantly.
Any credit
rating is an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in any
credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential
impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to
buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. Neither
we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to obtain or maintain any credit ratings or to advise holders of Series A Term Preferred
Stock of any changes in any credit ratings. There can be no assurance that any credit ratings will remain for any given period of time
or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies if in their judgment future circumstances
relating to the basis of the credit ratings, such as adverse changes in our Company, so warrant. The conditions of the financial markets
and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect
on the market prices of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The
Series A Term Preferred Stock are subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not be able to reinvest their funds.
We
may voluntarily redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on or after ,
2026. We also may be forced to redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to meet regulatory requirements
and the asset coverage requirements of such shares. Any such redemption may occur at a time that is unfavorable to holders of the Series
A Term Preferred Stock. We may have an incentive to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock voluntarily before the Mandatory Redemption
Date if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the Dividend Rate on
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. See “Description of Our Series A Term Preferred Stock - Redemption - Optional
Redemption” in this prospectus. If we redeem shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock before the Mandatory Redemption
Date, the holders of such redeemed shares face the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from such redemption
may be lower than the return previously obtained from the investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Holders
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock bear dividend risk.
We may
be unable to pay dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock under some circumstances. The terms of any future indebtedness we may
incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including our preferred stock, under certain conditions.
There
is a risk of delay in our redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we may fail to redeem such securities as required by their
terms.
We generally
make investments in CLO vehicles whose securities are not traded in any public market. Substantially all of the CLO investments we presently
hold and the CLO investments we expect to acquire in the future are, and will be, subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and
will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to obtain
cash equal to the value at which we record our investments quickly if a need arises. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity prior
to the Mandatory Redemption Date, we may be forced to engage in a partial redemption or to delay a required redemption. If such a partial
redemption or delay were to occur, the market price of shares of our preferred stock might be adversely affected.
A
liquid secondary trading market may not develop for the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Although
we have applied to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE, we cannot predict the trading patterns of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock, and a liquid secondary market may not develop. Holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only
at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. There is a risk that the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be thinly traded,
and the market for such shares may be relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between
the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and features.
Increases
in market yields or interest rates would result in a decline in the price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The prices
of fixed income investments vary inversely with changes in market yields, meaning generally, as the earnings generated on such fixed income
investments increase over time, the prices of such investments begin to decline in response to changes in demand. If the market yields
on securities comparable to the Series A Term Preferred Stock increase, it would result in a decline in the secondary market price of
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Fluctuating interest rates may also impact this inverse relationship. For example, if interest rates
rise, securities comparable to the Series A Preferred Stock may pay higher distribution rates, and holders of such other securities may
be able to sell such securities at a higher price than the Series A Preferred Stock, decreasing the secondary market price of the Series
A Preferred Stock over time.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure
We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment
company.
We are a newly organized, externally managed,
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that was formed in April 2023 and commenced operations on July 18, 2024. As
a result of our with a limited operating history, we do not have significant financial information on which you can evaluate an investment
in us or our prior performance. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including
the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially or become
worthless. We anticipated that it would take approximately three to six months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of the
IPO in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment
objectives and market conditions. During this period, we are investing in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S.
government securities, and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will have returns substantially
lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments.
Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value. As a result,
there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to value our
portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us in accordance
with our written valuation policy. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, our Board has elected to designate the Adviser as “valuation designee”
to perform fair value determinations in respect of our portfolio investments that do not have readily available market quotations. Typically,
there is no public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we value these securities at least quarterly based on relevant
information compiled by the Adviser and third-party pricing services (when available), and with the oversight, review, and acceptance
by our Board.
The determination of fair value and, consequently,
the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved
and overseen by our Board. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include non-binding
indicative bids and the number of trades (and the size and timing of each trade) in an investment. Valuation of certain investments is
also based, in part, upon third party valuation models that take into account various market inputs. Investors should be aware that the
models, information, and/or underlying assumptions utilized by us or such models will not always allow us to correctly capture the fair
value of an asset. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of securities that are not publicly traded like those we hold,
are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value
may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an active public market for these securities existed. Our determinations
of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation
of investments, and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate, possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately
realize on one or more of our investments. See “Conflicts of Interest - Valuation.”
Our financial condition and results of operations depend on the
Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives
will depend on the Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which will depend, in turn, on the Adviser’s
ability to identify, evaluate, and monitor, and our ability to acquire, investments that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing our investment objectives on a cost-effective
basis will be largely a function of the Adviser’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive,
and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms, either in the primary or secondary markets. Even if we
are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors,
including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial
markets, and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and
strategies as described in this prospectus, it could adversely impact our ability to pay distributions. In addition, because the trading
methods employed by the Adviser on our behalf are proprietary, stockholders will not be able to determine details of such methods or whether
they are being followed.
We are reliant on the Adviser to carry out our investment strategy.
The Adviser manages our investments. Consequently,
our success depends, in large part, upon the services of the Adviser and the skill and expertise of the Adviser’s professional personnel.
Incapacity of any key personnel of the Adviser could have a material and adverse effect on our performance. There can be no assurance
that the professional personnel of the Adviser will continue to serve in their current positions or continue to be employed by the Adviser.
We can offer no assurance that their services will be available for any length of time or that the Adviser will continue indefinitely
as our Adviser.
The Adviser and the Administrator each has the right to resign
on 90 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations
that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
The Adviser has the right, under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and the Administrator has the right under the Services Agreement, to resign at any time upon 90 days’ written
notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Adviser or the Administrator resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment
adviser or hire internal management, or find a new administrator, as the case may be, with similar expertise and ability to provide the
same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 90 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely
to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business, and results of operations, as well as our ability to make distributions
to our stockholders and other payments to securityholders, are likely to be adversely affected, and the market price of our securities
may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to
identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Adviser and the
Administrator and their affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management and administration, whether internal or external,
the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objectives and operations would likely result in
additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business, and results of operations.
Our success will depend on the ability of the Adviser to attract
and retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.
Our growth will require that the Adviser attract
and retain new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. The Adviser’s ability to attract and retain personnel
with the requisite credentials, experience, and skills will depend on several factors including its ability to offer competitive compensation,
benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, mezzanine
funds, and business development companies) and traditional financial services companies with which the Adviser will compete for experienced
personnel, have greater resources than the Adviser has.
There are significant actual and potential conflicts of interest
which could impact our investment returns.
The professional staff of the Adviser will devote
as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement.
However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory and other services for other clients, and engage in other business
ventures in which we have no interest. As a result of these separate business activities, the Adviser has conflicts of interest in allocating
management time, services and functions among us, other advisory clients and other business ventures. See “Conflicts of Interest.”
Our incentive fee structure may incentivize
the Adviser to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would
otherwise be appropriate to do so.
The incentive fee payable by us to the Adviser
may create an incentive for the Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case
in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would
otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable
to the Adviser is based on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as calculated in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement.
This may encourage the Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so,
and to refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may
increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We
may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing
in us.”
A general increase in interest rates may
have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net
earnings.
Given the structure of our Investment Advisory
Agreement, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly
hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance
on the part of the Adviser. This risk is more acute in rising rate environment, such as the one we are in now. In addition, in view of
the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser could potentially receive
a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were
to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the Adviser’s
income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.
We may be obligated to pay the Adviser incentive
compensation even if we incur a loss or with respect to investment income that we have accrued but not received.
The Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation
for each fiscal quarter based, in part, on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, for the immediately preceding calendar
quarter above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of our NAV,
decreases in our NAV make it easier to achieve the performance threshold. Our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for incentive compensation
purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital
losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay the Adviser
incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter.
In addition, we accrue an incentive fee on accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. However, the portion of the incentive
fee that is attributable to such income will be paid to the Adviser, without interest, only if and to the extent we actually receive such
income in cash.
The Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier
manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under the agreement and carries out its obligations
subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser maintains a contractual and fiduciary relationship with us. Under the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, its officers, managers, members, agents, employees, and other affiliates are not liable to
us for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts
constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment
Advisory Agreement. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser and each of its officers, managers, members, agents, employees,
and other affiliates from and against all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and other amounts
reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by such persons arising out of or based on performance by the Adviser of its obligations under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard
of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner
when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
The Adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns
as those achieved by other portfolios managed by the Adviser.
Although the Adviser manages other investment
portfolios, including accounts using investment objectives, investment strategies, and investment policies similar to ours, we cannot
assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by any other vehicles managed by the Adviser.
We may experience fluctuations in our NAV and quarterly operating
results.
We could experience fluctuations in our NAV from
month to month and in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the timing of distributions to our stockholders,
fluctuations in the value of the CLO securities that we hold, our ability or inability to make investments that meet our investment criteria,
the interest and other income earned on our investments, the level of our expenses (including the interest or dividend rate payable on
the debt securities or preferred stock we may issue), variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains
or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors,
our NAV and results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of our NAV and results in future periods.
Our Board may change our operating policies and strategies without
stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Our Board has the authority to modify or waive
our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies, other than those that we have deemed to be fundamental, without prior
stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies
would have on our business, NAV, operating results, and value of our securities. However, the effects of any such changes could adversely
impact our ability to pay dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Our management’s initial estimates of certain metrics relating
to our financial performance for a period are subject to revision based on our actual results for such period.
Our management intends to make and publish unaudited
estimates of certain metrics indicative of our financial performance, including the NAV per share of our common stock and the range of
NAV per share of our common stock on a monthly basis, and the range of the net investment income and realized gain/loss per share of our
common stock on a quarterly basis. While any such estimate will be made in good faith based on our most recently available records as
of the date of the estimate, such estimates are subject to financial closing procedures, our Board’s final determination of our
NAV as of the end of the applicable quarter, and other developments arising between the time such estimate is made and the time that we
finalize our quarterly financial results, and may differ materially from the results reported in the audited financial statements and/or
the unaudited financial statements included in filings we make with the SEC. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on any management estimates presented in this prospectus or any related amendment to this prospectus and should view such information
in the context of our full semi-annual or annual results when such results are available.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable
to maintain our RIC status for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Although
we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2024 tax year, and intend to qualify as a
RIC in each of our succeeding tax years, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain
RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet certain annual distribution, qualifying income, and asset diversification requirements.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC
will be satisfied if we distribute dividends to our stockholders each tax year of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of the sum
of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because
we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act and may be subject to financial covenants
that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we
are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level
income tax.
The qualifying income requirement is generally
satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each tax year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of our securities, or
similar sources.
The asset diversification requirement will be
satisfied if we meet certain asset composition requirements at the end of each quarter of our tax year. We intend to take certain positions
regarding the qualification of CLO securities under the asset diversification requirement for which there is a lack of guidance. If the
IRS disagrees with any of the positions we take regarding the identity of the issuers of these securities or how CLO securities are tested
under the asset diversification requirement, it could result in the failure by the Company to diversify its investments in a manner necessary
to satisfy the diversification requirement. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments
quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are expected to be in CLO securities for which there
will likely be no active public market, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial
losses.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for
any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets,
the amount of income available for distribution, and the amount of our distributions.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we
recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For federal income tax purposes, we will include
in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, which may arise if we acquire a debt security at a significant discount
to par. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we have not yet, and may not ever, receive in cash.
Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary
to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code or entirely eliminate any corporate level tax. In addition, since our incentive fee is payable
on our income recognized, rather than cash received, we may be required to pay advisory fees on income before or without receiving cash
representing such income. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous,
raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from
other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
Our cash distributions to stockholders may change and a portion
of our distributions to stockholders may be a return of capital.
The amount of our cash distributions may increase
or decrease at the discretion of our Board, based upon its assessment of the amount of cash available to us for this purpose and other
factors. Unless we are able to generate sufficient cash through the successful implementation of our investment strategy, we may not be
able to sustain a given level of distributions. Further, to the extent that the portion of the cash generated from our investments that
is recorded as interest income for financial reporting purposes is less than the amount of our distributions, all or a portion of one
or more of our future distributions, if declared, may comprise a return of capital. Accordingly, stockholders should not assume that the
sole source of any of our distributions is net investment income. Any reduction in the amount of our distributions would reduce the amount
of cash received by our stockholders and could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our shares. See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - Our investments are subject to prepayment risk” and “- Any unrealized losses we
experience on our portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or
to make payments on our other obligations.”
We will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly
traded company.
As a public company listed on a national securities
exchange, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable
to a company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,”
as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented
by the SEC.
Because we expect to distribute substantially
all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need additional capital to finance the acquisition
of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
In order to maintain our RIC status, we will be
required to distribute at least 90% of the sum of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
net long-term capital losses, if any. As a result, these earnings will not be available to fund new investments, and we will need additional
capital to fund growth in our investment portfolio. If we fail to obtain additional capital, we could be forced to curtail or cease new
investment activities, which could adversely affect our business, operations, and results. Even if available, if we are not able to obtain
such capital on favorable terms, it could adversely affect our net investment income.
A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit
markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business.
We may be materially affected by market, economic,
and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which we invest or operate, including conditions affecting interest
rates and the availability of credit. Unexpected volatility, illiquidity, governmental action, currency devaluation, or other events in
the global markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could impair our ability to carry out our business and could cause
us to incur substantial losses. These factors are outside our control and could adversely affect the liquidity and value of our investments,
and may reduce our ability to make attractive new investments.
In particular, economic and financial market conditions
significantly deteriorated for a significant part of the past decade as compared to prior periods. Global financial markets experienced
considerable declines in the valuations of debt and equity securities, an acute contraction in the availability of credit and the failure
of a number of leading financial institutions. As a result, certain government bodies and central banks worldwide, including the U.S.
Treasury Department and the U.S. Federal Reserve, undertook unprecedented intervention programs, the effects of which remain uncertain.
Although certain financial markets have improved, to the extent economic conditions experienced during the past decade recur, they may
adversely impact our investments. Signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe and elsewhere and uncertainty regarding the
policies of the current U.S. presidential administration, including with regard to the imposition of trade tariffs, embargoes, or other
restrictions or limitations on trade, could lead to further disruption in the global markets. Trends and historical events do not imply,
forecast or predict future events, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. There can be no assurance that
the assumptions made or the beliefs and expectations currently held by the Adviser will prove correct, and actual events and circumstances
may vary significantly.
We may be subject to risk arising from a default
by one of several large institutions that are dependent on one another to meet their liquidity or operational needs, so that a default
by one institution may cause a series of defaults by the other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk”
and may adversely affect financial intermediaries with which we interact in the conduct of our business.
We also may be subject to risk arising from a
broad sell-off or other shift in the credit markets, which may adversely impact our income and NAV. In addition, if the value of our assets
declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the minimum asset coverage imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. See “- Risks Related
to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase
the risk of investing in us” and “Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company.” Any
such failure would affect our ability to issue preferred stock and other senior securities, including borrowings, and may affect our ability
to pay distributions on our capital stock, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further
by an inability to access the capital markets or to obtain debt financing. For example, we cannot be certain that we would be able to
obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. See “- If we are unable to obtain, and/or refinance debt
capital, our business could be materially adversely affected.” In previous market cycles, many lenders and institutional
investors have previously reduced or ceased lending to borrowers. In the event of such type of market turmoil and tightening of credit,
increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity could occur, thereby limiting our investment opportunities.
Moreover, we are unable to predict when economic
and market conditions may be favorable in future periods. Even if market conditions are broadly favorable over the long term, adverse
conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.
If we are unable to obtain and/or refinance debt capital, our
business could be materially adversely affected.
We currently anticipate obtaining debt financing
within 12 months of this offering in order to obtain funds to make additional investments and grow our portfolio of investments. See “-
Because we expect to distribute substantially all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need
additional capital to finance the acquisition of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.”
Such debt capital may take the form of a term credit facility with a fixed maturity date or other fixed term instruments, and
we may be unable to extend, refinance, or replace such debt financings prior to their maturity.
If we are unable to obtain or refinance debt capital
on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of such financings, which would
limit our ability to grow our business. In addition, holders of our common stock would not benefit from the potential for increased returns
on equity that incurring leverage creates. Any such limitations on our ability to grow and take advantage of leverage may decrease our
earnings, if any, and distributions to stockholders, which in turn may lower the trading price of our capital stock. In addition, in such
event, we may need to liquidate certain of our investments, which may be difficult to sell if required, meaning that we may realize significantly
less than the value at which we have recorded our investments. Furthermore, to the extent we are not able to raise capital and are at
or near our targeted leverage ratios, we may receive smaller allocations, if any, on new investment opportunities under the Adviser’s
allocation policy.
Any debt capital that is available to us in the
future, including upon the refinancing of then-existing debt prior to its maturity, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms
and conditions than costs and other terms and conditions at which we can currently obtain debt capital. In addition, if we are unable
to repay amounts outstanding under any such debt financings and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these debt
financings, we may not be able to make new investments or operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to
circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, an economic downturn, or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business.
We may be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely
affected by any single corporate, economic, political, or regulatory occurrence.
We are classified as “non-diversified”
under the 1940 Act. As a result, we can invest a greater portion of our assets in obligations of a single issuer than a “diversified”
fund. We may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political
or regulatory occurrence. In particular, because our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO securities and related
investments, we are susceptible to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities and related investments experience
a high level of defaults on the collateral that they hold.
Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end
management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital
may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted,
as a registered closed-end management investment company, to issue senior securities (including debt securities, preferred stock and/or
borrowings from banks or other financial institutions), provided we meet certain asset coverage requirements (i.e., 300% for senior
securities representing indebtedness and 200% in the case of the issuance of preferred stock under current law). See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and
increase the risk of investing in us” for details concerning how asset coverage is calculated. If the value of our assets
declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending
on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales or redemptions may be disadvantageous. Also,
any amounts that we use to service or repay our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our stockholders.
We are not generally able to issue and sell shares
of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). We may, however,
sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (1) in connection with a rights offering to our existing
stockholders, (2) with the consent of the majority of our common stockholders, (3) upon the conversion of a convertible security in accordance
with its terms, or (4) under such circumstances as the SEC may permit.
Significant stockholders may control the
outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders or adversely impact the market price or liquidity of our securities.
To the extent any stockholder, individually or
acting together with other stockholders, controls a significant number of our voting securities or any class of voting securities, they
may have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors
and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and may cause actions to be taken that you may not agree
with or that are not in your interests or those of other securityholders.
This concentration of beneficial ownership also
might harm the market price of our securities by:
| • | delaying, deferring or preventing a change in corporate control; |
| • | impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us; or |
| • | discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. |
To the extent that any stockholder that holds
a significant number of our securities is subject to temporary restrictions on resale of such securities, including certain lock-up restrictions,
such restrictions could adversely affect the liquidity of trading in our securities, which may harm the market price of our securities.
See “Underwriting.”
We are subject to the risk of legislative and regulatory changes
impacting our business or the markets in which we invest.
Legal and regulatory changes.
Legal and regulatory changes could occur and may adversely affect us and our ability to pursue our investment strategies and/or increase
the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations that could adversely affect us may be imposed by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, or the “CFTC,” the SEC, the U.S. Federal Reserve, other banking regulators, other governmental
regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. In particular, these agencies are empowered
to promulgate a variety of new rules pursuant to recently enacted financial reform legislation in the United States. We also may be adversely
affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by these governmental regulatory authorities or
self-regulatory organizations. Such changes, or uncertainty regarding any such changes, could adversely affect the strategies and plans
set forth in this prospectus and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of the Investment Team to other
types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they
occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Derivative Investments. The
derivative investments in which we may invest are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. In particular,
certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the “Dodd-Frank Act,” which was signed
into law in July 2010, require certain standardized derivatives to be executed on a regulated market and cleared through a central counterparty,
which may result in increased margin requirements and costs for us. The Dodd-Frank Act also established minimum margin requirements on
certain uncleared derivatives which may result in us and our counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared derivatives. In
addition, we have claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” pursuant to CFTC No-Action
Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012. For us to continue
to qualify for this exclusion, (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish our positions in derivative instruments
subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, or the “CEA,” and (other than positions entered
into for hedging purposes) may not exceed five percent of our liquidation value, (ii) the net notional value of our aggregate investments
in CEA-regulated derivative instruments (other than positions entered into for hedging purposes) may not exceed 100% of our liquidation
value, or (iii) we must meet an alternative test appropriate for a “fund of funds” as set forth in CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38.
In the event we fail to qualify for the exclusion and the Adviser is required to register as a “commodity pool operator” in
connection with serving as our investment adviser and becomes subject to additional disclosure, recordkeeping and reporting requirements,
our expenses may increase. In October 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act related to the use of derivatives, short sales,
reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies. Rule 18f-4 in effect rescinds and withdraws
the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices with respect to such transactions. Rule 18f-4 permits
us to enter into derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations, including short sales, notwithstanding
the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we comply with certain value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limits and derivatives
risk management program and board oversight and reporting requirements or comply with a “limited derivatives users” exception.
We intend to elect to rely on the limited derivatives users exception. We may change the election and comply with the other provisions
of Rule 18f-4 related to derivatives transactions at any time and without notice. To satisfy the limited derivatives users exception,
we have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage our derivatives risk and limit our derivatives
exposure in accordance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 also permits us to enter into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions
notwithstanding the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with our reverse
repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness
when calculating our asset coverage ratios as discussed above or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions for all purposes
under Rule 18f-4. In connection with our intention to elect to rely on Rule 18f-4, we will not rely on the previous guidance of the SEC
and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices in determining how we will comply with Section 18 with respect to our use
of derivatives and the other transactions that Rule 18f-4 addresses.
Loan Securitizations. Section
619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule,” generally prohibits, subject to certain exemptions,
covered banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading or sponsoring, or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in, a hedge
fund or private equity fund, or “covered funds,” which have been broadly defined in a way which could include many CLOs. Given
the limitations on banking entities investing in CLOs that are covered funds, the Volcker Rule may adversely affect the market value or
liquidity of any or all of the investments held by us. Although the Volcker Rule and the implementing rules exempt “loan securitizations”
from the definition of covered fund, not all CLOs will qualify for this exemption. For example, CLOs that invest in bonds as well as loans
will be treated as covered funds. Accordingly, in an effort to qualify for the “loan securitization” exemption, many current
CLOs have amended their transaction documents to restrict the ability of the issuer to acquire bonds and certain other securities, which
may reduce the return available to holders of CLO equity securities. Furthermore, the costs associated with such amendments are typically
paid out of the cash flow of the CLO, which adversely impacts the return on our investment in any CLO equity. In addition, in order to
avoid covered fund status under the Volcker Rule, it is likely that many future CLOs will contain similar restrictions on the acquisition
of bonds and certain other securities, which may result in lower returns on CLO equity securities than currently anticipated.
In June 2020, the five federal agencies
responsible for implementing the Volcker Rule adopted amendments to the Volcker Rule's implementing regulations, including changes relevant
to the treatment of securitizations (the “Volcker Changes”). Among other things, the Volcker Changes ease certain aspects
of the "loan securitization" exclusion, and create additional exclusions from the "covered fund" definition, and narrow
the definition of "ownership interest" to exclude certain "senior debt interests". Also, under the Volcker Changes,
a debt interest would no longer be considered an "ownership interest" solely because the holder has the right to remove or replace
the manager following a cause-related default. The Volcker Changes were effective October 1, 2020. Following the effectiveness of the
Volker Changes, most CLOs elected to be structured as covered funds and rely on the loan securitization exclusion from the definition
of ownership interest allowing CLOS to invest in bonds and other senior debt interests thus having more flexibility in work-out situations.
Also, in October 2014, six federal
agencies (the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the “FDIC,” the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board,
the SEC, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) adopted joint final rules implementing
certain credit risk retention requirements contemplated in Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention
Rules.” These rules were published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2014. With respect to the regulation of CLOs, the Final
U.S. Risk Retention Rules require that the “sponsor” or a “majority owned affiliate” thereof (in each case as
defined in the rules), will retain an “eligible vertical interest” or an “eligible horizontal interest” (in each
case as defined therein) or any combination thereof in the CLO in the manner required by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules.
The Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules
became fully effective on December 24, 2016, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date,” and to the extent applicable
to CLOs, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules contain provisions that may adversely affect the return of our investments. On February 9,
2018, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, or the “DC Circuit Court,”
rendered a decision in The Loan Syndications and Trading Association v. Securities and Exchange Commission and Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, No. 1:16-cv-0065, in which the DC Circuit Court held that open market CLO collateral managers are not “securitizers”
subject to the requirements of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules, or the “DC Circuit Ruling.” Thus, collateral managers
of open market CLOs are no longer required to comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules at this time.
There can be no assurance or representation
that any of the transactions, structures or arrangements currently under consideration by or currently used by CLO market participants
will comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules to the extent such rules are reinstated or otherwise become applicable to open market
CLOs. The ultimate impact of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on the loan securitization market and the leveraged loan market generally
remains uncertain, and any negative impact on secondary market liquidity for securities comprising a CLO may be experienced due to the
effects of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on market expectations or uncertainty, the relative appeal of other investments not impacted
by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules and other factors.
In the European Union, there has also
been an increase in political and regulatory scrutiny of the securitization industry. Regulation EU 2017/2402 of the European Parliament
and the Council of 12 December 2017 laying down a general framework for securitization and creating a specific framework for simple, transparent
and standardized securitization (as may be amended from time to time and including any delegated or implementing legislation with respect
thereto, the “Securitization Regulation”) became effective on January 17, 2018 and applies to all new securitizations issued
on or after January 1, 2019. The Securitization Regulation repealed and replaced the prior EU risk retention requirements with a single
regime that applies to European credit institutions, investment firms, insurance and reinsurance companies, alternative investment fund
managers that manage and/or market their alternative investment funds in the EU, undertakings for collective investment in transferable
securities regulated pursuant to EU Directive 2009/65/EC and the management companies thereof and, subject to some exceptions, institutions
for occupational pension provision (IORPs), each as set out in the Securitization Regulation (such investors, “EU Affected Investors”).
Such EU Affected Investors may be subject to punitive capital requirements and/or other regulatory penalties with respect to investments
in securitizations that fail to comply with the Securitization Regulation.
The Securitization Regulation restricts
an EU Affected Investor from investing in securitizations unless, among other things: (a)(i) the originator, sponsor or original lender
with respect to the relevant securitization will retain, on an on-going basis, a net economic interest of not less than 5% with respect
to certain specified credit risk tranches or securitized exposures and (ii) the risk retention is disclosed to the investor in accordance
with the Securitization Regulation; and (b) such investor is able to demonstrate that it has undertaken certain due diligence with respect
to various matters, including the risk characteristics of its investment position and the underlying assets, and that procedures are established
for such activities to be monitored on an on-going basis. There are material differences between the Securitization Regulation and the
prior EU risk retention requirements, particularly with respect to transaction transparency, reporting and diligence requirements and
the imposition of a direct compliance obligation on the “sponsor”, “originator” or “original lender”
of a securitization where such entity is established in the EU.
CLOs issued in Europe are generally
structured in compliance with the Securitization Regulation so that prospective investors subject to the Securitization laws can invest
in compliance with such requirements. To the extent a CLO is structured in compliance with the EU Securitization laws, our ability to
invest in the residual tranches of such CLOs could be limited, or we could be required to hold our investment for the life of the CLO.
If a CLO has not been structured to comply with the Securitization Regulation, it will limit the ability of EEA-regulated institutional
investors to purchase CLO securities, which may adversely affect the price and liquidity of the securities (including the residual tranche)
in the secondary market. Additionally, the Securitization Regulation and any regulatory uncertainty in relation thereto may reduce the
issuance of new CLOs and reduce the liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market generally. Reduced liquidity in the loan market
could reduce investment opportunities for collateral managers, which could negatively affect the return of our investments. Any reduction
in the volume and liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market could also reduce opportunities to redeem or refinance the securities
comprising a CLO in an optional redemption or refinancing and could negatively affect the ability of obligors to refinance their collateral
obligations, either of which developments could increase defaulted obligations above historic levels.
The SEC staff could modify its position on certain non-traditional
investments, including investments in CLO securities.
The staff of the SEC from time to time has undertaken
a broad review of the potential risks associated with different asset management activities, focusing on, among other things, liquidity
risk and leverage risk. The staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC has, in correspondence with registered management
investment companies, previously raised questions about the level of, and special risks associated with, investments in CLO securities.
While it is not possible to predict what conclusions, if any, the staff may reach in these areas, or what recommendations, if any, the
staff might make to the SEC, the imposition of limitations on investments by registered management investment companies in CLO securities
could adversely impact our ability to implement our investment strategy and/or our ability to raise capital through public offerings,
or could cause us to take certain actions that may result in an adverse impact on our stockholders, our financial condition, and/or our
results of operations. We are unable at this time to assess the likelihood or timing of any such regulatory development.
General Risk Factors
Provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
and our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse effect on the price of our securities.
The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
or the “DGCL,” contains provisions that may discourage, delay, or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal
of our directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that limit liability and provide for indemnification
of our directors and officers. These provisions and others also may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes
in control or management. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, the application of which is subject to any applicable requirements
of the 1940 Act. This section generally prohibits us from engaging in mergers and other business combinations with stockholders that beneficially
own 15% or more of our voting stock, or with their affiliates, unless our directors or stockholders approve the business combination in
the prescribed manner. If our Board does not approve a business combination, Section 203 of the DGCL may discourage third parties from
trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.
We have also adopted measures that may make it
difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation classifying our Board in
three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation authorizing our Board to classify
or reclassify shares of our preferred stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our capital
stock, and to amend our Certificate of Incorporation, without stockholder approval, in certain instances. These provisions, as well as
other provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, may delay, defer, or prevent a transaction or a change in control that
might otherwise be in the best interests of our securityholders. See “Provisions of the DGCL and Our Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws.”
Our bylaws provide that derivative actions
brought in our name, actions against our directors, officers, other employees, or stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty and other
similar actions may be brought in the Court of Chancery or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
Our bylaws provide that, except for any claims,
suits, actions, or proceedings arising under the federal securities laws, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative
forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (b) any action asserting
a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Company to the Company or to the stockholders of the
Company, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any Director or officer or other agent of the Company arising pursuant
to any provision of the DGCL or our Certificate of Incorporation or our bylaws, or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Company
or any Director or officer or other agent of the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery
or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District
Court for the District of Delaware.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s
ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable or convenient for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers,
other employees, or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the
choice of forum provision contained in our bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated
with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Outbreaks or pandemics, terrorist actions,
acts of war or natural disasters may disrupt the market and impact our operations.
Outbreaks or pandemics, terrorist actions, acts
of war or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have
created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. To the extent
the Company’s underlying investments have exposure to certain countries, regions, companies, industries, or market sectors, such
positions will increase the risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, regions, companies, industries or sectors.
Further, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region,
or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region, or financial market.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, financial
markets in the United States and around the world experienced extreme and, in many cases, unprecedented volatility and severe losses due
to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, a novel coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in a wide range of social and economic disruptions,
including closed borders, voluntary or compelled quarantines of large populations, stressed healthcare systems, reduced or prohibited
domestic or international travel, and supply chain disruptions affecting the United States and many other countries. Some sectors of the
economy and individual issuers experienced particularly large losses as a result of these disruptions. Although the immediate effects
of the COVID-19 pandemic have dissipated, global markets and economies continue to contend with the ongoing and long-term impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant market volatility and economic disruptions. It is unknown how long events related to the pandemic
will persist, whether they will reoccur in the future, whether efforts to support the economy and financial markets will be successful,
and what additional implications may follow from the pandemic. The impact of these events and other epidemics or pandemics in the future
could adversely affect Company performance.
Geopolitical tensions introduce uncertainty into
global markets. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries,
and the potential for wider conflict could increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and adversely affect regional
and global economies. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia, certain Russian individuals,
banking entities and corporations, and Belarus as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and may impose sanctions on other countries
that provide military or economic support to Russia. The extent and duration of Russia’s military actions and the repercussions
of such actions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions, including cyber-attacks)
are impossible to predict, but could result in significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors, such as the
oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth.
Similarly, escalation beginning in October 2023
of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict presents a potential risk for wider conflict that could negatively affect financial markets due to
a myriad of interconnected factors. This conflict could disrupt regional trade and supply chains, potentially affecting U.S. businesses
with exposure to the region. For example, the Red Sea crisis has led to disruption of international maritime trade and the global supply
chain, which has had a direct impact on countries and regions that rely on such routes for the supply of energy and/or food and companies
that typically ship goods or receive components by way of the Red Sea. Additionally, the Middle East plays a pivotal role in the global
energy sector, and prolonged instability could impact oil prices, leading to increased costs for businesses and consumers. Furthermore,
the U.S.’s diplomatic ties and commitments in the region mean that it might become more directly involved, either diplomatically
or militarily, diverting attention and resources. These and any related events could significantly impact the Company’s performance
and the value of an investment in the Company, even if the Company does not have direct exposure.
We are subject to risks related to cybersecurity and other disruptions
to information systems.
We are highly dependent on the communications
and information systems of the Adviser, the Administrator, and their affiliates as well as certain other third-party service providers.
We, and our service providers, are susceptible to operational and information security risks. While we, the Adviser, and the Administrator
have procedures in place with respect to information security, technologies may become the target of cyber attacks or information security
breaches that could result in the unauthorized gathering, monitoring, release, misuse, loss, or destruction of our and/or our stockholders’
confidential and other information, or otherwise disrupt our operations or those of our service providers. Disruptions or failures in
the physical infrastructure or operating systems and cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems, or devices that we and
our service providers use to service our operations, or disruption or failures in the movement of information between service providers,
could disrupt and impact the service providers’ and our operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of
our stockholders to transact business and of us to process transactions, inability to calculate our NAV, misstated or unreliable financial
data, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, litigation costs, increased insurance premiums, reputational
damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Our service providers’ policies and procedures
with respect to information security have been established to seek to identify and mitigate the types of risk to which we and our service
providers are subject. As with any risk management system, there are inherent limitations to these policies and procedures as there may
exist, or develop in the future, risks that have not been anticipated or identified. There can be no assurance that we or our service
providers will not suffer losses relating to information security breaches (including cyber attacks) or other disruptions to information
systems in the future.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
All statements
contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, other than historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.”
These statements may relate to, among other things, future events or our future operating results, actual and potential conflicts of interest
with the Adviser and its affiliates, and the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital, among other factors. In some cases,
you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “estimate,” “may,” “might,” “believe,”
“will,” “provided,” “anticipate,” “future,” “could,” “growth,”
“plan,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “if,”
“seek,” “possible,” “potential,” “likely” or the negative or other variations of such
terms or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels
of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include:
| · | changes in the economy and the capital markets; |
| · | risks associated with negotiation and consummation of pending and future transactions; |
| · | changes in our investment objectives and strategy; |
| · | availability, terms (including the possibility of interest rate volatility) and deployment of capital; |
| · | changes in interest rates, exchange rates, regulation or the general economy; |
| · | changes in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; |
| · | our ability to exit investments in a timely manner; |
| · | our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC; |
| · | use of the proceeds of this offering; |
| · | our ability to sell the Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering in the amounts and on the terms
contemplated, or at all; and |
| · | those factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. |
We caution
readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical
performance. We have based forward-looking statements on information available to us on the date of this prospectus. We undertake no obligation
to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after
the date of this prospectus, except as otherwise required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in or incorporated
by reference into this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from
this offering, if fully subscribed, will be approximately $ million after deducting the maximum assumed commissions
payable by us of $ million and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ million payable by
us (or approximately $ if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full).
We intend to use the proceeds from the sale of
shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to this prospectus to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives
and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. We cannot estimate the approximate amount intended
to be used for each of these purposes. Such amounts will depend on our cashflow needs after the closing of the offering, market conditions,
and other factors. We currently anticipate that it will take approximately three to six months to invest substantially all of the net
proceeds of this offering in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent
with our investment objectives and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace, which may negatively
impact our returns. Until appropriate investments or other uses can be found, we will invest in temporary investments, such as cash, cash
equivalents, U.S. government securities, and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will
have returns substantially lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments.
Investors should expect, therefore, that before we have fully invested the proceeds of this offering in accordance with our investment
objectives and policies, assets invested in these instruments would earn interest income at a modest rate, which may not exceed our expenses
during this period.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization
as follows:
| · | on an actual basis as of September 30, 2024; and |
| · | on
a pro forma (as adjusted) basis to give effect to the issuance and sale of
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’
over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $25 per share, after deducting the assumed
underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately
$ payable by us. |
| |
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. | |
| |
(unaudited) | |
(in thousands, except for per share amounts) | |
09/30/2024 | | |
Pro Forma as adjusted to give effect to offering(1) | |
Assets: | |
| | |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | 3,389 | | |
$ | 27,608 | |
Investments at fair value | |
$ | 134,057 | | |
$ | 134,057 | |
Other assets | |
$ | 141 | | |
$ | 141 | |
Total Assets | |
$ | 137,587 | | |
$ | 161,806 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
% Series A Term Preferred Stock due 2029, par value $0.001
per share; 25,000,000 shares aggregate preferred stock authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding, actual, and shares
issued and outstanding, net of unamortized issuance costs, pro forma (as adjusted) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 24,219 | |
Other liabilities | |
$ | 1,317 | | |
$ | 1,317 | |
Total Liabilities | |
$ | 1,317 | | |
$ | 25,536 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Stockholders' Equity | |
| | | |
| | |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized, actual, and 6,796,473 shares issued and outstanding, actual | |
$ | 7 | | |
| 7 | |
Capital in excess of par | |
$ | 136,263 | | |
$ | 136,263 | |
Total stockholders' equity | |
$ | 136,270 | | |
$ | 136,270 | |
NAV per share | |
$ | 20.05 | | |
$ | 20.05 | |
(1) Adjusts the pro forma information to give effect to this offering
(assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments).
BUSINESS
The Company is a newly organized, externally managed,
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act.
Our Structure and Formation Transactions
We were organized as Pearl Diver Credit Company,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on April 12, 2023 and, effective July 9, 2024, we converted from a Delaware limited liability
company into a Delaware corporation under the name Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
Investment Strategy
Our primary investment objective is to maximize
our portfolio’s total return with a secondary objective to generate high current income. CLOs represent an efficient way for investors
to access diversified portfolios of broadly syndicated secures loans. We seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have
the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and to outperform other similar CLO securities issued within the respective
vintage period, in the primary CLO market (i.e., acquiring securities at the inception of a CLO), as well as in the secondary CLO
market (i.e., acquiring existing CLO securities). We intend to pursue a differentiated strategy within the CLO equity market premised
upon the Adviser’s strong emphasis on assessing the skill of CLO collateral managers, analysis of CLO structure and application
of fundamental credit analysis to analyze the collateral loans of each CLO investment. In addition, the Adviser intends to leverage its
CLO structuring expertise and deep experience in negotiations of CLO documents in order to optimize for CLO investment returns.
We will seek to achieve our investment objectives
by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs, where underlying corporate debt is primarily senior secured floating-rate
debt, issued by US companies. We may also invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the
Adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives, including, senior debt tranches of CLOs and CLO Warehouse first loss investments.
The amount that we will invest in other securities and instruments will vary from time to time and, as such, may constitute a material
part of our portfolio on any given date, based on the Adviser’s assessment of prevailing market conditions.
The Adviser’s Investment Team utilizes a
variety of methods to proactively source and analyze investments, including leveraging its Investment Team’s industry experience
and extensive network of contacts, performing due diligence on, and engaging in bilateral discussions with CLO collateral managers. The
Adviser’s proprietary quantitative techniques and investment opportunity scraping allows Adviser’s Investment Team to benchmark
CLO collateral manager performance and relative value of each investment opportunity on an ongoing basis while having fully integrated
in-house fundamental credit analysis for each underlying loan. We believe that our highly agile and quantitative approach allows us to
quickly react and adapt to emerging market opportunities and effectively seek relative value in CLO equity investing.
The Company has adopted a non-fundamental investment
policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the
amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in credit instruments. The Company defines “credit instruments” as financial
instruments the performance of which is derived from the performance of senior secured loans or pools thereof. Instruments that the company
considers to be “credit instruments” include, but is not limited to, senior, mezzanine, and junior debt tranches of CLOs,
equity tranches of CLOs, and CLO warehouses.
The Company may acquire (i) CLO equity positions
via primary market transactions, (ii) CLO equity positions via secondary market transactions, and (iii) positions of CLO junior debt in
primary and secondary market. In acquiring these investments, the Company may employ leverage. When the Company makes a significant investment
in a particular CLO equity tranche, we expect to be generally able to influence the CLO’s key terms and conditions (if acquired
in the primary market). Additionally, the Adviser believes that the protective rights associated with holding a substantial position in
a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain CLO debt tranches after
a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents that may arise) may reduce the risk and enhance returns
in these investments. The Company may acquire a substantial position in a CLO tranche directly or we may benefit from the advantages of
such a position where both the Company and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a substantial position, subject to
any restrictions on the ability to invest alongside such other accounts. The Company may also transact in derivative or other instruments
for the purposes of hedging the portfolio, or to manage risks.
CLO Overview
CLO Structure
We intend to pursue an investment strategy focused
on investing primarily in (i) positions in CLO equity tranches acquired in both primary and secondary market transactions; (ii) CLO debt
tranches; and (iii) other related investments. CLOs are securitization vehicles backed by diversified pools of mostly broadly syndicated
senior secured corporate loans. Such pools of underlying assets are often referred to as CLO “collateral.” While portfolios
of most CLOs consist of broadly syndicated senior secured loans, many CLOs enable the CLO collateral manager to invest up to 10% of the
portfolio in second lien loans, unsecured loans, senior secured bonds, and senior unsecured bonds.
CLOs fund the purchase of their portfolios through
the issuance of equity and debt securities in the form of multiple, primarily floating rate, debt tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically
are rated “AAA” (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to “BB” or “B” (or its equivalent),
which is below-investment grade, at the junior level by a nationally-recognized rating agency. The interest rate on the CLO debt tranches
is the lowest at the AAA-level and generally increases at each level down the rating scale. The CLO equity tranche is unrated and typically
represents approximately 7% to 10% of a CLO’s capital structure. Below is an illustration to reflect a typical CLO in the market.
CLOs have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly
called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and which govern how cash generated from a CLO’s
underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO’s debt and equity investors. One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest
payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from
principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and the proceeds from loan sales. Through the interest waterfall,
any excess interest-related cashflow available - after the required quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain
CLO expenses (such as administration and collateral management fees) are paid - is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors
each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The equity tranche represents the first-loss position, but is entitles to all
of residual interest and principal collections from the underlying assets and therefore exposes investors to relatively higher risk than
the more senior tranches but allows for greater potential upside.
Underlying Assets of CLOs
CLOs are generally required to hold a
portfolio of assets that is highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and that is subject to a variety of asset
concentration limitations. Most CLOs are non-static, revolving structures that allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time
(the “reinvestment period”, which is typically up to five years). The terms and covenants of a typical CLO structure
are, with certain exceptions, based primarily on the cashflow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of
the collateral. These covenants include collateral coverage tests, interest coverage tests, and collateral quality tests.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically
originated and structured by banks on behalf of corporate borrowers with proceeds often used for leveraged buyout transactions, mergers
and acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and financing capital expenditures.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are
typically distributed by the arranging bank to a diverse group of investors primarily consisting of: CLOs, senior secured loan and high
yield bond mutual funds and closed-end funds, hedge funds, banks, insurance companies, and finance companies. CLOs currently represent
50%-75% of the demand for newly issued highly leveraged loans, according to S&P Capital IQ. Senior secured loans are floating rate
instruments, typically making quarterly interest payments based on a spread over a benchmark rate, which is generally currently the SOFR.
As floating rate instruments, they reduce some of the interest rate risk associated with fixed rate securities, especially in a period
of rising rates. Senior secured loans are secured by a first priority pledge of a company’s assets. Senior secured loans are protected
by sitting at the top of a corporate capital structure and cushioned by any subordinated debt or equity issued by the company. Senior
secured loans are also prepayable and typically prepay on average 30% per year, per LCD.
We believe that the attractive historical performance
of CLO securities is attributable, in part, to the relatively low historical average default rate and relatively high historical average
recovery rate on senior secured loans, which comprise the vast majority of most CLO portfolios.
A CLO’s indenture typically requires that
the maturity dates of a CLO’s assets (typically five to eight years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter
than the maturity date of the CLO’s liabilities (typically 12 to 13 years from the date of issuance). However, CLO investors do
face reinvestment risk with respect to a CLO’s underlying portfolio. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments
- We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.”
Most CLOs generally allow for reinvestment over
a specific period of time (the “reinvestment period,” which is typically up to five years). Specifically, CLO collateral managers
may, based on their discretion and expertise, adjust a CLO’s portfolio over time, though such discretion is typically constrained
by asset eligibility and diversification criteria set out in the CLO’s indenture. We believe that skilled CLO collateral managers
can add significant value to both CLO debt and equity investors through a combination of their credit expertise and a strong understanding
of how to manage effectively within the rules-based structure of a CLO.
After the CLO’s reinvestment period has
ended, in accordance with the CLO’s principal waterfall, cash generated from principal payments or other proceeds are distributed
to repay CLO debt investors in order of seniority. That is, the AAA tranche investors are repaid first, the AA tranche investors second,
and so on, with any remaining principal being distributed to the equity tranche investors. In limited instances, principal may be reinvested
after the end of the reinvestment period.
CLOs contain structural features and covenants
designed to enhance the credit protection of CLO debt investors, including overcollateralization tests and interest coverage tests. The
overcollateralization tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of overcollateralization (measured as par value of assets compared
to principal amount of liabilities, subject to certain adjustments). Interest coverage tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of
interest coverage (measured as expected interest revenues on the assets compared to interest payments on the liabilities). If a CLO breaches
an overcollateralization test or interest coverage test, excess interest-related cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution
to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to prepay CLO debt investors in order of seniority until such time as the covenant breach
is cured. If the covenant breach is not or cannot be cured, the CLO equity investors (and potentially other debt tranche investors) may
experience a deferral of cashflow, a partial or total loss of their investment and/or the CLO may eventually experience an event of default.
For this reason, CLO equity investors are often referred to as being in a first loss position. The Adviser will have no control over whether
or not the CLO is able to satisfy its relevant interest coverage tests or overcollateralization tests.
CLOs also typically have interest diversion tests,
which also acts to ensure that CLOs maintain adequate overcollateralization. If a CLO breaches an interest diversion test, excess interest-related
cashflow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to acquire new loan collateral
until the test is satisfied. Such diversion would lead to payments to the equity investors being delayed and/or reduced while the test
breach is continuing. Once the breach has been cured, the CLO may have more assets and so the cash flow to the CLO equity tranche may
be higher than they were previously.
Cashflow CLOs do not have mark-to-market triggers
and, with limited exceptions (such assets rated “CCC+” or lower (or their equivalent) to the extent such assets exceed a specified
concentration limit, deeply discounted purchases and defaulted assets), CLO covenants are generally calculated using the par value of
collateral, not the market value or purchase price. As a result, a decrease in the market price of a CLO’s performing collateral
portfolio does not generally result in a requirement for the CLO collateral manager to sell assets (i.e., no forced sales) or for
CLO equity investors to contribute additional capital (i.e., no margin calls).
CLO Market Opportunity
We believe knowledgeable and experienced investors
with specialized experienced in CLO securities can earn an attractive risk-adjusted return through investments in CLOs.
The Adviser intends to focus our investments in
CLO Equity.
We believe that CLO equity has the following attractive
fundamental attributes:
| • | Potential for strong absolute and risk-adjusted returns: We believe that CLO equity offers
a potential total return profile that is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis compared to other asset classes over the long-term. |
| • | Protection against rising interest
rates: A CLO’s asset portfolio typically comprises floating rate loans and
the CLO’s liabilities are also predominantly floating rate instruments. CLO equity
provides potential protection against rising interest rates. However, our investments are
still subject to other forms of interest rate risk. For a discussion of the interest rate
risks associated with our investments, see “Risk Factors - Risks
Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to interest rate
risk” and “- CLO Overview.” |
| • | Senior secured nature of the collateral: The primary attributes of senior secured loans
typically include a senior position in a company’s capital structure (there is a cushion provided by subordinated equity and debt
capital). The holder of a senior secured loan has the first lien security interest in a company’s assets. In general, senior secured
loans have a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 40% to 60% at the time of origination based on a borrower’s assessed enterprise
value. |
CLO securities are also subject to a number of
risks as discussed elsewhere in this “Prospectus Summary” section and in more detail in the “Risk
Factors” section of this prospectus. Among our primary targeted investments, the risks associated with CLO equity are generally
greater than those associated with CLO debt.
Our Competitive Advantages
We believe that we are well positioned to take
advantage of investment opportunities in CLO securities and related investments due to the following competitive advantages:
| • | Experienced and specialist investors in CLO securities. The Adviser focuses solely on CLO
securities and related investments. The Adviser benefits from having a team of investment professionals with more than 144 years of collective
experience in analyzing, structuring and trading securitized products. As a “pure play” CLO investor, the Adviser only invests
in CLO tranches and does not invest in any other form of securitization such as mortgages, credit card receivables or student loans. Further,
in order to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, the Adviser does not serve as the collateral manager for CLOs. |
| • | Track record. The Adviser began managing CLO focused investment funds in 2008 and, as of
the date of this prospectus, provides investment management services to ten funds comprising the Pearl Diver platform. Since 2008, the
Adviser has established a track record of selecting profitable investments with default rates in the underlying collateral pool lower
than the average rate for the broader loan market. |
| • | Methodical investment process. The Adviser uses a look-through approach which includes in-depth
credit analysis of the corporate debt assets in the collateral pool underlying each CLO as well as a highly automated structural analytics
for generating projected CLO cash flows under a variety of stressed scenarios. The precise duration of each CLO is estimated using proprietary
duration simulation algorithms. The Adviser employs a proprietary Machine Learning generated data lake that records and benchmarks every
CLO manager’s style and alpha creation metrics continually, helping in the construction of balanced and diversified CLO tranche
portfolios. |
In addition, the Adviser uses a process and model,
for ongoing risk management and monitoring of all the portfolio of investments under management. This involves continued credit analysis
and monitoring of the underlying collateral portfolios inside CLOs, combined with monitoring and reviews of the structural aspects of
each CLO, including the evolution of the various tests and triggers inside CLOs. In essence, the Adviser’s highly differentiated
quantitative approach allows for pricing of every single CLO tranche in the market on a daily basis, allowing the Adviser to take a “relative
value” approach to all CLO investments.
| • | Identification of investment opportunities. The Adviser has extensive relationships at banks,
other funds, brokerage houses and other participants in the securitized products market. Through these relationships, the Adviser is notified
of a wide range of investment opportunities in CLOs and other securitized products. These investment opportunities are notified to the
Adviser either in the course of particular auction processes or as part of private bilateral negotiations with investors or financial
institutions that may hold, or wish to offer or exit, structured credit investments. The Adviser employs a proprietary NLP based Investment
Origination Engine that automates origination and selection of investments from the secondary markets via auctions and over-the-counter
direct trades. The Investment Origination Engine incorporates a memory of relevant trades and pricing information related to the trades
of CLO tranches over time, allowing the Adviser to approach the market in a highly informed manner. |
| • | Efficient vehicle for gaining exposure to CLO securities. We believe our closed-end fund
structure allows the Adviser to take a long-term view from a portfolio management perspective and allows investors to access liquidity
through the exchange. As such, the Adviser can focus principally on maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of stockholders
without the need to liquidate fund assets to meet redemptions. |
The Adviser has historically focused considerable
time and attention seeking to maximize value within their CLO equity tranche portfolios through CLO refinancings and resets. In a CLO
refinancing, typically only the interest rate spread on a CLO’s debt tranches are reduced, and most other terms of the CLO remain
unchanged. The reduction of a CLO’s cost of debt accrues to the benefit of the CLO’s equity investors, such as the Company.
In a CLO reset, the CLO’s indenture, which
sets forth the terms governing the CLO, is “re-opened” (e.g., the terms of the indenture and the various tranches of
the CLO can be re-negotiated). Among other potential benefits, resetting a CLO renews the reinvestment period on the CLO, typically by
up to five years. We believe that the ability to lengthen the term of our investments in CLO equity tranches is a key benefit of our permanent
structure and we believe many limited-life investment vehicles are not fully able to capture the value of this benefit.
In both resets and refinancings, there are one-time
transaction costs (e.g., dealer fees, attorney fees, and related costs) which typically reduce the next scheduled distribution
to the CLO’s equity tranche. The Adviser, when deciding whether or not to effect a refinancing or reset of a CLO, performs a cost-benefit
analysis that takes these costs into account. In general, a refinancing or reset of a CLO can increase cashflows to the equity positions
held by the Company by lowering the cost of the CLO’s liabilities.
| • | Long-term investment horizon. We believe in a long-term investment horizon for our portfolio.
We seek to maximize the reinvestment periods of our CLOs wherever possible in the primary market. We also plan to extend, wherever appropriate,
the reinvestment periods of CLOs we own in the portfolio today. We do not plan to purchase CLOs with the primary goal to “flip,”
or trade in the short term, positions that we purchase.
|
We believe that the long-term capital structure
of our vehicle confers a number of advantages on our core strategy. First, as a result of our permanent, closed-end structure, we are
not subject to any mandatory liquidation, dissolution or wind-up requirement and, therefore, the Adviser will never have to involuntarily
liquidate a given position to meet a redemption. Involuntary liquidations of positions at inopportune times can often lead to a poor investment
outcome for those positions in particular, but also for the portfolio as a whole, disadvantaging certain investors who do not redeem at
the same time. Second, the Adviser can take a long-term view to making new investments that may not, in the short term, provide high income
relative to their costs. Such CLO investments can often create robust returns through capital appreciation in their underlying loan portfolios
rather than through high current income. Finally, our vehicle allows us to manage our portfolio to provide stable yields through market
cycles. As we rarely will seek to liquidate positions, the current market value of our portfolio is not of primary concern. Rather, we
seek to maximize the dividend yield and ultimate return to our stockholders. In cases where the Adviser believes a position’s future
cashflows will provide an appropriate return to our stockholders, even if the current market price of that position is low, the Adviser
can retain the position in the portfolio to create yield rather than decide to sell the position to prevent short-term NAV deterioration.
Over time, this creates, in our opinion, a better opportunity to create a stable dividend stream for our investors.
| • | Efficient tax structure. A closed-end management investment company typically does not incur
significant entity-level tax costs, because it is generally entitled to deduct distributions to its stockholders. As a result, a closed-end
management investment company will generally not incur any U.S. federal income tax costs, so long as the closed-end management investment
company qualifies as a RIC and distributes all of its income to its stockholders on a current basis. |
| • | Portfolio level monitoring. Our portfolio monitoring comprises a number of methods. The
Adviser uses standard industry technology to analyze and monitor our positions. Such technology includes an industry leading CLO database
and cashflow “engine,” or generator, and other analytics suites used to compare CLOs across the market and run cashflow projections
and other metrics. We also use other proprietary software and databases to evaluate and model investments on a daily basis. The Adviser,
on behalf of its clients, also uses its position as a majority equity holder in CLOs to have periodic updates with the various CLO managers,
which often take the form of a credit review of the underlying loan portfolio. Finally, the Adviser uses its market relationships to contextualize
the performance of a given CLO relative to its vintage, its competitors, and to the leveraged loan market at the time. |
The Adviser’s experience and its proprietary,
technology driven quantitative investment processes are expected to play a key role in enabling identification and sourcing of appropriate
CLO investments in an agile manner while uncovering relative value. The closed-end fund structure will allow the Adviser to take a long-term
view from a portfolio management perspective while allowing investors access liquidity through the exchange. As such, the Adviser can
focus principally on maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of stockholders.
Other Investment Techniques
Leverage. We may use leverage to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including
funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes, or preferred stock, and leverage attributable to
reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. The Company intends to use relatively limited amounts of leverage (generally expected
to consist of borrowing or the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities generally within a range of approximately 25% to 35% of
the fair value of the Company's total assets). in order to optimize the returns to our stockholders. We seek to use appropriate leverage
that enhances returns without creating undue risk in the portfolio in the case that the CLO market weakens. Over time, the Adviser may
decide that it is appropriate to use more leverage to purchase assets or for other purposes, or to reduce leverage by repaying any outstanding
facilities.
We currently anticipate incurring leverage generally
within a range of approximately 25% to 35% of our total assets (as determined immediately after the leverage is incurred) by entering
into a credit facility or through the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities, soon after this offering and within the first twelve
months following the completion of this offering. We plan to obtain revolving facilities that will allow us to draw capital in the case
that current cash available to pay dividends is lower than our anticipated run-rate cash dividend, or in the case that asset values in
the CLO market fall in a way as to make new investments attractive, in which case we may incur leverage in excess of approximately 25%
to 35% of our total assets. The Adviser would decide whether or not it is beneficial to us to use leverage at any given time. Such facilities
would be committed, but subject to certain restrictions that may not allow us to draw capital even if the Adviser deems it favorable to
do so. Such facilities, if drawn, would become senior in priority to our common stock. The facilities would also earn an undrawn commitment
fee that we would pay on an ongoing basis, regardless of whether we draw on the facilities or not.
Instruments that create leverage are generally
considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing
or deemed borrowings), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset
coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities
and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness.
With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock),
we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares
of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities)
over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of
any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
In connection with any credit facility, the lender
may impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. The credit facility fees may include upfront structuring fees and ongoing
commitment fees (including fees on amounts undrawn on the facility) in addition to the traditional interest expense on amounts borrowed.
The credit facility may involve a lien on our assets. Similarly, to the extent we issue shares of preferred stock or notes, we may be
subject to fees, covenants, and investment restrictions required by a national securities rating agency, as a result. Such covenants and
restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent
than those imposed on us by the 1940 Act. While it is not anticipated that these covenants or restrictions will significantly impede the
Adviser in managing our portfolio in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, if these covenants or guidelines are more
restrictive than those imposed by the 1940 Act, we would not be able to utilize as much leverage as we otherwise could have, which could
reduce our investment returns. In addition, we expect that any notes we issue or credit facility we enter into would contain covenants
that may impose geographic exposure limitations, credit quality minimums, liquidity minimums, concentration limitations, and currency
hedging requirements on us. These covenants would also likely limit our ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional
debt, change fundamental investment policies, and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations. Such restrictions
could cause the Adviser to make different investment decisions than if there were no such restrictions and could limit the ability of
the Board and our stockholders to change fundamental investment policies.
While we cannot control the market value of our
investments, the Adviser can determine to draw on our planned leverage facility to purchase new assets at a time of market dislocation.
Such purchases, if made, can mitigate price drops in the current portfolio by making new asset purchases at a discount. Further, such
purchases can potentially contribute to an increase in net asset value of the portfolio upon a market rebound. Our willingness to utilize
leverage, and the amount of leverage we incur, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are investment outlook, market
conditions, and interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on our ability to predict correctly interest rates
and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
Any leveraging cannot be achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with our investment
objectives and policies. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would
magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.”
Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Costs of the offering of any preferred stock that we issue, including the Series A Term
Preferred Stock, will be borne immediately at such time by holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share
of our common stock at that time. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, we must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred stock,
including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, have an “asset coverage” of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio by
which the value of our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940
Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing our indebtedness, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference
of the preferred stock. If we seek a rating of the preferred stock, additional asset coverage requirements, which may be more restrictive
than those imposed by the 1940 Act, may be imposed.
Derivative Transactions. We may
engage in Derivative Transactions from time to time. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so to hedge against
interest rate, credit and/or other risks, or for other investment or risk management purposes. We may use Derivative Transactions for
investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. We may purchase
and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and OTC options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar
instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors, or collars, and credit default swaps. We also may purchase
and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments.
We have claimed an exclusion from the definition
of the term “commodity pool operator” pursuant to CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of
Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012, and we currently intend to operate in a manner that would permit us to continue
to claim such exclusion. See “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure - We are subject to the risk of
legislative and regulatory changes impacting our business or the markets in which we invest” and “Risk Factors
- Risks Related to Our Investments - We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative Transactions in which we participate.”
Illiquid Transactions. Generally,
investments will be purchased or sold by us in private markets, including securities that are not publicly traded or that are otherwise
illiquid and securities acquired directly from the issuer.
Temporary Defensive Position. We
may take a temporary defensive position and invest all or a substantial portion of our total assets in cash or cash equivalents, government
securities, or short-term fixed income securities during periods in which we believe that adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions make it advisable to maintain a temporary defensive position. As the CLOs and loan accumulation facilities in which we invest
are generally illiquid in nature, we may not be able to dispose of such investments and take a defensive position. To the extent that
we invest defensively, we likely will not achieve our investment objectives.
Co-Investment with Affiliates. In
certain instances, we expect to co-invest on a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s
affiliates and may do so, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and the Adviser’s written allocation
procedures. We and the Adviser have submitted an application for exemptive relief to the SEC to permit us and certain of our affiliates
to participate in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates, subject
to certain conditions. There can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained. A copy of the application for exemptive relief,
including all of the conditions and the related order, are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Competition
We intend to compete for investments in CLO securities
with other investment funds (including asset managers, business development companies, mutual funds, pension funds, private equity funds,
and hedge funds) as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies, and
insurance companies.
Additionally, because competition for higher-yielding
investment opportunities generally has increased, many new investors have entered the CLO market over the past few years. As a result
of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in CLO securities may intensify. We believe we are able to compete with
these entities on the basis of the Investment Team’s deep and highly specialized CLO market experience, the Adviser’s relative
size and prominence in the CLO market, and the Investment Team’s longstanding relationships with many CLO collateral managers, complemented
by the Adviser’s proprietary quantitative infrastructure that helps it identify relative value, price investments precisely and
approach the markets in an agile manner.
THE ADVISER AND THE ADMINISTRATOR
Our Board is responsible for the overall management
and supervision of our business and affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement, our Board has appointed the Adviser as our investment adviser.
The Adviser
The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser
with the SEC. As of September 30, 2024, the Adviser had approximately $2.8 billion of total assets under management for investment in
CLO securities, including capital commitments that were undrawn as of such date. The Adviser commenced operations in 2008 and its principal
place of business is located at 52 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YX, United Kingdom. The Adviser is owned by Mr. Indranil (Neil) Basu and
Mr. Chandrajit Chakraborty. The Adviser’s senior management team are also shareholders in the Pearl Diver group holding company
of which the Adviser is an affiliate.
The Adviser manages our investments subject
to the oversight of our Board pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, or the “Investment Advisory Agreement.” ALPS
Fund Services, Inc. has agreed to perform, or arrange for the performance of, our required administrative services. For a
description of the fees and expenses that we will pay to the Adviser and the Administrator, see “The Adviser and the
Administrator - Investment Advisory Agreement - Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee” and “The Adviser and
the Administrator - The Administrator and the Services Agreement.”
The Adviser pursues a differentiated strategy
within the CLO market with:
| • | a singular focus on investing in CLO Equity and Debt tranches (The Adviser strategically does not manufacture
and manage its own CLOs to avoid conflicts of interest); |
| • | a
15-year track record (firm inception: September 2008) and currently managing $2.8 billion
in CLO tranches; |
| • | a well-respected roster of institutional investors; |
| • | a focus on identifying relative value; and |
| • | a unique and highly agile approach to CLO investments that utilizes proprietary Statistical and Machine
Learning technologies throughout the investment / research process. |
The Adviser’s CLO investment team (the “Investment
Team”) is led by Mr. Indranil (Neil) Basu, Mr. Chandrajit Chakraborty, Mr. Matthew Layton, Mr. Kerrill Gaffney, Mr. Michael Brown
and Mr. Patrick Chan. The Investment Team is jointly and primarily responsible for our day-to-day investment management and the implementation
of our investment strategy and process.
Each member of the Investment Team is a CLO industry
specialist who has been directly involved in the CLO market for the majority of his or her career and has built relationships with key
market participants, including CLO collateral managers, investment banks, and investors. Members of the Investment Team have been involved
in the CLO market as:
| • | the head of the CLO business at various investment banks; |
| • | a CLO equity and debt investor; and |
| • | a CLO collateral manager. |
Portfolio Managers
Biographical information on the senior members
of the CLO Investment Team is set forth below:
Indranil (Neil) Basu, CEO, Managing Partner
Neil previously worked with Citibank, ABN AMRO
and Nomura Securities. Prior to founding Pearl Diver Capital, Neil was Managing Director and Head of Structured/Securitised Credit business
at Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo) in London and member of Wachovia’s European Fixed Income Operating Committee. Prior to
Wachovia, Neil was Managing Director and Head of the Structured Credit business at Nomura Securities. In his several senior leadership
positions in sell-side fixed income investment banking, Neil has built and led key securitisation focused businesses and originated and
structured numerous transactions in asset classes ranging from ABS, future flow receivables SME Loans, and private equity secondary positions.
Neil has a Bachelors degree in Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and holds an MBA (Beta Gamma Sigma)
from the University of North Carolina.
Chandrajit Chakraborty, CIO, Managing Partner
Chandrajit brings over 25 years of experience
as a structured finance banker, structurer and trader, covering stints at Wachovia Securities, Nomura Securities, Deutsche Bank, UBS,
Old Mutual, Fitch Ratings and JP Morgan. He was responsible for originating and structuring several innovative transactions ranging from
leveraged loan CLOs to Private Equity backed and Hedge Fund backed securitization products. Chandrajit was formerly a bond trader managing
a trading book for corporate credit and sovereign debt. He is a graduate in Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT) and holds a Masters in Finance (with Distinction) in Financial Engineering from London Business School (LBS).
Matthew Layton, Partner
Matthew has over 20 years’ experience of
buy-side credit experience in CLOs and leveraged finance. Matthew joined Pearl Diver in 2009, and currently heads Pearl Diver’s
European business, is a voting member of the investment committee and is co-head of the credit division. Prior to joining Pearl Diver,
Matthew was a Credit Analyst with Alcentra where he covered Publishing, Media, Leisure and Gaming, Restaurants and Environmental Services.
His experience covers analyzing and investing in CLOs, investment origination, fundamental company level credit analysis and corporate
restructurings. Matthew holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Wales, Swansea.
Kerrill Gaffney, Partner
Kerrill is a Partner at Pearl Diver Capital and
has over 14 years of experience in financial markets. Kerrill was formerly a Credit Analyst at Allied Irish Banks where he covered leveraged
loan investments across the technology, telecoms, manufacturing, retail, entertainment, services and food sectors. Kerrill holds undergraduate
and postgraduate degrees in Economics and Business from the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Michael Brown, Partner
Michael is a Partner at Pearl Diver Capital, responsible
for quantitative analytics of CLO’s including structuring, modelling and pricing. Michael joined Pearl Diver in 2011 after graduating
from Worcester College, Oxford University with a BA in Mathematics.
Patrick Chan, Partner
Patrick is a Managing Director at Pearl Diver
Capital, assisting with quantitative analytics of CLOs including structuring, modelling and pricing. Patrick joined Pearl Diver Capital
in 2015 after graduating from Imperial College, London with an MSc in Mathematics & Finance.
The following table sets forth accounts within
each category listed for which members of the Investment Team are jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day CLO portfolio management
as of September 30, 2024.
|
|
| Registered Investment Companies | |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | |
| Other Accounts | |
Portfolio Manager (CLOs) |
|
| Number of Accounts | |
| Total Assets (in billions) | |
| Number of Accounts | |
| Total Assets (in billions)(1) | |
| Number of Accounts | |
| Total Assets (in billions)(1) | |
Indranil Basu |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
Chandrajit Chakraborty |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
Matthew Layton |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
Kerrill Gaffney |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
Michael Brown |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
Patrick Chan |
|
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
| 11 | |
$ | 2.8 | |
| 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
(1) |
Total Assets are estimated and unaudited as of September 30, 2024, and may vary from final audited figures. Total Assets exclude amounts invested in other asset classes and managed by the Adviser. |
Compensation of Portfolio Managers.
The investment professionals are paid out of the total revenues of the Adviser and certain of its affiliates, including the advisory fees
earned with respect to providing advisory services to us. Professional compensation at the Adviser is structured so that key professionals
benefit from strong investment performance generated on the accounts that the Adviser and such affiliates manage and from their longevity
with the Adviser. Each member of the Investment Team has indirect equity ownership interests in the Adviser and related long-term incentives.
Members of the Investment Team also receive a fixed base salary and an annual market and performance-based cash bonus. The bonus is based
on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of several factors, including the profitability of the Adviser and the contribution of the
individual employee. Many of the factors considered by management in reaching its compensation determinations will be impacted by our
long-term performance and the value of our assets as well as the portfolios managed for the Adviser’s and such affiliates’
other clients.
Securities Owned in the Company by Portfolio
Managers. The table below sets forth the dollar range of the value of equity securities of the Company that are owned beneficially
by each portfolio manager as of September 30, 2024. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is defined to mean a direct or
indirect pecuniary interest.
Portfolio Manager | |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Company(1) |
Indranil (Neil) Basu | |
Over $1,000,000 |
Chandrajit Chakraborty | |
Over $1,000,000 |
Matthew Layton | |
None |
Kerrill Gaffney | |
None |
Michael Brown | |
None |
Patrick Chan | |
None |
(1) |
Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 - $10,000, $10,001 - $50,000, $50,001 - $100,000, $100,001 - $500,000, $500,001 - $1,000,000 and over $1,000,000. |
Investment Process
The Adviser regularly sources and evaluates potential
investment opportunities in both the primary and secondary market. We believe the Adviser’s investment analysis and due diligence
process, which includes a strong emphasis on assessing the skill of CLO collateral managers and analyzing the structure of a CLO, differentiates
our approach to investing in CLO securities. This process, augmented by the first-hand CLO industry experience of the Investment Team,
is designed to be repeatable and is focused on key areas for analysis that the Adviser believes are most relevant to potential future
performance.
The Adviser seeks to implement its investment
process in a methodical and disciplined fashion, as described below.
Sourcing of Investment Opportunities
The Adviser has extensive relationships at banks,
other funds, brokerage houses and other participants in the securitized products market. Through these relationships, the Adviser is notified
of a wide range of investment opportunities in CLOs and other securitized products. These investment opportunities are notified to the
Adviser either in the course of particular auction processes or as part of private bilateral negotiations with investors or financial
institutions that may hold, or wish to offer or exit, structured credit investments. The Adviser also utilized proprietary data driven
infrastructure to identify and source investment opportunities in the secondary market.
Investment Analysis and Due Diligence
Initial Analysis. Once the Adviser has
identified a potential investment, it will conduct an initial analysis to test the relative trading value of the opportunity. This will
involve an initial top- down fundamental analysis and evaluation of underlying portfolio metrics. Model returns are created on conservative,
broad-market assumptions and overlying structural protections and cushions are evaluated. The results of the initial analysis of the target
investment opportunity are discussed and reviewed by members of the Investment Committee of the Adviser on a daily basis. Only investment
opportunities that are approved at this stage are moved to the next stage of the investment process, involving detailed fundamental analysis.
Detailed Fundamental Credit Analysis. A
fundamental analysis of the underlying portfolio will follow the initial analysis. This will involve an in-depth analysis of tail-risks
or fundamental risks that exist round the weakest elements of the underlying portfolio, including industry, company and structure.
Additionally, at this stage, the Adviser conducts
a full re-underwriting of the assets in the underlying collateral pool and applies its proprietary re-rating algorithm tests to adjust
and confirm underlying asset pool ratings and analyse the potential investment’s risk parameters and return outlook based on default
rate probabilities, delinquency rates, recovery rates and pre-payments on the underlying loans.
Detailed Quantitative Analysis. The Adviser
will then conduct a detailed quantitative analysis. This will involve a detailed cash-flow and stress test analysis using portfolio-specific
assumptions obtained from fundamental credit analysis and a detailed review of transaction documentation.
Approval Process. The results of the detailed
fundamental and quantitative analyses are discussed at a final meeting of the Investment Committee convened to consider the suitability
of the proposed investment and whether it meets all the investment criteria set by the Adviser in the light of the different dimensions
of the Company’s risk-return metric. If the Adviser decides that an investment opportunity is suitable for the Company, it will
purchase the relevant investment on behalf of the Company. To facilitate this, the Adviser then enters into negotiations with market participants
for the purchase of the proposed investment.
Monitoring and Risk Management
Active monitoring of our investments is a critical
component of the Adviser’s risk management and mitigation objectives. From data sourced from CLO trustee reports (which detail each
asset in the CLO portfolio as well as any purchases and sales that the CLO collateral manager made during the period) and third party
data sources, the Adviser utilizes its internal systems (which capture and facilitate the analysis of this data) to review key metrics
for each CLO security. In addition, based on the Adviser’s screens and general market intelligence, the Adviser focuses discussions
from time to time with CLO collateral managers on particular underlying credits. As part of these discussions, the Adviser also reviews
portfolio activity with applicable CLO collateral managers as well as loan and CLO market developments. Additional factors that the Adviser
actively monitors, which these discussions help to illuminate, include any shifts in investment strategy, personnel changes, or other
organizational developments at the CLO collateral manager which may impact future performance.
Investment Advisory Agreement
Services. Subject to oversight of
our Board, the Adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory and management services to, us. Under the
terms of our Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser:
| • | determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing
such changes; |
| • | identifies, evaluates, and negotiates the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective
investments); |
| • | executes, closes, services and monitors the investments we make; |
| • | determines the securities and other assets that we purchase, retain or sell; and |
| • | provides us with such other investment advisory, research and related services as we may from time to time reasonably require for
the investment of our funds. |
The Adviser’s services under the Investment
Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and both it and its members, officers and employees are free to furnish similar services to other
persons and entities so long as its services to us are not impaired.
The Investment Advisory Agreement was approved
by the Board on May 31, 2024. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement will
be included in our annual report for the period ending December 31, 2024.
Duration and Termination. Unless
earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect if approved annually (after an initial
two-year term) by our Board or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in
either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons” of any party to such agreement, as such
term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. The Investment Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by our Board or the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) without penalty upon written notice to the Adviser and by the Adviser upon not less than 90 days’
written notice to us.
Indemnification. The Investment
Advisory Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason
of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling
persons, members, and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from us for any damages, liabilities,
costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering
of the Adviser’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as our investment adviser.
Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee.
We pay the Adviser a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components: a base management fee
and an incentive fee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Adviser may elect to defer all or a portion of these fees for a specified
period of time.
The base management fee equals an annual rate
of 1.50% of our Total Equity Base and is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears. “Total Equity Base” means the net asset
value attributable to the common stock (prior to the application of the base management fee or incentive fee) and the paid-in or stated
capital of the preferred interests in the Company (howsoever called), including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if any.
In addition, we pay the Adviser an incentive fee
based on our performance. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 15% of our “Pre-Incentive
Fee Net Investment Income” for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a hurdle and a “catch up” feature.
No incentive fees are payable to our Adviser in respect of any capital gains. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination,
structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter,
minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee and any interest expense and/or dividends
paid on any issued and outstanding debt or preferred interests, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, payment-in-kind interest and zero
coupon securities), accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include
any realized or unrealized capital gains or realized or unrealized losses.
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed
as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, shall be
compared to a “hurdle rate” of 2.00% per quarter. The Company shall pay the Adviser an Incentive Fee with respect to the Company’s
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in each calendar quarter as follows: (1) no Incentive Fee in any calendar quarter in which the
Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed 2.00%; (2) 100% of the Company’s Pre- Incentive Fee Net
Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate of
2.00% but is less than 2.35294% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 15% of the amount of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income, if any, that exceeds 2.35294% in any calendar quarter.
You should be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates
can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make
it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees
payable to the Adviser with respect to Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.
The portion of such incentive fee that is attributable
to deferred interest (such as PIK interest or original issue discount) will be paid to the Adviser, without interest, only if and to the
extent we actually receive such deferred interest in cash, and any accrual will be reversed if and to the extent such interest is reversed
in connection with any write-off or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to any deferred interest accrual. Any reversal of
such amounts would reduce net income for the quarter by the net amount of the reversal (after taking into account the reversal of incentive
fees payable) and would result in a reduction of the incentive fees for such quarter.
No incentive fee is payable to the Adviser on
capital gains, whether realized or unrealized. In addition, the amount of the incentive fee is not affected by any realized or unrealized
losses that we may suffer.
The payment of any monthly dividends on our preferred
stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock (and including on any shares of preferred stock that may be held by officers or other
affiliates of the Adviser) is not subject to Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income meeting or exceeding any hurdle rate.
The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the
incentive fee as well as examples of its application.
Quarterly Incentive Fee Based on
Net Investment Income
Examples of Quarterly Incentive Fee
Calculation (amounts expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets, and are not annualized)*
Alternative 1:
Assumptions
Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees,
etc.) = 1.5%
Hurdle rate¹ = 2.00%
Base management fee² = 0.375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)³ = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income - (base management fee
+ other expenses)) = 0.875%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed
the hurdle rate, therefore there is no incentive fee.
Alternative 2:
Assumptions
Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees,
etc.) = 2.8%
Hurdle rate¹ = 2.00%
Base management fee² = 0.375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)³ = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income - (base management fee
+ other expenses)) = 2.175%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle
rate, therefore there is an incentive fee.
Incentive fee = (100% × “Catch-Up”) +
(the greater of 0% AND (15% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income - 2.353%)))
= (100.0% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income - 2.00%))
+ 0%
= 100.0% × (2.175% - 2.00%)
= 100.0% × 0.175%
= 0.175%
Alternative 3:
Assumptions
Investment income (including interest, distributions, fees,
etc.) = 3.50%
Hurdle rate¹ = 2.00%
Base management fee² = 0.375%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)³ = 0.25%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income - (base management fee
+ other expenses)) = 2.875%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the
hurdle rate, therefore there is an incentive fee.
Incentive fee = (100% × “Catch-Up”) +
(the greater of 0% AND (15% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income - 2.353%)))
= (100.0% × (2.353% - 2.00%)) + (15%
× (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income - 2.353%))
= (100.0% × (2.353% - 2.00%)) + (15%
× (2.875% - 2.353%))
= 0.353% + 0.0783%
= 0.4313%
* The hypothetical amount of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
shown is based on a percentage of net assets.
(1) Represents 8.00% annualized hurdle rate.
(2) Represents 1.50% annualized base management fee.
(3) Excludes organizational and offering expenses.
Payment of Expenses. The Adviser’s
Investment Team, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine
overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser. We bear all other costs and
expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation): (1) the cost of calculating our net asset value (including
the costs and expenses of any independent valuation firm or pricing service); (2) interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance
our investments; (3) fees and expenses, including legal fees and expenses and travel expenses, incurred by the Adviser or payable to third
parties in performing due diligence on prospective investments, monitoring our investments and, if necessary, enforcing our rights; (4)
amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, evaluating, making and disposing of investments; (5) brokerage fees
and commissions; (6) federal and state registration fees; (7) exchange listing fees; (8) federal, state, and local taxes; (9) costs of
offerings or repurchases of our common stock and other securities; (10) the management fees and incentive fees payable under the Investment
Advisory Agreement; (11) distributions on our common stock and other securities; (12) administration, transfer agent and custody fees
and expenses; (13) director fees and expenses; (14) the costs of any reports, proxy statements, or other notices to our stockholders,
including printing costs; (15) costs of holding meetings of our stockholders; (16) litigation, indemnification, and other non-recurring
or extraordinary expenses; (17) fees and expenses associated with marketing and investor relations efforts; (18) dues, fees, and charges
of any trade association of which we are a member; (19) direct costs and expenses of administration and operation, including printing,
mailing, telecommunications, and staff, including fees payable in connection with outsourced administration functions; (20) fees and expenses
associated with independent audits and outside legal costs; (21) fidelity bond; (22) directors and officers/errors and omissions liability
insurance, and any other insurance premiums; (23) costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and
applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; and (24) all other expenses reasonably incurred by us in connection with administering
our business.
The Adviser voluntarily waived its fees under
the Investment Advisory Agreement from the commencement of our operations through consummation of the IPO.
The Administrator and the Services Agreement
We have entered into the Services Agreement, pursuant
to which the Administrator furnishes us with office facilities, equipment, and clerical, bookkeeping, and record-keeping services at such
facilities. Under the Services Agreement, the Administrator performs, or arranges for the performance of, our required administrative
services, which include being responsible for the financial records that we are required to maintain and preparing reports to our stockholders.
In addition, the Administrator provides us with accounting services, assists us in determining and publishing our NAV, oversees the preparation
and filing of our tax returns, monitors our compliance with tax laws and regulations, and prepares any audits by an independent public
accounting firm of, our financial statements. The Administrator is also responsible for the printing and dissemination of reports to our
stockholders and the maintenance of our website. It provides support for our investor relations, generally oversees the payment of our
expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others, and provides such other administrative
services as we may from time to time designate. Payments under the Services Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable
portion of the Administrator’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Services Agreement, including rent, the fees and
expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer
and chief compliance officer and our allocable portion of the compensation of any administrative support staff. Our allocable portion
of such total compensation is based on an allocation of the time spent on us relative to other matters. To the extent the Administrator
outsources any of its functions, we pay the fees on a direct basis, without profit to the Administrator. The Services Agreement may be
terminated by us without penalty upon at least 90 days’ written notice to the Administrator and by the Administrator upon at least
90 days’ written notice to us. The Services Agreement will remain in effect if approved by the Board, including by a majority of
our independent directors, on an annual basis. The Administrator voluntarily waived the payments due to it under the Services Agreement
from the commencement of our operations through the consummation of this offering.
When considering the approval of the Services
Agreement, the Board considers, among other factors, (i) the reasonableness of the compensation paid by us to the Administrator and any
third-party service providers in light of the services provided, the quality of such services, any cost savings to us as a result of the
arrangements, and any conflicts of interest, (ii) the methodology employed by the Administrator in determining how certain expenses are
allocated to the Company, (iii) the breadth, depth, and quality of such administrative services provided, (iv) certain comparative information
on expenses borne by other companies for somewhat similar services known to be available, and (v) the possibility of obtaining such services
from a third party.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification.
The Services Agreement provides that the Administrator and its officers, directors, employees, agents, control persons, and affiliates
are not liable to us or any of our stockholders for any act or omission by it or its employees in the supervision or management of our
investment activities or for any damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably
paid in settlement) or losses sustained by us or our stockholders, except that the foregoing exculpation does not extend to any act or
omission constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Services Agreement.
The Services Agreement also provides for indemnification by us of the Administrator’s members, directors, officers, employees, agents,
control persons, and affiliates for liabilities incurred by them in connection with their services to us, subject to the same limitations
and to certain conditions.
MANAGEMENT
Our Board is responsible for the overall management
and supervision of our business and affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. Our directors may appoint officers
who assist in managing our day-to-day affairs.
The Board of Directors
The Board currently consists of five members,
three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of us. We refer to these directors
as our “independent directors.”
Under our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws,
our Board is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. The term of only one of the three classes expires at each annual
meeting of our stockholders. The classification of our Board across staggered terms may prevent replacement of a majority of the directors
for up to a two-year period.
Duties of Directors; Meetings and Committees
Under our Certificate of Incorporation, our Board
is responsible for managing our affairs, including the appointment of advisers and sub-advisers. The Board appoints officers who assist
in managing our day-to-day affairs.
The Board has appointed Indranil Basu as Chairperson.
The Chairperson presides at meetings of the Board and may call meetings of the Board and any committee whenever he deems necessary. The
Chairperson participates in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented
to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the directors. The Chairperson also acts as a liaison with our management, officers,
and attorneys and the other directors generally between meetings. The Chairperson may perform such other functions as may be requested
by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified in this prospectus or pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation or
bylaws, or as assigned by the Board, the designation of a director as Chairperson does not impose on that director any duties, obligations,
or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations, or liability imposed on any other director, generally.
The Board believes that this leadership structure
is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility
among committees or working groups of directors and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board also believes
that having a majority of independent directors is appropriate and in the best interest of our stockholders. Nevertheless, the Board also
believes that having interested persons serve on the Board brings corporate and financial viewpoints that are, in the Board’s view,
crucial elements in its decision-making process. In addition, the Board believes interested persons provide the Board with the Adviser’s
perspective in managing and sponsoring us. The leadership structure of the Board may be changed, at any time and in the discretion of
the Board, including in response to changes in circumstances or our characteristics.
Committees of the Board
The Board has established two standing committees:
the audit committee and the governance and nominating committee. The current membership of each committee is comprised of each independent
director and is set forth below. Interested directors are generally able to attend and participate in any committee meeting, as appropriate.
Audit Committee |
|
Governance and Nominating Committee |
John Everets |
|
John Everets |
Tarun Jotwani |
|
Tarun Jotwani |
Martin Mellish |
|
Martin Mellish |
Audit Committee
All of the members of the audit committee are
independent directors, and each member is financially literate with at least one having accounting or financial management expertise.
The Board has adopted a written charter for the audit committee. The audit committee recommends to the full Board the independent registered
public accounting firm for us, oversees the work of the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with our audit, communicates
with the independent registered public accounting firm on a regular basis, and provides a forum for the independent registered public
accounting firm to report and discuss any matters it deems appropriate at any time. The audit committee is also responsible for establishing
guidelines and making recommendations to our Board regarding the valuation of our investments, which are considered when the Board determines
in accordance with the 1940 Act the value of our investments as described under “Determination of Net Asset Value.”
Martin Mellish serves as Chairperson of the audit committee. The audit committee also functions as our qualified legal compliance committee
and is responsible for the confidential receipt, retention, and consideration of any report of evidence of (1) a material violation of
applicable federal or state securities law, (2) a material breach of fiduciary duty arising under federal or state law, or (3) a similar
material violation of any federal or state law by us or any of our officers, directors, employees, or agents that has occurred, is ongoing,
or is about to occur. Because the Company had not yet commenced operations, the audit committee did not meet during the calendar year
ended December 31, 2023.
Governance and Nominating Committee
The governance and nominating committee comprises
all of the independent directors. The governance and nominating committee periodically reviews the committee structure, conducts an annual
self-assessment of the Board, and makes the final selection and nomination of candidates to serve as independent directors. In addition,
the governance and nominating committee makes recommendations regarding the compensation of the Company’s independent directors
for approval by the Board as there is no separate compensation committee of the Company. The Board nominates and selects our interested
directors and the officers. Tarun Jotwani serves as Chairperson of the governance and nominating committee. Because the Company had not
yet commenced operations, the governance and nominating committee did not meet during the calendar year ended December 31, 2023.
In reviewing a potential nominee and in evaluating
the re-nomination of current independent directors, the governance and nominating committee will generally apply the following criteria:
(1) the nominee’s reputation for integrity, honesty, and adherence to high ethical standards; (2) the nominee’s business acumen,
experience and ability to exercise sound judgment; (3) a commitment to understand the Company and the responsibilities of a director of
an investment company; (4) a commitment to regularly attend and participate in meetings of the Board and its committees; (5) the ability
to understand potential conflicts of interest involving management of the Company and to act in the interests of all stockholders; and
(6) the absence of a real or apparent conflict of interest that would impair the nominee’s ability to represent the interests of
all the stockholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of an independent director. The governance and nominating committee does not
necessarily place the same emphasis on each criteria and each nominee may not have each of these qualities.
As long as an existing independent director continues,
in the opinion of the governance and nominating committee, to satisfy these criteria, we anticipate that the governance and nominating
committee would favor the re-nomination of an existing independent director rather than nominate a new candidate. Consequently, while
the governance and nominating committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders to serve as independent directors, the governance
and nominating committee may only act upon such recommendations if there is a vacancy on the Board or a committee and it determines that
the selection of a new or additional independent director is in our best interests. In the event that a vacancy arises or a change in
membership is determined to be advisable, the governance and nominating committee will, in addition to any stockholder recommendations,
consider candidates identified by other means, including candidates proposed by members of the governance and nominating committee. The
governance and nominating committee may retain a consultant to assist it in a search for a qualified candidate. The governance and nominating
committee has adopted procedures for the selection of independent directors.
The governance and nominating committee has not
adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying individuals for election as independent directors,
but the governance and nominating committee will consider such factors as it may deem are in the best interests of the Company and the
stockholders. Such factors may include the individual’s professional experience, education, skills, and other individual qualities
or attributes, including gender, race or national origin.
Any stockholder recommendation for independent
director to be included in our proxy statement must be submitted in compliance with all of the pertinent provisions of Rule 14a-8 under
the Exchange Act to be considered by the governance and nominating committee. In evaluating a nominee recommended by a stockholder, the
governance and nominating committee, in addition to the criteria discussed above, may consider the objectives of the stockholder in submitting
that nomination and whether such objectives are consistent with the interests of all stockholders. If the Board determines to include
a stockholder’s candidate among the slate of nominees, the candidate’s name will be placed on our proxy card. If the governance
and nominating committee or the Board determines not to include such candidate among the Board’s designated nominees and the stockholder
has satisfied the requirements of Rule 14a-8, the stockholder’s candidate will be treated as a nominee of the stockholder who originally
nominated the candidate. In that case, the candidate will not be named on the proxy card distributed with our proxy statement.
A stockholder who is entitled to vote at the applicable
annual meeting and who intends to nominate a director must comply with the advance notice procedures in our bylaws. To be timely, a stockholder’s
notice must be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States mail, postage or delivery charges
prepaid, and received at our principal executive offices addressed to the attention of the Secretary not less than ninety (90) days nor
more than one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the anniversary of the date our proxy statement was released to the stockholders
in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting
was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty (30) days from the date contemplated
at the time of the previous year’s proxy statement, notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary not later than the
close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (y) the seventh (7th)
day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Such stockholder’s notice to the Secretary
shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (a) the name,
age, business address, and residence address of the person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (c) the class and
number of shares of our capital stock that are beneficially owned by the person, and (d) any other information relating to the person
that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC
under Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (a) the name and record address of the stockholder,
and (b) the class and number of shares of our capital stock that are beneficially owned by the stockholder. We may require any proposed
nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve
as a director.
Stockholders may communicate with the directors
as a group or individually. Any such communication should be sent to the Board or an individual director c/o the Secretary of the Company
at the following address: 430 West 7th Street, Suite 219047, Kansas City, MO 64105. The Secretary of the Company may determine
not to forward any letter to directors that does not relate to the business of the Company.
Risk Oversight
As a registered investment company, we are subject
to a variety of risks, including investment risks, financial risks, compliance risks, and operational risks. As part of its overall activities,
the Board oversees the management of our risk management structure by various departments of the Adviser and the Administrator, as well
as by our chief compliance officer. The responsibility to manage our risk management structure on a day-to-day basis is subsumed within
the Adviser’s overall investment management responsibilities.
The Board recognizes that it is not possible to
identify all of the risks that may affect us or to develop processes and controls to manage them. The Board discharges risk oversight
as part of its overall activities. In addressing issues regarding our risk management between meetings, appropriate representatives of
the Adviser communicate with the Chairperson of the Board, the relevant committee chair or our chief compliance officer, who is directly
accountable to the Board. As appropriate, the Chairperson of the Board and the committee chairs confer among themselves, with our chief
compliance officer, the Adviser, other service providers, and external fund counsel to identify and review risk management issues that
may be placed on the Board’s agenda and/or that of an appropriate committee for review and discussion with management.
Compliance Policies and Procedures
We have adopted and implemented written policies
and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance
policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. The chief compliance officer is responsible
for administering the policies and procedures.
Biographical Information about
each Director
Information about our directors is as follows:
Name, Address(1)
and Date of Birth
of Director/Officer |
|
Position(s)
held
with the
Company |
|
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served |
|
Number
of
Portfolios
in the
Company
Complex
Overseen
by
Director |
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years |
|
Other
Directorship(s) Held by
Director During Past 5 Years |
Interested Directors |
Indranil Basu(2)
(1964)
|
|
Director |
|
3 years/since inception |
|
1 |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pearl Diver Capital LLP (2008 - present) |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary Wilder(3)
(1962)
|
|
Director |
|
3 years/since May 2024 |
|
1 |
|
Moor Park Capital Partners, Executive Chairman and Founder Partner (2006 - present); KWG, Group Chief Executive Officer (2019 - 2022) |
|
Director, 29-31 Eastways Limited (2024 - present); Director, KW Wealth Group (2021 -
present); Director, Gentleaid (23) Limited (2020 - pre-sent); Director, Gentleaid (24) Limited (2020 - present); Director, Kingswood MHC
Inc. (2020 - present); Director, Kingswood Corporate Finance Limited (2020 - present); Director, Kingswood Acquisition Corp. (2020 - 2024);
Director, Kingswood LLP (2020 - 2023); Director, Kingswood US Holdings, Inc. (2019 - present); Director, Marchant McKechnie Independent
Financial Advisers Limited (2019 - 2021) Director, Gentleaid (16) Limited (2018 - present); Director, Kingswood Holdings Limited (2017
- present); Director, Offline Records Limited (2016 - present); Director, KPI Spire (1) Limited (2016 - 2024); Director, KPI Spire (2)
Limited (2016 - 2024); Director, KPI Spire (3) Limited (2016 - 2024); Director, KPI Spire (4) Limited (2016 - 2024); Director, KPI Spire
(5) Limited (2016 - 2024); Director, Independent International Records Limited (2016 - 2021); Director, Kingswood Investment Partners
Limited (2014 - present); Director, KPI (Nominees) Limited (2014 - present); Director, Gentleaid (7) Limited (2006 - present); Director,
Gentleaid (8) Limited (2006 - present); Director, Moor Park Investors Limited (2006 - present); LLP Designated Member, Gamich LLP (2006
- present) |
Name, Address(1)
and Date of Birth
of Director/Officer |
|
Position(s)
held
with the
Company |
|
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served |
|
Number
of
Portfolios
in the
Company
Complex
Overseen
by
Director |
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years |
|
Other
Directorship(s) Held by
Director During Past 5 Years |
Non-Interested Directors |
John Everets
(1946) |
|
Director |
|
3 years/since May 2024 |
|
1 |
|
Partner, Arcturus Capital (2015 - present) |
|
Director, Medallion Bank (2019 - present); Director, Medallion Financial (2017 - present); Director, The Eastern Company (1993 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tarun Jotwani
(1960)
|
|
Director |
|
3 years/since May 2024 |
|
1 |
|
Founding Partner of Sigma Lending LTD (2023 - present); Founding Partner of Naviter Capital (2013 - present) |
|
Director, Sigma Lending LTD (2023 - present) Director, Naviter Capital LLP (2013 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martin Mellish
(1957)
|
|
Director |
|
3 years/since May 2024 |
|
1 |
|
Chairman (2023 - present) and Chief Executive Officer (1994-2023) of Aspen Advisory Services Ltd. |
|
Director, Spectral AI (2021 - present); Director, Levitronix Inc. (2021 - present); Director, Vetsdale Inc (2020 - present); Director, NuCana (2009 - present; Director, Kensington Green (Management) Ltd. (2007 - present) |
(1) The business address of each of our directors
is 747 Third Avenue, Suite 3603, New York, NY 10017.
(2) Mr. Basu is an interested director due to
his position as our Chief Executive Officer and his position with, and ownership of, Pearl Diver Capital LLP.
(3) Mr. Wilder is an interested director due to
his ownership interest in the parent company of Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC.
Other than as disclosed in the table above, none
of our directors serves, nor have they served during the last five years, on the board of directors of another company registered pursuant
to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (or subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) or registered under
the 1940 Act (including any other companies in a fund complex with us).
In addition to the description of each director’s
“Principal Occupation(s)” set forth above, the following provides further information about each director’s specific
experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills that led to the conclusion that they should serve as a director. The information in
this section should not be understood to mean that any of the directors is an “expert” within the meaning of the federal securities
laws.
Although the Nominating and Governance Committee
has general criteria that guides its choice of candidates to serve on the Board (as discussed above under “- Committees of
the Board”), there are no specific required qualifications for membership on the Board. The Board believes that the different
perspectives, viewpoints, professional experience, education, and individual qualities of each director represent a diversity of experiences
and a variety of complementary skills. When considering potential nominees to fill vacancies on the Board, and as part of its annual self-evaluation,
the Board reviews the mix of skills and other relevant experiences of the directors.
Interested Directors
Indranil (Neil) Basu
Mr. Basu previously worked with Citibank, ABN
AMRO and Nomura Securities. Prior to founding Pearl Diver Capital, he was Managing Director and Head of Structured/Securitised Credit
business at Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo) in London and member of Wachovia’s European Fixed Income Operating Committee.
Prior to Wachovia, Mr. Basu was Managing Director and Head of the Structured Credit business at Nomura Securities. In his several senior
leadership positions in sell-side fixed income investment banking, Mr. Basu has built and led key securitisation focused businesses and
originated and structured numerous transactions in asset classes ranging from ABS, future flow receivables SME Loans, and private equity
secondary positions. He has a Bachelors degree in Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and holds an MBA
(Beta Gamma Sigma) from the University of North Carolina.
Gary Wilder
Mr. Wilder served until March 2024 as Executive
Chairman and Director of Kingswood Acquisition Corporation when it successfully merged with Binah Capital Group listed on Nasdaq, from
January 2019 until December 2022 as Group Chief Executive Officer of KWG, a publicly traded, fully integrated wealth and investment management
group, and as Executive Chairman of Kingswood US, KWG’s subsidiary and U.S. holding company. He joined the board of KWG in October
2017 as a non-Executive Director. Mr. Wilder is also a co-founding partner of KPFLP, a private equity family office established in 2006,
and alongside his partner, Jonathan Massing, has undertaken a range of long-term private equity investments and financial transactions.
In September 2006, Mr. Wilder co-founded Moor Park Capital Partners LLP, a private real estate firm based in London, where he currently
serves as the Executive Chairman. Prior to founding Moor Park, Mr. Wilder was a Managing Partner and the Co-Head of European Funds Group
at Nomura, a team he created following his role as head of Nomura’s Real Estate Principal Finance Group. He was also a member of
Nomura’s Global Fixed Income Committee. Between 1999 and 2002, Mr. Wilder was Partner & Managing Director at Credit Suisse First
Boston, responsible for its European Real Estate Investment Banking business. Between 1992 and 1999, Mr. Wilder was a Managing Director
at Bankers Trust (now Deutsche Bank) in the Real Estate Group. Mr. Wilder is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales and a graduate of the Bayes Business School, University of London, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree with honors.
Independent Directors
John Everets
Mr. Everets is currently a partner at Arcturus
Capital in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to joining Arcturus, he was lead investor, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Bank of Maine from 2010 to 2015, where he led the recapitalization of the bank, helped improve its financial position and eventually
joined with Camden National Bank to form the largest bank in northern New England. Before leading the Bank of Maine, Mr. Everets was Chairman
of Yorkshire Capital. Prior to that, he was Chairman and CEO of GE HPSC, Inc. before it was acquired by General Electric in 2004. Mr.
Everets has served on the Board of Directors of Medallion Bank since September 2019 and Medallion Financial since 2017. Mr. Everets previously
served as a director of Financial Security Assurance, Advest Group Inc., and Martin Currie Business Trust. Mr. Everets also previously
held several executive positions at Advest, Inc. and is a former Trustee of the Boston Athenaeum. Mr. Everets is currently a director
of the Eastern Company, is on the Board of Directors of Newman’s Own Foundation where he chairs the Finance Committee and is a director
of the Westminster Kennel Club.
Tarun Jotwani
Mr. Jotwani is a founding partner of Naviter Capital
LLP, a London-based investment firm specializing in private debt originated through fintech lending platforms. He also is a founding partner
of Sigma Lending LLP, a direct lender. Prior to establishing Naviter in 2013, Mr. Jotwani had a 28-year career in investment banking at
Nomura, Lehman and Morgan Stanley based in London, New York and Tokyo. During this time, he served in senior leadership roles as CEO of
EMEA and India, and as Global Head of Fixed Income and Equities. Mr. Jotwani has served on various boards in the US, UK, Japan and India.
He was formerly a DCI Fellow at Stanford University and currently serves as chairman of Dasra’s Global Council, a leading Indian
NGO. Mr. Jotwani attended Delhi University, India and has an MBA from Pace University, New York.
Martin Mellish
Mr. Mellish has served as founding director and
now chairman of Aspen Advisory Services Ltd., a private investment office, since 1994. Mr. Mellish serves as a non-executive director
of NuCana Ltd (Nasdaq: NCNA; member, Audit Committee), Spectral AI Inc. (Nasdaq: MDAI, chair, Audit Committee); Levitronix Technologies
Inc. (chair, Audit Committee), Alturki Holding (chair, Audit Committee), Saudi Readymix Concrete Company (chair, Audit Committee), and
Kensington Green (Management) Limited (chair, Estates Environment & Security Committee). Pro-bono he is a member of the International
Advisory Council of the Massachusetts General Hospital. From 1984 to 1992 Mr. Mellish was Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer
of Alturki Holding, an industrial investment company based in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Mellish trained at Price Waterhouse and was registered
as a Certified Public Accountant (Mass.) in 1983. He holds an M.Sc. in Health Care Delivery Science from the schools of medicine and business
at Dartmouth College, an SM (Management) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.Sc. (Accounting) from Northeastern University.
Officers
Information regarding our officers is as follows:
Name, Address(1) and Year of
Birth |
|
Position(s) Held
with the
Company |
|
Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served |
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the
Last Five
Years |
Indranil Basu
(1964) |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
No set term; served since 2024 |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pearl Diver Capital LLP (2008 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chandrajit Chakraborty
(1970) |
|
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
|
No set term; served since 2024 |
|
Chief Investment Officer of Pearl Diver Capital LLP (2008 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jerald Francis Wirzman
(1963) |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
|
No set term; served since 2024 |
|
Compliance Manager (2021 to current) and Compliance Director (2007 to 2021) |
(1) The business address
of each of our officers is 747 Third Avenue, Suite 3603, New York, NY 10017.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information
with respect to the compensation of each director expected to be paid for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
Director | |
Aggregate Compensation from the Company(1) | |
Indranil Basu | |
$ | 0 | |
Gary Wilder(2) | |
$ | 44,167 | |
John Everets(2) | |
$ | 44,167 | |
Tarun Jotwani(2) | |
$ | 46,375 | |
Martin Mellish(2) | |
$ | 48,583 | |
|
(1) |
We do not maintain a pension plan or retirement plan for any of our directors. |
|
(2) |
The annual fee for each non-employee director is pro-rated and began to accrue upon the commencement of our IPO. |
As compensation for serving on our Board, each
of our directors who is not an employee of the Adviser receives an annual fee of $100,000, as well as reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in attending such meetings. The chairman of the audit committee receives an additional annual fee of $10,000 and the chairman
of the governance and nominating committee receives an additional annual fee of $5,000 for their additional services in these capacities.
No compensation is, or is expected to be, paid by us to directors who are employees of the Adviser, or our officers. We have obtained
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on behalf of our directors and officers.
Director Ownership of Shares of Our Common Stock
The table below sets forth the dollar range of
the value of our common stock that is owned beneficially by each director as of September 30, 2024. For purposes of this table, beneficial
ownership is defined to mean a direct or indirect pecuniary interest.
Director |
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
the Company(1) |
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
in the Company Complex(1) |
Indranil Basu |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Tarun Jotwani |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
John Everets |
|
None |
|
None |
Martin Mellish |
|
None |
|
None |
Gary Wilder |
|
None |
|
None |
| (1) | Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 - $10,000, $10,001 - $50,000, $50,001 - $100,000 and over $100,000. There are currently no other registered investment companies included in the Company Complex. |
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET
VALUE
We determine the NAV per share of our common stock
by dividing the value of our portfolio investments, cash and other assets (including interest accrued but not collected) less all of our
liabilities (including accrued expenses, the aggregate liquidation preference of our preferred stock, borrowings and interest payables)
by the total number of outstanding shares of our common stock on a quarterly basis (or more frequently, as appropriate). The most significant
estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized
appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result,
determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing
a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act establishes requirements for
determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, our Board has elected to designate the Adviser
as “valuation designee” to perform fair value determinations in respect of our portfolio investments that do not have readily
available market quotations. We account for our investments in accordance with GAAP, and fair value our investment portfolio in accordance
with the provisions of the FASB ASC Topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s
Accounting Standards Codification, as amended, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires
enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is the estimated amount that would be received to sell an asset, or paid
to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In valuing our investments in CLO debt, CLO equity
and loan accumulation facilities, the Adviser considers a variety of relevant factors, including price indications from multiple dealers
or, as applicable, a third-party pricing service, recent trading prices for specific investments, recent purchases and sales known to
the Adviser in similar securities, and output from a third-party financial model. The third-party financial model contains detailed information
on the characteristics of CLOs, including recent information about assets and liabilities, and is used to project future cashflows. Key
inputs to the model, including assumptions for future loan default rates, recovery rates, prepayment rates, reinvestment rates, and discount
rates are determined by considering both observable and third-party market data and prevailing general market assumptions and conventions
as well as those of the Adviser.
Specifically, we utilize a third-party pricing
service in connection with the valuation of our investments in CLO debt. However, if pricing from such third-party pricing service is
determined to be stale or otherwise not reflective of current market conditions, we may use an average of independent broker quotes to
determine fair value. We engage a third-party independent valuation firm as an input to the valuation of the fair value of our investments
in CLO equity. The valuation firm’s advice is only one factor considered in the valuation of such investments, and the Board does
not rely on such advice in determining the fair value of our investments in accordance with the 1940 Act.
Our investment portfolio is valued at least each
quarter, in accordance with the Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures. Fair valuations are ultimately determined by the Adviser’s
valuation committee, which comprises a majority of non-investment personnel. Our Board oversees the valuation designee and the process
that it uses to determine the fair value of our assets. In this regard, our Board receives periodic and, as applicable, prompt reporting
regarding certain material valuation matters, as required by Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Regular Distributions
We intend to make regular monthly cash distributions
of all or a portion of our investment company taxable income to holders of our common stock. We also intend to make at least annual distributions
of all or a portion of our “net capital gains” (which is the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital
losses) as described below. Any dividends to our holders of our common stock will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution.
We declared
a distribution of $0.22 per share of common stock for each of the months of November and December 2024 and January 2025, and anticipate
declaring distributions in amounts equal to approximately 13% annualized of our IPO price thereafter payable to holders of our common
stock. While we anticipate a portion of such distributions, if made, to be paid from income primarily generated by interest income earned
on our investment portfolio, a portion of such distributions may also comprise a return of capital. A return of capital will lower a
stockholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, which could result in stockholders having to pay higher taxes in the future when
shares are sold, even when shares are sold at a loss from the original investment. No assurance can be given that we will be able to
declare such distributions in future periods, and our ability to declare and pay distributions will be subject to a number of factors,
including our results of operations.
At times, in order to maintain a stable level
of distributions, we may pay out less than all of our investment income or pay out accumulated undistributed income in addition to current
net investment income. Our expenses will be accrued each day. To the extent that our net investment income for any year exceeds the total
monthly distributions paid during the year, we intend to make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may
be required. Each taxable year, we expect that all of our investment company taxable income will be distributed.
Capital Gains Distributions
The 1940 Act currently limits the number of times
we may distribute long-term capital gains in any tax year, which may increase the variability of our distributions and result in certain
distributions being more weighted to long-term capital gains eligible for favorable income tax rates. In the future, the Adviser may seek
approval from our Board to implement a managed distribution plan for us. The managed distribution plan would be implemented pursuant to
an exemptive order that we would intend to obtain from the SEC granting an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1
thereunder to permit us to include long-term capital gains as a part of our regular distributions to holders of our common stock more
frequently than would otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act (generally once or twice per year). If we implement a managed distribution
plan, we would do so without a vote of holders of our common stock. There can be no assurance that we will implement such a plan, nor
can there be any assurance that SEC relief, should we seek it, will be obtained.
At least annually, we intend to distribute any
net capital gains (which is the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) or, alternatively, to retain all
or a portion of the year’s net capital gains and pay federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under federal tax law,
if we retain all or a portion of such gains and make an election, holders of our common stock of record as of the end of our taxable year
will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as a long-term capital gain, and will be entitled
to a tax credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by us.
RIC Tax Qualification
We intend to elect to be treated and to qualify
each year as a RIC under the Code. Accordingly, we satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of our income and diversification
of our total assets and to satisfy certain distribution requirements, so as to maintain our RIC status and to avoid paying U.S. federal
income or excise tax thereon. To the extent we qualify for treatment as a RIC and satisfy the applicable distribution requirements, we
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income to the extent paid to holders of our common stock in the form of dividends
or capital gains distributions.
As a RIC, we are not subject to federal income
tax on our investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deductions for dividend paid)
and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss), if any, that we timely distribute
in each taxable year to holders of our common stock, provided that we distribute an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of our investment
company taxable income and 90% of our net tax-exempt interest income for such taxable year. We intend to distribute to holders of our
common stock, at least annually, substantially all of our investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income, and net capital gains.
In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that we generally distribute (or be deemed
to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of our ordinary income (taking
into account certain deferrals and elections) for such year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gains net income, generally computed on the basis
of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, and (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gains net income from the
prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out during such year and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax.
Additional Information
The tax treatment and characterization of our
distributions may vary substantially from time to time because of the varied nature of our investments. If our total monthly distributions
in any year exceed the amount of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, any such excess would generally be characterized as
a return of capital for federal income tax purposes. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other
than net income (calculated on a book basis), we are required to provide holders of our common stock a written statement regarding the
components of such distribution. Such a statement will be provided at the time of any distribution believed to include any such amounts.
A return of capital is a distribution to holders of our common stock that is not attributable to our earnings but represents a return
of part of the stockholder’s investment. If our distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess
will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis in our common stock (thus reducing
a stockholders adjusted tax basis in his or her common stock), and thereafter as capital gain assuming our common stock is held as a capital
asset. Upon the sale of shares of our common stock, a stockholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized on the sale and the stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in our common stock sold.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Affiliations of the Adviser and the Administrator
Our executive officers and directors, and the
Adviser and its officers and employees, including the Investment Team, have several conflicts of interest as a result of the other activities
in which they engage.. These other relationships may cause the Adviser’s, the Administrator’s, and certain of their affiliates’
interests, and the interests of their officers and employees, including the Investment Team, to diverge from our interests and may result
in conflicts of interest that may not be foreseen or resolved in a manner that is always or exclusively in our best interest. Our executive
officers and directors, as well as other current and potential future affiliated persons, officers, and employees of the Adviser and certain
of its affiliates, may serve as officers, directors, or principals of, or manage the accounts for, other entities with investment strategies
that substantially or partially overlap with the strategy that we intend to pursue. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors
in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. The Adviser has entered
into, and may in the future enter into additional, business arrangements with certain of our stockholders. In such cases, such stockholders
may have an incentive to vote shares held by them in a manner that takes such arrangements into account. As a result of these relationships
and separate business activities, the Adviser has conflicts of interest in allocating management time, services, and functions among us,
other advisory clients and other business activities. See “Conflicts of Interest.”
In order to address such conflicts of interest,
we have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Similarly, the Adviser has separately adopted the “Adviser Code
of Ethics.” The Adviser Code of Ethics requires the officers and employees of the Adviser to act in the best interests of the Adviser
and its client accounts (including us), act in good faith and in an ethical manner, avoid conflicts of interests with the client accounts
to the extent reasonably possible, and identify and manage conflicts of interest to the extent that they arise. Personnel subject to each
code of ethics may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by
us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. Our directors and officers, and the officers
and employees of the Adviser, are also required to comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and make prompt
reports to supervisory personnel of any actual or suspected violations of law.
Pursuant to the Adviser’s investment allocation
policies and procedures, the Adviser seeks to allocate investment opportunities among accounts in a manner that is fair and equitable
over time. There is no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to any particular account equitably in the short term or that
any such account, including us, will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for it. See “Conflicts
of Interest - Code of Ethics and Compliance Procedures.”
Other Accounts
The Adviser is responsible for the investment
decisions made on our behalf. There are no restrictions on the ability of the Adviser and certain of its affiliates to manage accounts
for multiple clients, including accounts for affiliates of the Adviser or their directors, officers or employees, following the same,
similar, or different investment objectives, philosophies, and strategies as those used by the Adviser for our account. In those situations,
the Adviser and its affiliates may have conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities between us and any other account
managed by such person. See “- Allocations of Opportunities” below. Such conflicts of interest would be expected
to be heightened where the Adviser manages an account for an affiliate or its directors, officers, or employees. In addition, certain
of these accounts may provide for higher management fees or have incentive fees or may allow for higher expense reimbursements, all of
which may contribute to a conflict of interest and create an incentive for the Adviser to favor such other accounts. Further, accounts
managed by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates may hold certain investments in CLOs, such as equity tranches, which conflict with
the positions held by other accounts in such CLOs, such as us. In these cases, when exercising the rights of each account with respect
to such investments, the Adviser and/or its affiliate will have a conflict of interest, as actions on behalf of one account may have an
adverse effect on another account managed by the Adviser or such affiliate, including us.
Our executive officers and directors, as well
as other current and potential future affiliated persons, officers, and employees of the Adviser and certain of its affiliates, may serve
as officers, directors, or principals of, or manage the accounts for, other entities with investment strategies that substantially or
partially overlap with the strategy that we intend to pursue. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the
fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders.
Further, the professional staff of the Adviser
and Administrator will devote as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the
Investment Advisory Agreement and Services Agreement, respectively. However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory
and other services for other clients and engage in other business ventures in which we have no interest. See “The Adviser
and the Administrator - The Administrator and the Services Agreement” above. As a result of these separate business activities,
the Adviser and Administrator may have conflicts of interest in allocating management and administrative time, services, and functions
among us and its affiliates and other business ventures or clients.
Allocations of Opportunities
As a fiduciary, the Adviser owes a duty of loyalty
to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When the Adviser purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades
must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. To this end, the Adviser has adopted policies and procedures pursuant
to which they allocate investment opportunities appropriate for more than one client account in a manner deemed appropriate in their sole
discretion to achieve a fair and equitable result over time. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, when allocating investment opportunities,
the Adviser may take into account regulatory, tax, or legal requirements applicable to an account. In allocating investment opportunities,
the Adviser may use rotational, percentage, or other allocation methods provided that doing so is consistent with the Adviser’s
internal conflict of interest and allocation policies and the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers
Act,” the 1940 Act and other applicable laws. In addition, an account managed by the Adviser, such as us, is expected to be considered
for the allocation of investment opportunities together with other accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser. There is no assurance
that such opportunities will be allocated to any particular account equitably in the short-term or that any such account, including us,
will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for it.
Valuation
The market for CLO securities is more limited
than the market for other credit related investments. As a result, we value, and the Adviser reviews and determines, in good faith, in
accordance with the 1940 Act, the value of, these securities based on relevant information compiled by the Adviser and third-party pricing
services (when available) as described under “Determination of Net Asset Value.” Our interested directors are
associated with the Adviser and have an interest in the Adviser’s economic success. The participation of the Adviser’s investment
professionals in our valuation process, and the interest of our interested directors in the Adviser, could result in a conflict of interest
as the management fee paid to the Adviser is based, in part, on our net assets.
Co-Investments and Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, we may enter
into transactions with persons who are affiliated with us by reason of being under common control of the Adviser or its affiliates. In
order to ensure that we do not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with us, we have implemented certain
policies and procedures whereby our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between us, the Adviser
and its affiliates and our employees, officers, and directors. We will not enter into any such transactions unless and until we are satisfied
that doing so will not raise concerns under the 1940 Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek review
and approval of our Board or exemptive relief for such transaction. Our affiliations may require us to forgo attractive investment opportunities.
For example, we may be limited in our ability to invest in CLOs managed by certain affiliates of the Adviser.
In certain instances, we expect to co-invest on
a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of the Adviser’s affiliates, subject to compliance with
applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and the Adviser’s written allocation procedures. We and the Adviser have submitted
an application for exemptive relief to the SEC to permit us and certain of our affiliates to participate in certain negotiated co-investments
alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser, or certain of its affiliates, subject to certain conditions. There can be no assurance
when, or if, such relief may be obtained. A copy of our application for exemptive relief, including all of the conditions and the related
order, are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Material Non-Public Information
By reason of the advisory and/or other activities
of the Adviser and its affiliates, the Adviser and its affiliates may acquire confidential or material non-public information or be restricted
from initiating transactions in certain securities. The Adviser will not be free to divulge, or to act upon, any such confidential or
material non-public information and, due to these restrictions, it may not be able to initiate a transaction for our account that it otherwise
might have initiated. As a result, we may be frozen in an investment position that we otherwise might have liquidated or closed out or
may not be able to acquire a position that we might otherwise have acquired.
Code of Ethics and Compliance Procedures
In order to address the conflicts of interest
described above, we have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-l of the 1940 Act. Similarly, the Adviser has separately adopted the
“Adviser Code of Ethics.” The Adviser Code of Ethics requires the officers and employees of the Adviser to act in the best
interests of the Adviser and its client accounts (including us), act in good faith and in an ethical manner, avoid conflicts of interests
with the client accounts to the extent reasonably possible, and identify and manage conflicts of interest to the extent that they arise.
Personnel subject to each code of ethics may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may
be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. In addition, each code
of ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and is available
on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Our directors and officers, and the officers and
employees of the Adviser, are also required to comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and make prompt reports
to supervisory personnel of any actual or suspected violations of law.
In addition, the Adviser has built a professional
working environment, firm-wide compliance culture, and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives
that may favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities,
execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees, and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure
that all client accounts are treated equitably over time.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal
income tax consequences generally applicable to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Series A Term Preferred Stock, which will
be referred to as “stock,” issued as of the date of this prospectus. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with
our securities held as capital assets for U.S. federal tax purposes (generally, property held for investment).
As used herein, a “U.S. holder” means
a beneficial owner of the securities that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes any of the following:
| • | an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
| • | a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state or other political subdivision thereof (including the District of Columbia); |
| • | a trust if it (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or
more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) has a valid election in effect
under applicable United States Treasury regulations, or “Treasury Regulations,” to be treated as a United States person; or |
| • | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. |
The term “non-U.S. holder” means a
beneficial owner of the securities (other than a partnership or any other entity or other arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S.
federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.
An individual may, subject to exceptions, be deemed
to be a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as opposed to a non-resident alien, by, among other ways,
being present in the United States (i) on at least 31 days in the calendar year, and (ii) for an aggregate of at least 183 days during
a three-year period ending in the current calendar year, counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current year, one-third
of the days present in the immediately preceding calendar year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding calendar year.
Individuals who are residents for such purposes are subject to U.S. federal income tax as if they were United States citizens.
This summary does not represent a detailed description
of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you, as a holder of our securities, if you are a person subject to special tax
treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:
| • | a dealer in securities or currencies; |
| • | a financial institution; |
| • | a real estate investment trust; |
| • | a tax-exempt organization; |
| • | a person holding the securities as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction
or a straddle; |
| • | a person subject to the special accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code; |
| • | a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities; |
| • | a person subject to alternative minimum tax; |
| • | a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| • | a U.S. holder whose “functional currency” (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is not the
U.S. dollar; |
| • | A United States expatriate or foreign persons or entities (except to the extent set forth below). |
If a partnership (including any entity classified
or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the securities, the tax treatment of a partner will
generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership or a partner in a partnership
holding our securities, you should consult your own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of an investment in our securities.
This summary is based on the Code, Treasury Regulations,
rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, so as to result
in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not represent a detailed description
of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to you in light of your particular circumstances and does not address
the effects of any aspects of U.S. estate or gift, or state, local or non-U.S. income, estate, or gift tax laws. It is not intended to
be, and should not be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular purchaser of our securities. We have not sought and will
not seek any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the “IRS.” No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert,
or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below. You should consult your own tax advisors
concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the ownership of our securities, as well as the consequences
to you arising under the laws or other guidance of any other taxing jurisdiction.
Important U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
Affecting Us
We intend to elect to be treated, and to qualify
each tax year, as a RIC under the Code. Accordingly, we must satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of our income and diversification
of our total assets and to satisfy certain distribution requirements, so as to maintain our RIC status and to avoid being subject to U.S.
federal income or excise tax on any undistributed taxable income. To the extent we qualify for treatment as a RIC and satisfy the applicable
distribution requirements, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income paid to our stockholders in the form
of dividends or capital gain dividends.
To qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, we must derive at least 90% of our gross income each tax year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities
loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, net income derived from an interest in a qualified
publicly traded partnership, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived
with respect to our business of investing in such stock, securities and currencies, or the “Qualifying Income Test.” A “qualified
publicly traded partnership” is a publicly traded partnership that meets certain requirements with respect to the nature of its
income. To qualify as a RIC, we must also satisfy certain requirements with respect to the diversification of our assets. We must have,
at the close of each quarter of the tax year, at least 50% of the value of our total assets represented by cash, cash items, U.S. government
securities, securities of other RICs and other securities that, in respect of any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the value
of our assets nor more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, at the close of each quarter of the
tax year, not more than 25% of the value of our assets may be invested, including though corporations in which we own a 20% or more voting
stock interest, in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, or of two or
more issuers, which we control and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or of
one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships, or the “Asset Diversification Tests.”
For purposes of meeting the Asset Diversification
Tests, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly
traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the Asset Diversification Test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers)
of a particular investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or
issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to issuer identification
for a particular type of investment may adversely affect our ability to meet the Asset Diversification Tests above. We have not received
an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the IRS regarding our determination under the applicable Asset Diversification Tests and there
can be no assurances that the IRS or the courts will agree with our determination.
If we fail to satisfy Qualifying Income Test,
we will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test if such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect
and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to the failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. If we fail to meet any of the Asset Diversification
Tests with respect to any quarter of any tax year, we will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the requirements for such quarter
if we cure such failure within six months and either (i) such failure is de minimis or (ii) such failure is due to reasonable cause
and not due to willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to the failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. If we
fail to qualify as a RIC for more than two consecutive taxable years and then seek to re-qualify as a RIC, we generally would be required
to recognize gain to the extent of any unrealized appreciation in our assets unless we elect to pay U.S. corporate income tax on any such
unrealized appreciation during the succeeding 5-year period. In addition, if we enter into a “conversion transaction” within
the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.337(d)-7(a)(2)(ii) (in this case, the conversion from an LLC taxable as a partnership to
a corporation taxable as a RIC) we would be required to recognize any unrealized appreciation allocable to certain corporate members (including
certain tax-exempt members subject to the unrelated business income tax on such allocable portion of gain) of Pearl Diver Credit Company,
LLC with respect to the assets deemed transferred from the LLC to the RIC if those assets are disposed of during the succeeding 5-year
period of the conversion. In such a case, we would be required to pay corporate level tax at the time of the disposition of those assets
while we are a RIC. To avoid incurring such corporate level tax while we are a RIC, we may make a deemed sale election in connection with
our conversion from an LLC to a corporation taxable as a RIC, such that any tax is borne by certain corporate members in Pearl Diver Credit
Company, LLC prior to the conversion. There can be no assurances we will make such election.
As a RIC, we generally will not be subject to
federal income tax on our investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code) and net capital gains (the excess of
net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss), if any, that we distribute in each tax year as dividends to stockholders,
provided that we distribute dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined
without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, plus 90% of our net tax-exempt interest income for such tax year, or the “Distribution
Requirement.” We intend to distribute to our stockholders, at least annually, substantially all of our investment company taxable
income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gains. In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax obligation, the
Code requires that we distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year dividends of an amount generally
at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for such calendar year,
(ii) 98.2% of our capital gain net income, adjusted for certain ordinary losses and generally computed on the basis of the one-year period
ending on October 31 of such calendar year) and (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gain net income from prior calendar years
(as previously computed) that were not paid out during such calendar years and on which we incurred no U.S. federal income tax, or the
“Excise Tax Distribution Requirement.” Any dividends declared by us during October, November or December of any calendar year,
payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year,
will be treated for federal income tax purposes as if it had been paid by us, as well as received by our U.S. stockholders, on December
31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared.
We may incur in the future the 4% federal excise
tax on a portion of our income and capital gains. While we intend to distribute income and capital gains to minimize our exposure to the
4% federal excise tax, we may not be able to, or may choose not to, distribute amounts sufficient to avoid the imposition of the tax entirely.
In that event, we generally will be liable for the 4% federal excise tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the excise tax avoidance
requirement. If we do not qualify as a RIC or fail to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any tax year, we would be subject to corporate
income tax on our taxable income, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gains (if any),
will be taxable to the stockholder as ordinary income. Such distributions generally would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend
income in the case of individual and other non-corporate stockholders and (ii) for the dividends received deduction, or the “DRD,”
in the case of certain corporate stockholders. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, we may be required to recognize
unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
We may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified
late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining our taxable income, net capital gain, net
short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss”
as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing our distributions for any calendar year. A “qualified
late year loss” generally includes (i) any net capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, or, if there
is no such loss, any net long-term capital loss or any net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year
(“post-October capital losses”) and (ii) the sum of (1) the excess, if any, of (a) specified losses incurred after October
31 of the current taxable year, over (b) specified gains incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year and (2) the excess, if
any, of (a) ordinary losses incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year, over (b) the ordinary income incurred after December
31 of the current taxable year. The terms “specified losses” and “specified gains” mean ordinary losses and gains
from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property (including the termination of a position with respect to such property) and
foreign currency gains and losses. The terms “ordinary losses” and “ordinary income” mean other ordinary losses
and income that are not described in the preceding sentence.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net
capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC’s net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, we may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to
offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses,
they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to us and may not be distributed as capital gains to stockholders. Generally,
we may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. The carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss
limitation rules if we experience an ownership change as defined in the Code.
For purposes of the Qualifying Income Test, income
that we earn from equity interests in certain entities that are not treated as corporations or as qualified publicly traded partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., certain CLOs that are treated as partnerships) will generally have the same character
for us as in the hands of such an entity; consequently, we may be required to limit our equity investments in any such entities that earn
fee income, rental income, or other nonqualifying income.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize
will not satisfy the Qualifying Income Test. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure
to satisfy such test, we may be required to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be subject to pay U.S. corporate income tax on their earnings, which ultimately
will reduce our return on such income and fees.
We may be required to recognize taxable income
in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules
as having original issue discount (which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in
other circumstances), we must include in income each tax year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the
obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same tax year. We may also have to include in
income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual payment-in-kind interest (which represents contractual
interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term) and deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination
of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued
will be included in our investment company taxable income for the tax year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our
stockholders in order to satisfy the Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have
received any corresponding cash amount.
We may invest (directly or indirectly through
an investment in an equity interest in a CLO treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) a portion of our net assets
in below-investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income
tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount,
when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default
should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable.
These and other issues will be addressed by us to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that we distribute sufficient income
that we do not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute
PFICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in PFICs
(including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may be subject to federal income
tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed
as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on us in respect of deferred
taxes arising from any such excess distributions or gains. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a QEF in lieu of the
foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each tax year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net
capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed to us. Alternatively, we can elect to mark-to-market at the end of each
tax year (as well as on certain other dates described in the Code) our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income
any increase in the value of such shares, and as an ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent it does not exceed prior increases
included in our ordinary income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a tax year taxable income in excess of our
distributions from PFICs and our proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that tax year, and we may be required to distribute such
taxable income in order to satisfy the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement or the Distribution Requirement. Applicable Treasury Regulations
generally treat our income inclusion with respect to a PFIC with respect to which we have made a qualified electing fund, or “QEF”,
election, as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC if (i) there is a current distribution
out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect
to our business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies.
If we hold 10% or more of the interests treated
as equity (by vote or value) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a CFC (including equity
tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC), we may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution
(taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporation’s
income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the corporation makes an actual distribution
during such tax year. In general, a foreign corporation will be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of the shares of the corporation,
measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. Shareholders. A “U.S.
Shareholder,” for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) (a) 10% or more of the combined voting
power of all classes of shares of a foreign corporation, or (b) 10% or more of the total value of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation.
If we are treated as receiving a deemed distribution from a CFC, we will be required to include such deemed distribution in our investment
company taxable income regardless of whether we receive any actual distributions from such CFC, and we must distribute such income in
order to satisfy the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement and the Distribution Requirement. Applicable Treasury Regulations generally treat
our income inclusion with respect to a CFC as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC
either if (i) there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii)
such inclusion is derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. As such, we may limit and/or
manage our holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit our tax liability or maximize our after-tax return from
these investments.
FATCA generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding
tax of 30% on U.S. source periodic payments, including interest and dividends to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S.
financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its United
States account holders and its United States owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this
purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO in which we
invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior
debt holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses
attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time we accrue income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time we actually collect such income or pay such expenses or liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or
loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward, futures and options contracts, similar financial instruments as well as
upon the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss. The U.S. Treasury Department has authority
to issue regulations that would exclude foreign currency gains from the Qualifying Income Test described above if such gains are not directly
related to the Company’s business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities).
Accordingly, regulations may be issued in the future that could treat some or all of a Fund’s non-U.S. currency gains as non-qualifying
income, thereby potentially jeopardizing the Company’s status as a RIC for all years to which the regulations are applicable.
We may incur a liability for foreign withholding
taxes as a result of investment in stock or securities of foreign corporations. If, at any year-end, more than 50% of our assets are comprised
of stock or securities of foreign corporations, we may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat foreign income or withholding
taxes paid by us as paid stockholders. For any year that we are eligible for and make such an election, each stockholder will be required
to include in income an amount equal to his or her allocable share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by us, and stockholders will
be entitled, subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations, to credit their portions of these amounts against their
United States federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct their portions from their United States taxable income, if any. No deductions
for foreign taxes paid by us may be claimed, however, by non-corporate stockholders who do not itemize deductions. We will make this election
only if we deem the election to be in the best interests of stockholders. If we do not qualify to make this election or qualify, but do
not choose to do so, the imposition of such foreign taxes would directly reduce the return to an investor from an investment in the Company.
Under certain circumstances, if we receive a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund shares could be
affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to stockholders in respect of our foreign taxes for the current year
could be reduced.
Our transactions in futures contracts and options
will be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of our realized gains and losses
realized (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital, or short-term or long-term), may accelerate recognition
of income to us and may defer our losses, and may affect our qualification as a RIC. These rules could, therefore, affect the character,
amount and timing of distributions to stockholders. These provisions also (a) will require us to mark-to-market certain types of the positions
in our portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), and (b) may cause us to recognize income without receiving cash
with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for qualifying to be taxed as a RIC or the
Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. We intend to monitor our transactions, intent to make the appropriate tax elections and intend to
make the appropriate entries in our books and records when we acquire any futures contract, option or hedged investment in order to mitigate
the effect of these rules and prevent our disqualification from being taxed as a RIC.
Generally, our hedging transactions (including
certain covered call options) may result in “straddles” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect
the character of our realized gains (or losses). In addition, our realized losses on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred
under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which the losses
are realized. Hedging transactions may increase the amount of our realized short-term capital gain which is taxed as ordinary income when
distributed to stockholders.
We may make one or more of the elections available
under the Code which are applicable to straddles. If we make any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition
of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The
rules applicable under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle
positions.
Because the straddle rules may affect the character
of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount
which may be distributed to stockholders, and which will be taxed to them as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased
or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Certain of our investment practices are subject
to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) convert dividends that would otherwise constitute
qualified dividend income into ordinary income, (ii) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for deductions available to certain
U.S. corporations under the Code as ineligible for such treatment, (iii) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain
losses or deductions, (iv) convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (v) convert an ordinary loss
or deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (vi) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding
receipt of cash, (vii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (viii) produce income that
will not qualify as good income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test. While we may not always be successful in doing so, we will
seek to avoid or minimize the adverse tax consequences of our investment practices.
We may recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive
sale of certain “appreciated financial positions” if we enter into a short sale, offsetting notional principal contract, or
forward contract transaction with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property. Appreciated financial positions
subject to this constructive sale treatment include interests (including options and forward contracts and short sales) in stock and certain
other instruments. Constructive sale treatment does not apply if the transaction is closed out not later than thirty days after the end
of the tax year in which the transaction was initiated, and the underlying appreciated securities position is held unhedged for at least
the next sixty days after the hedging transaction is closed.
Gain or loss from a short sale of property is
generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in our
hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date
the short sale is entered into, gain on short sales generally are short-term capital gains. A loss on a short sale will be treated as
a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by us for more
than one year. In addition, entering into a short sale may result in suspension of the holding period of “substantially identical
property” held by us.
Gain or loss on a short sale will generally not
be realized until such time as the short sale is closed. However, as described above in the discussion of constructive sales, if we hold
a short sale position with respect to securities that have appreciated in value, and we then acquire property that is the same as or substantially
identical to the property sold short, we generally will recognize gain on the date we acquire such property as if the short sale were
closed on such date with such property. Similarly, if we hold an appreciated financial position with respect to securities and then enter
into a short sale with respect to the same or substantially identical property, we generally will recognize gain as if the appreciated
financial position were sold at its fair market value on the date we enter into the short sale. The subsequent holding period for any
appreciated financial position that is subject to these constructive sale rules will be determined as if such position were acquired on
the date of the constructive sale.
Taxation of Stockholders
Taxation of U.S. Resident Holders of Our Stock.
Dividends and distributions on our shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein, even though such dividends
and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular stockholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to
occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when our NAV reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed.
Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when our NAV also reflects unrealized losses. Certain dividends and distributions
declared by us in October, November or December to stockholders of record of such month of a calendar year and paid by us in January of
the following calendar year will be treated by stockholders as if received on December 31 of the calendar year in which they were declared.
In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of our tax year may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by
us (except for purposes of the nondeductible 4% federal excise tax) during such tax year. In such case, stockholders will be treated as
having received such dividends in the tax year in which the distributions were actually made.
Stockholders receiving any distribution from us
in the form of additional shares pursuant to the DRIP are expected to be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount generally
equal to the cash that would have been received if they had elected to receive the distribution in cash, unless we issue new shares that
are trading at or above NAV, in which case such stockholders will be treated as receiving a distribution equal to the fair market value
of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date.
We will inform stockholders of the source and
tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
For federal income tax purposes, distributions
paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will, except in the case of distributions of qualified dividend income and
capital gain dividends described below, be taxable as ordinary dividend income. Certain income distributions paid by us (whether paid
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of our stock) to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates applicable to net long-term capital
gains. This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements and other requirements are satisfied by the stockholder
and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by us, and there can be no assurance as to what portion of our
dividend distributions will qualify for favorable treatment. For this purpose, “qualified dividend income” means dividends
received from United States corporations and “qualified foreign corporations” (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated
in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or the stock of which
is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States), provided that we satisfy certain holding period and other
requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. The maximum individual rate applicable to qualified dividend income is either
15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Given our investment strategies, it
is not anticipated that a significant portion of our dividends will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
Dividends distributed from our investment company
taxable income which have been designated by us and received by certain of our corporate stockholders will qualify for the DRD to the
extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by us from certain domestic corporations for the tax year. A dividend received us
will not be treated as a qualifying dividend (i) to the extent the stock on which the dividend is paid is considered to be “debt-financed”
(generally, acquired with borrowed funds), (ii) if we fail to meet certain holding period requirements for the stock on which the dividend
is paid or (iii) to the extent we are under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect
to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the DRD may be disallowed or reduced if an otherwise eligible corporate
stockholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to shares of our stock or by application of the Code. Given our investment
strategies, it is not anticipated that a significant portion of our dividends will be eligible for the DRD.
Stockholders who have not held our shares for
a full year should be aware that we may report and distribute, as ordinary dividends or capital gain dividends, a percentage of income
that is not equal to the percentage of our ordinary income or net capital gain, respectively, actually earned during the applicable stockholder’s
period of investment in us. A taxable stockholder may wish to avoid investing in us shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because
the distribution will generally be taxable even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of the stockholder’s
investment.
A RIC that receives business interest income may
pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section
163(j) of the Code. A RIC’s total “Section 163(j) Interest Dividend” for a tax year is limited to the excess of the
RIC’s business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its
business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends,
which would allow the recipient stockholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining
such stockholder’s interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a stockholder’s
interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income,
you must have held your shares in the Company for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days
before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated
by the Company, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the IRS.
Capital gain dividends distributed to a stockholder
are characterized as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the stockholder has held our shares. A distribution of an amount
in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a stockholder as a return of capital which is applied
against and reduces the stockholder’s tax basis in our shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds a
stockholder’s tax basis in our shares, the excess will be treated by the stockholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the shares.
Distributions of gains from the sale or other disposition of our investments that we owned for one year or less are characterized as ordinary
income.
We may elect to retain our net capital gains or
a portion thereof for investment and be subject to tax at corporate rates on the amount retained. In such case, we may designate the retained
amount as undistributed net capital gains in a notice to our stockholders who will be treated as if each received a distribution of the
pro rata share of such net capital gain, with the result that each stockholder will: (i) be required to report the pro rata share of such
net capital gain on the applicable tax return as long-term capital gains; (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for the pro rata share
of tax paid by us on the net capital gain; and (iii) increase the tax basis for the shares of our stock held by an amount equal to the
deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Selling stockholders will generally recognize
gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the stockholder’s adjusted tax basis
in the shares sold assuming they hold shares as capital assets. The gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. The current
maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is: (i) the same as the maximum
ordinary income tax rate for gain recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less; or (ii) currently set at a maximum
rate of 20% (depending on whether the stockholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts) for gains recognized on the sale of
capital assets held for more than one year (as well as certain capital gain dividends).
Any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of
shares of our stock with a holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital
gain dividends received (or amounts designated as undistributed capital gains) with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion
of a loss realized by a stockholder on a sale or other disposition of shares of our stock may be disallowed under the “wash sales”
rule to the extent the stockholder acquires other shares of our stock (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise)
within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of our shares. Any disallowed loss
will result in an adjustment to the stockholder’s tax basis in some or all of the other shares of our stock acquired.
Certain commissions or other sales charges paid
upon a purchase of our shares cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a sale of the shares before the
91st day after their purchase to the extent a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent acquisition of our shares,
during the period beginning on the date of such sale and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which
the sale is made, pursuant to a reinvestment right. Any disregarded amounts will result in an adjustment to a stockholder’s tax
basis in some or all of any other shares of our stock acquired.
Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. individuals
with adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) exceeding certain threshold amounts ($250,000 if married filing jointly or
if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in
other cases) are subject to a 3.8% Net Investment Income tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes
taxable interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the
sale of Shares). This 3.8% Net Investment Income tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain
stockholders that are estates and trusts.. Prospective investors in our securities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of our stock.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Stock.
Whether an investment in the shares of our stock is appropriate for a non-U.S. holder will depend upon that person’s particular
circumstances. An investment in the shares by a non-U.S. holder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. holders should consult their
tax advisors before investing in our stock.
Subject to the discussions below, distributions
of our “investment company taxable income” to non-U.S. holders (including interest income and net short-term capital gain)
are generally expected to be subject to withholding of U.S. federal taxes at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty)
to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the non-U.S. holder, we will not be required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable
certification and disclosure requirements, although the distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable
to U.S. persons. Special certification requirements apply to a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such
entities are urged to consult their own tax advisors. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the
30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph.
In addition, with respect to certain distributions
made by RICs to non-U.S. holders, no withholding is required and the distributions generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax
if (i) the distributions are properly reported in a notice timely delivered to our stockholders as “interest-related dividends”
or “short-term capital gain dividends,” (ii) the distributions are derived from sources specified in the Code for such dividends
and (iii) certain other requirements are satisfied. Depending on the circumstances, we may report all, some or none of our potentially
eligible dividends as derived from such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gain, and a portion of our distributions,
which may be significant (e.g., interest from non-U.S. sources or any foreign currency gains) would be ineligible for this potential
exemption from withholding. Moreover, in the case of shares of our stock held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld
U.S. federal income tax even if we designated the payment as derived from such qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital
gain. Hence, no assurance can be provided as to whether any amount of our dividends or distributions will be eligible for this exemption
from withholding or if eligible, will be reported as such by us.
Actual or deemed distributions of our net long-term
capital gains to a non-U.S. holder, and gains realized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale of our stock, will not be subject to federal
withholding tax and generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless, (i) the distributions or gains, as the case may be,
are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. holder and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable
to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual stockholder,
the stockholder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the
receipt of the distributions or gains and certain other conditions are met.
If we distribute our net capital gains in the
form of deemed rather than actual distributions (which we may do in the future), a non-U.S. holder will be entitled to a U.S. federal
income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have
been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the non-U.S. holder would be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number
and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. holder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification
number or file a U.S. federal income tax return. For a corporate non-U.S. holder, distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized
upon the sale of our stock that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to
an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable treaty). Accordingly,
investment in the shares may not be appropriate for a non-U.S. holder.
A non-U.S. holder who is a non-resident alien
individual, and who is otherwise subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax, may be subject to information reporting and backup
withholding of U.S. federal income tax on distributions unless the non-U.S. holder provides us or the distribution paying agent with an
IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or an acceptable substitute form, or otherwise meets documentary evidence requirements for establishing
that it is a non-U.S. holder or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.
Non-U.S. holders may also be subject to U.S. estate
tax with respect to their investment in our shares.
Non-U.S. persons should consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment
in the shares.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under
applicable Treasury Regulations, if a U.S. holder recognizes a loss with respect to our securities of $2 million or more for a non-corporate
U.S. holder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. holder in any single tax year (or a greater loss over a combination of tax years),
the U.S. holder may be required to file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct U.S. holders of portfolio securities
are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but, under current guidance, U.S. holders of a RIC are not excepted. Future
guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to U.S. holders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is
reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper.
Significant monetary penalties apply to a failure to comply with this reporting requirement. States may also have a similar reporting
requirement. U.S. holders of our stock should consult their own tax advisors to determine the applicability of these Treasury Regulations
in light of their individual circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.
A U.S. holder (other than an “exempt recipient,” including a “C” corporation and certain other persons who, when
required, demonstrate their exempt status) may be subject to backup withholding at the current rate of 24% on, and will be subject to
information reporting requirements with respect to, payments of principal or interest (including OID, if any) on, and proceeds from the
sale, exchange, redemption or retirement of, our securities. In general, if a non-corporate U.S. holder subject to information reporting
fails to furnish a correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding requirements,
backup withholding at the applicable rate may apply.
You should consult your own tax advisor regarding
the application of information reporting and backup withholding in your particular circumstance and the availability of and procedure
for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information
is timely furnished to the IRS.
FATCA Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign
Entities. FATCA requires the Company to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to stockholders that fail to meet prescribed
information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or
non-U.S. person that timely provides the certifications required by the Company or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable series
of IRS Form W-8, respectively. Stockholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”),
such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities (“NFFEs”). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI
generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including
name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity stockholder,
may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to a Fund
or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. stockholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or
deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. stockholder resident or doing business in a country
that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that
the stockholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.
A non-U.S. entity that invests in the Company
will need to provide the Company with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA
withholding. Non-U.S. investors in the Company should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
The preceding discussion of material U.S. federal
income tax considerations is for general information only and is not tax advice. We urge you to consult your own tax advisor with respect
to the particular tax consequences to you of an investment in our securities, including the possible effect of any pending legislation
or proposed regulations.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL
STOCK
The
following describes the material terms of our capital stock and is based on relevant portions of the DGCL and on our Certificate of Incorporation
and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and our bylaws for
a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.
Capital Stock
Our authorized
stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.001 per share. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under
any equity compensation plans. Under Delaware law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.
Common Stock
All shares
of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by the
board of directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefrom. Such distributions may be payable in cash, shares of our
common stock or a combination thereof. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, exchange, conversion or redemption rights and are
freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by U.S. federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of
our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that
are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders
of our Preferred Stock, if any Preferred Stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or
series of stock, holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Preferred Stock
Our Certificate
of Incorporation authorizes our Board to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of preferred stock into other classes or series of
preferred stock without stockholder approval. If we issue preferred stock, costs of the offering will be borne immediately at such time
by the holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share of our common stock at that time. We may issue preferred
stock at any time. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board is required by the DGCL and by our Certificate of Incorporation
to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions,
qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, our Board could authorize the issuance of shares
of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change
in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SERIES A TERM PREFERRED STOCK
The
following describes the material terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock and is based on relevant portions of the DGCL and on our Certificate
of Incorporation and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete and is subject, and entirely qualified by reference to, our Certificate
of Incorporation, bylaws and the certificate of designation setting forth the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. The Series A
Term Preferred Stock certificate of designation is attached as Appendix A to this prospectus. You may obtain a copy of this document using
the methods described in “Additional Information” in this prospectus.
General
We
are authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, and we have designated shares as Series
A Term Preferred Stock. At the time of issuance, the Series A Term Preferred Stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be fully
paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting.
Ranking
The
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock rank equally in right with all other preferred stock that we have issued or may issue from time
to time in accordance with the 1940 Act, if any, as to payment of dividends and the distribution of our assets upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of our affairs. The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, together with any other preferred stock that we may issue from
time to time in accordance with the 1940 Act, if any, rank senior to our common stock as to payment of dividends and the distribution
of our assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our affairs and subordinate to the rights of holders of our existing and
future indebtedness. Subject to the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, we may issue indebtedness that is senior in right of
payment to the Series A Preferred Stock without the vote or consent of the holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Dividends
General. Holders
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends and distributions at the Dividend Rate of %
of the Liquidation Preference, or $ per share per year (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as described
below), when, as and if declared by, or under authority granted by, our Board out of funds legally available for payment, in parity with
dividends and distributions to holders of any other preferred stock and in preference to dividends and distributions on shares of our
common stock. Dividends on the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be payable monthly in
arrears on the last business day of each calendar month, or the “Dividend Payment Date,” commencing on , 2024. Dividends
on the Series A Term Preferred Stock are computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of dividends
payable on the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on any date prior to the end of a Dividend Period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and actual days elapsed over a 30-day month.
Dividend
Periods. The first Dividend Period for holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
offered pursuant to this prospectus will commence on the date of original issue and will end on, but exclude, ,
2024 and each subsequent Dividend Period will be the period beginning on and including the last Dividend Payment Date and ending
on, but excluding, the next Dividend Payment Date or stated maturity date, as the case may be. Dividends will be payable monthly in arrears
on the Dividend Payment Date and upon redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Dividends with respect to any monthly Dividend
Period will be declared and paid to holders of record of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books
at the close of business on the applicable record date, which will be a date designated by the Board that is not more than 20 nor less
than 7 calendar days prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date, and which date will be communicated to holders of record of such
shares in the manner specified in Section of the certificate of designation. With respect to the first Dividend Period,
dividends of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be paid on , 2024 to holders of record
of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books at the close of business on ,
2024.
Only
holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the record date for a Dividend Period will be entitled to receive dividends and distributions
payable with respect to such Dividend Period, and holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock who sell shares before such a record date and
purchasers of Series A Term Preferred Stock who purchase shares after such a record date should take the effect of the foregoing provisions
into account in evaluating the price to be received or paid for such Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Mechanics
of Payment of Dividends. Not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Dividend Payment Date, we are required to deposit
with the Redemption and Paying Agent sufficient funds for the payment of dividends in the form of Deposit Securities. “Deposit Securities”
will generally consist of (1) cash or cash equivalents; (2) direct obligations of the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities
that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, which we refer to as the U.S. Government Obligations; (3) short-term
money market instruments; (4) investments in money market funds registered under the 1940 Act that qualify under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940
Act and certain similar investment vehicles that invest principally in U.S. Government Obligations, short-term money market instruments
or any combination thereof; or (5) any letter of credit from a bank or other financial institution that has a credit rating from at least
one ratings agency that is the highest applicable rating generally ascribed by such ratings agency to bank deposits or short-term debt
of similar banks or other financial institutions, in each case either that is a demand obligation payable to the holder on any business
day or that has a maturity date, mandatory redemption date or mandatory payment date, preceding the relevant Redemption Date (as defined
below), Dividend Payment Date or other payment date. We do not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends.
All
Deposit Securities paid to the Redemption and Payment Agent for the payment of dividends will be held in trust for the payment of such
dividends to the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock. Dividends will be paid by the Redemption and Payment Agent to the holders of
Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration books on the applicable record date preceding the applicable Dividend
Payment Date. Dividends that are in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any
regular Dividend Payment Date. Such payments are made to holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on our registration
books on such date, which date will not be more than 20 nor less than 7 calendar days before the payment date, as may be fixed by our
Board. Any payment of dividends in arrears will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends. No interest or
sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on any Series A Term Preferred Stock which
may be in arrears. See “—Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate—Default Period” below.
Upon
our failure to pay dividends for at least two years, the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will acquire certain additional voting
rights. See “—Voting Rights” below. Such rights will be the exclusive remedy of the holders of Series
A Term Preferred Stock upon any failure to pay dividends on Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Adjustment
to Fixed Dividend Rate — Default Period. Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to Series
A Term Preferred Stock will commence on a date we fail to deposit the Deposit Securities as required in connection with a Dividend Payment
Date or a Redemption Date. A Default Period will end on the business day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, an amount equal
to all unpaid dividends and any unpaid redemption price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Redemption
and Paying Agent. The applicable dividend rate for each day during the Default Period will be equal to the Dividend Rate in effect on
such day plus percent ( %) per annum, or the “Default Rate.”
No
Default Period will be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any redemption price due (if such default is not solely due
to our willful failure) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Redemption and Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York
City time, on a business day that is not later than three business days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date,
together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount and period of such non-payment based on the actual number of calendar
days comprising such period divided by 360.
Restrictions
on Dividend, Redemption, Other Payments and Issuance of Debt. No full dividends and distributions will be declared or paid
on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock for any Dividend Period, or a part of a Dividend Period, unless the full cumulative dividends
and distributions due through the most recent Dividend Payment Dates for all outstanding shares of our preferred stock of any series have
been, or contemporaneously are, declared and paid through the most recent Dividend Payment Dates for each share of our preferred stock.
If full cumulative dividends and distributions due have not been declared and paid on all outstanding shares of preferred stock of any
series, any dividends and distributions being declared and paid on Series A Term Preferred Stock will be declared and paid as nearly pro
rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends and distributions accumulated but unpaid on the shares of each such
series of preferred stock on the relevant Dividend Payment Date. No holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to any dividends
and distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends and distributions as provided in the certificate of designation.
For
so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not: (x) declare any dividend or other distribution (other
than a dividend or distribution paid in common stock) in respect of the common stock, (y) call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire for consideration any such common stock, or (z) pay any proceeds of our liquidation in respect of such common stock, unless, in
each case, (A) immediately thereafter, we will be in compliance with the 200% asset coverage limitations set forth under the 1940 Act
with respect to a class of senior security which is stock, after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution or redemption or
purchasing price or liquidation proceeds, as described below, (B) all cumulative dividends and distributions of shares of the Series A
Term Preferred Stock and all series of preferred stock ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock due on or prior to the
date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition have been declared and paid (or have been declared
and sufficient funds or Deposit Securities as permitted by the terms of such preferred stock for the payment thereof have been deposited
irrevocably with the applicable paying agent) and (C) we have deposited Deposit Securities with the Redemption and Paying Agent in accordance
with the requirements described herein with respect to outstanding Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed pursuant to a mandatory
term redemption or mandatory redemption resulting from the failure to comply with the asset coverage requirements as described below for
which a Notice of Redemption (as defined below) has been given or has been required to be given in accordance with the terms described
herein on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
Except
as required by law, we will not redeem any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions
on all outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to dividends
and distributions for all applicable past Dividend Periods (whether or not earned or declared by us) (x) will have been or are contemporaneously
paid or (y) will have been or are contemporaneously declared and Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms
of such preferred stock) for the payment of such dividends and distributions will have been or are contemporaneously deposited with the
applicable paying agent, provided, however, that the foregoing will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of outstanding shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding
shares of any other series of preferred stock for which all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions have not been paid.
1940
Act Asset Coverage. Under the 1940 Act, we may not (1) declare any dividend with respect to any preferred stock if, at the
time of such declaration (and after giving effect thereto), our asset coverage with respect to any of our borrowings that are senior securities
representing indebtedness (as determined in accordance with Section 18(h) under the 1940 Act), would be less than 200% or (2) declare
any other distribution on the preferred stock or purchase or redeem preferred stock if at the time of the declaration or redemption (and
after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to such borrowings that are senior securities representing indebtedness would
be less than 300% (other than certain privately arranged debt). “Senior securities representing indebtedness” generally means
any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security (other than shares of capital stock) and evidencing
indebtedness and could include our obligations under any borrowings. For purposes of determining our asset coverage for senior securities
representing indebtedness in connection with the payment of dividends or other distributions on or purchases or redemptions of stock,
the term senior security does not include any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension
or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed. The term senior
security also does not include any such promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness in any case where such a loan is for temporary
purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of our total assets at the time when the loan is made; a loan is presumed
under the 1940 Act to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 calendar days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise such
loan is presumed not to be for temporary purposes.
Liquidation
Rights
In
the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of our preferred
stock (including the Series A Term Preferred Stock) will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders,
after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment will be made in respect of the common stock, a liquidation
distribution equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions accumulated to, but excluding,
the date fixed for such distribution or payment (whether or not earned or declared by us, but excluding interest thereon), and such holders
will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding
up.
If,
upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, our assets available for distribution
among the holders of all Series A Term Preferred Stock, and any other outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any, will be insufficient
to permit the payment in full to such holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock of the Liquidation Preference plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends and distributions and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other shares of preferred stock, then the available
assets will be distributed among the holders of such Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock ratably in
proportion to the respective preferential liquidation amounts to which they are entitled. In connection with any liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of our affairs whether voluntary or involuntary, unless and until the Liquidation Preference on each outstanding share of
Series A Term Preferred Stock plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions has been paid in full to the holders of Series A
Term Preferred Stock, no dividends, distributions or other payments will be made on, and no redemption, repurchase or other acquisition
by us will be made by us in respect of, our common stock.
Neither
the sale of all or substantially all of our property or business, nor the merger, consolidation or our reorganization into or with any
other business or corporation, statutory trust or other entity, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of any other business
or corporation, statutory trust or other entity into or with us will be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, whether voluntary or
involuntary, for purposes of the provisions relating to liquidation set forth in the certificate of designation.
Redemption
Mandatory
Term Redemption. We are required to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Redemption
Date, at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether
or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the Mandatory Redemption Date. If the Mandatory
Redemption Date occurs after the applicable record date for a dividend but on or prior to the related Dividend Payment Date, the dividend
payable on such Dividend Payment Date in respect of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be payable on such Dividend Payment
Date to the holders of record of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable Dividend Record
Date, and will not be payable as part of the redemption price for such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock. We cannot effect any modification
of or repeal our obligation to redeem the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Redemption Date without the prior unanimous
approval of the holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Redemption
for Failure to Maintain Asset Coverage. If we fail to maintain asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200%
as provided in the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and our other preferred stock and such failure is
not cured as of the close of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, we will fix a redemption date and proceed to redeem the number
of shares of preferred stock (including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), as described below at a price per share equal to the Liquidation
Preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared but excluding interest thereon)
to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption by our Board. We will redeem out of funds legally available the number of outstanding
shares of our preferred stock (which at our discretion may include any number or portion of the Series A Term Preferred Stock and/or other
series of preferred stock), that, when combined with any debt securities redeemed for failure to maintain the asset coverage required
by the indenture governing such securities, (1) would result in us having asset coverage of at least 200% if the redemption of such securities
were deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date or (2) if fewer, the maximum
number of shares of preferred stock that can be redeemed out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any such
redemption for failure to maintain the asset coverage required by the 1940 Act, we may, at our sole option, redeem such additional number
of shares of preferred stock that will result in our having asset coverage of up to and including 285%. We will effect a redemption on
the date fixed by us, which date will not be later than 90 calendar days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date, except that if we do not
have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the required number of shares of preferred stock which have been designated
to be redeemed or we otherwise are unable to effect such redemption on or prior to 90 calendar days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date,
we will redeem those shares of preferred stock which we were unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which we are able to
effect such redemption.
Optional
Redemption. The Series A Term Preferred Stock may, at our sole option, be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on
or after , 2024, upon giving a notice of redemption, or “Notice of Redemption,” at a redemption price per
share equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or
not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption.
Subject
to the provisions of the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and applicable law, our Board will have the
full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be redeemed from
time to time.
We
may not on any date deliver a Notice of Redemption to redeem any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to the optional redemption
provisions described above unless on such date we have available Deposit Securities for the redemption contemplated by such notice having
a value not less than the amount due to holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock by reason of the redemption of such shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock on such Redemption Date.
Redemption
Procedures. We will file a notice of our intention to redeem with the SEC so as to provide the 30 calendar day notice period
contemplated by Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, or such shorter notice period as may be permitted by the SEC or its staff.
If
we determine to or are required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, we will deliver a Notice of Redemption
by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or by electronic means to the holders of record of such shares of Series A
Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed, or request the Redemption and Paying Agent, on our behalf, to promptly do so by overnight delivery,
by first class mail or by electronic means. A Notice of Redemption will be provided not less than 30 nor more than 60 calendar days prior
to the date fixed for redemption in such Notice of Redemption, or the “Redemption Date.” If fewer than all of the outstanding
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to either the mandatory redemption provisions triggered by our failure
to maintain the required asset coverage or the optional redemption provisions, the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed
will be selected either (1) pro rata among Series A Term Preferred Stock, (2) by lot or (3) in such other manner as our Board may determine
to be fair and equitable. If fewer than all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the Notice
of Redemption mailed to such holder will also specify the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder
or the method of determining such number. We may provide in any Notice of Redemption relating to a redemption contemplated to be effected
pursuant to the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock that such redemption is subject to one or more conditions
precedent and that we will not be required to effect such redemption unless each such condition has been satisfied. No defect in any Notice
of Redemption or delivery thereof will affect the validity of redemption proceedings except as required by applicable law.
If
we give a Notice of Redemption, then at any time from and after the giving of such Notice of Redemption and prior to 12:00 noon, New York
City time, on the Redemption Date (so long as any conditions precedent to such redemption have been met or waived by us), we will (i)
deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities having an aggregate market value at the time of deposit not less than
the redemption price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Redemption Date and (ii) give the Redemption
and Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the applicable redemption price to the holders of shares of Series A Term
Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Redemption Date is the Mandatory Redemption
Date, then such deposit of Deposit Securities will be made no later than 15 calendar days prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date.
Upon
the date of the deposit of Deposit Securities by us for purposes of redemption of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, all rights
of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption will cease and terminate except the right of the holders thereof
to receive the applicable redemption price and such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding for any
purpose whatsoever (other than the transfer thereof prior to the applicable Redemption Date and other than the accumulation of dividends
on such stock in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock up to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date).
We will be entitled to receive, promptly after the Redemption Date, any Deposit Securities in excess of the aggregate redemption price
of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Any Deposit Securities so deposited that are
unclaimed at the end of 90 calendar days from the Redemption Date will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to us, after which the
holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption can look only to us for payment of the redemption price. We
will be entitled to receive, from time to time after the Redemption Date, any interest on the Deposit Securities so deposited.
If
any redemption for which a Notice of Redemption has been provided is not made by reason of the absence of our legally available funds
in accordance with the certificate of designation and applicable law, such redemption will be made as soon as practicable to the extent
such funds become available. No default will be deemed to have occurred if we have failed to deposit in trust with the Redemption and
Paying Agent the applicable redemption price with respect to any shares where (1) the Notice of Redemption relating to such redemption
provided that such redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent and (2) any such condition precedent has not been satisfied
at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. Notwithstanding the fact that a Notice of Redemption has
been provided with respect to any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on such shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock in accordance with their terms if Deposit Securities for the payment of the redemption price of such shares of
Series A Term Preferred Stock have not been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose.
We
may, in our sole discretion and without a stockholder vote, modify the redemption procedures with respect to notification of redemption
for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, provided that such modification does not materially and adversely affect the holders of Series
A Term Preferred Stock or cause us to violate any applicable law, rule or regulation.
Voting Rights
Except
for matters that do not require the vote of holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock under the 1940 Act and except as otherwise provided
in our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws, in the certificate of designation or as otherwise required by applicable law, each holder
of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held on each
matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and the holders of outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Term
Preferred Stock and shares of our common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders.
In
addition, the holders of our preferred stock (including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), voting as a separate class, will have the
right to elect two Preferred Directors at all times (regardless of the number of directors serving on the Board). The holders of outstanding
shares of our common stock together with the holders of outstanding shares of our preferred stock, voting together as a single class,
will elect the remaining members of the Board. Under our Certificate of Incorporation, our directors are divided into three classes,
with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of our stockholders.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if (1) at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date for dividends on any outstanding share of any series
of our preferred stock, including any outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, accumulated dividends (whether or not earned
or declared) on such share of preferred stock equal to at least two full years’ dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash
or specified securities have not been deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for the payment
of such accumulated dividends; or (2) at any time holders of any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, together with holders of shares
of any of our outstanding preferred stock, are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of our directors (a period when either
of the foregoing conditions exists, a “Voting Period”), then the number of members constituting our Board will automatically
be increased by the smallest number of directors (each, a “New Preferred Director”) that, when added to the two Preferred
Directors, would constitute a majority of our Board as so increased by such smallest number. The terms of office of the persons who are
directors at the time of that election will not be affected by the election of the New Preferred Directors. If we pay, or declare and
set apart for payment, in full all dividends payable on all outstanding shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred
Stock, for all past Dividend Periods, or the Voting Period is otherwise terminated, (1) the voting rights stated above will cease, subject
always, however, to the re-vesting of such voting rights in the holders of shares of our preferred stock upon the further occurrence of
any of the events described herein, and (2) the terms of office of all New Preferred Directors will terminate automatically. Any preferred
stock issued after the date hereof will vote with the Series A Term Preferred Stock as a single class on the matters described above,
and the issuance of any other preferred stock by us may reduce the voting power of the holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
As
soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the holders of shares of preferred stock to elect New Preferred Directors, we will
call a special meeting of such holders and notify the Redemption and Paying Agent and/or such other person as is specified in the terms
of such preferred stock to receive notice, (i) by mailing or delivery by electronic means or (ii) in such other manner and by such other
means as are specified in the terms of such preferred stock, a notice of such special meeting to such holders, such meeting to be held
not less than 10 nor more than 30 calendar days after the date of the delivery by electronic means or mailing of such notice. If we fail
to call such a special meeting, it may be called at our expense by any such holder on like notice. The record date for determining the
holders of shares of preferred stock entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting will be the close of business on the business
day preceding the calendar day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of shares of
preferred stock held during a Voting Period at which directors are to be elected, such holders, voting together as a class (to the exclusion
of the holders of all our other securities and classes of capital stock), will be entitled to elect the number of New Preferred Directors
prescribed above on a one-vote-per-share basis.
Except
as otherwise permitted by the terms of the certificate of designation, (1) so long as any shares of preferred stock are outstanding, we
will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of preferred stock,
voting as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation or any applicable certificates of
designation (or any other document governing the rights of our preferred stock or the holders thereof as may be required by the rules
of any applicable securities exchange), whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any preference,
right or power of our preferred stock or the holders thereof and (2) so long as any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding,
we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Series A Term
Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation or the applicable
certificate of designation (or any other document governing the rights of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or the holders thereof as
may be required by the rules of any applicable securities exchange), whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially
and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or the holders thereof differently from shares
of any other outstanding series of our preferred stock; provided, however, that (i) a change in our capitalization as described under
the heading “—Issuance of Additional Preferred Stock” below will not be considered to materially and adversely
affect the rights and preferences of any holder of our preferred stock, and (ii) a division of a share of preferred stock will be deemed
to affect such preferences, rights or powers only if the terms of such division materially and adversely affect the holders of such preferred
stock.
No
matter will be deemed to adversely affect any preference, right or power of a share of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred
Stock or the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such share
of preferred stock, or (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of the preferred stock or the applicable series
thereof (other than as a result of a division of a share of preferred stock). So long as any shares of preferred stock are outstanding,
we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the preferred stock outstanding
at the time, voting as a separate class, file a voluntary application for relief under federal bankruptcy law or any similar application
under state law for so long as we are solvent and do not foresee becoming insolvent.
The
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a “majority of the shares of our preferred stock,” including the shares of the
Series A Term Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, will be required (i) to approve any action requiring
a vote of our security holders pursuant to Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, or (ii) to approve any plan of “reorganization”
(as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(33) of the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares of preferred stock. For purposes of the
foregoing, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock” means the vote at an annual or special meeting
duly called (a) of 67% or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares are present
or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (b) of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, whichever is less.
For
purposes of determining any rights of the holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created
by our Certificate of Incorporation, by the provisions of the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, by statute
or otherwise, no holder of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote any shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock
and no share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be deemed to be “outstanding” for the purpose of voting or determining
the number of shares required to constitute a quorum if, prior to or concurrently with the time of determination of shares entitled to
vote or the time of the actual vote on the matter, as the case may be, the requisite Notice of Redemption with respect to such share of
Series A Term Preferred Stock will have been given in accordance with the certificate of designation, and the price for the redemption
of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will have been irrevocably deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose.
No shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by us will have any voting rights or be deemed to be outstanding for voting or for calculating
the voting percentage required on any other matter or other purposes.
Unless
otherwise required by law or our Certificate of Incorporation, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not have any relative
rights or preferences or other special rights with respect to voting other than those specifically set forth in the certificate of designation
for the Series A Term Preferred Stock. The holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will have no rights to cumulative voting.
In the event that we fail to declare or pay any dividends on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the exclusive remedy of the
holders will be the right to vote for additional directors as discussed above; provided that the foregoing does not affect our obligation
to accumulate and, if permitted by applicable law and the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, pay dividends
at the Default Rate as discussed above.
Issuance of
Additional Preferred Stock
So
long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are outstanding, we may, without the vote or consent of the holders thereof, authorize,
establish and create and issue and sell shares of one or more series of a class of our senior securities representing stock under Section
18 of the 1940 Act, ranking on parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or the winding up of our affairs, including additional series of preferred stock, and authorize, issue and sell
additional shares of any such series of preferred stock then outstanding (including additional shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock)
or so established and created, in each case in accordance with applicable law, provided that we will, immediately after giving effect
to the issuance of such additional preferred stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof, including to the redemption
of preferred stock with such proceeds, have asset coverage of at least 200%.
Actions on
Other than Business Days
Unless
otherwise provided in the certificate of designation for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if the date for making any payment, performing
any act or exercising any right is not a business day (i.e., a calendar day on which the NYSE is open for trading), such payment
will be made, act performed or right exercised on the next succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if made or done
on the nominal date provided therefor, and, with respect to any payment so made, no dividends, interest or other amount will accrue for
the period between such nominal date and the date of payment.
Modification
Without
the consent of any holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, our Board may amend or modify these terms of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision in our
certificate of designation or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under these terms of the Series A
Term Preferred Stock that are not inconsistent with the provisions in our certificate of designation. No modification made to cure any
ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision, without the consent of holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, will materially
or adversely affect any preference, right or powers of such holders.
PROVISIONS OF THE DGCL AND
OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers;
Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. The indemnification of our officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the DGCL,
our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws. Subsection (a) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is
or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including
attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection
with such action, suit, or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) acted in a manner such person reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person
had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (b) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a
corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was
a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person
acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation,
and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to
be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit
was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court
deems proper.
DGCL Section 145 further provides that to the
extent that a present or former director or officer is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding
referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person will be indemnified
against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit
or proceeding. In all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court),
it will be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or
former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct has been met by
the party to be indemnified. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such
determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a
quorum, (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there
are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
The statute authorizes the corporation to pay expenses incurred by an officer or director in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advance will be made, to repay the advances if it is ultimately
determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification. DGCL Section 145 also provides that indemnification and advancement of
expenses permitted under such Section are not to be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement
of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. DGCL Section 145
also authorizes the corporation to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees, and agents
regardless of whether the corporation would have the statutory power to indemnify such persons against the liabilities insured.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that
our directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest
extent permitted by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended. DGCL Section 102(b)(7) provides that the personal liability
of a director to a corporation or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated except for liability (1)
for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith
or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful payment
of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock, or (4) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper
personal benefit.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides for
the indemnification of any person to the full extent permitted, and in the manner provided, by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter
be amended. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers in order to effect the
foregoing.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Law. The DGCL and
our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire us
by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices
and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board. These measures
may delay, defer, or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. These
provisions could have the effect of depriving stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market
prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over us. Such attempts could have the effect of increasing our expenses
and disrupting our normal operations. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging
any such acquisition proposals because the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms. Our Board has considered these provisions
and has determined that the provisions are in the best interests of us and our stockholders generally.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203
of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. In general, these provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business
combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder,
unless:
| • | prior to such time, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming
an interested stockholder; |
| • | upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or |
| • | on or after the date the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, by at least two-thirds
of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Section 203 defines “business combination”
to include the following:
| • | any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
| • | any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of 10%
or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding
stock of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; |
| • | subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation
of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; |
| • | any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of
the stock of any class or series of the corporation owned by the interested stockholder; or |
| • | the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or
other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. |
In general, Section 203 defines an interested
stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity
or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.
The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or
other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
Election of Directors. Our bylaws
provide that the affirmative vote of a plurality of all votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special
meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote thereat will be sufficient to elect a director. Under our Certificate of Incorporation,
our Board may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
For so long as any series of our preferred stock
are outstanding, the holders of our preferred stock, voting as a class, will be entitled to elect two of our directors.
Classified Board. Our Board is divided
into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms, with the term of office of only one of the three classes expiring
each year. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe,
however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified board of directors helps to ensure the continuity and stability
of our management and policies.
Number of Directors; Removal; Vacancies.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors will be set only by the Board in accordance with our bylaws. Our
bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors.
However, unless our bylaws are amended, the number
of directors may never be less than four nor more than eight. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise
(which our Certificate of Incorporation does not), directors on a classified board such as our Board may be removed only for cause, by
the affirmative vote of stockholders. Under our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws and subject to applicable stockholder election
requirements of the 1940 Act, any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the Board, may be filled
only by vote of a majority of the directors then in office. The limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove directors and
fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or discourage a third-party from seeking to acquire, control
of us.
Action by Stockholders. Under our
Certificate of Incorporation, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by unanimous written
consent in lieu of a meeting. This may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.
Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder
Nominations and Stockholder Proposals. Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations
of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction
of the Board, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting, or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied
with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board at a special meeting may be made only
(1) by or at the direction of the Board or (2) provided that the Board has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by
a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.
The purpose of requiring stockholders to give
us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of
the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board,
to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure
for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for
the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election
of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third
party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether
consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
Stockholder Meetings. Our bylaws
provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may
only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, in lieu of a
meeting, any such action may be taken by unanimous written consent of our stockholders. In addition, our bylaws establish an advance notice
procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates
for election to the Board. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting
or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who
is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to the secretary of the stockholder’s
intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting
stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders.
Our bylaws provide that, except as required by law, special meetings of stockholders may be called by the secretary at the request of
our Board, the chairperson of the Board and our chief executive officer.
Conflict with the 1940 Act. Our
bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable
provision of the 1940 Act will control.
Exclusive Forum. Our bylaws provide
that, except for any claims, suits, actions, or proceedings arising under the federal securities laws. unless the Company consents to
the selection of an alternative forum in writing, the Court of Chancery, or if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States
District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought
on behalf of the Company, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the
Company to the Company or to the stockholders of the Company, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any Director or
officer or other agent of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Certificate of Incorporation or our bylaws,
or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any Director or officer or other agent of the Company that is governed by the
internal affairs doctrine.
Potential Conversion To Open-End Fund
We may be converted to an open-end management
investment company at any time if approved by each of the following: (i) a majority of our directors then in office, (ii) the holders
of not less than 75% of our outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, and (iii) such vote or votes of the holders of any class or classes
or series of shares as may be required by the 1940 Act. The composition of our portfolio likely could prohibit us from complying with
regulations of the SEC applicable to open-end management investment companies. Accordingly, conversion likely would require significant
changes in our investment policies and may require liquidation of a substantial portion of relatively illiquid portions of its portfolio,
to the extent such positions are held. In the event of conversion, the shares of our common stock would cease to be listed on the NYSE
or other national securities exchange or market system. Any outstanding shares of our preferred stock would be redeemed by us prior to
such conversion. Our Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given our investment objectives and policies.
Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert us to an open-end management investment company.
Stockholders of an open-end management investment company may require the open-end management investment company to redeem their shares
at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their NAV, less such redemption charge, if any,
as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. We would expect to pay all such redemption requests in cash, but intend to reserve
the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors
may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If we were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new shares
of our common stock would be sold at NAV plus a sales load.
The Board may propose a conversion to an open-end
company based on its judgement as to the advisability of such action with respect to the best interests of the stockholders in light of
the market, trading, interest rate, and economic circumstances then prevailing. The Board may consider any such factors that it deems
material to its determination to propose a conversion to an open-end company.
Repurchase of Shares and Other Discount Measures
In recognition of the possibility that shares
of our common stock might trade at a discount to the NAV of such shares and that any such discount may not be in the interest of the holders
of our common stock, the Board, in consultation with the Adviser, from time to time will review possible actions to reduce any such discount,
including open market repurchases and/or tender offers for shares our common stock. In this respect, if, after two years from the date
shares of our common stock are first listed on the NYSE, shares of our common stock trade at an average discount to NAV of more than 7.5%
based on the average daily closing stock price over any six month period, subject to (1) approval of the Board, and (2) compliance with
any applicable 1940 Act restrictions (including any applicable asset coverage requirement), and with contractual obligations under any
applicable debt financing, including any credit facilities which we may have at such time, we currently intend to announce a stock repurchase
program pursuant to which we would repurchase in the open market a specified percentage (up to 10%) of our then-outstanding shares of
common stock over a three-month period. We refer to such a program in this prospectus as a “Repurchase Program.” If initiated,
we currently expect that we would halt a Repurchase Program once shares of our common stock cease to trade at a discount to NAV of more
than 7.5% based on the average daily stock price over any two week period during the operation of such Repurchase Program. We expect that
repurchases of shares of our common stock pursuant to a Repurchase Program will be funded with our available cash or proceeds from asset
liquidations. If we announce a Repurchase Program during a calendar year as described above, we do not currently intend to announce a
subsequent Repurchase Program in the same calendar year or within the following six months.
While it is our current intention to implement
a Repurchase Program in the circumstances described above, there are no assurances that the Board will approve any Repurchase Program
or that, if initiated, a Repurchase Program will reduce or eliminate any discount to NAV per share. The factors that the Board may consider
in determining whether to approve a Repurchase Program or any other action intended to reduce a discount in the trading price of our common
stock include, but are not limited to, the market price of shares of our common stock, the NAV per share of our common stock, the liquidity
of our assets, the effect on our expenses, whether such transactions would impair our status as a RIC or result in a failure to comply
with applicable asset coverage requirements, whether the use of cash or sale of portfolio securities is desirable under current market
conditions, any restrictions in or other impacts on our contractual arrangements, compliance with applicable law, any potential other
courses of action, any applicable conflicts of interest, general economic conditions, and such other events or conditions that which may
have a material effect on our ability to consummate such transactions.
UNDERWRITING
Lucid Capital Markets, LLC is acting as joint
book-running manager and representative of each of underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting
agreement dated , each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase,
and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock set forth opposite the underwriter’s
name.
Underwriter |
|
Shares of
Series A Term
Preferred
Stock |
|
Lucid Capital Markets, LLC |
|
|
|
|
B. Riley Securities, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC |
|
|
|
|
InspereX LLC |
|
|
|
|
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares of Series A Term
Preferred Stock sold under the underwriting agreement if any of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are purchased. If an underwriter
defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the
underwriting agreement may be terminated.
The Company and the Adviser have agreed to indemnify
the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters
may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations
of the underwriters to purchase the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel to the
underwriters and certain other conditions, including the receipt by the underwriters of 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. Investors
must pay for the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock purchased in this offering on or about , 2024.
Commission and Discount
An underwriting discount of % per share
of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be paid by us. This underwriting discount will also apply to any shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock purchased pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock. The underwriters
have advised us that they propose initially to offer the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to the public at the public offering
price on the cover of this prospectus and to certain other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) members
at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share.
The following table shows the total underwriting
discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The information assumes either no exercise
or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
| |
No Exercise | | |
Full Exercise | |
Per Share | |
$ | | | |
$ | | |
Total | |
$ | | | |
$ | | |
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering,
excluding the sales load, will be approximately $781,250. As part of our payment of our offering expenses, we have agreed to
pay expenses related to the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the underwriters, in an amount not to exceed $40,000 in connection
with entering into the underwriting agreement, including in connection with the review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Overallotment Option
We have granted an option to the underwriters
to purchase up to an additional shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock offered hereby at the public offering price,
less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus solely to cover any overallotments. If
the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase
a number of additional shares of Series A Preferred Term Stock proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the
table above.
No Sales of Series A Term Preferred
Stock
Subject to certain exceptions, we have agreed
not to sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree
to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by us or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by us or file or cause to be declared
effective a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing, without the consent of the underwriters,
for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus. This consent may be given at any time without public notice.
Listing
The shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to list the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the
NYSE under the symbol “PDPA”, and we expect trading in the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE to begin
within 30 days of the original issue date.
We have been advised by certain of the underwriters
that they presently intend to make a market in the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock after completion of the offering as permitted
by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time in the sole discretion of the underwriters without any notice. Accordingly,
no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or development of a public trading market for, the shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock. If an active public trading market for the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock does not develop, the market price and liquidity
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be adversely affected.
Price Stabilization and Short
Positions
In connection with the offering, the underwriters
may purchase and sell shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment, covering
transactions and stabilizing transactions. Overallotment involves sales of securities in excess of the aggregate amount of securities
to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve
purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing
transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market
price of the securities while the offering is in progress.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty
bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because
the representative has repurchased shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing
or short covering transactions.
Any of these activities may cause the price of
the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of
such transactions. These transactions may be affected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued
at any time without any notice relating thereto.
Alternative Settlement Cycle
We expect that delivery of the shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock will be made against payment therefor on or about ,
which will be the business day following the date of the pricing of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock (such
settlement being herein referred to as “T+ ”). Under Rule 15c6-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act, trades
in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise.
Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock prior to the date of delivery hereunder will be
required, by virtue of the fact that the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock initially will settle in T+ business
days, to specify an alternative settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement.
Other Relationships
We anticipate that, from time to time, certain
underwriters may act as brokers or dealers in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be
underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they are underwriters.
Certain underwriters may have performed investment
banking and financial advisory services for us, the Adviser and our affiliates from time to time, for which they have received customary
fees and expenses. Certain underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, the Adviser and
our affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Mr. Gary Wilder, a director of the Company, has an ownership interest in the parent
company of Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC, and as a result has an affiliation with Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC.
The principal business addresses
of the underwriters are: Lucid Capital Markets, 570 Lexington Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10022; B. Riley Securities, Inc.,
299 Park Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, New York 10171; Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC, 126 East 56th Street, Suite 22S, New York, New
York 10022; InspereX LLC, 25 SE 4th Avenue, Suite 400, Delray Beach, Florida 33483; and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, 1717 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE
SALE
Upon completion of this offering,
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock will be outstanding, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The
Series A Term Preferred Stock sold in the offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) that are held
by non-affiliates will be freely tradable without restriction or limitation under the Securities Act. Any shares purchased in this offering
by our affiliates, as defined in the Securities Act, will be subject to the public information, manner of sale and volume limitations
of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Sales under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities
Act by our affiliates are subject to certain manner of sale limitations, notice requirements and the availability of current public information
about us. No assurance can be given as to (a) the likelihood that an active market for our Series A Term Preferred Stock will develop,
(b) the liquidity of any such market, (c) the ability of our stockholders to sell our securities or (d) the prices that stockholders may
obtain for any of our securities. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of securities, or the availability
of securities for future sales, will have on the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our securities,
or the perception that such sales could occur, may affect adversely prevailing market prices of our Series A Term Preferred Stock.
REGULATION AS A CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY
General
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we are subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, unless authorized by vote of a majority of our outstanding
voting securities, we may not:
| • | change our classification to an open-end management investment company; |
| • | alter any of our fundamental policies, which are set forth below in “- Investment Restrictions”; or |
| • | change the nature of our business so as to cease to be an investment company. |
A majority of the outstanding voting securities
of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company’s voting securities present at a meeting
if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of such company.
As with other companies regulated by the 1940
Act, a registered closed-end management investment company must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our
directors must be persons who are not “interested persons” of us, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. We are required
to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the closed-end management investment company.
Furthermore, as a registered closed-end management investment company, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against
any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of such person’s office. We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain
transactions with our affiliates absent exemptive relief or other prior approval by the SEC.
We will generally not be able to issue and sell
shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). See
“Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure - Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end
management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital
may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.” We may, however, sell shares of our common
stock at a price below the then-current NAV per share if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests
of our stockholders, and the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock, approves such sale. In addition, we may generally
issue new shares of our common stock at a price below NAV in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in
certain other limited circumstances.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we may use leverage as and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial
leverage instruments, including funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes, or preferred stock
and leverage attributable to reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. Instruments that create leverage are generally considered
to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowings or deemed
borrowings), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset coverage
of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness
not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect
to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock), we are required
under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred
stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over
the aggregate amount our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding
shares of preferred stock. If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or 200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional
debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt or redeem
preferred stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able
to make certain distributions or pay dividends. In addition, we may borrow for temporary or other purposes as permitted under the 1940
Act, which indebtedness would be in addition to the asset coverage requirements described above.
Leveraged Transactions. Certain
portfolio management techniques, such as entering into certain Derivative Transactions, or purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis, that may be considered senior securities under the 1940 Act. We intend to rely on the limited derivatives user exception under
Rule 18f-4 and otherwise comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to such transactions and therefore may enter into such transactions notwithstanding
certain requirements of Section 18 subject to the conditions under the rule as follows. We may begin to comply with the other provisions
of Rule 18f-4 related to derivatives transactions instead of the limited derivatives user exception at any time and without notice. To
satisfy the limited derivatives user exception, we have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to
manage our derivatives risk and limit our derivatives exposure in accordance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 also permits us to enter into
reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions notwithstanding the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we aggregate
the amount of indebtedness associated with our reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount
of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating our asset coverage ratios as discussed above or treat all such
transactions as derivatives transactions for all purposes under Rule 18f-4. However, these transactions may represent a form of economic
leverage and will create risks. The potential loss on such instruments may be substantial relative to the initial investment therein and
compliance with Rule 18f-4 will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
Appendix A
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
% SERIES A TERM PREFERRED STOCK DUE 2029
OF
PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC.
Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
Pearl Diver Credit Company
Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), certifies
that pursuant to the authority contained in its certificate of incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”),
and in accordance with the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”),
the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors,” which term as used herein shall include any duly
authorized committee of the Board of Directors) has duly approved and adopted the following resolution on , 2024:
RESOLVED, that
pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Pearl Diver
Credit Company Inc. and as set forth in Section 151 of the DGCL, the Board of Directors does hereby approve the designation of
authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, without designation as to series
as % Series A Term Preferred Stock due 2029 (the “Series A Term Preferred
Stock”), having the designations, preferences, relative, participating, optional and other special rights and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof that are set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation and in this resolution
as follows:
ARTICLE I
NUMBER OF SHARES; RANKING
1.1.
A series of shares of the preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, authorized by the Certificate of
Incorporation are hereby designated as the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have
such preferences, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and distributions, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law and those that are expressly set forth in the Certificate
of Incorporation, as are set forth in this Certificate of Designation. The Series A Term Preferred Stock shall constitute a separate
series of Capital Stock (as defined below) and each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be identical. No fractional shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be issued.
1.2. The Series A Term
Preferred Stock shall rank on parity with any other series of preferred stock, whether now or hereafter issued by the Corporation, and
any other shares of Capital Stock hereafter authorized and issued by the Corporation of a class having priority over any other class
as to distribution of assets or payments of dividends (collectively with the Series A Term Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”)
as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the
Corporation. The Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have preference with respect to the payment of dividends and as to distribution
of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation over the shares of common stock, par value $0.001
per share (the “Common Stock” and, together with the Preferred Stock, the “Capital Stock”), of
the Corporation as set forth herein.
1.3. No individual, partnership,
trust, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or government or any agency
or political subdivision thereof (each, a “Person”) in whose name the Series A Term Preferred Stock or any other security
issued by the Corporation is registered in the registration books of the Corporation maintained by SS&C GIDS, Inc. and its successors,
or any other redemption and paying agent appointed by the Corporation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock (the “Redemption
and Paying Agent”) or otherwise (such Person, a “Holder”), shall have, solely by reason of being such a
Holder, any preemptive or other right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, shares of other
Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation that it may hereafter issue or sell.
ARTICLE II
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
2.1. The Holders of shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by, or under authority granted by, the Board
of Directors, out of funds legally available therefor and in preference to dividends and distributions on the Common Stock, cumulative
cash dividends and distributions on each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock, calculated separately for each Dividend Period (as defined
below) at, as of any date, % per annum (the “Fixed Dividend Rate”) as adjusted, if a Default Period (as defined
below) shall be in existence on such date, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 (the “Dividend
Rate”) in effect from time to time for the Series A Term Preferred Stock during such Dividend Period, computed on the basis
of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, on an amount equal to $25.00 (the “Liquidation Preference”)
for each share of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and no more. In the case of each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock issued on
, 2024 (the “Date of Original Issue”), dividends and distributions on such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
shall accumulate from the Date of Original Issue. In the case of a share of Series A Term Preferred Stock issued on a date subsequent
to the Date of Original Issue, (a) if such share is issued before the Record Date (as defined below) for the Dividend Period in which
such share is issued, dividends and distributions on such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall accumulate from the first day
of such Dividend Period and (b) if such share is issued after the Record Date for the Dividend Period in which such share is issued,
dividends and distributions on such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall accumulate from the first day of the Dividend Period
immediately following the issuance of such share. Dividends and distributions on all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be
payable monthly in arrears as provided in Section 2.2. The amount of dividends payable on shares of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock on any date prior to the end of a Dividend Period, and for the initial Dividend Period, will be computed on the basis of actual
days elapsed over a 30-day month.
“Dividend Period”
means, with respect to each share of Series A Term Preferred Stock then Outstanding (as defined below), in the case of the first Dividend
Period, the period beginning on and including the Date of Original Issue and ending on, but excluding , 2024 and, for each subsequent
Dividend Period, the period beginning on and including the last Dividend Payment Date (as defined below) and ending on, but excluding,
the next Dividend Payment Date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be.
2.2. Declaration
and Payment; Dividends in Arrears.
(a) Dividends on shares
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to any Dividend Period shall be declared to the Holders of record of such shares as
their names shall appear on the registration books of the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall
be such date designated by the Board of Directors that is not more than twenty (20) nor less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the
Dividend Payment Date with respect to such Dividend Period (each, a “Record Date”).
(b) Dividends declared
pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be paid on the last day of every calendar month, beginning , 2024 (each, a “Dividend
Payment Date”) to the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on the registration books of
the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable Record Date for such dividend; provided, however,
that dividends with respect to the first Dividend Period of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be paid on , 2024 to Holders of
record of such Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on the registration books of the Corporation at the close of business
on , 2024. If a Dividend Payment Date falls on a non-Business Day (as defined below), the applicable dividend payment will be made
on the next Business Day and no additional dividend payment will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.
(c) Dividends in arrears
on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any
regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders of such shares as their names appear on the registration books of the Corporation on the
applicable Record Date. No interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments
on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
2.3. No full dividends
and distributions shall be declared or paid on shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock for any Dividend Period or part thereof unless
full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent Dividend Payment Dates therefor for all Outstanding shares of
Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid through the most recent Dividend Payment Dates therefor. If full
cumulative dividends and distributions due have not been declared and paid on all Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, any dividends
and distributions being declared and paid on the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be declared and paid as nearly pro rata as possible
in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends and distributions accumulated but unpaid on each such series of Preferred Stock
on the relevant dividend payment date for such series. No Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to any
dividends and distributions, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of full cumulative dividends and distributions as
provided in this Section 2.3 on the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
2.4. For so long as any
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall not: (x) declare any dividend or other distribution (other
than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Common Stock) in respect of the Common Stock, (y) call for redemption, redeem, purchase
or otherwise acquire for consideration any Common Stock, or (z) pay any proceeds of the liquidation of the Corporation in respect of
the Common Stock, unless, in each case,
(a) immediately thereafter,
the Corporation shall have “asset coverage,” as defined for purposes of Section 18(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, or any successor statute (the “1940 Act”), of at least 200% with respect to all Outstanding senior securities
which are stock of the Corporation, including all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock (or such other percentage as may
in the future be specified in the 1940 Act or by rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities which are stock of a closed-end registered investment company), after deducting the
amount of such dividend or distribution or redemption or purchase price or liquidation proceeds;
(b) all cumulative dividends
and distributions on all shares of Preferred Stock due on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption,
purchase or acquisition shall have been either (i) declared and paid or (ii) declared and Deposit Securities (as defined below) or sufficient
funds (in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock) for the payment thereof shall have been deposited irrevocably with the paying
agent for such Preferred Stock; and
(c) the Corporation shall
have deposited Deposit Securities pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.4 hereof with respect
to Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 hereof
for which a Notice of Redemption (as defined below) shall have been given or shall have been required to be given in accordance with
the terms hereof on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
“Outstanding”
means, as of any date with respect to a series of Preferred Stock, the number of shares of such series of Preferred Stock theretofore
issued by the Corporation except (without duplication): (A) any shares of the applicable series of Preferred Stock theretofore cancelled
or redeemed or delivered to the Redemption and Paying Agent for cancellation or redemption in accordance with the terms hereof; (B) any
shares of the applicable series of Preferred Stock as to which the Corporation shall have given a Notice of Redemption and irrevocably
deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent sufficient Deposit Securities to redeem such shares in accordance with ARTICLE
V hereof; and (C) any shares of the applicable series of Preferred Stock as to which the Corporation shall be the Holder or
the beneficial owner.
“Deposit Securities”
means, as of any date, any U.S. dollar-denominated security or other investment of a type described below that either (i) is a demand
obligation payable to the holder thereof on any Business Day or (ii) has a maturity date, mandatory redemption date or mandatory payment
date, on its face or at the option of the holder, preceding the relevant Redemption Date (as defined below), Dividend Payment Date or
other payment date in respect of which such security or other investment has been deposited or set aside as a Deposit Security: (A) cash
or any cash equivalent; (B) any U.S. Government Obligation (as defined below); (C) any Short-Term Money Market Instrument (as defined
below); (D) any investment in any money market fund registered under the 1940 Act that qualifies under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act,
or similar investment vehicle described in Rule 12d1-1(b)(2) under the 1940 Act, that invests principally in Short-Term Money Market
Instruments or U.S. Government Obligations or any combination thereof; or (E) any letter of credit from a bank or other financial institution
that has a credit rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization that is the highest applicable rating
generally ascribed by such rating agency to bank deposits or short-term debt of similar banks or other financial institutions as of the
date of this Certificate of Designation (or such rating’s future equivalent).
“Short-Term Money
Market Instruments” means the following types of instruments if, on the date of purchase or other acquisition thereof by the
Corporation, the remaining term to maturity thereof is not in excess of 180 days: (i) commercial paper rated A-1, if such commercial
paper matures within 30 days, or A-1+, if such commercial paper matures in over 30 days; (ii) demand or time deposits in, and bankers’
acceptances and certificates of deposit of (A) a depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States
of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (B) a U.S. branch office or agency of a foreign depository institution
(provided that such branch office or agency is subject to banking regulation under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or
the District of Columbia); and (iii) overnight funds.
“U.S. Government
Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States or of its agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the
full faith and credit of the United States and that, other than U.S. treasury bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and
the full payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption.
2.5. Any dividend payment
made on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the dividends and distributions accumulated with respect
to the earliest Dividend Period for which dividends and distributions have not been paid.
2.6. Not later than 12:00
noon, New York City time, on a Dividend Payment Date, the Corporation shall deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities
having an aggregate Market Value (as defined below) on such date sufficient to pay the dividends and distributions that are payable on
such Dividend Payment Date. The Corporation may direct the Redemption and Paying Agent with respect to the investment or reinvestment
of any such Deposit Securities prior to the Dividend Payment Date, provided, that such investment consists exclusively of
Deposit Securities and provided, further, that the proceeds of any such investment will be available as same
day funds at the opening of business on such Dividend Payment Date.
“Market Value”
of any asset means, for securities for which market quotations are readily available, the market value thereof determined by an independent
third-party pricing service designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Market Value of any asset shall include any interest
accrued thereon. The pricing service values portfolio securities at the mean between the quoted bid and asked price or the yield equivalent
when quotations are readily available. Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined
by the pricing service using methods that include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, type of issue,
coupon, maturity and rating, indications as to value from dealers and general market conditions. The pricing service may employ electronic
data processing techniques or a matrix system, or both, to determine recommended valuations.
2.7. All Deposit Securities
paid to the Redemption and Paying Agent for the payment of dividends payable on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be held in trust
for the payment of such dividends by the Redemption and Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders entitled to the payment of such dividends
pursuant to Section 2.2. Any moneys paid to the Redemption and Paying Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied
by the Redemption and Paying Agent to the payment of dividends, including interest earned on such moneys while so held, will, to the
extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Corporation as soon as possible after the date on which such moneys were to have been so applied,
upon request of the Corporation.
2.8. Dividend
Default.
(a) The Dividend Rate
on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be adjusted, for any calendar day, to the Fixed Dividend Rate plus two percent (2%) per annum
(the “Default Rate”) in the following circumstances. Subject to the cure provisions below, a “Default Period”
with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall commence on any date the Corporation fails to deposit with the Redemption and
Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on (A) a Dividend Payment Date, Deposit Securities that will provide funds available
to the Redemption and Paying Agent on such Dividend Payment Date sufficient to pay the full amount of any dividend payable on such Dividend
Payment Date (a “Dividend Default”) or (B) an applicable Redemption Date, Deposit Securities that will provide funds
available to the Redemption and Paying Agent on such Redemption Date sufficient to pay the full amount of the Liquidation Preference
for the shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions on such shares accumulated
to (but excluding) the date fixed for such distribution or payment on such shares (whether or not earned or declared by the Corporation,
but excluding interest thereon) (such amount, the “Redemption Price”), payable in respect of such series on such Redemption
Date (a “Redemption Default” and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as “Default”).
Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2.8(b) below, a Default Period with respect to a Default on the Series A Term
Preferred Stock shall end on the calendar day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading (each such day, a “Business
Day”) on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and any unpaid Redemption Price
shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Redemption and Paying Agent. The Dividend Rate on the Series
A Term Preferred Stock for each calendar day during the Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate.
(b) No Default Period
for the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to any Default on the Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be deemed to commence if
the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due in respect of the Series A Term Preferred Stock (if such Default is not solely
due to the willful failure of the Corporation) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds, with the Redemption and Paying Agent
by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day that is not later than three (3) Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment
Date or Redemption Date with respect to which such Default occurred, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the
amount and period of such non-payment based on the actual number of calendar days comprising such period divided by three hundred and
sixty (360).
ARTICLE III
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
3.1. In the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of shares of
Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to stockholders,
after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment shall be made in respect of the Common Stock, a liquidation
distribution of the Redemption Price, and such Holders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in
connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
3.2. If, upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Corporation available
for distribution among the Holders of all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and any other Outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such Holders of the Redemption Price as provided in Section 3.1 above
and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other Preferred Stock, then such available assets shall be distributed among
the Holders of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Preferred Stock ratably in proportion to the respective preferential
liquidation amounts to which they are entitled. In connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation,
whether voluntary or involuntary, unless and until the Redemption Price, as provided in Section 3.1 above has been paid
in full to the Holders of such shares, no dividends, distributions or other payments will be made on, and no redemption, purchase or
other acquisition by the Corporation will be made by the Corporation in respect of, shares of the Common Stock.
3.3. Neither the sale
of all or substantially all of the property or business of the Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Corporation
into or with any other business or statutory trust, corporation or other entity, nor the merger, consolidation or reorganization of any
other business or statutory trust, corporation or other entity into or with the Corporation shall be a dissolution, liquidation or winding
up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purpose of this ARTICLE III.
ARTICLE IV
ASSET COVERAGE TEST
4.1. Asset Coverage
Requirement. For so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall have “asset
coverage” of a class of senior security which is stock, as defined for purposes of Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act as in effect on
the date hereof (“Asset Coverage”), of at least 200% as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any of
the three month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31 of each year (each, a “Calendar Quarter”).
If the Corporation shall fail to maintain such Asset Coverage as of any time as of which such compliance is required to be determined
as aforesaid, the provisions of Section 5.2(a) shall be applicable, which provisions shall constitute the sole remedy
for the Corporation’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Section 4.1.
4.2. Calculation
of Asset Coverage. For purposes of determining whether the requirements of Section 4.1 are satisfied,
(i) no shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be Outstanding for purposes of any computation
required by Section 4.1 if, prior to or concurrently with such determination, either (x) sufficient Deposit Securities
or other sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock) to pay the full
Redemption Price for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed) shall have been
deposited in trust with the paying agent for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock and the requisite notice of redemption
for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed) shall have been given or (y) sufficient
Deposit Securities or other sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock)
to pay the full Redemption Price for the Series A Term Preferred Stock or other Preferred Stock (or the portion thereof to be redeemed)
shall have been segregated by a bank, as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act, that has the qualifications prescribed in Section
26(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, or such other entity as shall be then providing custodian services to the Corporation as permitted by the 1940
Act or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder (the “Custodian,” which shall include any similarly qualified sub-custodian
duly appointed by the Custodian) and the Corporation from the assets of the Corporation, by means of appropriate identification on the
Custodian’s books and records or otherwise in accordance with the Custodian’s normal procedures, and (ii) the Deposit Securities
or other sufficient funds that shall have been deposited with the applicable paying agent and/or segregated by the Custodian, as applicable,
as provided in clause (i) of this sentence shall not be included as assets of the Corporation for purposes of such computation.
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION
Shares of Series A Term
Preferred Stock shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation as provided below:
5.1. Term Redemption. The
Corporation shall redeem all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on , 2029 (the “Term Redemption Date”) at
a price per share equal to the Redemption Price.
5.2. Asset Coverage
Mandatory Redemption.
(a) If the Corporation
fails to comply with the Asset Coverage requirement as provided in Section 4.1 as of the last Business Day of any Calendar
Quarter and such failure is not cured as of the date that is thirty (30) calendar days following the date of filing of the Corporation’s
Annual Report on Form N-CSR, Semiannual Report on Form N-CSRS or Reports on Form N-PORT, as applicable (each, an “SEC Report”)
with the SEC with respect to such Calendar Quarter (such Business Day, the “Asset Coverage Cure Date”), the Corporation
shall, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and Delaware law, by the close of business on such Asset Coverage Cure Date, fix a redemption
date and proceed to redeem in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock, a sufficient number of shares of Preferred Stock, which
at the Corporation’s sole option (to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and Delaware law) may include any number or proportion
of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, to enable it to meet the requirements of Section 5.2(b). In the event that
any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock then Outstanding are to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.2(a), the Corporation
shall redeem such shares at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price.
(b) On the redemption
date for a redemption contemplated by Section 5.2(a), the Corporation shall redeem, out of funds legally available therefor,
(x) such number of shares of Preferred Stock (which may include at the sole option of the Corporation any number or proportion of the
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock) that, when combined with any debt securities redeemed for failure to maintain the asset coverage
required by the indenture governing such securities, the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening
of business on the Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Corporation having Asset Coverage on such Asset Coverage Cure Date of
at least 200% (provided, however, that if there is no such minimum number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
and other shares of Preferred Stock the redemption or retirement of which would have such result, all shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock then Outstanding shall be redeemed), or (y) if fewer, the maximum number of shares of Preferred
Stock that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be legally available therefor in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation
and applicable law, provided, further, that in connection with redemption for failure to maintain such Asset
Coverage requirement, the Corporation may at its sole option, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 5.2 that, when aggregated with other shares of Preferred Stock redeemed
by the Corporation, would result, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Asset Coverage Cure
Date, in the Corporation having Asset Coverage on such Asset Coverage Cure Date of up to and including 285%. The Corporation shall effect
such redemption on the date fixed by the Corporation therefor, which date shall not be later than ninety (90) calendar days after such
Asset Coverage Cure Date, except that if the Corporation does not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the required
number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock which have been designated to be redeemed or the
Corporation otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to ninety (90) calendar days after such Asset Coverage Cure Date,
the Corporation shall redeem those shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and other shares of Preferred Stock which it was unable to
redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to effect such redemption. If fewer than all of the Outstanding shares of
Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.2, the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock to be redeemed shall be redeemed (A) pro rata among the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, (B) by lot, or (C)
in such other manner as our Board of Directors may determine to be fair and equitable.
5.3. Optional
Redemption.
(a) Subject to the provisions
of Section 5.3(b), on any Business Day following the expiration of the “No-Call Period,” which is the
period beginning on the Date of Original Issue and ending at the close of business on , 202[ ], the Corporation may redeem in whole
or in part from time to time the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price
(any such Business Day referred to in this sentence, an “Optional Redemption Date”).
(b) If fewer than all
of the Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 5.3(a), the shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected either (A) pro rata, (B) by lot, or (C) in such other manner as our Board of
Directors may determine to be fair and equitable. Subject to the provisions of this Certificate of Designation and applicable law, the
Board of Directors will have the full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock will be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.3 from time to time.
(c) The Corporation may
not on any date deliver a Notice of Redemption pursuant to Section 5.4 in respect of a redemption contemplated to be
effected pursuant to this Section 5.3 unless on such date the Corporation has available Deposit Securities for the Optional
Redemption Date contemplated by such Notice of Redemption having a Market Value not less than the amount due to Holders of shares of
Series A Term Preferred Stock by reason of the redemption of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on such Optional Redemption
Date.
5.4. Procedures
for Redemption.
(a) If the Corporation
shall determine or be required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5.1, Section
5.2, or Section 5.3, the Corporation shall deliver a notice of redemption (the “Notice of Redemption”),
by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage prepaid or by Electronic Means (as defined below) to Holders thereof, or request
the Redemption and Paying Agent, on behalf of the Corporation, to promptly do so by overnight delivery, by first class mail, postage
prepaid or by Electronic Means. A Notice of Redemption shall be provided not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) calendar
days prior to the date fixed for redemption in such Notice of Redemption (the “Redemption Date”). Each such Notice
of Redemption shall state: (A) the Redemption Date; (B) the number of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (C) the
CUSIP number for shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock; (D) the applicable Redemption Price on a per share basis; (E) that dividends
on the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such Redemption Date; and (F) the
provision(s) of this Certificate of Designation under which such redemption is made. If fewer than all shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption delivered to such Holder shall also specify the number of shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such Holder or the method of determining such number. The Corporation may provide
in any Notice of Redemption relating to a redemption contemplated to be effected pursuant to this Certificate of Designation that such
redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent and that the Corporation shall not be required to effect such redemption unless
each such condition has been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. No defect in the
Notice of Redemption or delivery thereof shall affect the validity of redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
“Electronic Means”
means e-mail transmission, facsimile transmission or other similar electronic means of communication providing evidence of transmission
(but excluding online communications systems covered by a separate agreement) acceptable to the sending party and the receiving party,
in any case if operative as between any two parties, or, if not operative, by telephone (promptly confirmed by any other method set forth
in this definition), which, in the case of notices to the Redemption and Paying Agent and the Custodian, shall be sent by such means
to each of its representatives set forth in (i) the Redemption and Paying Agent Agreement, or other similarly titled agreement, by and
among the Redemption and Paying Agent for the Series A Term Preferred Stock and the Corporation and (ii) the Custodian Agreement by and
among the Custodian and the Corporation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock, respectively.
(b) If the Corporation
shall give a Notice of Redemption, then at any time from and after the giving of such Notice of Redemption and prior to 12:00 noon, New
York City time, on the Redemption Date (so long as any conditions precedent to such redemption have been met or waived by the Corporation),
the Corporation shall (A) deposit with the Redemption and Paying Agent Deposit Securities having an aggregate Market Value on the date
thereof no less than the Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Redemption Date and (B)
give the Redemption and Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the applicable Redemption Price to the Holders of
the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. The Corporation may direct the Redemption and
Paying Agent with respect to the investment of any Deposit Securities consisting of cash so deposited prior to the Redemption Date, provided,
that the proceeds of any such investment shall be available at the opening of business on the Redemption Date as same day funds.
(c) Upon the date of the
deposit of such Deposit Securities, which in the case of term redemption pursuant to Section 5.1, shall be no later than
fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Term Redemption Date, all rights of the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
so called for redemption shall cease and terminate except the right of the Holders thereof to receive the Redemption Price thereof and
such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed Outstanding for any purpose whatsoever (other than (A) the transfer
thereof prior to the applicable Redemption Date and (B) the accumulation of dividends thereon in accordance with the terms hereof up
to (but excluding) the applicable Redemption Date, which accumulated dividends, unless previously or contemporaneously declared and paid
as contemplated by Section 5.4(d) below, shall be payable only as part of the applicable Redemption Price on the Redemption
Date). The Corporation shall be entitled to receive, promptly after the Redemption Date, any Deposit Securities in excess of the aggregate
Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption on the Redemption Date. Any Deposit Securities
so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of ninety (90) calendar days from the Redemption Date shall, to the extent permitted by law,
be repaid to the Corporation, after which the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall look
only to the Corporation for payment of the Redemption Price thereof. The Corporation shall be entitled to receive, from time to time
after the Term Redemption Date, any interest on the Deposit Securities so deposited.
(d) Notwithstanding the
other provisions of this ARTICLE V, except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation shall not redeem any shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends and distributions on all Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock and other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Term Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and distributions
for all applicable past Dividend Periods (whether or not earned or declared by the Corporation) (x) shall have been or are contemporaneously
paid or (y) shall have been or are contemporaneously declared and Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms
of such Preferred Stock) for the payment of such dividends and distributions shall have been or are contemporaneously deposited with
the Redemption and Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for such Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of such Preferred
Stock, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Outstanding shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock pursuant to an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to Holders of all
Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and any other series of Preferred Stock for which all accumulated and unpaid dividends
and distributions have not been paid.
(e) To the extent that
any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been provided is not made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor
in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, such redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent
such funds become available. No Redemption Default shall be deemed to have occurred if the Corporation shall fail to deposit in trust
with the Redemption and Paying Agent the Redemption Price with respect to any shares where (1) the Notice of Redemption relating to such
redemption provided that such redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent and (2) any such condition precedent shall not
have been satisfied at the time or times and in the manner specified in such Notice of Redemption. Notwithstanding the fact that a Notice
of Redemption has been provided with respect to any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, dividends may be declared and paid on the
shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock in accordance with their terms if Deposit Securities for the payment of the Redemption Price
of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that
purpose.
5.5. Redemption
Date After Record Date and Before Dividend Payment Date. Notwithstanding Section 5.1, Section 5.2, and Section
5.3, if any Redemption Date occurs after the applicable Record Date for a dividend, but on or prior to the related Dividend Payment
Date, the dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date in respect of such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be payable on such Dividend
Payment Date to the Holders of record of such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock at the close of business on the applicable Record
Date, and shall not be payable as part of the Redemption Price for such shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
5.6. Redemption
and Paying Agent as Trustee of Redemption Payments by Corporation. All Deposit Securities transferred to the Redemption and Paying
Agent for payment of the Redemption Price of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock called for redemption shall be held in trust
by the Redemption and Paying Agent for the benefit of Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock so to be redeemed until paid
to such Holders in accordance with the terms hereof or returned to the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section
5.4(c) above.
5.7. Compliance
with Applicable Law. In effecting any redemption pursuant to this ARTICLE V, the Corporation shall use its best efforts
to comply with all applicable conditions precedent to effecting such redemption under the 1940 Act and any applicable Delaware law, but
shall effect no redemption except in accordance with the 1940 Act and any applicable Delaware law.
5.8. Modification
of Redemption Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE V, the Corporation may,
in its sole discretion and without a stockholder vote, modify the procedures set forth above with respect to notification of redemption
for the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, provided, that such modification does not materially and adversely affect
the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock or cause the Corporation to violate any applicable law, rule or regulation;
and provided, further, that no such modification shall in any way alter the rights or obligations of the Redemption
and Paying Agent without its prior consent.
ARTICLE VI
VOTING RIGHTS
6.1. One Vote
Per Share of Series A Term Preferred Stock. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or as otherwise
required by applicable law, (i) each Holder of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of
Series A Term Preferred Stock held by such Holder on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation, and (ii) the
Holders of Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, and holders of outstanding
shares of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class; provided, however, that the Holders of Outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock, including Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, shall be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion
of the Holders of all other securities and classes of Capital Stock of the Corporation, to elect two Directors of the Corporation at
all times. Subject to Section 6.2, the Holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, including shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, shall elect the balance of the Directors.
6.2. Voting For
Additional Directors.
(a) Voting Period. During
any period in which any one or more of the conditions described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section 6.2(a) shall
exist (such period being referred to herein as a “Voting Period”), the number of Directors constituting the Board
of Directors shall be automatically increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the
Holders of Preferred Stock, including shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, would constitute a majority of the Board of Directors
as so increased by such smallest number; and the Holders of Preferred Stock, including Series A Term Preferred Stock, shall be entitled,
voting as a class on a one-vote-per-share basis (to the exclusion of the Holders of all other securities and classes of Capital Stock
of the Corporation), to elect such smallest number of additional Directors, together with the two Directors that such Holders are in
any event entitled to elect. A Voting Period shall commence:
(i) if,
at the close of business on any dividend payment date for any Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock including any Outstanding shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock, accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on such Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock
equal to at least two (2) full years’ dividends shall be due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities shall not have
been deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent or other applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or
(ii) if
at any time Holders of shares of Preferred Stock are otherwise entitled under the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act to elect a majority
of the Board of Directors.
Upon the termination of
a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this Section 6.2(a) shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting
of such voting rights in the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon the further occurrence of any of the events described in this Section
6.2(a).
(b) Notice of
Special Meeting. As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock to
elect additional Directors as described in Section 6.2(a), the Corporation shall call a special meeting of such Holders and
notify the Redemption and Paying Agent and/or such other Person as is specified in the terms of such Preferred Stock to receive notice
(i) by mailing or delivery by Electronic Means or (ii) in such other manner and by such other means as are specified in the terms of
such Preferred Stock, a notice of such special meeting to such Holders, such meeting to be held not less than ten (10) nor more than
thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the delivery by Electronic Means or mailing of such notice. If the Corporation fails to call
such a special meeting, it may be called at the expense of the Corporation by any such Holder on like notice. The record date for determining
the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on
the Business Day preceding the calendar day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of Holders
of shares of Preferred Stock held during a Voting Period at which Directors are to be elected, such Holders, voting together as a class
(to the exclusion of the Holders of all other securities and classes of Capital Stock of the Corporation), shall be entitled to elect
the number of Directors prescribed in Section 6.2(a) on a one-vote-per-share basis.
(c) Terms of Office
of Existing Directors. The terms of office of the incumbent Directors of the Corporation at the time of a special meeting
of Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors in accordance with Section 6.2(a) shall not
be affected by the election at such meeting by the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Holders of shares
of Preferred Stock of the number of Directors that they are entitled to elect, and the Directors so elected by the Holders of shares
of Series A Term Preferred Stock and such other Holders of shares of Preferred Stock, together with the two (2) Directors elected by
the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 6.1 hereof and the remaining Directors elected by
the Holders of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, shall constitute the duly elected Directors of the Corporation.
(d) Terms of Office
of Certain Directors to Terminate Upon Termination of Voting Period. Simultaneously with the termination of a Voting Period,
the terms of office of the additional Directors elected by the Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall
terminate, the remaining Directors shall constitute the Directors of the Corporation and the voting rights of the Holders of shares of
Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall cease, subject to the provisions of the
last sentence of Section 6.2(a).
6.3. Holders of
Shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to Vote on Certain Matters.
(a) Certain Amendments
Requiring Approval of Preferred Stock. Except as otherwise permitted by the terms of this Certificate of Designation,
(1) so long as any shares of Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the
Holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, voting together as a separate class, amend,
alter or repeal the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or this Certificate of Designation (or any other document governing
the rights of the Preferred Stock or the Holders thereof as may be required by the rules of any applicable securities exchange), whether
by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of such shares of the
Preferred Stock or the Holders thereof and (2) so long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation
shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock
Outstanding at the time, voting together as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation
or this Certificate of Designation (or any other document governing the rights of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or the Holders thereof
as may be required by the rules of any applicable securities exchange), whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially
and adversely affect any preference, right or power of such shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock or the Holders thereof differently
than shares of any other series of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section
6.3(a), (i) a change in the capitalization of the Corporation in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof shall not be
considered to materially and adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock, including the Series A Term Preferred
Stock, and (ii) a division of a share of the Preferred Stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, shall be deemed to affect
such preferences, rights or powers only if the terms of such division materially and adversely affect the Holders of the shares. For
purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any preference, right or power of a share of Preferred Stock
or any series thereof, or the Holder of any such share unless such matter (x) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such share
of Preferred Stock, or (y) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such share (other than as a result of a
division of a share of Preferred Stock). So long as any shares of Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without
the affirmative vote or consent of at least two-thirds of the Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, voting
as a separate class, file a voluntary application for relief under federal bankruptcy law or any similar application under state law
for so long as the Corporation is solvent and does not foresee becoming insolvent.
(b) Certain Amendments
Requiring Approval of Series A Term Preferred Stock. The Corporation cannot effect any amendment, alteration or repeal
of the obligation to redeem all of the Series A Term Preferred Stock on , 2029 without the prior unanimous consent of the Holders
of Series A Term Preferred Stock.
(c) 1940 Act Matters. Unless
a higher percentage is provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the Holders of at least “a majority
of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock,” including shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, voting
as a separate class, shall be required (A) to approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting
such shares or (B) any action requiring a vote of Holders of the Corporation’s securities pursuant to Section 13(a) of the 1940
Act. For purposes of the foregoing, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock” means the vote
at an annual or special meeting duly called of (i) sixty-seven percent (67%) or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the Holders
of more than fifty percent (50%) of such shares are present or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (ii) more than fifty percent
(50%) of such shares, whichever is less.
6.4. Voting Rights
Set Forth Herein Are Sole Voting Rights. Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Holders
of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights with respect to
voting other than those specifically set forth in this ARTICLE VI.
6.5. No Cumulative
Voting. The Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have no rights to cumulative voting.
6.6. Voting for
Directors Sole Remedy for Corporation’s Failure to Declare or Pay Dividends. In the event that the Corporation fails
to declare or pay any dividends on shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on the Dividend Payment Date therefor, the exclusive remedy
of the Holders of the shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be the right to vote for Directors pursuant to the provisions of
this ARTICLE VI. Nothing in this Section 6.6 shall be deemed to affect the obligation of the Corporation
to accumulate and, if permitted by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and this Certificate of Designation, pay dividends
at the Default Rate in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2.8 hereof.
6.7. Holders Entitled
to Vote. For purposes of determining any rights of the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to vote on any
matter, whether such right is created by this Certificate of Designation, by the Certificate of Incorporation, by statute or otherwise,
no Holder of shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote any share of Series A Term Preferred Stock and no share
of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be “Outstanding” for the purpose of voting or determining the number
of shares required to constitute a quorum if, prior to or concurrently with the time of determination of shares entitled to vote or the
time of the actual vote on the matter, as the case may be, the requisite Notice of Redemption with respect to such share of Series A
Term Preferred Stock shall have been given in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and Deposit Securities for the payment
of the Redemption Price of such share of Series A Term Preferred Stock shall have been deposited in trust with the Redemption and Paying
Agent for that purpose. No share of Series A Term Preferred Stock held by the Corporation shall have any voting rights or be deemed to
be Outstanding for voting or for calculating the voting percentage required on any other matter or other purposes.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1. Issuance
of Additional Preferred Stock. So long as any shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation
may, without the vote or consent of the Holders thereof, (a) authorize, establish and create and issue and sell shares of one or more
series of a class of senior securities of the Corporation representing stock under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, ranking on a parity with
the Series A Term Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or the
winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, in addition to then Outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock, and (b) authorize,
issue and sell additional shares of any such series then Outstanding or so established and created, including additional shares of Series
A Term Preferred Stock, in each case in accordance with applicable law, provided that the Corporation shall, immediately
after giving effect to the issuance of such additional shares of Preferred Stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof,
including to the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock with such proceeds, have Asset Coverage (calculated in the same manner as is
contemplated by Section 4.2 hereof) of at least 200%.
7.2. Status of
Redeemed or Repurchased Series A Term Preferred Stock. Shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock that at any time have been
redeemed or purchased by the Corporation shall, after such redemption or purchase, have the status of authorized but unissued shares
of Capital Stock.
7.3. Registered
Name. Prior to the commencement of a Voting Period, (i) all shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock Outstanding from time
to time shall be registered in the name of the Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns, or any other securities depository
selected by the Corporation that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by such securities depository as set forth in
this Certificate of Designation with respect to the Series A Term Preferred Stock (the “Securities Depository”) or
its nominee and (ii) no registration of transfer of shares of such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation
to any Person other than the Securities Depository or its nominee.
7.4. Notice. All
notices or communications hereunder, unless otherwise specified in this Certificate of Designation, shall be sufficiently given if in
writing and delivered in person, by Electronic Means or by overnight mail or delivery or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid.
Notices delivered pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be deemed given on the date received or, if mailed by first class
mail, on the date five (5) calendar days after which such notice is mailed.
7.5. Termination. In
the event that no shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock are Outstanding, all rights and preferences of the shares of Series A Term
Preferred Stock established and designated hereunder shall cease and terminate, and all obligations of the Corporation under this Certificate
of Designation with respect to such Series A Term Preferred Stock shall terminate.
7.6. Amendment. The
Board of Directors may, by resolution duly adopted, without stockholder approval (except as otherwise provided by this Certificate of
Designation or required by applicable law) amend this Certificate of Designation so as to reflect any amendments to the terms applicable
to the Series A Term Preferred Stock, including an increase in the number of authorized shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
7.7. Actions on
Other than Business Days. Unless otherwise provided herein, if the date for making any payment, performing any act or
exercising any right, in each case as provided for in this Certificate of Designation, is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made,
act performed or right exercised on the next succeeding Business Day, with the same force and effect as if made or done on the nominal
date provided therefor, and, with respect to any payment so made, no dividends, interest or other amount shall accrue for the period
between such nominal date and the date of payment.
7.8. Modification. The
Board of Directors, without the vote of the Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, may interpret, supplement or amend the provisions
of this Certificate of Designation to supply any omission, resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity or to cure, correct or supplement any
defective or inconsistent provision, including any provision that becomes defective after the date hereof because of impossibility of
performance or any provision that is inconsistent with any provision of any other Capital Stock of the Corporation.
7.9. Information
Rights. During any period in which the Corporation is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock are Outstanding, the Corporation will provide Holders of Series A Term Preferred Stock, without cost, copies of SEC Reports that
the Corporation would have been required to file pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the Corporation was subject to
such provisions or, alternatively, the Corporation will voluntarily file SEC Reports as if the Corporation was subject to Section 13
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
7.10. No Additional
Rights. Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Holders of shares of Series A Term Preferred
Stock shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth in this Certificate
of Designation.
7.11. Interpretation.
(a) The headings preceding
the text of the Articles and Sections included in this Certificate of Designation are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part
of this Certificate of Designation or be given any effect in interpreting this Certificate of Designation. The use of the masculine,
feminine or neuter gender or the singular or plural form of words herein shall not limit any provision of this Certificate of Designation.
The use of the terms “including” or “include” shall in all cases herein mean “including, without limitation”
or “include, without limitation,” respectively. Reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns
to the extent such successors and assigns are permitted by the terms of any applicable agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular
capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually.
(b) Reference to any agreement
(including this Certificate of Designation), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified
and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms hereof. Except as otherwise expressly
set forth herein, reference to any law means such law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or re-enacted, in whole or in part, including
rules, regulations, enforcement procedures and any interpretations promulgated thereunder. Underscored references to Articles and Sections
shall refer to those portions of this Certificate of Designation. The use of the terms “hereunder,” “hereof,”
“hereto” and words of similar import shall refer to this Certificate of Designation as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or clause of this Certificate of Designation.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Designation to be duly executed by its duly authorized officer as of
this day of , 2024.
PEARL
DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC. |
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By: |
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Name:
Indranil Basu |
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Title:
Chief Executive Officer |
PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC.
%
Series A Term Preferred Stock Due 2029
Liquidation Preference $25 per share
PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS
,
2024
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Joint
Book-Running Managers |
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Lucid
Capital Markets |
B. Riley Securities |
Kingswood Capital Partners |
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Lead Managers |
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InspereX |
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Janney Montgomery Scott |
PEARL DIVER CREDIT
COMPANY INC.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
,
2024
This Statement of
Additional Information (the “SAI”) provides additional information to the Prospectus for Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
(the “Company”) dated , 2024 as it may
be amended from time to time. This SAI is not a prospectus and should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. You may obtain
the Prospectus without charge by writing us at Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., 430 West 7th
Street, Suite 219047, Kansas City, MO 64195, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at (833) 736-6777.
Investors in the Company
will be informed of the Company’s progress through periodic reports. Financial statements certified by an independent registered
public accounting firm will be submitted to stockholders at least annually. Copies of the Annual Report to Stockholders may be obtained
upon request, without charge, by contacting the Company at the address or telephone number listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
We were organized as Pearl Diver Credit Company,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on April 12, 2023 and, effective July 9, 2024, we converted from a Delaware limited liability
company into a Delaware corporation under the name Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Pearl Diver Capital LLP, or the “Adviser,”
is our adviser and manages our investments subject to the supervision of our Board.
Investment
Restrictions
Our investment objectives and our investment policies
and strategies described in this Statement of Additional Information, except for the seven investment restrictions designated as fundamental
policies under this caption, are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board without stockholder approval.
As referred to above, the following seven investment
restrictions are designated as fundamental policies and, as such, cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority
of our outstanding voting securities:
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(1) |
We may not borrow money, except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction; |
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(2) |
We may not engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that we may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities; |
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(3) |
We may not purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities. Physical commodities do not include futures contracts with respect to securities, securities indices, currency or other financial instruments; |
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(4) |
We may not purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured by real estate or interests therein, except that we reserve freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of our ownership of securities; |
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(5) |
We may not make loans, except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff, or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff, or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction. For purposes of this investment restriction, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations, or other forms of debt instruments) shall not constitute loans by us; |
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(6) |
We may not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, the SEC staff, or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff, or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction; and |
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(7) |
We may not invest in any security if as a result of such investment, 25% or more of the value of our total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, are in the securities of issuers in any particular industry or group of industries except (a) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or tax-exempt securities of state and municipal governments or their political subdivisions (however, not including private purpose industrial development bonds issued on behalf of non-government issuers), or (b) as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, and as modified or supplemented from time to time by (i) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, and (ii) any exemption or other relief applicable to us from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. For purposes of this restriction, in the case of investments in loan participations between us and a bank or other lending institution participating out the loan, we will treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as “issuers.” For purposes of this restriction, an investment in a CLO, collateralized bond obligation, CDO, or a swap or other derivative will be considered to be an investment in the industry or group of industries (if any) of the underlying or reference security, instrument, or asset. |
The latter part of certain of our fundamental
investment restrictions (i.e., the references to “except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations
or modifications by the SEC, the SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission
from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction”) provides us with flexibility to change our limitations
in connection with changes in applicable law, rules, regulations, or exemptive relief. The language used in these restrictions provides
the necessary flexibility to allow our Board to respond efficiently to these kinds of developments without the delay and expense of a
stockholder meeting.
Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction
set forth in this Statement of Additional Information states a maximum percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other
asset or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after
and as a result of our acquisition of such security or asset. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values,
assets, or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating agency (or as determined by the Adviser if the security
is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel us to dispose of such security or other asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we must
always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above.
Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility
to the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically
by the Adviser and our independent directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change. For purposes of these Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures described below, “we,” “our” and “us” refers to the Adviser.
Introduction
An investment adviser registered under the Advisers
Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, we recognize that we must vote client
securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of our clients.
These policies and procedures for voting proxies
for our investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.
Proxy Policies
Based on the nature of our investment strategy,
we do not expect to receive proxy proposals but may from time to time receive amendments, consents or resolutions applicable to investments
held by us. It is our general policy to exercise our voting or consent authority in a manner that serves the interests of the Company’s
stockholders. We may occasionally be subject to material conflicts of interest in voting proxies due to business or personal relationships
we maintain with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. If at any time we becomes aware of a material conflict of
interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, our chief compliance officer will review the proposal and determine how to vote the
proxy in a manner consistent with interests of the Company’s stockholders.
Proxy Voting Records
Information regarding how we voted proxies relating
to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge: (1) upon request, by calling
toll free (844) 810-6501; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain information about how we
voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to 430 West 7th Street,
Suite 219047, Kansas City, MO 64195.
Privacy
Policy
We are committed to protecting your privacy. This
privacy notice explains our privacy policies and those of our affiliated companies. The terms of this notice apply to both current and
former stockholders. We are committed to safeguarding all non-public personal information we receive about you. With regard to this information,
we have developed policies that are designed to protect this information, while allowing stockholder needs to be served.
When you purchase shares of our Series A Term
Preferred Stock and in the course of providing you with products and services, we and certain of our service providers, such as a transfer
agent, may collect non-public personal information about you, such as your name, address, social security number or tax identification
number. This information may come from sources such as account applications and other forms, from other written, electronic or verbal
correspondence, from your transactions, from your brokerage or financial advisory firm, financial adviser or consultant, and/or information
captured on applicable websites.
We do not disclose any non-public personal information
provided by you or gathered by us to non-affiliated third parties, except as permitted or required by law or for our everyday business
purposes, such as to process transactions or service your account. For example, we may share your personal information in order to send
you annual and semiannual reports, proxy statements and other information required by law. We may disclose your non-public personal information
to unaffiliated third-party financial service providers (which may include a custodian, transfer agent, accountant or financial printer)
who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or to us. These companies are required to protect your information
and use it solely for the purpose for which they received it or as otherwise permitted by law. We may also provide your non-public personal
information to your brokerage or financial advisory firm and/or to your financial adviser or consultant, as well as to professional advisors,
such as accountants, lawyers and consultants.
We reserve the right to disclose or report personal
or account information to non-affiliated third parties in limited circumstances where we believe in good faith that disclosure is required
by law, such as in accordance with a court order or at the request of government regulators or law enforcement authorities or to protect
our rights or property. We may also disclose your personal information to a non-affiliated third party at your request or if you consent
in writing to the disclosure.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND TECHNIQUES
The Company invests primarily in a portfolio comprised
of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), and may also invest in structured notes, warehousing facilities, cash, cash equivalents,
and securities of money market funds and other investment companies. The investment objective and principal investment strategies of the
Company, as well as the principal risks associated with the Company’s principal investment strategies, are set forth in the Prospectus.
Certain additional non-principal investment strategies and techniques which the Company may use, as well as their attendant risks, are
set forth below.
Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Techniques
and Related Risks
The Company may utilize derivative instruments,
such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and sale-buybacks, and a variety of
special investment instruments and techniques, to hedge against various risks (such as changes in interest rates or other factors that
affect security values) or for non-hedging purposes to pursue the Company’s investment objectives, including to indirectly invest
in or gain exposure to certain asset classes. Certain of the special investment instruments and techniques that the Company may use are
speculative and involve a high degree of risk, particularly in the context of non-hedging transactions.
Derivatives. In an attempt to reduce systemic
and counterparty risks associated with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives transactions, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer protections Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) requires that a substantial portion of OTC derivatives be executed in regulated
markets and submitted for clearing to regulated clearinghouses. The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) also requires
a substantial portion of derivative transactions that have historically been executed on a bilateral basis in the OTC markets to be executed
through a regulated swap execution facility or designated contract market. The SEC is expected to eventually impose a similar requirement
with respect to security-based swaps. Such requirements could limit the ability of the Company to invest or remain invested in derivatives
and may make it more difficult and costly for investment funds, including the Company, to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions.
They may also render certain strategies in which the Company might otherwise engage impossible or so costly that they will no longer be
economical to implement.
OTC trades submitted for clearing will be subject
to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearinghouse, as may be adjusted to a higher amount by the Company's
Futures Commission Merchant, as well as possible SEC- or CFTC-mandated margin requirements. With respect to uncleared swaps, swap dealers
are required to collect variation margin from the Company and may be required to collect initial margin from the Company pursuant to the
CFTC's or the Prudential Regulators' uncleared swap margin rules. Both initial and variation margin must be in the form of eligible collateral,
and may be composed of cash and/or securities, subject to applicable regulatory haircuts. These rules also mandate that collateral in
the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared swap transactions for certain entities,
which may include the Company. In the event the Company is required to post collateral in the form of initial margin in respect of its
uncleared swap transactions, all such collateral will be posted with a third-party custodian pursuant to a triparty custody agreement
between the Company, its dealer counterparty and an unaffiliated custodian.
Although the Dodd-Frank Act requires many OTC
derivative transactions previously entered into on a principal-to-principal basis to be submitted for clearing by a regulated clearinghouse,
certain of the derivatives that may be traded by the Company may remain principal-to-principal or OTC contracts between the Company and
third parties. The risk of counterparty non-performance can be significant in the case of these OTC instruments, and "bid-ask"
spreads may be unusually wide in these markets. To the extent not mitigated by implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act, if at all, the risks
posed by such instruments and techniques, which can be complex, may include: (1) credit risks (the exposure to the possibility of loss
resulting from a counterparty's failure to meet its financial obligations), as further discussed below; (2) market risk (adverse movements
in the price of a financial asset or commodity); (3) legal risks (the characterization of a transaction or a party's legal capacity to
enter into it could render the transaction unenforceable, and the insolvency or bankruptcy of a counterparty could pre-empt otherwise
enforceable contract rights); (4) operational risk (inadequate controls, deficient procedures, human error, system failure or fraud);
(5) documentation risk (exposure to losses resulting from inadequate documentation); (6) liquidity risk (exposure to losses created by
inability to prematurely terminate derivative transactions); (7) systemic risk (the risk that financial difficulties in one institution
or a major market disruption will cause uncontrollable financial harm to the financial system); (8) concentration risk (exposure to losses
from the concentration of closely related risks such as exposure to a particular industry or exposure linked to a particular entity);
and (9) settlement risk (the risk faced when one party to a transaction has performed its obligations under a contract but has not yet
received value from its counterparty).
Swap dealers and major swap participants that
are registered with the CFTC and with whom the Company may trade are subject to minimum capital and margin requirements. These requirements
may apply irrespective of whether the OTC derivatives in question are traded bilaterally or cleared. OTC derivatives dealers are subject
to business conduct standards, disclosure requirements, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, transparency requirements, position
limits, limitations on conflicts of interest, and other regulatory burdens. These requirements may increase the overall costs for OTC
derivative dealers, which are likely to be passed along, at least partially, to market participants in the form of higher fees or less
advantageous dealer marks. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Company remains uncertain, and it is unclear how the OTC derivatives
markets will ultimately adapt to this new regulatory regime.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act governs the Company’s
use of derivative instruments and certain other transactions that create future payment and/or delivery obligations by the Company. Rule
18f-4 permits the Company to enter into Derivative Transactions (as defined below) and certain other transactions notwithstanding the
restrictions on the issuance of “senior securities” under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. Section 18 of the 1940 Act prohibits
closed-end funds, such as the Company, from issuing or selling any “senior security,” unless certain asset coverage (and other)
requirements are met. In connection with the adoption of Rule 18f-4, the SEC eliminated the asset segregation framework arising from prior
SEC guidance for covering Derivatives Transactions and certain financial instruments.
Under Rule 18f-4, “Derivative Transactions”
include the following: (1) any swap, security-based swap (including a contract for differences), futures contract, forward contract, option
(excluding purchased options), any combination of the foregoing, or any similar instrument, under which the Company is or may be required
to make any payment or delivery of cash or other assets during the life of the instrument or at maturity or early termination, whether
as margin or settlement payment or otherwise; (2) any short sale borrowing; (3) reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions,
if the Company elects to treat these transactions as Derivatives Transactions under Rule 18f-4; and (4) when-issued or forward-settling
securities (e.g., firm and standby commitments, including to-be-announced (“TBA”) commitments, and dollar rolls) and
non-standard settlement cycle securities, unless the Company intends to physically settle the transactions and the transaction will settle
within 35 days of its trade date.
Rule 18f-4 requires that a registered investment
company that invests in Derivative Transactions above a specified amount adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program administered
by a derivatives risk manager that is appointed by and overseen by the fund’s board, and comply with an outer limit on fund leverage
risk based on value at risk. A fund that uses Derivative Transactions in a limited amount is considered a “limited derivatives user,”
as defined in Rule 18f-4 and is not be subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4, but does have to adopt and implement policies and
procedures reasonably designed to manage the fund’s derivatives risk. A fund is subject to reporting and recordkeeping requirements
regarding its use of Derivative Transactions.
The requirements of Rule 18f-4 may limit the Company’s
ability to engage in Derivative Transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may also increase the cost of the
Company’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect the value of the Company’s investments and/or
the performance of the Company. The rule also may not be effective to limit the Company’s risk of loss. In particular, measurements
of VaR rely on historical data and may not accurately measure the degree of risk reflected in a Company’s derivatives or other investments.
There may be additional regulation of the use of Derivative Transactions by registered investment companies, which could significantly
affect their use. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of Derivative Transactions may make them
more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. A forward
foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date or range of future
dates (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties,
at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are generally traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency
traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency contract generally has no deposit requirement,
and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
Forward contracts generally may not be liquidated
prior to the stated maturity date, although the parties to a contract may agree to enter into a second offsetting transaction with the
same maturity, thereby fixing each party’s profit or loss on the two transactions. Nevertheless, each position must still be maintained
to maturity unless the parties separately agree on an earlier settlement date. As a result, a party to a forward contract must be prepared
to perform its obligations under each such contract in full. Parties to a forward contract may also separately agree to extend the contract
by “rolling” it over prior to the originally scheduled settlement date. The Company may use forward contracts for cash equitization
purposes, which allows the Company to invest consistent with its investment strategy while managing daily cash flows, including significant
client inflows and outflows.
The Company may use currency instruments as part
of a hedging strategy, as described below.
Transaction Hedging. Transaction hedging
is entering into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Company, which will generally arise in connection
with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. The Company may enter into transaction hedging
out of a desire to preserve the U.S. dollar price of a security when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency. The Company may be able to protect itself against possible losses resulting from changes in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which
payment is made or received by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount
of the foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions.
Position Hedging. The Company may sell
a non-U.S. currency and purchase U.S. currency to reduce exposure to the non-U.S. currency (called “position hedging”). The
Company may use position hedging when the Adviser reasonably believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial
decline against the U.S. dollar. The Company may enter into a forward foreign currency contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars,
the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency.
The forward foreign currency contract amount and the value of the portfolio securities involved may not have a perfect correlation because
the future value of the securities hedged will change as a consequence of the market between the date the forward contract is entered
into and the date it matures.
Cross Hedges. The Company may also cross-hedge
currencies by entering into transactions to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to
other currencies to which the Company has, or in which the Company expects to have, portfolio exposure.
Proxy Hedges. Proxy hedging is often used
when the currency to which the Company’s portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the U.S. dollar. Proxy hedging
entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a currency
or currencies in which some or all of the Company’s portfolio securities are, or are expected to be denominated, and to buy U.S.
dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of the Company’s securities denominated in linked currencies.
In addition to the hedging transactions described
above, the Company may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency
exchange market, to increase their exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency
to another.
Unless consistent with and permitted by its stated
investment policies, the Company will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to an extent greater, after netting all
transactions intended wholly or partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the time of entering into
the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging, described above. If consistent with and permitted by its stated investment policies,
the Company may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Company’s assets denominated in
a particular currency or when the Company does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Company may engage in currency transactions
for hedging purposes as well as to enhance the Company’s returns.
A non-deliverable forward transaction is a transaction
that represents an agreement between the Company and a counterparty (usually a commercial bank) to buy or sell a specified (notional)
amount of a particular currency at an agreed-upon foreign exchange rate on an agreed upon future date. The non-deliverable forward transaction
position is closed using a fixing rate, as defined by the central bank in the country of the currency being traded, that is generally
publicly stated within one or two days prior to the settlement date. Unlike other currency transactions, there is no physical delivery
of the currency on the settlement of a non-deliverable forward transaction. Rather, the Company and the counterparty agree to net the
settlement by making a payment in U.S. dollars or another fully convertible currency that represents any differential between the foreign
exchange rate agreed upon at the inception of the non-deliverable forward agreement and the actual exchange rate on the agreed-upon future
date. Thus, the actual gain or loss of a given non-deliverable forward transaction is calculated by multiplying the transaction’s
notional amount by the difference between the agreed-upon forward exchange rate and the actual exchange rate when the transaction is completed.
Although forward foreign currency transactions are exempt from the definition of “swap” under the Commodity Exchange Act,
non-deliverable forward transactions are not, and, thus, are subject to the CFTC's regulatory framework applicable to swaps.
The ability to establish and close out positions
on currency futures contracts is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market, which may not always be available. An option on a currency
provides the purchaser, or “holder,” with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase, in the case of a “call”
option, or sell, in the case of a “put” option, a stated quantity of the underlying currency at a fixed exchange rate up to
a stated expiration date (or, in the case of certain options, on such date). The holder generally pays a nonrefundable fee for the option,
referred to as the “premium,” but cannot lose more than this amount, plus related transaction costs. Thus, where the Company
is a holder of options contracts, such losses will be limited in absolute amount. In contrast to a forward contract, an option imposes
a binding obligation only on the seller, or “writer.” If the holder exercises the option, the writer is obligated to complete
the transaction in the underlying currency. An option generally becomes worthless to the holder when it expires. In addition, in the context
of an exchange-traded option, the writer is often required to deposit initial margin and may be required to increase the margin on deposit
if the market moves against the writer’s position. Options on currencies may be purchased in the OTC market between commercial entities
dealing directly with each other as principals. In purchasing an OTC currency option, the holder is subject to the risk of default by
the writer and, for this reason, purchasers of options on currencies may require writers to post collateral or other forms of performance
assurance.
Buyers and sellers of currency futures contracts
are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures contracts generally, which are described elsewhere in this SAI. Further,
settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation, which
may subject the Company to additional risk.
Risks. Currency transactions are subject
to risks that are different from those of other portfolio transactions. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic
to that country's economy. Although forward foreign currency contracts and currency futures tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they may limit any potential gain which might result should the value of
such currency increase. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and
policy, purchase and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages,
and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result in losses to the Company if it is unable to deliver
or receive currency or funds in the settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless,
resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies
must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. The ability to establish and close out positions on currency futures contracts is subject
to the maintenance of a liquid market, which may not always be available.
The Company may take active positions in currencies,
which involve different techniques and risk analyses than the Company’s purchase of securities. Active investment in currencies
may subject the Company to additional risks, and the value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate in response to broader macroeconomic
risks than if the Company invested only in fixed income securities. The Company may take long and short positions in foreign currencies
in excess of the value of the Company’s assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Company does not own assets denominated
in that currency. If the Company enters into currency transactions when it does not own assets denominated in that currency, the Company's
volatility may increase and losses on such transactions will not be offset by increases in the value of the Company's assets.
Currency hedging involves some of the same risks
and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Company if the currency
being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree in a direction that is not anticipated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the perceived linkage
between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that the Company is engaging in proxy hedging.
Suitable hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances. Hedging transactions may also eliminate any chance for the Company
to benefit from favorable fluctuations in relevant foreign currencies.
Risks associated with entering into forward foreign
currency contracts include the possibility that the market for forward foreign currency contracts may be limited with respect to certain
currencies and, upon a contract's maturity, the inability of the Company to negotiate with the dealer to enter into an offsetting transaction.
As mentioned above, forward foreign currency contracts may be closed out only by the parties entering into an offsetting contract. This
creates settlement risk in forward foreign currency contracts, which is the risk of loss when one party to the forward foreign currency
contract delivers the currency it sold but does not receive the corresponding amount of the currency it bought. Settlement risk arises
in deliverable forward foreign currency contracts where the parties have not arranged to use a mechanism for payment-versus-payment settlement,
such as an escrow arrangement. In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of those contracts and movements in the price
of the currency hedged or used for cover will not be perfect. There is no assurance an active forward foreign currency contract market
will always exist. These factors will restrict the Company's ability to hedge against the risk of devaluation of currencies in which the
Company holds a substantial quantity of securities and are unrelated to the qualitative rating that may be assigned to any particular
security. In addition, if a currency devaluation is generally anticipated, the Company may not be able to contract to sell currency at
a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The successful use of forward foreign currency contracts as a hedging technique draws
upon special skills and experience with respect to these instruments and usually depends on the ability of the Adviser to forecast interest
rate and currency exchange rate movements correctly. Should interest or exchange rates move in an unexpected manner, the Company may not
achieve the anticipated benefits of forward foreign currency contracts or may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if those
strategies had not been used. Many forward foreign currency contracts are subject to no daily price fluctuation limits so adverse market
movements could continue with respect to those contracts to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts.
Futures contracts (also called “futures”) provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified
amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser
the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the
option. An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price
at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made, and generally
contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.
The Company may also invest in Treasury futures,
interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, and interest rate swap futures. A Treasury futures contract involves an obligation to purchase
or sell Treasury securities at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The sale of a Treasury futures contract creates
an obligation by the Company to deliver the amount of certain types of Treasury securities called for in the contract at a specified future
time for a specified price. A purchase of a Treasury futures contract creates an obligation by the Company to take delivery of an amount
of securities at a specified future time at a specific price. Interest rate futures can be sold as an offset against the effect of expected
interest rate increases and purchased as an offset against the effect of expected interest rate declines. Interest rate swaps are an agreement
between two parties where one stream of future interest rate payments is exchanged for another based on a specified principal amount.
Interest rate swaps often exchange a fixed payment for a floating payment that is linked to a particular interest rate. Interest rate
swap futures are instruments that provide a way to gain swap exposure and the structure features of a futures contract in a single instrument.
Swap futures are futures contracts on interest rate swaps that enable purchasers to cash settle at a future date at the price determined
by the benchmark rate at the end of a fixed period.
The Company will reduce the risk that it will
be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges regulated
by the CFTC (generally, futures must be traded on such exchanges). The Company may use futures contracts and related options for either
hedging purposes or risk management purposes, or to gain exposure to currencies, as well as to enhance the Company’s returns. Instances
in which the Company may use futures contracts and related options for risk management purposes include: (i) attempting to offset changes
in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; (ii) attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies;
(iii) attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or (iv) other risk management purposes. The Company may
use futures contracts for cash equitization purposes, which allows the Company to invest consistent with its investment strategy while
managing daily cash flows, including significant client inflows and outflows.
There are significant risks associated with the
Company’s use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend
on the Adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest
rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Company and
the prices of futures and options on futures; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (iv)
trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (v) government regulations or exchange requirements may restrict
trading in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, some strategies reduce the Company’s exposure to price
fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.
Options. The Company may purchase and write
put and call options on indexes and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option
the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period, or
for certain types of options, at the conclusion of the option period or only at certain times during the option period. A call option
on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying
security at any time during the option period, or for certain types of options, at the conclusion of the option period or only at certain
times during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.
The Company may purchase and write put and call
options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or OTC markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates.
Put and call options on indexes are similar to
options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of
cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option.
This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed
in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss
depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally rather than the price movements in individual securities.
Options on indexes may, depending on circumstances, involve greater risk than options on securities. Because stock index options are settled
in cash, when the Company writes a call on an index it may not be able to provide in advance for its potential settlement obligations
by acquiring and holding the underlying securities.
The Company may trade put and call options on
securities, securities indexes and currencies, as the Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking to achieve the Company’s investment
objective, unless otherwise restricted by the Company’s investment limitations.
The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract
is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Company may enter into a “closing transaction,”
which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the
option contract originally opened. If the Company is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has
written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Company delivers the security upon exercise.
The Company may purchase put and call options
on securities for any lawful purpose, including to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or
to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Company may seek to purchase in the future. When purchasing put and
call options, the Company pays a premium for such options. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the
options would not be profitable for the Company, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Company’s
securities or by a decrease in the cost of the acquisition of securities by the Company.
The Company may write (i.e., sell) “covered”
call options on securities for any lawful purpose, including as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing
limited protection against decreases in its market value. The Company may engage in a covered call option writing (selling) program in
an attempt to generate additional income or provide a partial hedge to another position of the Company. A call option is “covered”
if the Company either owns the underlying instrument or has an absolute and immediate right (such as a call with the same or a later expiration
date) to acquire that instrument. The underlying instruments of such covered call options may consist of individual equity securities,
pools of equity securities, ETFs or indexes.
The writing of covered call options is a more
conservative investment technique than writing of naked or uncovered options, but capable of enhancing the Company’s total return.
When the Company writes a covered call option, it profits from the premium paid by the buyer but gives up the opportunity to profit from
an increase in the value of the underlying security above the exercise price. At the same time, the Company retains the risk of loss from
a decline in the value of the underlying security during the option period. Although the Company may terminate its obligation by executing
a closing purchase transaction, the cost of effecting such a transaction may be greater than the premium received upon its sale, resulting
in a loss to the Company. If such an option expires unexercised, the Company realizes a gain equal to the premium received. Such a gain
may be offset or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If an option is exercised,
the exercise price, the premium received and the market value of the underlying security determine the gain or loss realized by the Company.
When the Company writes an option, if the underlying
securities do not increase or decrease, as applicable, to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder
thereof, the option will generally expire without being exercised and the Company will realize as profit the premium received for such
option. When a call option of which the Company is the writer is exercised, the Company will be required to sell the underlying securities
to the option holder at the strike price and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price.
When a put option of which the Company is the writer is exercised, the Company will be required to purchase the underlying securities
at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.
The Company may purchase and write options on
an exchange or OTC. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and
not with a clearing corporation or futures commission merchant, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options
are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for
exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is normally done by reference to information from
a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid. The market value of an option generally reflects
the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates,
the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.
Risks. Risks associated with options transactions
include: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations
in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the
securities underlying them; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (iv) though the Company will receive a premium
when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.
Swaps, Caps, Floors, Collars and Swaptions.
Swaps are centrally-cleared or OTC derivative products in which two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated by reference
to an underlying asset, such as a rate, index, instrument or securities (referred to as the “underlying”) and a predetermined
amount (referred to as the “notional amount”). The underlying for a swap may be an interest rate (fixed or floating), a currency
exchange rate, a commodity price index, a security, group of securities or a securities index, a combination of any of these, or various
other rates, securities, instruments, assets or indexes. Swap agreements generally do not involve the delivery of the underlying or principal,
and a party’s obligations are generally equal to only the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative
values of the positions held by each party to the swap agreement.
A great deal of flexibility is possible in the
way swaps may be structured. For example, in a simple fixed-to-floating interest rate swap, one party makes payments equivalent to a fixed
interest rate, and the other party makes payments calculated with reference to a specified floating interest rate, such as LIBOR or the
prime rate. In a currency swap, the parties generally enter into an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified
rate in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Currency swaps may involve initial and final exchanges
of the currency that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
special investment techniques and risks, including settlement risk, non-business day risk, the risk that trading hours may not align,
and the risk of market disruptions and restrictions due to government action or other factors.
The Company may engage in simple or more complex
swap transactions involving a wide variety of underlying assets for various reasons. For example, the Company may enter into a swap (i)
to gain exposure to investments (such as an index of securities in a market) or currencies without actually purchasing those stocks or
currencies; (ii) to make an investment without owning or taking physical custody of securities or currencies in circumstances in which
direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable; (iii) to hedge an existing position; (iv) to obtain a
particular desired return at a lower cost to the Company than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded the desired return;
or (v) for various other reasons.
The Company may enter into credit default swaps
as a buyer or a seller. The buyer in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term
of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional
value (“par value”) of the underlying in exchange for the underlying.
If the Company is a buyer and no event of default occurs,
the Company will have made a stream of payments to the seller without having benefited from the default protection it purchased. However,
if an event of default occurs, the Company, as a buyer, will receive the full notional value of the underlying that may have little or
no value following default. As a seller, the Company receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, provided there
is no default. If an event of default occurs, the Company would be obligated to pay the notional value of the underlying in return for
the receipt of the underlying. The value of the underlying received by the Company, coupled with the periodic payments previously received,
may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Company. Credit default swaps involve
different risks than if the Company invests in the underlying directly. For example, credit default swaps would increase credit risk by
providing the Company with exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation (typically a debt obligation) and the counterparty
to the credit default swap. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid. Furthermore, the definition of a “credit event”
triggering the seller’s payment obligations under a credit default swap may not encompass all of the circumstances in which the
buyer may suffer credit-related losses on an obligation of a referenced entity.
The Company may enter into total return swap agreements.
Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of
underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities, defined portfolios of bonds, loans and mortgages, or
securities indexes during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total
return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning
or taking physical custody of such security or market.
Total return swap agreements may effectively add
leverage to the Company’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Company would be subject to investment exposure
on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swaps are a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership
without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap, is spread to reflect the non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total
return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between two parties. Typically, no notional amounts are exchanged with total
return swaps. Total return swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to the Company thereunder.
Swap agreements also entail the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Company
will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Company receiving or paying,
as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Fully funded total return swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar
to credit-linked notes, which are described above.
Caps, floors, collars and swaptions are privately-negotiated
option-based derivative products. Like a put or call option, the buyer of a cap or floor pays a premium to the writer. In exchange for
that premium, the buyer receives the right to a payment equal to the differential if the specified index or rate rises above (in the case
of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a floor) a pre-determined strike level. Like swaps, obligations under caps and floors are calculated
based upon an agreed notional amount, and, like most swaps (other than foreign currency swaps), the entire notional amount is not exchanged.
A collar is a combination product in which one party buys a cap from and sells a floor to another party. Swaptions give the holder the
right to enter into a swap. The Company may use one or more of these derivative products in addition to or in lieu of a swap involving
a similar rate or index.
Under current market practice, swaps, caps, collars
and floors between the same two parties are generally documented under a “master agreement.” In some cases, options and forward
contracts between the parties may also be governed by the same master agreement. In the event of a default, amounts owed under all transactions
entered into under, or covered by, the same master agreement would be netted, and only a single payment would be made.
Generally, the Company would calculate the obligations
of the swap agreements’ counterparties on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Company’s current obligation (or rights)
under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative
values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap agreement (the “net amount”). The Company’s current obligation
under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Company).
The swap market has grown substantially in recent
years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents using standardized swap agreements.
As a result, the use of swaps has become more prevalent in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are also traded
in OTC markets.
Swaps and other derivatives involve risks. One
significant risk in a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption is the volatility of the specific interest rate, currency or other underlying
that determines the amount of payments due to and from the Company. This is true whether these derivative products are used to create
additional risk exposure for the Company or to hedge, or manage, existing risk exposure. If under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption
agreement the Company is obligated to make a payment to the counterparty, the Company must be prepared to make the payment when due. The
Company could suffer losses with respect to such an agreement if the Company is unable to terminate the agreement or reduce its exposure
through offsetting transactions. Further, the risks of caps, floors and collars, like put and call options, may be unlimited for the seller
if the cap or floor is not hedged or covered, but is limited for the buyer.
Because under swap, cap, floor, collar and swaption
agreements a counterparty may be obligated to make payments to the Company, these derivative products are subject to risks related to
the counterparty’s creditworthiness, in addition to other risks discussed in this SAI. If a counterparty defaults, the Company’s
risk of loss will consist of any payments that the Company is entitled to receive from the counterparty under the agreement (this may
not be true for currency swaps that require the delivery of the entire notional amount of one designated currency in exchange for the
other). Upon default by a counterparty, however, the Company may have contractual remedies under the swap agreement.
The Company will enter into swaps only with counterparties
that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy.
The swap market is a relatively new market for
which regulations are still being developed. The Dodd-Frank Act has substantially altered and increased the regulation of swaps. Swaps
are broadly defined in the Dodd-Frank Act, CFTC rules and SEC rules, and also include commodity options and non-deliverable forwards.
Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act divided the regulation of swaps between commodity swaps (such as swaps on interest rates, currencies,
physical commodities, broad based stock indexes, and broad based credit default swap indexes), regulated by the CFTC, and security based
swaps (such as equity swaps and single name credit default swaps), regulated by the SEC. The CFTC will determine which categories of swaps
will be required to be traded on regulated exchange-like platforms, such as swap execution facilities, and which will be required to be
centrally cleared. Cleared swaps must be cleared through futures commission merchants registered with the CFTC, and such futures commission
merchants will be required to collect margin from customers for such cleared swaps. Additionally, all swaps are subject to reporting to
a swap data repository. Dealers in swaps are required to register with the CFTC as swap dealers and are required to comply with extensive
regulations regarding their external and internal business conduct practices, regulatory capital requirements, and rules regarding the
holding of counterparty collateral.
Highly Volatile Markets. The prices of
derivative instruments, including swaps, futures and options, can be highly volatile. Price movements of swaps, forward, futures and other
derivative contracts in which the Company’s assets may be invested are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing
supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international
political and economic events and policies. In addition, governments from time to time intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain
markets, particularly those in currencies, financial instruments, futures and options. Such intervention often is intended directly to
influence prices and may, together with other factors, cause all of such markets to move rapidly in the same direction because of, among
other things, interest rate fluctuations. Securities or commodities exchanges typically have the right to suspend or limit trading in
any instrument traded on the exchanges. A suspension could render it impossible for the Adviser to liquidate positions and could thereby
expose the Company to losses.
Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements
are agreements under which the Company purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, a foreign bank
or a securities dealer that agrees to repurchase the securities from the Company at a higher price on a designated future date. If the
seller under a repurchase agreement becomes insolvent or otherwise fails to repurchase the securities, the Company would have the right
to sell the securities. This right, however, may be restricted, or the value of the securities may decline before the securities can be
liquidated. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the securities before
the repurchase of the securities under a repurchase agreement is accomplished, the Company might encounter a delay and incur costs, including
a decline in the value of the securities, before being able to sell the securities. Repurchase agreements that are subject to foreign
law may not enjoy protections comparable to those provided to certain repurchase agreements under U.S. bankruptcy law, and they therefore
may involve greater risks.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Sale-Buybacks.
Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Company sells portfolio securities to financial institutions, such as banks
and broker-dealers, and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price that is higher than the original sale price.
Reverse repurchase agreements are similar to a fully collateralized borrowing by the Company. Reverse repurchase agreements involve risks.
Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of leverage, and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by the Company may increase the Company's
volatility. Reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to the risk that the other party to the reverse repurchase agreement will be
unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Company. Reverse repurchase agreements
also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Company may decline below the price at which it is obligated
to repurchase the securities. In addition, when the Company invests the proceeds it receives in a reverse repurchase transaction, there
is a risk that those investments may decline in value. In this circumstance, the Company could be required to sell other investments in
order to meet its obligations to repurchase the securities.
In a sale-buyback transaction, the Company sells
an underlying security for settlement at a later date. A sale-buyback is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement, except that in a sale-buyback
the counterparty who purchases the security is entitled to receive any principal or interest payments made on the underlying security
pending settlement of the Company's repurchase of the underlying security.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
A control person is a person who beneficially
owns more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. The following table sets forth certain ownership information with respect to
shares of our common stock held by (1) those persons who directly or indirectly own, control or hold with the power to vote, 5% or more
of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and (2) all of our officers and directors, as a group. The table shows such ownership as
of October 29, 2024, unless as indicated below.
| |
|
Common Stock | |
| |
|
Beneficially Owned(1) | |
Name and Address | |
|
Number | | |
% | |
| |
|
| | | |
| | |
Isthmus Capital, LLC(2) | |
|
| 4,266,473 | | |
| 63 | % |
University of Wisconsin Foundation(3) | |
|
| 1,459,221 | | |
| 21 | % |
All officers and directors as a group(4) | |
|
| * | | |
| * | |
* |
Represents less than 1.0%. |
(1) |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. |
(2) |
The address of Isthmus Capital, LLC’s principal executive office is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801. |
(3) |
As per July 19, 2024 Schedule 13D filing on the SEC’s EDGAR website. The address of University of Wisconsin Foundation’s address is 1848 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin. |
(4) |
The address of each of our officers and directors is c/o Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., 747 Third Avenue, Suite 3603, New York, New York. In the aggregate, all officers and directors as a group own less than one percent of our common stock. |
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Since we expect to acquire and dispose of most
of our investments in privately negotiated transactions or in the over-the-counter markets, we will generally not be required to pay a
stated brokerage commission. However, to the extent a broker-dealer is involved in a transaction, the price we pay or receive, as applicable,
may reflect a mark-up or mark-down. Subject to policies established by our Board, the Adviser will be primarily responsible for selecting
brokers and dealers to execute transactions with respect to the publicly traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the
allocation of brokerage commissions. The Adviser does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer but will
seek to obtain the best net results for us under the circumstances, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable
brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s
risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. The Adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs but will
not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements and consistent with Section 28(e)
of the Exchange Act, the Adviser may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided. In return for such services,
we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable
in relation to the services provided.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities
offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP also represents
the Adviser. Certain matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Our portfolio securities are held pursuant to
a custodian agreement between us and US Bank National Association (“US Bank”). The principal place of business of US Bank
is 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves as our transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursement agent, stockholder servicing agent and redemption and paying agent, as well as administrator for our
dividend reinvestment plan, or the “DRIP.” The principal business address of SS&C GIDS, Inc. is P.O. Box 219047, Kansas
City, Missouri.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”),
an independent registered public accounting firm located at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa, California, has been appointed
as our independent registered public accounting firm. Deloitte served as independent auditors for Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC. The
financial statements of Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC audited by Deloitte have been included in reliance on their reports given on their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration
statement on Form N-2 (file numbers 333-282878 and 811-23912), together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities
Act, with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. Our registration statement may be obtained from the SEC at www.sec.gov.
We will file with or submit to the SEC annual
and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. This information
is available free of charge by writing to us at Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., P.O. Box 219047, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9047, Attention:
Investor Relations, or by telephone at (833) 736-6777.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
A Delaware Limited Liability Company
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
Pearl
Diver Credit Company, LLC |
|
Unaudited Financial Statements |
|
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
As Of June 30, 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
MEMBERS' CAPITAL
|
|
Notes |
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments at fair value (Cost : $86,493,313) |
|
4 |
|
$ |
88,570,541 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
45,924 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
$ |
88,616,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other payables |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,787,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
1,787,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members' Capital |
|
6 |
|
$ |
86,829,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members' Capital |
|
|
|
$ |
88,616,465 |
|
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
As Of June 30, 2024
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
Security Asset Backed Securities |
|
Maturity Date |
|
|
Principal Amount USD |
|
|
Fair Value USD |
|
|
% Value to Members' Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bermuda - {a} 6.75% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RR Ltd 2022-20A SUB |
|
|
7/15/2037 |
|
|
$ |
3,600,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,771,640 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
% |
RR Ltd 2022-23A SUB |
|
|
10/15/2035 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,093,500 |
|
|
|
3.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,865,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cayman Islands - {a} 84.17% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37 Capital CLO 2021-1A SUB |
|
|
10/15/2034 |
|
|
|
8,500,000 |
|
|
|
5,460,400 |
|
|
|
6.29 |
% |
ALM Ltd/KY 2021-19X SUB |
|
|
10/15/2035 |
|
|
|
742,000 |
|
|
|
608,588 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
AMMC CDO 2021-24A SUB |
|
|
1/20/2035 |
|
|
|
5,750,000 |
|
|
|
4,060,075 |
|
|
|
4.68 |
% |
Apex Credit CLO LLC 2021-2A SUB |
|
|
10/20/2034 |
|
|
|
3,450,000 |
|
|
|
1,971,675 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
% |
ARES L CLO Ltd 2021-59A SUB |
|
|
4/25/2034 |
|
|
|
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
2,401,350 |
|
|
|
2.77 |
% |
ARES L CLO Ltd 2022-63A SUB |
|
|
4/20/2035 |
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,673,400 |
|
|
|
1.93 |
% |
ARES L CLO Ltd 2022-64A SUB |
|
|
4/15/2035 |
|
|
|
3,634,177 |
|
|
|
2,912,066 |
|
|
|
3.35 |
% |
ARES L CLO Ltd 2022-ALF3A SUB |
|
|
7/25/2035 |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,445,600 |
|
|
|
3.97 |
% |
Benefit Street Partners CLO Ltd 2021-23A SUB |
|
|
4/25/2034 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
4,055,000 |
|
|
|
4.67 |
% |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd 2021-32A SUB |
|
|
10/15/2034 |
|
|
|
6,400,548 |
|
|
|
4,023,384 |
|
|
|
4.63 |
% |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd 2022-35A SUB |
|
|
7/22/2035 |
|
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
|
|
3,067,650 |
|
|
|
3.53 |
% |
CIFC Funding Ltd 2015-4A SUB |
|
|
4/20/2034 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,977,000 |
|
|
|
4.58 |
% |
Elmwood CLO 2022-5A SUB |
|
|
7/17/2033 |
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
4,300,176 |
|
|
|
4.95 |
% |
Generate CLO Ltd 2023-11A SUB |
|
|
4/20/2035 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
4,492,000 |
|
|
|
5.17 |
% |
HLM 12X 2021-16A SUB |
|
|
1/24/2035 |
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
1,129,680 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
% |
ICG 2015 2X 2020-1A SUB |
|
|
1/20/2035 |
|
|
|
5,300,000 |
|
|
|
1,911,180 |
|
|
|
2.20 |
% |
Marble Point CLO 2021-3A SUB |
|
|
10/17/2051 |
|
|
|
3,800,000 |
|
|
|
1,976,380 |
|
|
|
2.28 |
% |
Oaktree CLO Ltd 2019-3A SUB |
|
|
10/20/2034 |
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,687,600 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
% |
Oaktree CLO Ltd 2021-2A SUB |
|
|
1/15/2035 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,801,000 |
|
|
|
4.38 |
% |
Regatta Funding Ltd 2022-2A SUB |
|
|
7/20/2035 |
|
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
1,095,750 |
|
|
|
1.26 |
% |
ROCKT 2017 1A 2021-1A SUB |
|
|
7/20/2034 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
595,100 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
% |
RR Ltd 2021-19A SUB |
|
|
10/15/2035 |
|
|
|
6,500,000 |
|
|
|
5,331,300 |
|
|
|
6.14 |
% |
Shackleton CLO Ltd 2019-14A SUB |
|
|
7/20/2034 |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,166,000 |
|
|
|
2.49 |
% |
Vibrant CLO Ltd 2021-13A SUB |
|
|
7/15/2034 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,107,000 |
|
|
|
3.58 |
% |
Vibrant CLO Ltd 2021-14X SUB |
|
|
10/20/2034 |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,839,300 |
|
|
|
2.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,088,655 |
|
|
|
|
|
Jersey (Channel Islands) - {a} 11.08% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LCM LP 39A INC |
|
|
10/15/2034 |
|
|
|
7,675,000 |
|
|
|
6,336,480 |
|
|
|
7.30 |
% |
OCP CLO Ltd 2023-26A PREF |
|
|
4/17/2036 |
|
|
|
4,250,000 |
|
|
|
3,280,266 |
|
|
|
3.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,616,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments (Cost $86,493,313) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
88,570,541 |
|
|
|
|
|
{a} Represents country of incorporation.
(b) All investments listed are variable rate, with no stated coupon.
See CLO Risk Note for additional information.
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For The Period From January 1, 2024 To June 30, 2024
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
|
|
Notes |
|
USD |
|
Investment Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
$ |
10,172,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment income |
|
|
|
|
10,172,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
3(h) |
|
|
|
|
Administration, legal and professional fees |
|
|
|
|
(2,094,574 |
) |
Bank interest and charges |
|
|
|
|
(22,385 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
|
|
(2,116,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
8,055,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised and Unrealised Gain/(Loss) on investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealised loss on investments |
|
4 |
|
|
(4,151,263 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss on investments |
|
|
|
|
(4,151,263 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in Members' Capital resulting from operations |
|
|
|
$ |
3,903,859 |
|
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For The Period From January 1, 2024 To June 30, 2024
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS'
CAPITAL
|
|
Note |
|
USD |
|
Members' Capital at the beginning of the period |
|
|
|
$ |
96,443,775 |
|
Capital distributions |
|
|
|
|
(13,518,183 |
) |
Net increase in Members' Capital from operations |
|
|
|
|
3,903,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members' Capital at the end of the period |
|
6 |
|
$ |
86,829,451 |
|
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For The Period From January 1, 2024 To June 30, 2024
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
Notes |
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in Members' Capital Resulting from Operations |
|
|
|
$ |
3,903,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net (decrease)/increase in Members' capital resulting from operations to net cash
generated from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of investments |
|
4 |
|
|
(15,746,430 |
) |
Net change in unrealised loss on investments |
|
4 |
|
|
4,151,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in other payables |
|
|
|
|
1,768,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Generated From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
(5,923,058 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital (distribution) |
|
6 |
|
|
(13,518,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
(13,518,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
|
|
(19,441,241 |
) |
Cash and Cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
|
|
|
|
19,487,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash equivalents at the end of the period |
|
|
|
$ |
45,924 |
|
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Business Overview
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC (the "Company")
is a Delaware Limited Liability Company established on April 12, 2023 under the Delaware Limited Company Act. The registered office of
the Company in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.The Company is formed with investment objective
is to maximize its portfolio’s total return, with a secondary objective to generate high current income. The Company will seek to
achieve its investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (CLOs) notes,
where underlying corporate debt is primarily senior secured floating-rate debt, issued by US companies. The Company shall have perpetual
existence unless sooner dissolved and wound up by the Member pursuant to Section 16 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement (the 'Agreement')
, or by the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 18-802 of the LLC Act.
Isthmus Capital, LLC (the "Member") is
the sole member (i.e. 100 %) of the Company.
The financial year of the Company starts on January 1 and ends on December
31. Currently, the Company has presented its reporting for the six months January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
2. Financial Highlights
Financial highlights for the six months ended
June 30, 2024 are as follows:
|
June
30, 2024 |
Total
Expenses / Average Net Assets* |
0.25% |
Net
Investment Income / Average Net Assets* |
21.68% |
Total
Return |
4.29% |
*Average net assets have been computed on quarterly
valuations. These ratios have been annualized for recurring transactions. Non-recurring expenses have not been annualized.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC’s financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) in the United States
of America and are expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise noted. Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC is considered an investment
company for financial reporting purposes under US GAAP and follows Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial
Services – Investment Companies.
(b) Functional and Presentational Currency
The functional currency of the Company is the
United States Dollar (''USD''), as a majority of its transactions are denominated in USD, and as such the presentation currency has been
selected as USD.
(c) Translation of Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the period-end exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investments and income and
expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the transaction date. Adjustments arising
from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the Statement of Operations.
(d) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affects the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
including the fair value of investments, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(e) Investments at fair value
The purchase and sale of the investments are recognised
on the trade basis - the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the investment and are measured at fair value. The investments
are valued at mark-to-market with daily pricing, provided by an independent third-party valuation provider consistent with Level 1 &
Level 2 accounting under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ('ASC 820'), and is recognised in the Statement of Operations.
(f) Realised Gains and Losses on Investments
Realized gains and losses on security transactions
are determined using the specific identified cost method.
(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash represents cash on hand and demand deposits
held at financial institutions. Cash equivalents include short-term highly liquid investments of sufficient credit quality that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, plus
accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term liquidity requirements, rather than for
investment purposes. Cash equivalents are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
(h) Expense
Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis for
the six months ended June 30, 2024.
4. Investment at fair value
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
Beginning investment at fair value |
|
|
76,975,374 |
|
Purchase of investments |
|
|
15,746,430 |
|
Net change in unrealised gain on investments |
|
|
(4,151,263 |
) |
Total investment at fair value |
|
|
88,570,541 |
|
The Company has invested majorly in Collateralized
Loan Obligations (CLO) during this financial reporting period.
As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price
that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement period date when available,
fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such process or parameters where observable prices or inputs
are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgement,
the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency or market for the instruments and the instruments’ complexity.
The following valuation techniques are permissible
under ASC 820:
• The Market Approach - Uses prices, market
multiples and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.
• The Income Approach - Uses valuation techniques
to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted).
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
4. Investment at fair value (continued)
• The Cost Approach - Is based on the amount
that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (often referred to as current replacement cost).
A combination of these valuation techniques can also be used.
Assets recorded at fair value in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities are categorised based upon the level of judgement associated with the inputs used to measure their value Hierarchical
levels, as defined in ASC 820 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these
assets, are as follows:
• Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in
active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
• Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that
are not active, that is, markets in which there are few transactions for the assets, the prices are not current, price quotations vary
substantially, markets in which little information is released publicly, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly,
for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
• Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable for
the assets. Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing
for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset (or similar asset) at the measurement date.
The table below displays the Member’s financial
assets accounted for at fair value by level and fair value hierarchy as required by ASC 820, Financial assets are classified in their
entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Financial
Assets at Fair Value as at June 30, 2024 |
|
Total
USD |
|
|
Level
1 USD |
|
|
Level
2 USD |
|
|
Level
3 USD |
|
Investments at
fair value |
|
|
88,570,541 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
88,570,541 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total Assets
at Fair Value |
|
|
88,570,541 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
88,570,541 |
|
|
|
- |
|
5. Other Payables
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
Audit fees |
|
|
26,000 |
|
Custodian fees |
|
|
11,014 |
|
Legal fees |
|
|
1,750,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Payables |
|
|
1,787,014 |
|
6. Member's Capital
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
Beginning Member's Capital |
|
|
96,443,775 |
|
Capital distribution |
|
|
(13,518,183 |
) |
Member Capital resulting from operations |
|
|
3,903,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending Member's Capital |
|
|
86,829,451 |
|
During the period, the Member made no contributions
to the Company and the Company distributed $13,518,183. Capital contributed during the period is primarily utilised for investing in equity
and junior debt tranches of CLO.
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. Financial Risk Management
The Company is exposed to a number of market risks
due to the types of investments it makes, its exposure to market risks could relate, among other things, to movements in prevailing interest
rates and counter party default. The Board of Directors (the 'Board') has engaged the Investment Adviser to monitor these risks and provide
advice to enable the Board to adequately review risks within the Company.
(i) Price risk
Price risk is a risk of loss associated with the
change in value of investments at fair value arising from adverse changes in prices of instruments and changes in assumptions used to
derive the value of the underlying investments Refer to note 3 for further information. The performance of the Company’s investment
portfolio, may be affected by matters beyond the Board's control, including conditions in the domestic and global financial markets and
the wider economy. The valuation of the investment portfolio may also be affected by the credit risk of the underlying leveraged loans
and their ability to pay contractual cash flows. Adverse movements in any global conditions and in the credit risk of the underlying debt
and equity tranches could result in losses in the Company’s investment portfolio and could have a material impact on performance
and value. The Investment Adviser uses a disciplined approach to investment selection and portfolio management. In all cases, the underlying
investment decision is predicated upon a complete credit analysis.
(ii) Foreign currency risks
The Company’s functional currency is the
USD as a majority of its investments are denominated in USD. As a result, the Company is exposed to risk that the exchange rate of the
USD relative to other currencies may change in a manner that has an adverse effect on the reported value of that portion of the Company’s
assets or liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the USD. For the period ended June 30, 2024, the Company had minimal
exposure to foreign currency risk, as all transactions were executed in USD.
(iii) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is a risk of loss associated
with a change in interest rates in the future. For the period ended June 30, 2024, the Company did not hold interest bearing investments,
and as such, had minimal exposure to interest rate risk.
(iv) Credit risk
Credit risk represents the potential loss that
the Company would incur if counterparties fail to perform pursuant to the terms of their obligations to the Company. The Company will
be subject to the risk of the inability of any counterparty to perform with respect to transactions, whether due to insolvency, bankruptcy
or other causes.
For the period ended June 30, 2024, the Company's
exposure to credit risk arises in respect to its investment in CLO. Credit risk arises if the issuer fails to service their debt obligations
or to repay their obligations during maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities. The Board monitor changes
in credit risk on the exposures on a quarterly basis.
(v) Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will
have difficulties in paying its financial liabilities. The Company is set to meet its working capital requirement and future obligations
from the cash flows that they intend to receive from its investments before making any distributions to the Member. Any distributions
to the Member will only be made after consideration of the sufficiency of available cash to settle current outstanding obligations. As
a consequence, the Company is well placed to manage its financial obligations and the liquidity risk.
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Unaudited Financial Statements
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(vi) CLO Risk
Collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”)
have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and which
govern how cash generated from a CLO’s underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO’s debt and equity investors. One waterfall
(the interest waterfall) applies to interest payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal
waterfall) applies to cash generated from principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and the proceeds from
loan sales. Through the interest waterfall, any excess interest-related cashflow available — after the required quarterly interest
payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain CLO expenses (such as administration and collateral management fees) are paid —
is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The equity tranche represents
the first-loss position, but is entitled to all of residual interest and principal collections from the underlying assets and therefore
exposes investors to relatively higher risk than the more senior tranches but allows for greater potential upside. CLO equity investments
recognize investment income by utilizing an effective interest methodology based upon an effective yield to maturity utilizing projected
cash flow, as required by ASC Topic 325-40, Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets. The Fund monitors the expected residual
payments, and effective yield is determined and updated periodically, as needed.
7. Financial Risk Management (continued)
(vi) CLO Risk (continued)
The Company holds residual (equity) tranches of CLOs; these tranches
have no stated interest rate. These equity tranches receive cash flows that remain after the cash flow obligations to the other
tranches are met.
8. Related Party
A related party is a person or an entity that
is related to the reporting entity who has control or significant influence over the entity or is a member of its key management personnel.
Isthmus Capital, LLC, being the sole member, is
a related party to the Company. Also, Pearl Diver Capital LLP as the Investment Adviser and the Collateral Administrator, their principal
owners and members of the management, and entities under common control, are also related parties to the Company. The Company did not
charge any management fee or incentive fee to its Member for the period ended June 30, 2024.
Amounts due from and due to related parties will
be settled in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has no outstanding balance due to or due from related parties.
9. Subsequent Events
On July 9, 2024, the Company converted from a
Delaware Limited Liability Company to a Delaware Corporation, changing its name from Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC to Pearl Diver Credit
Company, Inc. On July 18, 2024, the Company launched its initial public offering ("IPO") as a closed-end, 40 Act fund, and listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "PDCC". The IPO raised $50.6 million through the issuance of 2,530,000 shares,
and as a result, Isthmus Capital LLC's ownership interest in the Company was reduced from 100% to 62.8%. Prior to the IPO, the Company
paid a dividend of $1.5 million to the Member on July 16, 2024.
The accompanying notes on pages 8 to 12 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
A Delaware Limited Liability Company
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE
OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
|
Deloitte
& Touche LLP
Suite 1000
695 Town Center
Drive
Costa Mesa,
CA 92626-7188
USA
|
INDEPENDENT
AUDITOR’S REPORT |
Tel:
+1 714 436 7100
Fax: +1 714
436 7200
www.deloitte.com |
To Pearl Diver Credit Company LLC:
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Pearl
Diver Credit Company LLC (the “Fund”), which comprise the statement of assets, liabilities, and members’ capital, including
the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations, changes in members’ capital, and
cash flows for the period June 13, 2023 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the financial statements
(collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations,
changes in its members’ capital, and its cash flows for the period June 13, 2023 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2023
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing
standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described
in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent
of the Fund and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial
Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation
and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management
is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Fund’s
ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the
Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an
auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and
therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material
if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user
based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS,
we:
| · | Exercise
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| · | Identify
and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures
include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. |
| · | Obtain
an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is
expressed. |
| · | Evaluate
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting
estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial
statements. |
| · | Conclude
whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that
raise substantial doubt about the Fund’s ability to continue as a going concern for
a reasonable period of time. |
We are required to communicate with those charged
with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal
control-related matters that we identified during the audit.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
March 22, 2024
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’
CAPITAL
| |
Notes | |
USD | |
Assets | |
| |
| |
Investments at fair value (Cost : $ 70,746,883) | |
4 | |
$ | 76,975,374 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
| |
| 19,487,165 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Total Assets | |
| |
| 96,462,539 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| |
| | |
Other payables | |
5 | |
| 18,764 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Total Liabilities | |
| |
| 18,764 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Members’ Capital | |
6 | |
| 96,443,775 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Total Liabilities and Members’ Capital | |
| |
$ | 96,462,539 | |
The accompanying notes on pages 9 to 13 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
As of DECEMBER 31, 2023
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
% Value to | |
Security | |
Maturity Date | |
Principal | | |
Fair Value | | |
Members’ | |
| |
| |
Amount USD | | |
USD | | |
Capital | |
Asset Back Securities | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Collateralized Loan Obligations - Bonds | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Bermuda - {a} 6.80% | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
RR Ltd | |
15/07/2122 | |
| 3,600,000 | | |
| 3,051,853 | | |
| 3.16 | % |
RR Ltd | |
15/10/2123 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,501,745 | | |
| 3.63 | % |
| |
| |
| | | |
| 6,553,598 | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cayman Islands - {a} 63.07% | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
37 Capital CLO | |
15/10/2034 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 4,411,800 | | |
| 4.57 | % |
ALM Ltd/KY | |
15/10/2035 | |
| 742,000 | | |
| 651,402 | | |
| 0.68 | % |
AMMC CDO | |
20/01/2035 | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| 4,156,664 | | |
| 4.31 | % |
Apex Credit CLO LLC | |
20/10/2034 | |
| 3,450,000 | | |
| 1,971,330 | | |
| 2.04 | % |
ARES L CLO Ltd | |
25/04/2034 | |
| 3,500,000 | | |
| 2,387,350 | | |
| 2.48 | % |
ARES L CLO Ltd | |
20/04/2035 | |
| 2,000,000 | | |
| 1,653,600 | | |
| 1.71 | % |
ARES L CLO Ltd | |
25/07/2035 | |
| 4,000,000 | | |
| 3,515,600 | | |
| 3.65 | % |
Benefit Street Partners CLO Ltd | |
25/04/2034 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 4,220,000 | | |
| 4.38 | % |
BlueMountain CLO Ltd | |
15/10/2034 | |
| 6,400,548 | | |
| 4,557,830 | | |
| 4.72 | % |
CIFC Funding Ltd | |
20/04/2034 | |
| 10,000,000 | | |
| 4,103,000 | | |
| 4.25 | % |
Elmwood CLO | |
17/07/2033 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 4,462,369 | | |
| 4.63 | % |
Generate CLO Ltd | |
20/04/2035 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 4,054,000 | | |
| 4.20 | % |
HLM 12X 18 | |
24/01/2035 | |
| 1,800,000 | | |
| 1,277,516 | | |
| 1.32 | % |
ICG US CLO Ltd | |
20/01/2035 | |
| 5,300,000 | | |
| 2,514,362 | | |
| 2.61 | % |
Oaktree CLO Ltd | |
20/10/2034 | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| 1,966,500 | | |
| 2.04 | % |
Oaktree CLO Ltd | |
15/01/2035 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 4,235,500 | | |
| 4.39 | % |
Regatta Funding Ltd | |
20/07/2035 | |
| 1,250,000 | | |
| 1,057,625 | | |
| 1.10 | % |
ROCKT 2017 1A | |
20/07/2034 | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 680,900 | | |
| 0.71 | % |
RR Ltd 1 | |
15/10/2025 | |
| 6,500,000 | | |
| 5,706,350 | | |
| 5.92 | % |
Vibrant CLO Ltd | |
15/07/2034 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 3,250,500 | | |
| 3.37 | % |
| |
| |
| | | |
| 60,834,197 | | |
| | |
Jersey (Channel Islands) - {a} 9.94% | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
LCM LP | |
15/10/2034 | |
| 7,675,000 | | |
| 6,231,333 | | |
| 6.46 | % |
OCP CLO Ltd | |
17/04/2036 | |
| 4,250 | | |
| 3,356,246 | | |
| 3.48 | % |
| |
| |
| | | |
| 9,587,579 | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total Investments (Cost $70,746,883) | |
| |
| | | |
$ | 76,975,374.28 | | |
| 79.80 | % |
{a} Represents country of
incorporation.
(b) All investments listed
are variable rate, with no stated coupon. See CLO Risk Note for additional information.
The accompanying notes on pages 9 to 13 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS
COMMENCED) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
| |
Notes | |
USD | |
Investment Income | |
| |
| |
Interest income | |
4 | |
$ | 2,242,590 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Total investment income | |
| |
| 2,242,590 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Expenses | |
3(h) | |
| | |
Administration, legal and professional fees | |
| |
| (71,940 | ) |
Bank interest and charges | |
| |
| (16,526 | ) |
| |
| |
| | |
Total expenses | |
| |
| (88,466 | ) |
| |
| |
| | |
Net income/(expense) | |
| |
| 2,154,124 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Realised and Unrealised Gain/(Loss) on investments | |
| |
| | |
Net change in unrealised gain on investments | |
4 | |
| 6,228,491 | |
Net gain/(loss) on investments | |
| |
| 6,228,491 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Net increase/(decrease) in Members’ Capital resulting
from operations | |
| |
$ | 8,382,615 | |
The accompanying notes on pages 9 to 13 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS
COMMENCED) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
| |
Note | |
USD | |
Members’ Capital at the beginning of the period | |
| |
- | |
Capital contribution | |
6 | |
$ | 90,223,750 | |
Capital distributions | |
6 | |
| (2,162,590 | ) |
Net increase/(decrease) in Members’ Capital from operations | |
6 | |
| 8,382,615 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Members’ Capital at the end of the period | |
| |
$ | 96,443,775 | |
The accompanying notes on pages 9 to 13 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS
COMMENCED) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
| |
Notes | |
USD | |
| |
| |
| |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Net increase in Members’ Capital Resulting from Operations | |
| |
$ | 8,382,615 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (decrease)/increase in Members’ capital resulting from operations
to net cash generated from operating activities: | |
| |
| | |
Purchase of investments | |
4 | |
| (70,746,883 | ) |
Net change in unrealised gain on investments | |
4 | |
| (6,228,491 | ) |
| |
| |
| | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| |
| | |
Increase/(decrease) in other payables | |
| |
| 18,764 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
| |
| | |
Net Cash Generated From Operating Activities | |
| |
| (68,573,995 | ) |
| |
| |
| | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |
| |
| | |
Capital contribution | |
6 | |
| 90,223,750 | |
Capital distribution | |
6 | |
| (2,162,590 | ) |
| |
| |
| | |
Net Cash Generated From Financing Activities | |
| |
| 88,061,160 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | |
| |
| 19,487,165 | |
Cash and Cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | |
| |
| - | |
| |
| |
| | |
Cash and Cash equivalents at the end of the period | |
| |
$ | 19,487,165 | |
The accompanying notes on pages 9 to 13 are an
integral part of these financial statements.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Business Overview
Pearl Diver Credit
Company, LLC (the ‘Company’) is a Delaware Limited Liability Company established on April 12, 2023 under the Delaware Limited
Company Act. The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.The Company
is formed with the investment objective to maximize its portfolio’s total return, with a secondary objective to generate high current
income.The Company will be investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (CLOs) notes, where
underlying corporate debt is primarily senior secured floating-rate debt, issued by US companies. The Company shall have perpetual existence
unless sooner dissolved and wound up by the Member pursuant to Section 16 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement (the ‘Agreement’)
, or by the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 18-802 of the LLC Act.
Isthmus Capital,
LLC is the sole member (i.e. 100 %) of the Company.
The financial
year of the Company starts on January 1 and ends on December 31. Currently, the Company has presented its yearly reporting for the period
June 13, 2023 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2023.
Financial highlights
for the period ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:
|
December
31, 2023 |
Total
Expenses/ Average Net Assets* |
0.32%
|
Net Investment Income/ Average Net Assets* |
7.87% |
Total
Return |
12.58% |
*Average net assets have been computed on quarterly
valuations. These ratios have been annualized for recurring transactions. Nonrecurring expenses have not been annualized.
| 3. | Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies |
Pearl Diver Credit
Company, LLC’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US
GAAP”) in the United States of America and are expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise noted. Pearl Diver Credit Company,
LLC is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes under US GAAP and follows Accounting Standards Codification
(“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
| (b) | Functional and Presentational
Currency |
The functional
currency of the Company is the United States Dollar (‘‘USD’’), as a majority of its transactions are denominated
in USD, and as such the presentation currency has been selected as USD.
| (c) | Translation of Foreign
Currency |
Assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the period-end exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investments
and income and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the transaction date. Adjustments
arising from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the statement of operations.
The preparation
of the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affects the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, including the fair value of investments, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
3. Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies (continued)
| (e) | Investments at fair value |
The purchase and
sale of the investments are recognised on the trade basis - the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the investment
and are measured at fair value. The investments are valued at mark-to-market with daily pricing, provided by an independent third-party
valuation provider consistent with Level 2 accounting under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (‘ASC 820’),
and is recognised in the Statement of Operations.
| (f) | Realised Gains and Losses
on Investments |
Realized gains
and losses on security transactions are determined using the specific identified cost method.
| (g) | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash represents
cash on hand and demand deposits held at financial institutions. Cash equivalents include short-term highly liquid investments of sufficient
credit quality that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents
are carried at cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term liquidity requirements,
rather than for investment purposes. Cash equivalents are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Expenses are recorded
on an accruals basis for the period ended December 31, 2023.
4. Investment at fair value
| |
December 31, 2023 | |
| |
USD | |
Beginning investment at fair value | |
| - | |
Purchase of investments | |
$ | 70,746,883 | |
Net change in unrealised gain on investments | |
| 6,228,491 | |
Total investment at fair value | |
$ | 76,975,374 | |
The Company has
invested majorly in Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) during this financial reporting period.
As defined in
ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement period date and when available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such process
or parameters where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some
level of management estimation and judgement, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency or market for the instruments
and the instruments’ complexity.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
4. Investment at fair value (continued)
The following
valuation techniques are permissible under ASC 820:
• The Market Approach - Uses prices, market
multiples and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.
• The Income Approach - Uses valuation
techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted).
• The Cost Approach - Is based on the
amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (often referred to as current replacement cost).
A combination
of these valuation techniques can also be used.
Assets recorded at fair value in the Statement of Assets
and Liabilities are categorised based upon the level of judgement associated with the inputs used to measure their value Hierarchical
levels, as defined in ASC 820 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these
assets, are as follows:
• Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in
active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
• Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that
are not active, that is, markets in which there are few transactions for the assets, the prices are not current, price quotations vary
substantially Markets in which little information is released publicly, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly,
for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
• Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable for
the assets Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing
for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset (or similar asset) at the measurement date.
The tables below
display the Member’s financial assets accounted for at fair value by level and fair value hierarchy as required by ASC 820, financial
assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Financial
Assets at Fair Value as at December 31, 2023 |
Total
USD |
Level
1
USD |
Level
2
USD |
Level
3
USD |
Investments
at fair value |
$ |
76,975,374 |
|
- |
$ |
76,975,374
|
|
- |
Total
Assets at Fair Value |
$ |
76,975,374 |
$
|
- |
$ |
76,975,374 |
|
- |
| |
December 31, 2023 | |
| |
USD | |
Audit fees | |
$ | (14,000 | ) |
Custodian fees | |
| (4,764 | ) |
| |
$ | (18,764 | ) |
| |
December 31, 2023 | |
| |
USD | |
Beginning Members’ Capital | |
| - | |
Capital contributions | |
$ | 90,223,750 | |
Capital distribution | |
| (2,162,590 | ) |
Member Capital resulting from operations | |
| 8
,382,615 | |
Ending Members’ Capital | |
$ | 96,443,775 | |
During the period,
the Members have contributed $90,223,750 to the Company and the Company distributed $2,162,590. Capital contributed during the period
is primarily utilised for investing in equity and junior debt tranches of CLO.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
| 7. | Financial Risk Management |
The Company is exposed to a number of market
risks due to the types of investments it makes, its exposure to market risks could relate, among other things, to movements in prevailing
interest rates and counter party default. The Board of Directors (the ‘Board’) has engaged the Investment Adviser to monitor
these risks and provide advice to enable the Board to adequately review risks within the Company.
Price risk is a risk of loss associated with
the change in value of investments at fair value arising from adverse changes in prices of instruments and changes in assumptions used
to derive the value of the underlying investments Refer to note 3 for further information. The performance of the Company’s investment
portfolio, may be affected by matters beyond the Board’s control, including conditions in the domestic and global financial markets
and the wider economy. The valuation of the investment portfolio may also be affected by the credit risk of the underlying leveraged
loans and their ability to pay contractual cash flows. Adverse movements in any global conditions and in the credit risk of the underlying
debt and equity tranches could result in losses in the Company’s investment portfolio and could have a material impact on performance
and value. The Investment Advisor uses a disciplined approach to investment selection and portfolio management. In all cases, the underlying
investment decision is predicated upon a complete credit analysis.
| (ii) | Foreign currency risks |
The Company’s functional currency is the
USD as a majority of its investments are denominated in USD. As a result, the Company is exposed to risk that the exchange rate of the
USD relative to other currencies may change in a manner that has an adverse effect on the reported value of that portion of the Company’s
assets or liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the USD. For the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company had
minimal exposure to foreign currency risk, as all transactions were executed in USD.
Interest rate risk is a risk of loss associated
with a change in interest rates in the future. For the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold interest bearing investments,
and as such, had minimal exposure to interest rate risk.
Credit risk represents the potential loss that
the Company would incur if counterparties fail to perform pursuant to the terms of their obligations to the Company. The Company will
be subject to the risk of the inability of any counterparty to perform with respect to transactions, whether due to insolvency, bankruptcy
or other causes.
For the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s
exposure to credit risk arises in respect to its investment in CLO. Credit risk arises if the issuer fails to service their debt obligations
or to repay their obligations during maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities. The Board monitor
changes in credit risk on the exposures on a quarterly basis.
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will
have difficulties in paying its financial liabilities. The Company is set to meet its working capital requirement and future obligations
from the cash flows that they intend to receive from its investments before making any distributions to the Member. Any distributions
to the Member will only be made after consideration of the sufficiency of available cash to settle current outstanding obligations. As
a consequence, the Company is well placed to manage its financial obligations and the liquidity risk.
Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC
Audited Financial Statements
AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 13, 2023 (DATE OPERATIONS COMMENCED)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
Collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”)
have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and
which govern how cash generated from a CLO’s underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO’s debt and equity investors.
One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall
(the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and
the proceeds from loan sales. Through the interest waterfall, any excess interest-related cashflow available — after the required
quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain CLO expenses (such as administration and collateral management
fees) are paid — is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests.
The equity tranche represents the first-loss position, but is entitled to all of residual interest and principal collections from the
underlying assets and therefore exposes investors to relatively higher risk than the more senior tranches but allows for greater potential
upside.
The Company holds residual (equity) tranches
of CLOs; these tranches have no stated interest rate. These equity tranches receive cash flows that remain after the cash flow obligations
to the other tranches are met.
8. Related Party
A related party
is a person or an entity that is related to the reporting entity who has control or significant influence over the entity or is a member
of its key management personnel.
Isthmus Capital,
LLC, being the sole member, would be a related party to the Company. Also, Pearl Diver Capital LLP as the Investment advisor and the
Collateral Administrator, their principal owners and members of the management, and entities under common control, are related parties
to the Company. The Company did not charge any management fee or incentive fee to it Members for the period ended December 31, 2023.
Amounts due from
and due to related parties will be settled in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has no outstanding
balance due to or due from related parties.
9. Income Taxes
The Master Fund is not subject
to income taxes. For U.S. income taxes, the Feeder Funds report their share of the Master Fund’s income or loss on their income
tax returns, if required to file. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
The Master Fund determines
whether a tax position of the Master Fund is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority,
including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit
to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement, which could result in the Master Fund recording a tax liability that would reduce net assets.
The Master Fund reviews
and evaluates tax positions in its major jurisdictions and determines whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial
statement recognition. Based on this review, the Master Fund has determined the major tax jurisdictions as where the Master Fund is organized
and where the Master Fund makes investments; however, no reserves for uncertain tax positions were required to have been recorded as
a result of the adoption of such guidance for any of the Master Fund’s open tax years. Additionally, the Master Fund is not aware
of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in
the next 12 months. As a result, no income tax liability or expense has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements, including
expenses for interest or penalties.
10. Subsequent events
As of March 22, 2024, the date the financial statements were available
to be issued, no subsequent events or transactions had occurred that would materially impact the financial statements presented.
PART C – OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 25. | Financial Statements and Exhibits |
Audited financial statements of Pearl Diver Credit
Company Inc. (formerly, Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC) (the “Registrant”) are included in Part B of the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2.
(a)(1) |
Registrant’s Certificate of Formation, dated April 12, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to the Registrant’s initial Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-23-013813 on October 24, 2023. |
|
|
(a)(2) |
Registrant’s Certificate of Conversion, dated July 9, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330 on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(a)(3) |
Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation, dated July 9, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a) (3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330 on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(a)(4) |
Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is filed herewith. |
|
|
(a)(5) |
Registrant’s Certificate of Designation to be filed by amendment. |
|
|
(b) |
Registrant’s Bylaws are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) to the Registrant’s initial Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-23-013813 on October 24, 2023. |
|
|
(c) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(d) |
See Article II of the Registrant’s Bylaws, filed as Exhibit (b) above. |
|
|
(e) |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-010347 on May 31, 2024. |
|
|
(f) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(g) |
Amended
and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated July 12, 2024, between the Registrant and Pearl Diver Capital LLP (“Pearl Diver”
or the “Adviser”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330
on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(h) |
Form of Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Lucid Capital Markets, LLC (the “Underwriter”) is filed herewith. |
(i) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(j) |
Custody Agreement, dated July 12, 2024, between the Registrant and US Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (j) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330 on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(k) |
Services Agreement, dated May 20, 2024, between the Registrant, ALPS Fund Services, Inc. and SS&C GIDS, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (k) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-010347 on May 31, 2024. |
|
|
(1) |
Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, as to the legality of the shares being registered is filed herewith. |
|
|
(m) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(n) |
Consent of independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, is filed herewith. |
|
|
(o) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(p) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(q) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(r)(1) |
Code of Ethics of the Registrant, adopted May 20, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (r)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330 on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(r)(2) |
Code of Ethics of the Adviser is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (r)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912), as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-012330 on July 12, 2024. |
|
|
(s) |
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables is filed herewith. |
|
|
(t) |
Power
of Attorney, dated October 29, 2024, for Messrs. Basu, Everets, Jotwani, Mellish, and Wilder is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit (t) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-275174 and 811-23912),
as filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001214659-24-018047 on October 29, 2024. |
|
|
EX-110.INS |
XBRL Instance Document
- the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. |
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EX-101.SCH |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
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EX-101.CAL |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
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EX-101.DEF |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
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EX-101.LAB |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase |
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EX-101.PRE |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
Any information concerning arrangements known
to the Registrant, principal holders of the Registrant’s shares, and/or any of the Registrant’s underwriters made for any
of the following purposes: (1) to limit or restrict sale of other securities of the same class as those being offered for the period of
distribution; (2) to stabilize the market for any of the securities to be offered; or (3) to hold each underwriter or dealer responsible
for the distribution of his or her participation, will be contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses
to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
SEC Registration Fee |
$[ ] |
FINRA Filing Fee |
$[ ] |
NYSE Listing Fee |
$[ ] |
Printing and Postage |
$[ ] |
Legal Fees and Expenses |
$[ ] |
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
$[ ] |
Miscellaneous |
$[ ] |
Total |
$[ ] |
Note: Except
for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the NYSE listing fee, all listed amounts are estimates. All offering expenses
will be paid by the Registrant.
| Item 28. | Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control |
None.
| Item 29. | Number of Holders of Securities |
The following table sets forth the number of record
holders of each class of the Registrant’s securities as of ______, 2024:
Title of Class |
Number of Record Holders |
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 |
[ ] |
Shares of Series A Term
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 |
-- |
As permitted
by Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), the Registrant has adopted provisions
in its Certificate of Incorporation that limit or eliminate the personal liability of its directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty
of care as a director, except as to the duties (including state law fiduciary duties of loyalty and care) and liabilities with regards
to matters arising under the federal securities laws. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation,
directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them and the duty of loyalty
generally requires that directors put the interests of the corporation before any of their personal interests. Consequently, except as
to the duties (including state law fiduciary duties of loyalty and care) and liabilities with regards to matters arising under the federal
securities laws, a director will not be personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except for liability for: any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or any transaction
from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable
remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
The Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws provide that all directors, officers, employees and agents of the Registrant shall be entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant
to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940
Act”). Under Section 145 of the DGCL, the Registrant is permitted to offer indemnification to its directors, officers, employees
and agents.
Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides,
in general, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than
an action by or in the right of the corporation), because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise. Such indemnity
may be against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and if, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the
person did not have reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides,
in general, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because
the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise, against any expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith
and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification
shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled
to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides,
in general, that a corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee
or agent of any other enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person in any such capacity, or arising out of the person’s
status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions
of the law. We have obtained liability insurance for the benefit of our directors and officers.
The Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Pearl Diver provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser and its officers, managers,
agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from
the Registrant for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid
in settlement) arising from the rendering of the Adviser’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an
investment adviser of the Registrant.
The Underwriting
Agreement between the Registrant and the Underwriter provides that the underwriters agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each
of the Registrant and the Adviser, and each of their respective partners, directors, managers, members and stockholders (as the case
may be), and each officer of the Registrant who signs the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Registrant
and/or the Adviser within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)
or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from and against any loss, damage,
expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which, jointly or severally, the Registrant or any such
person may incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the 1940 Act, the common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage,
expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
in and in conformity with information concerning such underwriter agent furnished in writing by underwriter agent to the Registrant expressly
for use in this Registration Statement (or in the Registration Statement as amended by any post-effective amendment hereof by the Registrant)
or in the prospectus (or any supplement thereto) contained in this Registration Statement, or arises out of or is based upon any omission
or alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated in this Registration Statement
or such prospectus (or supplement thereto) or necessary to make such information not misleading.
The Registrant has not entered into any indemnification
agreements with its officers and directors.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising
under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of
the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
| Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
A description of any other business, profession,
vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the Adviser, and each managing director, director or executive officer of the
Adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer,
employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in Part A of this Registration Statement in the sections entitled “Management”
and “The Adviser and the Administrator.” Additional information regarding the Adviser and its officers and directors is set
forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the SEC, under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 32. | Location of Accounts and Records |
| (a) | The Registrant maintains accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder (collectively, “Records”) at its offices at 747 Third Avenue, Suite 3603, New
York, New York 10017. |
| (b) | The Adviser maintains all Records relating to its services as investment adviser to the Registrant at
52 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YX. |
| (c) | US Bank National Association maintains all Records relating to its services as custodian of the Registrant
at 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. |
| (d) | ALPS Fund Services, Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as administrator of the Registrant
at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. |
| (e) | SS&C GIDS, Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as transfer agent of the Registrant
at P.O. Box 219047, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9047. |
| Item 33. | Management Services |
Not Applicable.
The Registrant undertakes to:
| 1. | Suspend the offering of shares until the prospectus is amended if (1) subsequent to the effective date
of its registration statement, the net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of
the registration statement or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus. |
| 4. | The Registrant undertakes that: |
(a) for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration
statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) under the
Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
(b) for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
| 7. | The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt
delivery within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York, on
the 10th day of December 2024.
|
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. |
|
By: |
/s/ Indranil Basu |
|
|
Indranil Basu
Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date |
/s/ Indranil Basu |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
December
10, 2024 |
Indranil Basu |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Chandrajit Chakraborty |
Chief Financial Officer |
December
10, 2024 |
Chandrajit Chakraborty |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Tarun Jotwani |
Director |
December
10, 2024 |
Tarun Jotwani* |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John Everets |
Director |
December
10, 2024 |
John Everets* |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Martin Mellish |
Director |
December
10, 2024 |
Martin Mellish* |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gary Wilder |
Director |
December
10, 2024 |
Gary Wilder* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*By: |
/s/ Indranil
Basu |
|
|
Indranil Basu |
|
|
Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT INDEX
8
Exhibit 99.(a)(4)
DelawareThe First StatePage 1 7402796 8100Authentication: 204819772SR# 20244123278Date:
11-07-24You may verify this certificate online at corp.delaware.gov/authver.shtmlI, JEFFREY W. BULLOCK, SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE STATE
OF DELAWARE, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THE ATTACHED IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF "PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY
INC.", FILED IN THIS OFFICE ON THE FOURTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024, AT 5:23 O`CLOCK P.M.
State of Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations Delivered 05:23 PM 11/04/2024
,IENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION FILED 05:23 PM 11/04/2024 SR 20244123278 -FileNumber 7402796 OF PEARL DIVER CREDIT
COMPANY INC. WHEREAS, Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), desires to amend and restate
its Certificate oflncorporation as currently in effect; and WHEREAS, the following provisions are all of the provisions of the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation currently in effect and as hereinafter amended. ARTICLE I 1.1 The name of the Corporation is
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc .. ARTICLE II 2.1 The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209
Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, County ofNew Castle. The name of the Corporation's registered agent at such address is
The Corporation Trust Company. ARTICLE III 3. I The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity
for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the "Delaware General
Corporation Law"), and to possess and exercise all of the powers and privileges granted by such law and any other law of the State
of Delaware. ARTICLE IV 4.1 Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall
have authority to issue is 225,000,000 of which 200,000,000 shares shall be common stock having a par value of $0.001 per share (the
"Common Stock") and 25,000,000 shares shall be preferred stock having a par value of$0.001 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
4.2 Common Stock. Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in any Preferred Stock Designation ( as defined below),
the holders of the Common Stock shall exclusively possess all voting power, and each share of Common Stock shall have one vote. 4.3 Preferred
Stock. The Board of Directors is expressly granted authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to fix for
each such series such voting powers, full or limited, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions
adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series ( each, a "Preferred Stock Designation") and as may
be permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock of any
class or series from time to time, in one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock, without a separate vote of the holders of the
Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to any Preferred Stock Designation. ARTICLEV
5 .1 The names and mailing addresses of the persons who are to serve as directors until their successors are elected and qualify or until
their earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity are as follows: Director Class Indranil Basu Class I Expiration oflnitial
Term 2025 Address 747 Third Avenue Suite 3603 New York, NY 10017
John Everets Class I Gary Wilder Class II Martin Mellish Class II Tarun Jotwani Class 111
2025 2026 2026 2027 ARTICLE VI 747 Third Avenue Suite 3603 New York, NY 10017 747 Third Avenue Suite 3603 New York, NY 10017 747 Third
Avenue Suite 3603 New York, NY 10017 747 Third Avenue Suite 3603 New York, NY 10017 6.1 Powers of the Board of Directors. The business
and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have
the power, without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the Bylaws (the "Bylaws")
of the Corporation as provided in the Bylaws, subject to the power of the stockholders to alter or repeal any Bylaw whether adopted by
them or otherwise. The directors in their discretion may submit any contract or act for approval or ratification at any annual meeting
of the stockholders or at any meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of considering any such act or contract, and any contract
or act that shall be approved or be ratified by a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at such meeting
and entitled to vote thereat (provided that a lawful quorum of stockholders be there represented in person or by proxy), unless a higher
vote is required by applicable law, shall be as valid and binding upon the Corporation and upon all the stockholders as though it had
been approved or ratified by evety stockholder of the Corporation, whether or not such contract or act would otherwise be open to legal
attack because of directors' interests or for any other reason. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time
of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible
into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors
may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations,
if any, as may be set forth in the Bylaws. In addition to the powers and authorities hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon
them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of the statutes of Delaware, of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and to
any Bylaw; provided, however, that no Bylaw so made shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such
Bylaw had not been made. 6.2 Number of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the
Board of Directors either by resolution or bylaw adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. 6.3
Classes of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly
equal in number as possible, and the term of office of directors of one class shall expire at each annual meeting of stockholders, and
in all cases as to each director such term shall extend until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify or until his or
her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Additional directorships resulting from an increase in number of directors
shall be apportioned among the classes as equally as possible. The initial term of office of directors of Class I shall expire at the
annual meeting of stockholders in 2025, the initial term of office of directors of Class II shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders
in 2026 and the initial term of office of directors of Class III shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2027. At each
annual meeting of stockholders a number of directors equal to the number of directors of the class whose term expires at the time of
such meeting ( or, if less, the number of directors properly nominated and qualified
for election) shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting
of stockholders after their election. At each annual election, directors chosen to succeed those whose terms then expire shall be of
the same class as the directors they succeed, unless by reason of any intervening changes in the authorized number of directors, the
Board of Directors shall designate one or more directorships whose term then expires as directorships of another class in order to more
nearly achieve equality of number of directors among the classes. Notwithstanding the rule that the three classes shall be as nearly
equal in number of directors as possible, in the event of any change in the authorized number of directors, each director then continuing
to serve as such shall nevertheless continue as a director of the class of which such director is a member until the expiration of his
or her current term, or his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. If any newly created directorship may,
consistent with the rule that the three classes shall be as nearly equal in number of directors as possible, be allocated to any class,
the Board of Directors shall allocate it to that of the available class whose term of office is due to expire at the earliest date following
such allocation. 6.4 Vacancies. Subject to applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and except as may
be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock, any and all vacancies on the Board
of Directo.rs may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors
do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship
in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. Subject to the provisions of this Amended and Restated
Certificate oflncorporation, no decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any
incumbent director. 6.5 Elections. Except as may otheiwise be provided in the Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the
votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting duly called for such purpose and entitled to
vote thereat. Election of directors to the Board of Directors need not be by ballot unless the Bylaws so provide. ARTICLE VII 7 .1 Limitation
on Liability. The directors of the Corporation shall be entitled to the benefits of all limitations on the liability of directors generally
that are now or hereafter become available under the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, except as to the duties (including state law fiduciary duties of loyalty and care) and liabilities with
regards to matters arising under the federal securities laws, a director of the Corporation will not be liable to the Corporation or
its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for acts or omissions not
in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Any repeal or modification
of this Section 7 shall be prospective only, and shall not affect, to the detriment of any director, any limitation on the personal liability
of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification. 7.2 Indemnification. The Corporation, to the full
extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom
it may indemnify pursuant thereto. Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled to indemnification
hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled
to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized hereby. ARTICLE VIII 8.1 Powers of Stockholders to Act by Written Consent. Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a unanimous
consent which sets forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter
and is filed with the records of the meetings of the stockholders.
8.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation
may be called only by the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by a resolution adopted by the affirmative
vote ofa majority of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE IX 9.1 Amendment. The Corporation reserves the right to amend any provision contained
in this Certificate as the same may from time to time be in effect in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law, and all rights conferred
on stockholders or others hereunder are subject to such reservation. I, the undersigned, do make, file and record this Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, do certify that the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly, have hereunto set my hand this 4th day
of November, 2024. /s/ Indranil Basu Nan1e: Indranil Basu Title: Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.(h)
PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC.
[●] SHARES
[●]% SERIES A TERM PREFERRED STOCK DUE
2029, $0.001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
FORM OF UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[●], 2024
Lucid Capital Markets, LLC
570 Lexington Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10022
as Representative of the several Underwriters
named on Schedule I hereto
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pearl Diver Credit
Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Pearl Diver Capital LLP, a limited liability
partnership incorporated under the laws of England & Wales (the “Adviser”), confirm their
respective agreement with each of the Underwriters listed on Schedule I hereto (collectively, the
“Underwriters”), for whom Lucid Capital Markets, LLC is acting as representative (in such capacity, the
“Representative”), with respect to (i) the issuance and sale by the Company of [●] shares (the
“Firm Shares”) of [●]% Series A Term Preferred Stock Due 2029, $0.001 par value per share (the
“Preferred Stock”), to the several Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective number of
Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I hereto, and (ii) the grant by the Company to the
Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the option described in Section 1(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of an
additional [●] shares of Preferred Stock (the “Additional Shares”) solely to cover over-allotments, if any,
in the sale of the Firm Shares. The Firm Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the Additional Shares
subject to the option described in Section 1(b) hereof are hereinafter called, collectively, the
“Shares.”
Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary contained herein, the parties hereto agree that compliance with the limitations set forth herein regarding the amount
of Shares to be issued and sold pursuant to this underwriting agreement (this “Agreement”), including any limitations
on the amount of securities sold by the Company during any period under the Securities Act Regulations (as defined below) or such other
rules and regulations as may be applicable to the Company shall be the sole responsibility of the Company, and the Underwriters shall
have no obligation in connection with such compliance. The issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement will be effected
pursuant to the Registration Statement (as defined below) filed by the Company and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “Commission”), although nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring the Company to use
the Registration Statement to issue the Shares.
The Company understands
that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Shares (the “Offering”) as soon as the Underwriters
deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered.
Prior to the Closing Time
(as defined below), the Company will file a Certificate of Designation establishing and designating the Preferred Stock (the “Certificate
of Designation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
The Company has prepared
and filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the rules and regulations
of the Commission thereunder (the “Securities Act Regulations”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “1940 Act”) a registration statement on Form N-2 (File
Nos. 333-282878 and 811-23912), which registers the offer and sale of the Shares under the Securities Act. The registration statement
as amended, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, at the time it became effective on [●], 2024, and any post-effective
amendment thereto and including any information contained in a prospectus subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424
under the Securities Act (“Rule 424”) with respect to the offer, issuance and/or sale of the Shares and deemed to
be a part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, and also including
any registration statement relating to the Shares filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (a “Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement”), is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement.” The prospectus included in the
Registration Statement at the time it became effective on [●], 2024 is hereinafter referred to as the “Preliminary Prospectus.”
“Prospectus” means the prospectus containing all information omitted from the Preliminary Prospectus pursuant to Rule
430A under the Securities Act, which will be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 and shall include the documents,
if any, incorporated by reference therein. Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus
shall be deemed to refer to and include any supplements or amendments thereto, filed with the Commission after the date of filing of
the Prospectus under Rule 424 and prior to the termination of the Offering by the Underwriters.
All references in this
Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing shall include any copy
thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”).
Any advertising materials,
sales literature or other promotional materials or documents, if any, constituting an advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities
Act (“Rule 482”) authorized or prepared by the Company or authorized or prepared on behalf of the Company by the Adviser
or any representative thereof for use in connection with the public offering or sale of the Shares are hereinafter referred to as “Sales
Materials”; provided, however, that Sales Materials do not include any Roadshow Materials (as defined below).
On October 24, 2023,
the Company filed a notification on Form N-8A (the “Notification”) of registration of the Company as an investment
company under the 1940 Act. On or around [●], 2024, the Company will file with the Commission a Form 8-A to register the Preferred
Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
The Company has entered
into (i) an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, as amended and restated as of July 12, 2024 (“Investment Advisory
Agreement”), (ii) a custody agreement with US Bank National Association dated July 12, 2024 (the “Custody Agreement”)
and (iii) a Services Agreement with ALPS Fund Services, Inc. and SS&S GIDS, Inc. dated as of May 20, 2024 (the “Services
Agreement”). This Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement, Custodian Agreement and Services Agreement are collectively
referred to herein as the “Company Agreements.”
The Company, the Adviser
and the Underwriters agree as follows:
(a) Firm
Shares. Upon the basis of the warranties and representations and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, at a
purchase price of $[●] per share of Preferred Stock, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly,
the respective number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I opposite their respective names, and each Underwriter agrees, severally
and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I opposite such Underwriter’s
name, plus any additional number of Firm Shares which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of
Section 9 hereof, subject in each case to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representative in its sole discretion shall
make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional Shares.
(b) Additional
Shares. In addition, upon the basis of the warranties and representations and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth,
the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, all or any part
of the Additional Shares, plus any additional number of Additional Shares which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant
to the provisions of Section 9 hereof at the purchase price set forth in paragraph (1)(a) less an
amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on such
Additional Shares (the “Over-Allotment Option”). The Over-Allotment Option granted by this Section 1(b) may be exercised
only to cover over-allotments, if any, in the sale of the Firm Shares. The Over-Allotment Option hereby granted will expire on [●],
2024, and may be exercised in whole or in part within such period. Such Over-Allotment Option shall be exercised upon written notice
by the Representative to the Company setting forth the number of Additional Shares as to which the several Underwriters are then exercising
the Over-Allotment Option and the time and date of payment for and delivery of such Additional Shares. Any such time and date of delivery
and payment (an “Option Closing Time”) shall be determined by the Representative but shall not be later than ten (10)
full business days (or earlier, without the consent of the Company, than two (2) full business days) after the exercise of such Over-Allotment
Option, nor in any event prior to the Closing Time or after [●], 2024. If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised as to all or any
portion of the Additional Shares, the Company will sell that number of Additional Shares then being purchased and each of the Underwriters,
acting severally and not jointly, will purchase that proportion of the total number of Additional Shares then being purchased which the
number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares,
plus any additional number of Firm Shares which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section
9 hereof, subject in each case to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representative
in its sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional Shares.
(c) Underwriters’
Discount. In consideration for its services hereunder, the Underwriters shall deduct from the gross proceeds, with respect to any
Shares sold to the Underwriters in this Offering, an underwriting discount of $[x] per Share. The underwriting discount shall be the
difference between the initial offering price of the Shares to the public and the amount the Underwriters pay the Company for the Shares.
(a) Firm
Shares. The Firm Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder, in definitive form, and registered in such names as the Representative
may request in writing at least 48 hours prior to the Closing Time, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representative,
including, at the option of the Representative, through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) for
the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer
of Federal (same-day) funds to the account specified to the Representative by the Company in writing at least 48 hours prior to the Closing
Time. The Company will cause the certificates, if any, representing the Firm Shares to be made available for checking and packaging not
later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time, on the business day prior to the Closing Time with respect thereto at the office of the Representative,
570 Lexington Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or at the office of DTC or its designated custodian, as the case may be (the
“Designated Office”). The time and date of such delivery and payment shall be 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on [●],
2024 (unless another time and date shall be agreed to by the Representative and the Company). The time and date at which such delivery
and payment are actually made is hereinafter called the “Closing Time.”
(b) Additional
Shares. Any Additional Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder, registered in such names as the Representative may request
in writing at least 48 hours prior to each Option Closing Time, if any, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representative,
including, at the option of the Representative, through the facilities of DTC for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by
or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of Federal (same-day) funds to the account specified
to the Representative by the Company in writing at least 48 hours prior to each Option Closing Time, if any. The Company will cause the
certificates, if any, representing the Additional Shares to be made available for checking and packaging not later than 1:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the business day prior to the Option Closing Time with respect thereto at the Designated Office. The time and date
of such delivery and payment shall be 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date specified by the Representative in the notice given
by the Representative to the Company of the Underwriters’ election to purchase such Additional Shares or on such other time and
date as the Company and the Representative may agree upon in writing.
|
3. |
Representations and Warranties of the Company
and the Adviser: |
The Company represents
and warrants to and agrees with, and the Adviser represents and warrants to and agrees with, each Underwriter (i) as of the date hereof,
the Initial Sale Time (as defined below), as of the Closing Time and as of any Option Closing Time, if any, or (ii) as of the time or
times otherwise specified in such representation or warranty, as follows:
(a) The
Registration Statement has been prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, has been filed with
the Commission and has been declared effective. The Company meets the requirements of and complies with the conditions for the use of
Form N-2 under the Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto, the preliminary prospectuses
(meeting the requirements of the Securities Act) contained therein and the exhibits, financial statements and schedules, as finally amended
and revised, have heretofore been delivered by the Company to the Representative. As of the Initial Sale Time, the Preliminary Prospectus
and the pricing term sheet set forth in Schedule II hereto, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure
Package”), did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company
makes no representations or warranties as to information contained in or omitted from the General Disclosure Package or the Registration
Statement in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters
through the Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described
in Section 10(b) herein. As of the date set forth on its cover page (solely in the case of the Prospectus), the Closing Time and each
Option Closing Time, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to information contained in or omitted
from the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood
and agreed that the only such information is that described in Section 10 herein.
The Commission has not
issued an order preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus relating
to the proposed offering of the Shares, and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act has been instituted
or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission. The Registration Statement contains, and the Prospectus and any amendments
or supplements thereto contain and will contain, all statements which are required to be stated therein by, and conform and will conform
to the requirements of, the Securities Act. At the respective times the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto
became effective and as of the Initial Sale Time, the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time (if any), the Registration Statement
did not, and will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or
warranties as to information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or any such amendment or supplement,
in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the
Representative, specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described in Section
10 herein.
(b) the
Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Capitalization,”
at the date indicated, as of the Initial Sale Time, at the Closing Time, and each Option Closing Time, if any;
(c) all
of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid
and non-assessable, and have not been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive right, resale right, right of first refusal
or other similar right of stockholders arising by operation of law, under the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, Certificate of Designation
or other applicable governing document (collectively, the “Charter Documents”) of the Company, under any agreement
to which the Company is a party or otherwise; except as disclosed in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are
no outstanding (x) securities or obligations of the Company convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of the Company, (y)
warrants, rights or options to subscribe for or purchase from the Company any such capital stock, partnership interest, or membership
interest or any such convertible or exchangeable securities or obligations, or (z) obligations of the Company to issue or sell any shares
of capital stock, partnership interest, or membership interest, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or obligation, or any
such warrants, rights or options;
(d) the
Company is a Delaware corporation duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
with requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease or operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under
the Company Agreements and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein;
(e) the
Company is duly qualified or licensed by, and is in good standing in, each jurisdiction in which it conducts its business, or in which
it owns or leases real property or otherwise maintains an office, and in which such qualification or licensing is necessary and in which
the failure, individually or in the aggregate, to be so qualified or licensed would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the assets, business, operations, earnings, properties or condition (financial or otherwise), present or prospective, of the
Company (any such effect or change, where the context so requires, is hereinafter called a “Material Adverse Effect”
or a “Material Adverse Change”); other than as disclosed in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus,
the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or other equity securities of any other corporation or any ownership
interest in any partnership, joint venture or other association;
(f) the
Company, subject to the filing of the Prospectus under Rule 424(b), has taken all required action under the Securities Act and the 1940
Act to make the public offering of Shares contemplated by this Agreement;
(g) the
Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, decrees and judgments, including
those relating to transactions with affiliates;
(h) the
Company is not in breach of, or in default under (nor has any event occurred which with notice, lapse of time, or both would constitute
a breach of, or default under or give the holder of any indebtedness (or a person acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to
require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or part of such indebtedness under), its Charter Documents or in the performance
or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it or its properties is bound
or affected, except for such breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
(i) the
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares by the Company,
the Company’s use of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure
Package and the Prospectus, the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by the Company Agreements, and compliance
by the Company with the terms and provisions hereunder and thereunder, will not: (x) conflict with, or result in any breach of, or constitute
a default under (or constitute any event which with notice, lapse of time, or both would constitute a breach of, or default under), (A)
any provision of the Charter Documents of the Company, (B) any provision of any contract, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which any of them or their respective
properties may be bound or affected, or (C) any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation, rule, decree, judgment or order (each
a “Legal Requirement”) issued by the U.S. government or any state, local or foreign government, court, administrative
agency or commission or other governmental agency, authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, of competent jurisdiction (each
a “Governmental Authority”) applicable to the Company, except in the case of clauses (B) or (C) for such conflicts,
breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or
(y) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge, claim or encumbrance upon any material property or asset of the Company;
(j) each
of the Company Agreements has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes legal, valid and binding agreements
of the Company enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general equitable principles,
and except to the extent that the indemnification and contribution provisions of Section 10 hereof or thereof may be limited by federal
or state securities laws and public policy considerations in respect thereof;
(k) each
of the Company Agreements complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Advisers Act”), the Company’s
stockholders have approved the Investment Advisory Agreement as required by Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act and the Company’s board
of directors has approved the Investment Advisory Agreement as required by Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The operations of the Company,
as described in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are, and at all times through the Closing Time or any Option Closing
Time, if any, will be, in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The provisions of the Charter Documents
and the investment objective, policies and restrictions described in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, assuming they
are implemented as so described, comply, and at all times through the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, as applicable, will comply
in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. The terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, including
compensation terms, comply with the provisions of Sections 15(a) and 15(c) of the 1940 Act and Section 205 of the Advisers Act;
(l) except
as disclosed in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no director of the Company is an “interested person” (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any Underwriter listed
in Schedule I hereto;
(m) no
(i) approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any Governmental Authority, (ii) authorization, approval, vote or other
consent of any holder of securities of the Company or any creditor of the Company, or (iii) waiver or consent under any material agreement
is required in connection with the Company’s execution, delivery and performance of each of the Company Agreements, its consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares, other than (A) such as have been
obtained, or will have been obtained at the Closing Time or the applicable Option Closing Time, as the case may be, under the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”),
(B) such approvals as may be required in connection with the approval of the listing of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange
and (C) any necessary qualification under the securities or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being
offered by the Underwriters;
(n) except
as disclosed in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has all necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, accreditations,
certifications, consents and approvals and has made all necessary filings required under any Legal Requirement, and has obtained all
necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, accreditations, certifications, consents and approvals from other persons required in order
to conduct its business as described in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except to the extent that any failure
to have any such licenses, permits, authorizations, accreditations, certifications, consents or approvals to make any such filings or
to obtain any such licenses, permits, authorizations, accreditations, certifications, consents or approvals would not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; the Company is not in violation of, or in default under,
or has received any notice regarding a possible violation of, default under, or revocation of, any such license, permit, authorization,
accreditation, certification, consent or approval or any Legal Requirement applicable to the Company the effect of which would reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Change; and no such license, permit, authorization, accreditation, certification, consent or approval
contains a materially burdensome restriction that is not adequately disclosed in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(o) the
Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement will have become effective
upon filing, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has been
issued by the Commission and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
are contemplated or threatened by the Commission, and the Company has complied to the Commission’s satisfaction with any request
on the part of the Commission for additional information;
(p) the
General Disclosure Package when filed and the Registration Statement as of each effective date and as of the date hereof complied or
will comply, and the Prospectus and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package
or the Prospectus, when they become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will comply, in all material respects
with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and the 1940 Act; the conditions to the use of Form N-2 in
connection with this Offering and the sale of the Shares as contemplated hereby have been satisfied, and each of the Sales Materials
complied, at the time it was first used in connection with the public offering of the Shares, and complies as of the date hereof, in
all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including Rule 482), the 1940 Act, and the applicable rules and interpretations
of FINRA;
(q) the
General Disclosure Package when filed and the Registration Statement as of its effective date and as of the date hereof did not, does
not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading; and the Prospectus or any amendments thereof or supplements thereto will not, as of its
date and as of the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading and at no time during the period that begins at the time each of the Sales Materials was first used in
connection with the public offering of the Shares and ends at the Initial Sale Time did any of the Sales Materials (as materials deemed
to be a prospectus under Section 10(b) to the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 482), as then amended or supplemented, contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that in each case the Company makes
no warranty or representation with respect to any statement contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure
Package, the Prospectus or the Sales Materials in reliance upon and in conformity with the information concerning the Underwriters and
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representative to the Company expressly for use therein (that information
being limited to that described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 10(b) hereof);
(r) as
of [●] p.m. (New York City Time) on the date of this Agreement (the “Initial Sale
Time”), the General Disclosure Package did not, and as of the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, the Prospectus
will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that in each case the Company
makes no warranty or representation with respect to any statement contained in or omitted from the General Disclosure Package, as most
recently amended or supplemented immediately prior to the Initial Sale Time, or the Prospectus, in reliance upon and in conformity with
the information concerning the Underwriters and furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representative to
the Company expressly for use therein (that information being limited to that described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of
Section 10(b) hereof);
(s) in
connection with this Offering, the Company has not offered and will not offer the Preferred Stock or any other securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for the Preferred Stock in a manner in violation of the Securities Act; the Company (including its
agents and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved
or referred to and, prior to the later to occur of (i) the Closing Time and (ii) each Option Closing Time, if any, will not prepare,
make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (“Rule
405”)) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares other than (A) the Registration Statement,
the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, (B) such materials as may
be approved by the Representative and filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 482, (C) the Sales Materials and (D) filings
made under the Exchange Act following the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any. Any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication
(as defined below) and all other promotional materials (including “road show slides” or “road show scripts”)
prepared by the Company or the Adviser for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares (collectively, “Roadshow
Material”) were used in accordance with Section 5(v). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written
communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Rule 163B under the Securities Act. “Written Testing-the-Waters
Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405. The Written
Testing-the-Waters Communication and the Roadshow Material, if any, are not inconsistent with the Registration Statement, the General
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in any material respects, and when taken together with the General Disclosure Package and the information
with respect to the Shares and the Offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective
pursuant to Rule 430A, at the Initial Sale Time, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(t) the
General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus delivered or to be delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the public
offering of the Shares contemplated herein have been and will be identical to the versions of such documents transmitted to the Commission
for filing via EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T;
(u) there
are no actions, suits, arbitrations, claims, proceedings, inquiries or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
against the Company, or any of its properties or, to the Company’s knowledge, directors, officers or affiliates, at law or in equity,
or before or by any Governmental Authority, which would reasonably be expected to result in a judgment, decree, award or order having
a Material Adverse Effect;
(v) the
financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and
the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of the entities to which such financial statements relate (the “Covered
Entities”) as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations and changes in financial position and cash
flows of the Covered Entities for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles as applied in the United States and on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as otherwise noted
therein and in accordance with Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission); the financial statement schedules, if any, included in
the Registration Statement and the amounts in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus fairly present the information shown
therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the General
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; no other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration
Statement, General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus; and the Company does not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct
or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not disclosed in the Registration Statement, General Disclosure Package
and the Prospectus;
(w) the
independent registered public accounting firm whose reports on the financial statements of the Company are filed with the Commission
as part of each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are, and were during the periods covered
by such reports, independent public accountants within the meaning of, and as required by, the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations
and the 1940 Act and are registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
(x) subsequent
to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus, and except as may be otherwise stated in such documents, there has not been (i) any event, circumstance or change that has
had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business,
which is material to the Company, contemplated or entered into by the Company, (iii) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, directly
or indirectly incurred by the Company, other than in the ordinary course of business, which would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, or (iv) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock,
or any purchase by the Company of any of its outstanding capital stock;
(y) the
Company’s current business operations and investments are in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the 1940
Act and, after giving effect to the issuance and sale of the Shares, will be in compliance in all material respects with the 1940 Act;
(z) the
capital stock of the Company, including the Shares and the Certificate of Designation, conform in all material respects to the statements
relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(aa) except as disclosed
in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any
equity or debt securities, including securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, registered pursuant
to the Registration Statement or otherwise registered by the Company under the Securities Act, except for those registration or similar
rights which have been waived with respect to the Offering contemplated by this Agreement, all of which registration or similar rights
are fairly summarized in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(bb) the Shares have
been duly authorized for issuance, sale and delivery pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company against
payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable, free
and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, and the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares by the
Company are not subject to any preemptive right, co-sale right, registration right, right of first refusal or other similar right of
stockholders arising by operation of law, under the Charter Documents of the Company, or under any agreement to which the Company is
a party or otherwise;
(cc) the Company will
file a registration statement on Form 8-A to register the Preferred Stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act;
(dd) the Company will
submit a listing application for the listing of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange and use its best efforts to maintain such listing;
(ee) the Company has
not taken, and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed to or which has constituted, or which might reasonably
be expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the issuance,
sale or resale of the Shares;
(ff) the Company is
not required to register as a “broker” or “dealer” in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, or
the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Exchange Act Regulations”);
(gg) any certificate
signed by any officer of the Company delivered to the Representative or to counsel for the Underwriters pursuant to or in connection
with this Agreement shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby;
(hh) the Shares conform
to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation and the relative rights, preferences, interests and powers of such Shares are set
forth in the Certificate of Designation; the Certificate of Designation has been, or prior to the Closing Time will be, duly authorized
and executed by the Company in compliance with the Delaware General Corporation Law and filed by the Company with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware; the Certificate of Designation is, or by the Closing Time will be, in full force and effect; and the form of
the certificate used to evidence the Preferred Stock complies in all material respects with all applicable statutory requirements and
with any applicable requirements of the Charter Documents of the Company;
(ii) the
Company has good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property, if any, and good title to all personal property owned by it,
in each case free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, mortgages and defects, except such as are
disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or such as do not materially and adversely
affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company; and
any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company are held under valid, existing and enforceable leases, with such exceptions
as are disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or are not material and do not interfere
with the use made or proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company;
(jj) the descriptions
in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus of the legal or governmental proceedings, contracts,
leases and other legal documents therein described present fairly the information required to be described therein by the Securities
Act and the Securities Act Regulations, and there are no legal or governmental proceedings, contracts, leases, or other documents of
a character required to be described in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or to be
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required by the Securities Act or the Securities Act
Regulations; all agreements between the Company and third parties expressly referenced in both the General Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective
terms, except to the extent enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles;
(kk) the statements
in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the headings “Prospectus Summary –
Operating and Regulatory Structure,” “Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee,” “U.S. Federal Income Tax Matters,”
“Description of the Series A Term Preferred Stock,” “Description of Our Capital Stock,” “Underwriting,”
and “Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company” and insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements,
documents or proceedings discussed therein, are accurate in all material respects;
(ll) there are no
contracts or documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus
or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been so described, filed or incorporated by reference as required.
All descriptions of contracts or documents described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus
are accurate and complete in all material respects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as of the date hereof, the Company has not filed this
Agreement or the opinion of Company Counsel (as defined below) with respect to the legality of the Shares as exhibits to the Registration
Statement, although all such exhibits will be filed with the Commission;
(mm) the Company owns
or possesses adequate licenses or other rights to use all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, software and design
licenses, trade secrets, other intangible property rights and know-how (collectively “Intellectual Property”), as
are necessary to entitle the Company to conduct the Company’s business described in both the General Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus, except where the failure to own, license or have such right would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
and the Company has not received written notice of any infringement of or conflict with (and the Company does not know of any such infringement
of or conflict with) asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property which would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
(nn) the Company has
established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 30a-3 under the 1940 Act), which (i) are
designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”),
is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities
to allow timely decisions regarding such disclosures, and (ii) are effective to perform the function for which they were established;
(oo) the
Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed
in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions
of the Company and the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);
(ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles as applied in the United States to calculate net asset value, to maintain asset accountability and to maintain compliance
in all material respects with books and records requirements under the 1940 Act; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance
with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing
assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as otherwise disclosed in the
General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, to the knowledge of the Company, there is no (i) significant deficiency or material weakness
in the design or operation of its internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information to management and the Company’s board of directors, or (ii)
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting;
(pp) except as otherwise
disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company does not have any off-balance
sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), or any other similar relationships with unconsolidated
entities or other persons;
(qq) the Company has
filed on a timely basis all necessary federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise tax returns required to be filed through
the date hereof or has obtained extensions of time from the relevant taxing authority for filing any return that has not been filed (and
such extension of time has not expired) and have paid all taxes shown as due thereon except for any tax that is being contested in good
faith and that is adequately provided for on the respective books of such entities; and no tax deficiency has been asserted against any
such entity, nor does any such entity know of any tax deficiency which is likely to be asserted against any such entity which, if determined
adversely to any such entity, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and all tax liabilities are adequately
provided for on the respective books of such entities;
(rr) the Company maintains
insurance (issued by insurers of recognized financial responsibility) against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent
and customary in the businesses in which it is engaged; all policies of insurance insuring the Company or its business, assets, employees,
officers and directors, including the Company’s directors and officers errors and omissions insurance policy and its fidelity bond
required by Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act, are in full force and effect; the Company is in compliance with the terms of such policies
and fidelity bond in all material respects; and there are no claims by the Company under any such policies or fidelity bond as to which
any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; the Company has not been refused any insurance
coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage
and fidelity bond as and when such coverage and fidelity bond expires or to obtain similar coverage and fidelity bond from similar insurers
as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, whether
or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Registration Statement,
the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(ss) the Company is
not in violation of nor has it received notice of any violation with respect to any law, rule, regulation, order, decree or judgment
applicable to its business, including those relating to transactions with affiliates, except for those violations that would not reasonably
be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(tt) neither the Company
nor the Adviser or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Adviser, any officer, director, agent or employee purporting to act on behalf
of the Company, the Adviser, has at any time, directly or indirectly, (i) made any contributions to any candidate for political office,
or failed to disclose fully any such contributions, in violation of law, (ii) made any payment to any state, federal or foreign governmental
officer or official, or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public duties, other than payments required or allowed by applicable
law (including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”)), (iii) engaged in any transactions
or maintained any bank account on behalf of the Company or used any corporate funds except for transactions, bank accounts and funds
which have been and are reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the Company, (iv) violated any provision of the FCPA,
or any applicable law or regulation thereunder, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other
applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law or (v) made any other unlawful payment;
(uu) except as disclosed
in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any
bank or lending affiliate of an Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares hereunder
to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of an Underwriter;
(vv) except as otherwise
disclosed in both the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no outstanding loans, extensions of credit or advances
or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers, directors or affiliates of the Company or
any of the members of the families of any of them;
(ww) all securities
issued by the Company or any trusts established by the Company have been or will be issued and sold in compliance with (i) all applicable
federal, state foreign and local securities laws, (ii) the laws of the applicable jurisdiction of incorporation of the issuing entity
and (iii) to the extent applicable to the issuing entity, the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange;
(xx) the
Company has (i) appointed a Chief Compliance Officer and (ii) adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed
to prevent violation of the Federal Securities Laws (as that term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) by the Company, including
policies and procedures that provide oversight of compliance by each investment advisor, administrator and transfer agent of the Company;
(yy) the Company has
filed the Notification of the registration of the Company as an investment company under the 1940 Act;
(zz) any statistical
and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials and the Prospectus
are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate, and the Company has obtained the written
consent to the use of such data from such sources to the extent required;
(aaa) except with
respect to the Underwriters, the Company has not incurred any liability for any finder’s fees or similar payments in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby;
(bbb) to the Company’s
and the Adviser’s knowledge, there are no affiliations or associations between any member of FINRA and any of the Company’s
officers, directors or 5% or greater securityholders, except as disclosed in writing to the Underwriters in connection with information
that may be required to be provided to FINRA, and none of the Company or the Adviser has any material lending or other relationship with
a bank or lending institution affiliated with any of the Underwriters, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(ccc) no relationship,
direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers
of the Company on the other hand, which is required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations to be described in the Registration
Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and which is not so described;
(ddd) as of the date
hereof, the Company does not have, and, at the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, the Company will not have, any employees;
to the knowledge of the Company and the Adviser, there are no existing or threatened labor disputes with the employees of the Adviser
which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and none of the Company or the
Adviser is aware of any plans of any executive, key employee or significant group of employees of the Adviser to terminate their employment;
(eee) the Company
and its officers and directors, in their capacities as such, are, and at the Closing Time and any Option Closing Time, if any, will be,
in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”)
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with which any of them is required to comply;
(fff) the Company
intends to direct the investment of the net proceeds of the sale of the Shares and to conduct its activities in such a manner as to comply
with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M
of the Code; the Company reasonably believes that it has been and is currently in compliance with the requirements of Subchapter M of
the Code necessary to qualify as a RIC and intends to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for any taxable year in which
the Company is an investment company registered under the 1940 Act;
(ggg) none of the
Company, the Adviser or, to the Company’s knowledge, any affiliates or any director, officer, agent or employee of, or other person
associated with or acting on behalf of, the Company or the Adviser (each, a “Person”) is (i) the subject to any sanctions
administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department, the United Nations Security Council, the
European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or
(ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Crimea,
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Offering, or lend,
contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any entity, partner or joint venturer or other person or entity for the purpose
of financing the activities of any person currently subject to the Sanction, or in any other manner that will result in a violation of
Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise);
(hhh) the operations
of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements
of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, as amended, the
Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, the United and Strengthening of America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct
Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act) of 2001, and any other money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations
thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority
(collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), except for any such non-compliance as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental
Authority or any arbitrator involving the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge,
threatened;
(iii) as
required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Company has delivered to the Representative,
on or prior to the date of execution of this Agreement, such beneficial ownership certifications and information as the Representative
may have requested, together with copies of identifying documentation, and the Company undertakes to provide such additional information
and supporting documentation as the Representative may reasonably request in connection with the certification of the foregoing certification;
(jjj) at the time of
filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another
offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Securities Act) of the Shares and at the
date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any
determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer; and
(kkk) as of the date
of this Agreement and on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the issuance and sale of the Shares and the use of proceeds therefrom,
the Company will be in compliance with the applicable asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, taking into
account the exemption provided under Section 18(e) of the 1940 Act.
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4. |
Representations and Warranties of the Adviser: |
The Adviser represents
and warrants to, and agrees with, each Underwriter as of the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, as follows:
(a) the
Adviser is a limited liability partnership incorporated and validly existing in good standing under the laws of
England & Wales, with the requisite limited liability company power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and is duly
qualified to transact business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification, except
where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect
(as defined below);
(b) the
Adviser is duly registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and is registered with the appropriate
state authority in all states in which it needs to be registered; the Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act or
any state statute from acting under the Investment Advisory Agreement, as contemplated by the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
there does not exist any proceeding, or to the Adviser’s knowledge, any facts or circumstances the existence of which could lead
to any proceeding which might materially and adversely affect the registration of the Adviser with the Commission or any applicable state
regulatory authority;
(c) the
Adviser has or had the requisite limited liability partnership power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Investment Advisory
Agreement; the execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Adviser of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Investment
Advisory Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Adviser; and this Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement have
been duly executed and delivered by the Adviser, and each such agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of the Adviser,
enforceable against the Adviser in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may be limited
by federal or state securities laws and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Adviser’s obligations hereunder
and thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’
rights generally and by general equitable principles;
(d) the
Investment Advisory Agreement is in full force and effect and neither the Adviser nor, to the knowledge of the Adviser, any other party
to the Investment Advisory Agreement is in default thereunder, and, no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would constitute a default by the Adviser under such document;
(e) the
Adviser has the financial, human and other resources available to it necessary for the performance of its services and obligations as
contemplated in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and under this Agreement and the Company Agreements, as applicable;
(f) no
action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Adviser or
the Adviser’s property is pending or, to the knowledge of the Adviser, threatened that (i) is required to be described in the General
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus that is not so described as required, (ii) would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the ability of the Adviser to fulfill its obligations hereunder or under the Investment Advisory Agreement, or (iii) would
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties
of the Adviser, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business (an “Adviser Material Adverse Effect”),
except as set forth in or contemplated in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(g) the
Adviser is not in breach of, or in default under (and no event has occurred which with notice, lapse of time, or both would constitute
a breach of, or default under or give the holder of any indebtedness (or a person acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to
require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or part of such indebtedness under), its Charter Documents or in the performance
or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Adviser is a party or by which any of the Adviser or the
Adviser’s properties is bound or affected, except for such breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect;
(h) since
the respective dates as of which information is given in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated
therein, (i) there has been no event, circumstance or change that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material
Adverse Effect; and (ii) there have been no transactions entered into by the Adviser, which are material to the Adviser other than those
in the ordinary course of its business as described in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(i) the
Adviser possesses all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory
authorities necessary to conduct its business in the manner described in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and the Adviser
has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification thereof, except where the failure to possess any
such licenses, certificates, permits or other authorizations, or the revocation or modification thereof, would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect and would not reasonably be expected to have an Adviser
Material Adverse Effect on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(j) there
are no actions, suits, arbitrations, claims, proceedings, inquiries or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Adviser, threatened
against the Adviser, or any of the Adviser’s properties, or to the knowledge of the Adviser, the Adviser’s directors, officers
or affiliates, at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority, in each case which would reasonably be expected to result
in a judgment, decree, award or order having an Adviser Material Adverse Effect;
(k) the
Adviser owns or possesses adequate licenses or other rights to use all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, software
and design licenses, trade secrets, other intangible property rights and know-how (collectively “Adviser Intellectual Property”),
as are necessary to entitle the Adviser to conduct the Adviser’s business described in both the General Disclosure Package and
the Prospectus, except where the failure to own, license or have such right would not reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material
Adverse Effect; and the Adviser has not received written notice of any infringement of or conflict with (and the Adviser does not know
of any such infringement of or conflict with) the asserted rights of others with respect to any Adviser Intellectual Property which would
reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect;
(l) no
(i) approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any Governmental Authority, (ii) authorization, approval, vote or other
consent of any holder of securities of the Adviser or any creditor of the Adviser, or (iii) waiver or consent under any material agreement
is required in connection with the Adviser’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the Company Agreements, to
the extent a party thereto, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the sale and delivery of the Shares,
other than (A) such as have been obtained, or will have been obtained at the Closing Time or the applicable Option Closing Time, as the
case may be, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations of FINRA, (B) such
approvals as may be required in connection with the approval of the listing of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange and (C) any
necessary qualification under the securities or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being offered by the
Underwriters;
(m) the
Adviser owns or leases or has access to all properties and assets as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted;
(n) neither
the execution, delivery or performance by the Adviser of this Agreement or the Investment Advisory Agreement, nor the consummation of
the transactions herein or therein contemplated, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof conflict with, result in a breach
or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Adviser pursuant to, (i) the Charter
Documents of the Adviser, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or
other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Adviser is a party or bound or to which its property is subject,
or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Adviser of any court, regulatory body, administrative
agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Adviser or any of the Adviser’s properties,
except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) where such breach or violation, either singly or in the aggregate, would not reasonably
be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect;
(o) the
Adviser has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected
to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company
to facilitate the issuance, sale or resale of the Shares and the Adviser is not aware of any such action taken or to be taken by any
affiliates of the Adviser;
(p) the
operations of the Adviser are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable Money Laundering Laws, except for any
such non-compliance as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect,
and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Adviser
with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Adviser, threatened;
(q) the
Adviser maintains a system of internal controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions effectuated by it under
the Investment Advisory Agreement are executed in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization and (ii) access
to the Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization;
(r) the
Adviser (i) has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act reasonably
designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act by the Adviser; (ii) is conducting its business in compliance with all laws,
rules, regulations, decisions, directives and orders except for such failure to comply which would not reasonably be expected to result
in an Adviser Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Advisers Act;
(s) the
description of the Adviser and its business, and the statements attributable to the Adviser, in each of the Registration Statement, the
General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(t) the
Adviser is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described
in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment
company” (as defined in the 1940 Act);
(u) the
Adviser maintains insurance (issued by insurers of recognized financial responsibility) of the types and in the amounts generally deemed
adequate for their respective businesses and consistent with insurance coverage maintained by similar companies in similar businesses,
including, but not limited to, insurance covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Adviser against theft, damage, destruction,
acts of vandalism and all other risks customarily insured against, all of which insurance is in full force and effect;
(v) any
certificate signed by any officer of the Adviser and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed
a representation and warranty by the Adviser to the Underwriters as to matters covered thereby; and
(w) the
Adviser’s information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications,
and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required
in connection with the operation of the business of the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Adviser as currently conducted. The Adviser
implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect the Company’s,
its Subsidiaries’ and the Adviser’s material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy
and security of all material IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated
data (“Personal Data”)) used in connection with its business, and there have been no breaches, violations, outages
or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate,
have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect. The Company, its Subsidiaries and the Adviser are presently in compliance in all material respects
with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory
authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to
the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except, in each
case, as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have an Adviser Material Adverse Effect.
|
5. |
Certain Covenants of the Company and the Adviser: |
The Company and Adviser
each hereby agrees with each Underwriter:
(a) to
use commercially reasonable efforts to furnish such information as may be required and otherwise to cooperate with the Underwriters in
qualifying the offering and sale of the Shares under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions (both domestic and foreign)
as the Representative may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect as long as requested by the Representative for the
distribution of the Shares; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation,
to subject itself to taxation or to consent to the service of process under the laws of any such jurisdiction (except service of process
with respect to the offering and sale of the Shares);
(b) that
if, at the time this Agreement is executed and delivered, it is necessary for a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement
to be declared effective before the Offering may commence, the Company will endeavor to cause such post-effective amendment to become
effective as soon as possible and will advise the Representative promptly and, if requested by the Representative, will confirm such
advice in writing, when such post-effective amendment has become effective;
(c) to
prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the Underwriters and file such Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within
the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 424(b) and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representative of
such timely filing; file any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation
of an offer to buy the Shares (an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) (including the pricing term sheet substantially
in the form set forth in Schedule II hereto) to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act; and to furnish promptly
(and with respect to the initial delivery of such Prospectus, not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the day following the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or on such other day as the parties may mutually agree) to the Underwriters copies of the Prospectus
(or of the Prospectus as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have made any amendments or supplements thereto after the effective
date of the Registration Statement) and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus in such quantities and at such locations as the Underwriters
may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Securities Act Regulations, which Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the version transmitted to the Commission for filing via EDGAR, except to
the extent permitted by Regulation S-T;
(d) to
advise the Representative immediately, confirming such advice in writing, of (i) the receipt of any comments from, or any request by,
the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or for
additional information with respect thereto, (ii) when, prior to the termination of the Offering, any amendment to the Registration Statement
shall have been filed or become effective, (iii) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or of the
suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings
for any of such purposes and, if the Commission or any other government agency or authority should issue any such order, to make every
reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal of such order as soon as possible, (iv) any examination pursuant to Section 8(e) of
the Securities Act concerning the Registration Statement that becomes known to the Company, or (v) if the Company becomes subject to
a proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of Shares contemplated herein; and, so long
as a prospectus is required to be delivered in connection with the Offering (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a)
under the Securities Act) (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”), to advise the Representative promptly of any proposal
to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and to file no such amendment or
supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object in writing;
(e) to
furnish to the Representative for a period of three (3) years from the date of this Agreement (i) as soon as available, copies of all
annual, semi-annual and current reports or other communications supplied to holders of shares of Preferred Stock, (ii) as soon as practicable
after the filing thereof, copies of all reports filed by the Company with the Commission, FINRA or any securities exchange, and (iii)
such other information as the Representative may reasonably request regarding the Company (provided, however, that in each case of (i),
(ii) and (iii), the filing of same with EDGAR or any successor system of the Commission shall be deemed to satisfy the obligation to
furnish any material required to be furnished hereunder);
(f) to
advise the Underwriters promptly of the happening of any event or development known to the Company within the Prospectus Delivery Period
which, in the judgment of the Company or in the reasonable opinion of the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters, (i) would require
the making of any change in the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus so that the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus
would not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (ii) would make it necessary
to amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order to comply with any law and, in each case, during such
time, to promptly prepare and furnish to the Representative copies of the proposed amendment or supplement before filing any such amendment
or supplement with the Commission and thereafter promptly furnish at the Company’s own expense to the Underwriters and to dealers,
copies in such quantities and at such locations as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request of an appropriate amendment
or supplement to the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus so that the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as so amended
or supplemented will not when it (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Securities Act) is so delivered,
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or so that the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus will comply
with applicable law;
(g) to
file promptly with the Commission any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus
contemplated by Section 5(f);
(h) within
the Prospectus Delivery Period, other than an amendment or supplement consisting solely of a document required to be filed under the
Exchange Act following the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, prior to filing with the Commission any amendment or supplement
to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus to furnish a copy thereof to the Representative and counsel
for the Underwriters and to obtain the consent of the Representative (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to
the filing;
(i) to
furnish promptly to the Representative a signed copy of the Registration Statement, as initially filed with the Commission, and of all
amendments or supplements thereto (including all exhibits filed therewith) and such number of conformed copies of the foregoing (without
exhibits thereto) as the Representative may reasonably request;
(j) to
timely file with the Commission any documents required pursuant to Section 13, 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the Prospectus
Delivery Period in the manner and within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations;
(k) to
apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in accordance with its statements under the caption “Use of Proceeds”
in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus;
(l) to
make generally available to its security holders, but in any event not later than the end of the fiscal quarter first occurring after
the first anniversary of the effective date of the Registration Statement, an earnings statement complying with the provisions of the
last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 under the Securities Act covering a period of twelve (12) months beginning
after the effective date of the Registration Statement;
(m) to
use its reasonable best efforts to effect the listing of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange within thirty (30) days of the Closing
Time;
(n) to
take all necessary actions to ensure that it is in compliance with all applicable corporate governance requirements set forth in the
New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual that are currently in effect and applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and all
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder that are currently in effect;
(o) to
cooperate with the Representative and use its commercially reasonable efforts to permit the offered Shares to be eligible for clearance
and settlement through the facilities of DTC;
(p) to
refrain from selling, offering to sell, contracting or agreeing to sell, hypothecating, pledging, granting any option to purchase or
otherwise disposing of or agreeing to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or
any securities convertible into or securities exchangeable or exercisable for Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or
warrants or other rights to purchase Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company, or filing or causing to be declared effective
a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale of any Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company
or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Preferred Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or other rights to purchase Preferred
Stock issued or guaranteed by the Company for a period of thirty (30) days after the date hereof, without the prior written consent of
Representative, which may not be unreasonably withheld. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to the registration of the Shares and
the sales to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement;
(q) not
to, and to use its best efforts to cause its officers, directors and affiliates not to, (i) take, directly or indirectly, prior
to termination of the underwriting syndicate contemplated by this Agreement, any action designed to stabilize or manipulate the price
of any security of the Company, or which may cause or result in, or which might in the future reasonably be expected to cause or result
in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company, to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares
or (ii) sell, bid for, purchase or pay anyone (other than the Underwriters) any compensation for soliciting purchases of the Shares;
(r) that
the Company shall obtain or maintain, as appropriate, directors and officers liability insurance in an amount deemed advisable by the
Company in its reasonable discretion;
(s) that
the Company will comply with all of the provisions of any undertakings in the Registration Statement;
(t) that
the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code to qualify as a RIC under the Code
with respect to any fiscal year in which the Company is a registered investment company;
(u) that
the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
assurances that (i) material information relating to the Company and the assets managed by the Adviser is promptly made known to the
officers responsible for establishing and maintaining the system of internal accounting controls; and (ii) any significant deficiencies
or weaknesses in the design or operation of internal accounting controls which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data, and any fraud whether or not material that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in internal controls, are adequately and promptly disclosed to the Company’s independent auditors and
the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors;
(v) that
before using, approving or referring to any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications and Roadshow Material, the Company will furnish
to the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters a copy of such material for review and will not use, approve or refer to any such
material to which the Representative reasonably objects; and
(w) except
by means of the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or as otherwise agreed by the parties, the Company (including its agents
and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) will not make, use, prepare, authorize, approve or refer
to any written communication (as defined in Rule 405), and including without limitation any advertisement as defined in Rule 482, required
to be filed with the Commission, that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy Shares hereunder; provided, that
the foregoing shall not prohibit the Company from (i) making its required filings with the Commission or the dissemination thereof as
required by the federal securities laws, state law or the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange and (ii) disseminating
any additional Sales Materials used in connection with the Registration Statement other than in connection with the offer and sale of
the Shares hereunder.
(a) The
Company agrees to pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of the Company’s obligations under
this Agreement, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, including expenses,
fees and taxes in connection with (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and any
other preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, and the printing and furnishing of copies of
each thereof to the Underwriters and to soliciting dealers (including costs of mailing and shipment), (ii) the preparation, issuance
and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters, (iii) the printing of this Agreement and any dealer agreements and furnishing of copies
of each to the Underwriters and to soliciting dealers (including costs of mailing and shipment), (iv) the qualification for the offering
and the sale of the Shares under state laws that the Company and the Underwriters have mutually agreed are appropriate and the determination
of their eligibility for investment under state law as aforesaid (including the reasonable legal fees and filing fees and other disbursements
of counsel for the Underwriters relating thereto and the printing and furnishing of copies of any blue sky surveys or legal investment
surveys to the Underwriters and to soliciting dealers), (v) filing for review of the Offering by FINRA (including the reasonable legal
fees and other disbursements of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP as counsel for the Underwriters relating thereto) in an amount not to exceed
$7,500, (vi) qualifying the Shares for inclusion in the book entry settlement system of DTC, (vii) the fees and expenses of any transfer
agent or registrar for the Shares and documented miscellaneous expenses referred to in the Registration Statement, (viii) the fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, (ix) making roadshow presentations, written
communications or Sales Materials with respect to the sale of the Shares, (x) preparing and distributing copies of the transaction documents
for the Underwriters and their legal counsel, (xi) the fees paid to Egan Jones Ratings Company in connection with the rating of the Shares,
and (xii) performing the Company’s other obligations hereunder. In addition to any fees that may be payable to the Underwriters
under this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for its reasonable expenses incurred in connection with its activities
under this Agreement, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP as counsel for the Underwriters,
in an amount up to $40,000 (inclusive of reimbursement pursuant to this Section 6(a)). It is understood and agreed that, except as provided
in this Section 6(a) and Section 6(b) hereof, the Underwriters shall pay all of their own costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements
of their counsel, and all travel, lodging and other expenses of the Underwriters or any of their employees incurred by them in connection
with any road show.
(b) If
this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company
to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Company shall be unable to perform
its obligations under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement
with respect to themselves, severally, for all documented out-of-pocket expenses (such as printing, facsimile, courier service, direct
computer expenses, accommodation, travel and fees and disbursements of Underwriters’ counsel, and any other advisors, accountants,
appraisers, etc.) reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
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7. |
Conditions of the Underwriters’ Obligations: |
The obligations of the
Underwriters hereunder to purchase Shares at the Closing Time or on each Option Closing Time, as applicable, are subject to the accuracy
of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company hereunder as of the Initial Sale Time and as of the Closing Time, and
on each Option Closing Time, as applicable, the performance by the Company and the Adviser of its obligations hereunder and to the satisfaction
of the following further conditions at the Closing Time or on each Option Closing Time, as applicable:
(a) the
Company shall furnish to the Underwriters at the Closing Time and on each Option Closing Time (i) an opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
LLP, counsel for the Company (“Company Counsel”), addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Time and such
Option Closing Time, substantially in the form in Exhibit A-1 and (ii) an opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP, counsel
for the Adviser, addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Time and such Option Closing Time, substantially in the form in
Exhibit A-2;
(b) the
Representative shall have received from the Company’s independent public accounting firm letters dated, respectively: (i) the date
of this Agreement; (ii) the Closing Time; and (iii) each Option Closing Time, if any, and addressed to the Representative, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Representative, containing statements and information of the type specified in Accounting Standards No.
6101: “Letters for Underwriters and Certain other Requesting Parties” issued by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants with respect to the financial statements, including any pro forma financial statements, if any, and certain financial information
of the Company and the Subsidiaries included in or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement,
the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and such other matters customarily covered by comfort letters issued in connection
with registered public offerings; provided, however, that the letters delivered at the Closing Time and each Option Closing
Time, if any, shall use a “cut-off” date no more than two (2) business days prior to such date of the Closing Time or such
Option Closing Time, as the case may be;
(c)
the Representative shall have received at the Closing Time and on each Option Closing Time the opinion of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP,
counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Time or such Option Closing Time, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance
satisfactory to the Representative;
(d) the
Company shall furnish to the Underwriters at the Initial Sale Time, the Closing Time and on each Option Closing Time, a certificate of
its Chief Financial Officer in the form and substance satisfactory to the Representative;
(e) no
amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus shall have been filed to which
the Underwriters shall have reasonably objected in writing;
(f) prior
to the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time: (i) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any
order preventing or suspending the use of the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus shall have been issued, and no proceedings
for such purpose shall have been initiated or threatened, by the Commission, and no suspension of the qualification of the Shares for
offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes, has occurred; and
(ii) all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction
of the Representative;
(g) all
filings with the Commission required by Rule 424(b) to have been filed by the Closing Time and each Option Closing Time, if any, shall
have been made within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by such Rule 424(b);
(h) between
the time of execution of this Agreement and the Closing Time or the applicable Option Closing Time, there shall not have been any Material
Adverse Change or Adviser Material Adverse Effect;
(i) the
Company shall have applied to have the Shares listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange;
(j) the
Company will have delivered, at the Closing Time and on each Option Closing Time, to the Underwriters a certificate of the Company signed
on its behalf by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, to the effect that:
(k) the
representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct, as if made on and as of the Closing Time or any
Option Closing Time, as applicable, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part
to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, as applicable;
(l) no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued and no
proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened under the Securities Act;
(m) to
the best of the signers’ knowledge, after reasonable investigation, when the Registration Statement became effective and at all
times subsequent thereto up to the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, as applicable, the representations and warranties in Sections
3(q), 3(r) and 3(s) were true and correct; and
(n) subsequent
to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus,
there has not been (a) any Material Adverse Change, (b) any transaction that is material to the Company, except transactions entered
into in the ordinary course of business, (c) any change in the capital stock or outstanding indebtedness of the Company that is material
to the Company, (d) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on the capital stock of the Company, or (e) any loss
or damage (whether or not insured) to the property of the Company which has been sustained or will have been sustained which has a Material
Adverse Effect;
(o) the
Adviser will have delivered, at the Closing Time and on each Option Closing Time, to the Underwriters a certificate of the Adviser signed
by an executive officer of the Adviser to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Adviser in this Agreement are true
and correct as if made on and as of the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, as applicable, and the Adviser has complied with all
the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time or any Option
Closing Time, as applicable;
(p) FINRA
shall not have raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements; and
(q) the
Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters such other documents and certificates as to the accuracy and completeness of any statement
in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the representations, warranties and statements of the
Company contained herein, and the performance by the Company of its covenants contained herein, and the fulfillment of any conditions
contained herein, as of the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, as the Underwriters may reasonably request.
(a) The
obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the Representative, at
any time prior to the Closing Time or any Option Closing Time, (i) if any of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof shall not have
been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement to be fulfilled, or (ii) if there has been since the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any Material Adverse Change, or
material change in management of the Company, or any development involving a prospective Material Adverse Change, whether or not arising
in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) if there has occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international
calamity or crisis or change in economic, political or other conditions, the effect of which on the United States or international financial
markets is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representative, impracticable to market the Shares or enforce contracts for the
sale of the Shares, or (iv) if trading in any securities of the Company has been suspended by the Commission or by the New York Stock
Exchange, or if trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended (including an automatic halt in trading pursuant
to market-decline triggers, other than those in which solely program trading is temporarily halted), or limitations on prices for trading
(other than limitations on hours or numbers of days of trading) have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been
required, by such exchange or FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other Governmental Authority, or (v) any action has been taken
by any federal, state, local or foreign government or agency in respect of its monetary or fiscal affairs which, in the reasonable opinion
of the Representative, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the securities markets in the United States,
or (vi) a downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Shares by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,”
as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, and such an organization shall have publicly
announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of the Shares.
(b) If
the Representative elects to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 8, the Company and the Underwriters shall be notified
promptly by telephone, promptly confirmed by e-mail.
(c) If
the sale to the Underwriters of the Shares, as contemplated by this Agreement, is not carried out by the Underwriters for any reason
permitted under this Agreement or if such sale is not carried out because the Company shall be unable to comply in all material respects
with any of the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall not be under any obligation or liability under this Agreement (except to the
extent provided in Section 6 and Section 11 hereof) and the Underwriters shall be under no obligation or liability to the Company under
this Agreement (except to the extent provided in Section 11 hereof) or to one another hereunder.
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9. |
Increase in Underwriters’ Commitments: |
If any Underwriter shall
default at the Closing Time or on any Option Closing Time in its obligation to take up and pay for the Shares to be purchased by it under
this Agreement on such date, the Representative shall use reasonable efforts, within thirty-six (36) hours after such default, to make
arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of
the Shares which such Underwriter shall have agreed but failed to take up and pay for (the “Defaulted Shares”). If,
during such thirty-six (36) hour period, the Representative shall not have made such arrangements, then the Company shall be entitled
to a further period of thirty-six (36) hours within which to make arrangements for another party or parties satisfactory to the Representative
to purchase the Defaulted Shares. Absent the completion of such arrangements within such thirty-six (36) hour period, (i) if the total
number of Defaulted Shares does not exceed 10% of the total number of Shares to be purchased on such date, each non-defaulting Underwriter
shall take up and pay for (in addition to the number of Shares which it is otherwise obligated to purchase on such date pursuant to this
Agreement) the portion of the total number of Shares agreed to be purchased by the defaulting Underwriter on such date in the proportion
that its underwriting obligations hereunder bears to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters; and (ii) if the
total number of Defaulted Shares exceeds 10% of the total number of Shares to be purchased on such date, the Representative may terminate
this Agreement by notice to the Company, without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 6 and
Section 10 hereof shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
Without relieving any defaulting
Underwriter from its obligations hereunder, the Company agrees with the non-defaulting Underwriters that it will not sell any Shares
hereunder on such date unless all of the Shares to be purchased on such date are purchased on such date by the Underwriters (or by substituted
underwriters selected by the Representative with the approval of the Company or selected by the Company with the approval of the Representative).
If a new underwriter or
underwriters are substituted for a defaulting Underwriter in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Company or the non-defaulting
Underwriters shall have the right to postpone the Closing Time or the applicable Option Closing Time for a period not exceeding five
(5) business days in order that any necessary changes in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and other documents may be effected.
The term “Underwriter”
as used in this Agreement shall refer to and include any underwriter substituted under this Section 9 with the same effect as if such
substituted underwriter had originally been named in this Agreement.
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10. |
Indemnity and Contribution by the Company and
the Underwriters: |
(a) Each
of the Company and the Adviser, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Underwriter and any person who
controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the respective
directors, officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter, from and against any loss, expense, liability, damage or claim (including
the reasonable cost of investigation) which, jointly or severally, any Underwriter or controlling person may incur under the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim arises out of or is based upon (i) any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment or part thereof),
the General Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials or the Prospectus, (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
required to be stated in any such Registration Statement, or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, (iii) any
omission or alleged omission from the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus of a material fact necessary to make the statements made
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iv) any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of any material fact contained in the Roadshow Material; except in each case of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above insofar as
any such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission of a material fact contained in and in conformity with the information set forth in the last sentence of
the first paragraph of Section 10(b). The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 10(a) shall be in addition to any liability which
the Company or the Adviser may otherwise have.
If any action is brought
against an Underwriter or controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company and the Adviser pursuant
to the foregoing paragraph, such Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company and the Adviser in writing of the institution of such
action, and the Company and the Adviser shall assume the defense of such action, including the employment of counsel and payment of expenses; provided,
however, that any failure or delay to notify the Company and the Adviser will not relieve the Company and the Adviser of any obligation
hereunder, except to the extent that its ability to defend is actually impaired by such failure or delay. Such Underwriter or controlling
person shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at
the expense of such Underwriter or such controlling person unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing
by the Company and the Adviser in connection with the defense of such action, or the Company and the Adviser shall not have employed
counsel to have charge of the defense of such action within a reasonable time after delivery of notice of such action or such indemnified
party or parties shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel) that there may be defenses available to it or them
which are different from or additional to those available to the Company and the Adviser (in which case the Company and the Adviser shall
not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events such fees
and expenses shall be borne by the Company and the Adviser and paid as incurred (it being understood, however, that the Company and the
Adviser shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys for the Underwriters or its controlling persons
in any one action or series of related actions in the same jurisdiction (other than local counsel in any such jurisdiction) representing
the indemnified parties who are parties to such action). Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company and
the Adviser shall not be liable for any settlement of any such claim or action effected without its consent.
(b) Each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Company, the Adviser, and each of
their respective partners, directors, managers, members and stockholders (as the case may be), and the Company’s officers that
signed the Registration Statement, and any person who controls the Company and/or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense, liability, damage or claim (including the
reasonable cost of investigation) which the Company or the Adviser or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment or part thereof),
the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus, (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated
in any such Registration Statement, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any omission or alleged
omission from the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus of a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but in each case only insofar as such untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such Registration Statement, General Disclosure Package or Prospectus
in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the
Representative to the Company expressly for use therein. The following statements in the General Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus constitute the only information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representative to the Company
for purposes of Section 3(q), Section 3(r) and this Section 10: (A) the names of the Underwriters set forth on the cover page and
back page of the Prospectus, on pages 150 and 151, (B) the first and second sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 152, (C) the
first sentence of the first paragraph on page 153, (D) the first sentence of the second paragraph on page 153, and (E) the seventh
paragraph on page 153.
If any action is brought
against the Company, the Adviser or any such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter pursuant to the
foregoing paragraph, the Company, the Adviser or such person shall promptly notify the Representative in writing of the institution of
such action, and the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, shall assume the defense of such action, including the employment
of counsel and payment of expenses; provided, however, that any failure or delay to so notify the Representative will not
relieve the Representative or any Underwriter of any obligation hereunder, except to the extent that the Representative’s ability
to defend is actually impaired by such failure or delay. The Company, the Adviser or such person shall have the right to employ its own
counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company, the Adviser or such person
unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Representative in connection with the defense of such
action or the Representative shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the defense of such action within a reasonable time after
delivery of notice of such action or such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel)
that there may be defenses available to it or them which are different from or additional to those available to the Underwriters (in
which case the Representative shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties),
in any of which events such fees and expenses shall be borne by such Underwriter and paid as incurred (it being understood, however,
that the Underwriters shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys in any one action or series of
related actions in the same jurisdiction (other than local counsel in any such jurisdiction) representing the indemnified parties who
are parties to such action). Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, no Underwriter shall be liable for any settlement
of any such claim or action effected without the written consent of the Representative.
(c) If
the indemnification provided for in this Section 10 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsections
(a) and (b) of this Section 10 in respect of any losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims referred to therein, then each applicable
indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified
party as a result of such losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the Company, the Adviser and the Underwriters from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if (but only if) the allocation
provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative
benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, the Adviser and of the Underwriters in connection
with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total proceeds from the Offering (net of underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the
Company and the total bear to the underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the
table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault of the Company, the Adviser and of the Underwriters shall be determined
by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged
omission relates to information supplied by the Company, the Adviser or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge,
access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result
of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably
incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any claim or action.
(d) The
Company, the Adviser and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 10 were
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation
which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in subsection (c)(i) and, if applicable, subsection (c)(ii),
above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Shares purchased by such Underwriter. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 10 are several in proportion
to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.
(e) No
party shall be entitled to indemnification under this Section 10 if such indemnification of such party would violate Section 17(i) of
the 1940 Act.
The indemnity and contribution
agreements contained in Section 10 and the covenants, warranties and representations of the Company contained in Section 3, Section 5
and Section 6 of this Agreement and the warranties and representations of the Adviser contained in Section 3, Section 4 and Section 5
shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, or any person who controls
any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the respective directors,
officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Company, its directors and officers, or any person who controls
the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and shall survive any termination
of this Agreement or the sale and delivery of the Shares. The Company and each Underwriter agree promptly to notify the others of the
commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it and, in the case of the Company, against any of the Company’s officers
and directors, in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares, or in connection with the Registration Statement, the
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.
Nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the parties. The Underwriters undertake to perform
such duties and obligations only as expressly set forth herein. Such duties and obligations of the Underwriters with respect to the Shares
shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Agreement, and the Underwriters shall not be liable except for the performance
of such duties and obligations with respect to the Shares as are specifically set forth in this Agreement. The Company acknowledges and
agrees that: (i) the purchase and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the public offering price
of the Shares and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the
one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, and the Company is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands
and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) in connection with each transaction
contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is
not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary of the Company or its affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other party;
(iii) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect
to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or
is currently advising the Company on other matters); and (iv) the several Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged
in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company and that the several Underwriters have
no obligation to disclose any of such interests. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters disclaim any implied duties (including
any fiduciary duty), covenants or obligations arising from the Underwriters’ performance of the duties and obligations expressly
set forth herein. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have
against the several Underwriters with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.
Except as otherwise herein
provided, all statements, requests, notices and agreements shall be in writing and, if to the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all
respects if delivered to the Representative at Lucid Capital Markets, LLC, 570
Lexington Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Jeffrey Caliva,
with a copy to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, 1919 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20006, Attention: Vlad M. Bulkin; if to
the Company, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered to the Company at the offices of the Company at 747 Third Avenue, Suite
3603, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Kelvin Ho, with a copy to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20004-2541, Attention: Thomas S. Harman.
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14. |
Governing Law; Headings: |
This Agreement shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles. The
section headings in this Agreement have been inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a part of this Agreement.
The Agreement herein set
forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company, the Adviser and the controlling persons, directors
and officers referred to in Section 10 and Section 11 hereof, and their respective successors, assigns, executors and administrators.
No other person, partnership, association or corporation (including a purchaser, as such purchaser, from any of the Underwriters) shall
acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement.
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16. |
Counterparts and Electronic Signatures: |
This Agreement may be signed
by the parties in counterparts which together shall constitute one and the same agreement among the parties. An electronic signature
shall constitute an original signature for all purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
If the foregoing correctly
sets forth the understanding among the Company and the Adviser on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, please so indicate
in the space provided below for the purpose, whereupon this Agreement shall constitute a binding agreement among the Company and the
Adviser on the one hand, and each of the Underwriters on the other.
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Very truly yours, |
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PEARL DIVER CREDIT COMPANY INC. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Pearl Diver Capital LLP |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
[Signature Page to the Underwriting Agreement]
Accepted and agreed to as
of the date first above written: |
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Lucid Capital Markets, LLC |
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For itself and as Representative of the other |
Underwriters named on Schedule I hereto. |
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By: |
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_____________________________ |
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Name: Jeffrey Caliva |
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Title: Managing Director |
[Signature Page to the Underwriting Agreement]
Schedule I
Name of Underwriter |
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Aggregate Number of Firm
Shares To Be Purchased |
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Lucid
Capital Markets, LLC |
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Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC |
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|
Total |
|
|
|
Schedule II
Pearl Diver Credit Company
Inc.
[●]% Series A Term
Preferred Stock Due 2029
(Liquidation Preference $25.00
per share)
Pricing Term Sheet
[●], 2024
Issuer: |
Pearl
Diver Credit Company Inc. |
Title
of the Securities: |
[●]% Series A Term
Preferred Stock Due 2029 (the “Series A Term Preferred Stock”) |
Rating*: |
Egan-Jones Ratings Company:
[●] |
Initial
Number of Shares Being Offered: |
[●] |
Option: |
The underwriters may purchase
from the Issuer up to an additional [●] Shares, within 30 days. |
Initial
Public Offering Price: |
$25.00 liquidation preference
per Share; $[●] in aggregate liquidation preference (assuming the underwriters’ option is not exercised) |
Underwriting
Discount: |
$[●] per Share;
$[●] total (assuming the underwriters’ option is not exercised) |
Net
Proceeds to the Issuer, before Expenses: |
$[●] per Share;
$[●] total (assuming the underwriters’ option is not exercised); $[●] total (if the underwriters’ option
is exercised in full) |
Trade
Date: |
[●], 2024 |
Original
Issue Date: |
[●], 2024 (T + [●]) |
Mandatory
Term Redemption Date: |
[●], 2029 |
Dividend
Rate: |
[●]% per annum |
Dividend
Payment Date: |
Dividends will be payable
monthly in arrears on the last business day of every month. |
Dividend
Period: |
The initial dividend period
for the Series A Term Preferred Stock will be the period from [●], 2024, to, but excluding, [●], 2024. The subsequent
dividend periods will be the period from and including a dividend payment date to, but excluding, the next dividend payment date
or the stated maturity, as the case may be. |
Regular
Record Dates for Dividend: |
The record date for the
initial dividend period will be [●], 2024. Dividends with respect to any monthly dividend period will be declared and paid
to holders of record of Series A Term Preferred Stock as their names appear on the registration books at the close of business on
the applicable record date, which will be a date designated by the board of directors that is not more than twenty (20) nor less
than seven (7) calendar days prior to the applicable dividend payment date. |
Business
Days: |
Each
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. |
Optional Redemption: |
The
Series A Term Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time on or after [●], 2026, in the Issuer’s sole option, in whole
or, from time to time, in part, out of funds legally available for such redemption, at the Liquidation Preference plus an amount
equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such Shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such
dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. |
Listing: |
The
Issuer intends to list the Shares on the NYSE and expects trading to begin within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading
symbol “PDPA.” |
CUSIP
/ ISIN: |
[●]
/ [●] |
Lead
Bookrunner: |
Lucid
Capital Markets, LLC |
Joint
Bookrunners: |
Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC
[●] |
Transfer
Agent: |
SS&C
GIDS, Inc. |
* Note: Egan-Jones Ratings
Company is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell
or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.
Exhibit A-1
Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Exhibit A-2
Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Exhibit 99.(l)
December 10, 2024
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
747 Third Avenue, Suite 3603
New York, New York 10017
Re: |
Registration Statement
on Form N-2 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
(the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, in connection with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File
Nos. 333-282878; 811-23912) as originally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on October
29, 2024 and as subsequently amended on or about the date hereof (the “Registration Statement”), relating to the proposed
issuance by the Company of shares (collectively, the “Shares”) of its Series A Term Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per
share (the “Preferred Stock”), to be sold to underwriters pursuant to an underwriting agreement substantially in the form
filed as exhibit (h) to the Registration Statement (the “Underwriting Agreement”). You have requested that we deliver this
opinion to you in connection with the Company’s filing of the Registration Statement.
In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have
examined the following documents:
| (a) | A certificate of the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary of State”), dated as of a recent
date, as to the legal existence and good standing of the Company; |
| (b) | A copy of the Company’s Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State
on November 4, 2024 (the “Certificate of Incorporation”); |
| (c) | A copy of the Company’s Bylaws
(the “Bylaws”); |
| (d) | certain resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) authorizing the issuance of the
Shares (the “Resolutions”), each certified by an authorized officer of the Company; |
| (e) | a form of the Underwriting Agreement;
and |
| (f) | a printer’s proof of the Registration
Statement. |
|
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius llp |
|
|
|
|
|
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW |
|
|
Washington, DC 20004 |
+1.202.739.3000 |
|
United States |
+1.202.739.3001 |
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
December 10, 2024
Page 2
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of
all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, including conformed copies, the authenticity
and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form, and the legal competence of each individual executing
any document. We have assumed that the Registration Statement, as filed with the Commission, will be in substantially the form of
the printer’s proof referred to in paragraph (f) above. We also have assumed for the purposes of this opinion that, with respect
to matters relating to the Shares, the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Resolutions will not have been amended, modified or
withdrawn, and will be in full force and effect on the date of the issuance of such Shares.
This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents
listed above and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion and such investigation
of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have
assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth in such documents.
This opinion is limited solely to the Delaware General Corporation
Law to the extent that the same may apply to or govern the transactions referred to herein, and we express no opinion with respect to
the laws of any other jurisdiction or to any other laws of the State of Delaware. No opinion is given herein as to the choice of law
that any tribunal may apply to such transactions. In addition, to the extent that the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws refer
to, incorporate or require compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), or any other
law or regulation applicable to the Company, except for the internal substantive laws of the State of Delaware, as aforesaid, we have
assumed compliance by the Company with the 1940 Act and such other laws and regulations.
We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and
limitations are acceptable to you.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised
that it is our opinion that when (i) the Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and (ii)
the Shares are (a) issued and delivered against receipt by the Company of payment therefor at a price per Share not less than the par
value per Share as contemplated by the Registration Statement and the prospectus contained therein and in accordance with the terms of
the Underwriting Agreement and (b) if applicable, countersigned by the transfer agent, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid,
and nonassessable under the laws of the State of Delaware.
This opinion is given as of the date hereof and we assume
no obligation to update this opinion to reflect any changes in law or any other facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our
attention. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our
name in the Registration Statement. In rendering this opinion and giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Exhibit 99.(n)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-2
of our report dated March 22, 2024, relating to the financial statements of Pearl Diver Credit Company, LLC appearing in the Statement
of Additional Information, which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading “Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm”, in the Statement of Additional Information, which is part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Costa Mesa, California
December 10, 2024
Exhibit 99.(s)
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form N-2
(Form Type)
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc.
(Exact Name of
Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly
Registered and Carry Forward Securities
|
Security
Type |
Security
Class
Title |
Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule |
Amount
Registered |
Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price
Per
Unit |
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1) |
Fee
Rate |
Amount of
Registration
Fee |
Carry
Forward
Form
Type |
Carry
Forward
File
Number |
Carry
Forward
Initial
effective
date |
Filing Fee
Previously Paid in
Connection with
Unsold Securities to
be Carried
Forward |
Newly Registered Securities |
Fees to Be
Paid |
Equity |
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
457(o) |
1,340,000(2) |
$25.00 |
$33,500,000
(1)(2) |
153.10 |
$5,128.85 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Fees
Previously
Paid |
Equity |
Preferred
Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
N/A |
- |
$25.00 |
$1,000,000 |
153.10 |
$153.10 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Total Offering Amounts |
|
$34,500,000 |
|
$5,281.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees Previously Paid |
|
|
|
$153.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fee Offsets |
|
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Fee Due |
|
|
|
$5,128.85 |
|
|
|
|
(1)
The registration fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”), based on the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
(2)
Includes shares of preferred stock that may be issued pursuant to the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
v3.24.3
N-2
|
Dec. 10, 2024 |
Cover [Abstract] |
|
|
Entity Central Index Key |
0001998043
|
|
Amendment Flag |
false
|
|
Entity Inv Company Type |
N-2
|
|
Investment Company Act File Number |
811-23912
|
|
Document Type |
N-2/A
|
|
Investment Company Act Registration |
true
|
|
Investment Company Registration Amendment |
true
|
|
Investment Company Registration Amendment Number |
7
|
|
Entity Registrant Name |
Pearl Diver Credit Co Inc.
|
|
Entity Address, Address Line One |
747 Third Avenue
|
|
Entity Address, Address Line Two |
Suite 3603
|
|
Entity Address, City or Town |
New York
|
|
Entity Address, State or Province |
NY
|
|
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
10017
|
|
City Area Code |
(833)
|
|
Local Phone Number |
736-6777
|
|
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to Public |
As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
|
|
Dividend or Interest Reinvestment Plan Only |
false
|
|
Delayed or Continuous Offering |
false
|
|
Primary Shelf [Flag] |
false
|
|
Effective Upon Filing, 462(e) |
false
|
|
Additional Securities Effective, 413(b) |
false
|
|
Effective when Declared, Section 8(c) |
false
|
|
New Effective Date for Previous Filing |
false
|
|
Additional Securities. 462(b) |
false
|
|
No Substantive Changes, 462(c) |
false
|
|
Exhibits Only, 462(d) |
false
|
|
Registered Closed-End Fund [Flag] |
true
|
|
Business Development Company [Flag] |
false
|
|
Interval Fund [Flag] |
false
|
|
Primary Shelf Qualified [Flag] |
false
|
|
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer |
No
|
|
Entity Emerging Growth Company |
false
|
|
New CEF or BDC Registrant [Flag] |
true
|
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
|
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
Investment Strategy
Our primary investment objective is to maximize
our portfolio’s total return with a secondary objective to generate high current income. CLOs represent an efficient way for investors
to access diversified portfolios of broadly syndicated secures loans. We seek to invest in CLO securities that the Adviser believes have
the potential to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and to outperform other similar CLO securities issued within the respective
vintage period, in the primary CLO market (i.e., acquiring securities at the inception of a CLO), as well as in the secondary CLO
market (i.e., acquiring existing CLO securities). We intend to pursue a differentiated strategy within the CLO equity market premised
upon the Adviser’s strong emphasis on assessing the skill of CLO collateral managers, analysis of CLO structure and application
of fundamental credit analysis to analyze the collateral loans of each CLO investment. In addition, the Adviser intends to leverage its
CLO structuring expertise and deep experience in negotiations of CLO documents in order to optimize for CLO investment returns.
We will seek to achieve our investment objectives
by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs, where underlying corporate debt is primarily senior secured floating-rate
debt, issued by US companies. We may also invest in other securities and instruments that are related to these investments or that the
Adviser believes are consistent with our investment objectives, including, senior debt tranches of CLOs and CLO Warehouse first loss investments.
The amount that we will invest in other securities and instruments will vary from time to time and, as such, may constitute a material
part of our portfolio on any given date, based on the Adviser’s assessment of prevailing market conditions.
The Adviser’s Investment Team utilizes a
variety of methods to proactively source and analyze investments, including leveraging its Investment Team’s industry experience
and extensive network of contacts, performing due diligence on, and engaging in bilateral discussions with CLO collateral managers. The
Adviser’s proprietary quantitative techniques and investment opportunity scraping allows Adviser’s Investment Team to benchmark
CLO collateral manager performance and relative value of each investment opportunity on an ongoing basis while having fully integrated
in-house fundamental credit analysis for each underlying loan. We believe that our highly agile and quantitative approach allows us to
quickly react and adapt to emerging market opportunities and effectively seek relative value in CLO equity investing.
The Company has adopted a non-fundamental investment
policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the
amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in credit instruments. The Company defines “credit instruments” as financial
instruments the performance of which is derived from the performance of senior secured loans or pools thereof. Instruments that the company
considers to be “credit instruments” include, but is not limited to, senior, mezzanine, and junior debt tranches of CLOs,
equity tranches of CLOs, and CLO warehouses.
The Company may acquire (i) CLO equity positions
via primary market transactions, (ii) CLO equity positions via secondary market transactions, and (iii) positions of CLO junior debt in
primary and secondary market. In acquiring these investments, the Company may employ leverage. When the Company makes a significant investment
in a particular CLO equity tranche, we expect to be generally able to influence the CLO’s key terms and conditions (if acquired
in the primary market). Additionally, the Adviser believes that the protective rights associated with holding a substantial position in
a CLO equity tranche (such as the ability to call the CLO after the non-call period, to refinance/reprice certain CLO debt tranches after
a period of time and to influence potential amendments to the governing documents that may arise) may reduce the risk and enhance returns
in these investments. The Company may acquire a substantial position in a CLO tranche directly or we may benefit from the advantages of
such a position where both the Company and other accounts managed by the Adviser collectively hold a substantial position, subject to
any restrictions on the ability to invest alongside such other accounts. The Company may also transact in derivative or other instruments
for the purposes of hedging the portfolio, or to manage risks.
CLO Overview
CLO Structure
We intend to pursue an investment strategy focused
on investing primarily in (i) positions in CLO equity tranches acquired in both primary and secondary market transactions; (ii) CLO debt
tranches; and (iii) other related investments. CLOs are securitization vehicles backed by diversified pools of mostly broadly syndicated
senior secured corporate loans. Such pools of underlying assets are often referred to as CLO “collateral.” While portfolios
of most CLOs consist of broadly syndicated senior secured loans, many CLOs enable the CLO collateral manager to invest up to 10% of the
portfolio in second lien loans, unsecured loans, senior secured bonds, and senior unsecured bonds.
CLOs fund the purchase of their portfolios through
the issuance of equity and debt securities in the form of multiple, primarily floating rate, debt tranches. The CLO debt tranches typically
are rated “AAA” (or its equivalent) at the most senior level down to “BB” or “B” (or its equivalent),
which is below-investment grade, at the junior level by a nationally-recognized rating agency. The interest rate on the CLO debt tranches
is the lowest at the AAA-level and generally increases at each level down the rating scale. The CLO equity tranche is unrated and typically
represents approximately 7% to 10% of a CLO’s capital structure. Below is an illustration to reflect a typical CLO in the market.
CLOs have two priority-of-payment schedules (commonly
called “waterfalls”), which are detailed in a CLO’s indenture and which govern how cash generated from a CLO’s
underlying collateral is distributed to the CLO’s debt and equity investors. One waterfall (the interest waterfall) applies to interest
payments received on a CLO’s underlying collateral. The second waterfall (the principal waterfall) applies to cash generated from
principal on the underlying collateral, primarily through loan repayments and the proceeds from loan sales. Through the interest waterfall,
any excess interest-related cashflow available - after the required quarterly interest payments to CLO debt investors are made and certain
CLO expenses (such as administration and collateral management fees) are paid - is then distributed to the CLO’s equity investors
each quarter, subject to compliance with certain tests. The equity tranche represents the first-loss position, but is entitles to all
of residual interest and principal collections from the underlying assets and therefore exposes investors to relatively higher risk than
the more senior tranches but allows for greater potential upside.
Underlying Assets of CLOs
CLOs are generally required to hold a
portfolio of assets that is highly diversified by underlying borrower and industry and that is subject to a variety of asset
concentration limitations. Most CLOs are non-static, revolving structures that allow for reinvestment over a specific period of time
(the “reinvestment period”, which is typically up to five years). The terms and covenants of a typical CLO structure
are, with certain exceptions, based primarily on the cashflow generated by, and the par value (as opposed to the market price) of
the collateral. These covenants include collateral coverage tests, interest coverage tests, and collateral quality tests.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are typically
originated and structured by banks on behalf of corporate borrowers with proceeds often used for leveraged buyout transactions, mergers
and acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and financing capital expenditures.
Broadly syndicated senior secured loans are
typically distributed by the arranging bank to a diverse group of investors primarily consisting of: CLOs, senior secured loan and high
yield bond mutual funds and closed-end funds, hedge funds, banks, insurance companies, and finance companies. CLOs currently represent
50%-75% of the demand for newly issued highly leveraged loans, according to S&P Capital IQ. Senior secured loans are floating rate
instruments, typically making quarterly interest payments based on a spread over a benchmark rate, which is generally currently the SOFR.
As floating rate instruments, they reduce some of the interest rate risk associated with fixed rate securities, especially in a period
of rising rates. Senior secured loans are secured by a first priority pledge of a company’s assets. Senior secured loans are protected
by sitting at the top of a corporate capital structure and cushioned by any subordinated debt or equity issued by the company. Senior
secured loans are also prepayable and typically prepay on average 30% per year, per LCD.
We believe that the attractive historical performance
of CLO securities is attributable, in part, to the relatively low historical average default rate and relatively high historical average
recovery rate on senior secured loans, which comprise the vast majority of most CLO portfolios.
A CLO’s indenture typically requires that
the maturity dates of a CLO’s assets (typically five to eight years from the date of issuance of a senior secured loan) be shorter
than the maturity date of the CLO’s liabilities (typically 12 to 13 years from the date of issuance). However, CLO investors do
face reinvestment risk with respect to a CLO’s underlying portfolio. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments
- We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.”
Most CLOs generally allow for reinvestment over
a specific period of time (the “reinvestment period,” which is typically up to five years). Specifically, CLO collateral managers
may, based on their discretion and expertise, adjust a CLO’s portfolio over time, though such discretion is typically constrained
by asset eligibility and diversification criteria set out in the CLO’s indenture. We believe that skilled CLO collateral managers
can add significant value to both CLO debt and equity investors through a combination of their credit expertise and a strong understanding
of how to manage effectively within the rules-based structure of a CLO.
After the CLO’s reinvestment period has
ended, in accordance with the CLO’s principal waterfall, cash generated from principal payments or other proceeds are distributed
to repay CLO debt investors in order of seniority. That is, the AAA tranche investors are repaid first, the AA tranche investors second,
and so on, with any remaining principal being distributed to the equity tranche investors. In limited instances, principal may be reinvested
after the end of the reinvestment period.
CLOs contain structural features and covenants
designed to enhance the credit protection of CLO debt investors, including overcollateralization tests and interest coverage tests. The
overcollateralization tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of overcollateralization (measured as par value of assets compared
to principal amount of liabilities, subject to certain adjustments). Interest coverage tests require CLOs to maintain certain levels of
interest coverage (measured as expected interest revenues on the assets compared to interest payments on the liabilities). If a CLO breaches
an overcollateralization test or interest coverage test, excess interest-related cash flow that would otherwise be available for distribution
to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to prepay CLO debt investors in order of seniority until such time as the covenant breach
is cured. If the covenant breach is not or cannot be cured, the CLO equity investors (and potentially other debt tranche investors) may
experience a deferral of cashflow, a partial or total loss of their investment and/or the CLO may eventually experience an event of default.
For this reason, CLO equity investors are often referred to as being in a first loss position. The Adviser will have no control over whether
or not the CLO is able to satisfy its relevant interest coverage tests or overcollateralization tests.
CLOs also typically have interest diversion tests,
which also acts to ensure that CLOs maintain adequate overcollateralization. If a CLO breaches an interest diversion test, excess interest-related
cashflow that would otherwise be available for distribution to the CLO equity tranche investors is diverted to acquire new loan collateral
until the test is satisfied. Such diversion would lead to payments to the equity investors being delayed and/or reduced while the test
breach is continuing. Once the breach has been cured, the CLO may have more assets and so the cash flow to the CLO equity tranche may
be higher than they were previously.
Cashflow CLOs do not have mark-to-market triggers
and, with limited exceptions (such assets rated “CCC+” or lower (or their equivalent) to the extent such assets exceed a specified
concentration limit, deeply discounted purchases and defaulted assets), CLO covenants are generally calculated using the par value of
collateral, not the market value or purchase price. As a result, a decrease in the market price of a CLO’s performing collateral
portfolio does not generally result in a requirement for the CLO collateral manager to sell assets (i.e., no forced sales) or for
CLO equity investors to contribute additional capital (i.e., no margin calls).
CLO Market Opportunity
We believe knowledgeable and experienced investors
with specialized experienced in CLO securities can earn an attractive risk-adjusted return through investments in CLOs.
The Adviser intends to focus our investments in
CLO Equity.
We believe that CLO equity has the following attractive
fundamental attributes:
| • | Potential for strong absolute and risk-adjusted returns: We believe that CLO equity offers
a potential total return profile that is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis compared to other asset classes over the long-term. |
| • | Protection against rising interest
rates: A CLO’s asset portfolio typically comprises floating rate loans and
the CLO’s liabilities are also predominantly floating rate instruments. CLO equity
provides potential protection against rising interest rates. However, our investments are
still subject to other forms of interest rate risk. For a discussion of the interest rate
risks associated with our investments, see “Risk Factors - Risks
Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to interest rate
risk” and “- CLO Overview.” |
| • | Senior secured nature of the collateral: The primary attributes of senior secured loans
typically include a senior position in a company’s capital structure (there is a cushion provided by subordinated equity and debt
capital). The holder of a senior secured loan has the first lien security interest in a company’s assets. In general, senior secured
loans have a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 40% to 60% at the time of origination based on a borrower’s assessed enterprise
value. |
CLO securities are also subject to a number of
risks as discussed elsewhere in this “Prospectus Summary” section and in more detail in the “Risk
Factors” section of this prospectus. Among our primary targeted investments, the risks associated with CLO equity are generally
greater than those associated with CLO debt.
Our Competitive Advantages
We believe that we are well positioned to take
advantage of investment opportunities in CLO securities and related investments due to the following competitive advantages:
| • | Experienced and specialist investors in CLO securities. The Adviser focuses solely on CLO
securities and related investments. The Adviser benefits from having a team of investment professionals with more than 144 years of collective
experience in analyzing, structuring and trading securitized products. As a “pure play” CLO investor, the Adviser only invests
in CLO tranches and does not invest in any other form of securitization such as mortgages, credit card receivables or student loans. Further,
in order to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, the Adviser does not serve as the collateral manager for CLOs. |
| • | Track record. The Adviser began managing CLO focused investment funds in 2008 and, as of
the date of this prospectus, provides investment management services to ten funds comprising the Pearl Diver platform. Since 2008, the
Adviser has established a track record of selecting profitable investments with default rates in the underlying collateral pool lower
than the average rate for the broader loan market. |
| • | Methodical investment process. The Adviser uses a look-through approach which includes in-depth
credit analysis of the corporate debt assets in the collateral pool underlying each CLO as well as a highly automated structural analytics
for generating projected CLO cash flows under a variety of stressed scenarios. The precise duration of each CLO is estimated using proprietary
duration simulation algorithms. The Adviser employs a proprietary Machine Learning generated data lake that records and benchmarks every
CLO manager’s style and alpha creation metrics continually, helping in the construction of balanced and diversified CLO tranche
portfolios. |
In addition, the Adviser uses a process and model,
for ongoing risk management and monitoring of all the portfolio of investments under management. This involves continued credit analysis
and monitoring of the underlying collateral portfolios inside CLOs, combined with monitoring and reviews of the structural aspects of
each CLO, including the evolution of the various tests and triggers inside CLOs. In essence, the Adviser’s highly differentiated
quantitative approach allows for pricing of every single CLO tranche in the market on a daily basis, allowing the Adviser to take a “relative
value” approach to all CLO investments.
| • | Identification of investment opportunities. The Adviser has extensive relationships at banks,
other funds, brokerage houses and other participants in the securitized products market. Through these relationships, the Adviser is notified
of a wide range of investment opportunities in CLOs and other securitized products. These investment opportunities are notified to the
Adviser either in the course of particular auction processes or as part of private bilateral negotiations with investors or financial
institutions that may hold, or wish to offer or exit, structured credit investments. The Adviser employs a proprietary NLP based Investment
Origination Engine that automates origination and selection of investments from the secondary markets via auctions and over-the-counter
direct trades. The Investment Origination Engine incorporates a memory of relevant trades and pricing information related to the trades
of CLO tranches over time, allowing the Adviser to approach the market in a highly informed manner. |
| • | Efficient vehicle for gaining exposure to CLO securities. We believe our closed-end fund
structure allows the Adviser to take a long-term view from a portfolio management perspective and allows investors to access liquidity
through the exchange. As such, the Adviser can focus principally on maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of stockholders
without the need to liquidate fund assets to meet redemptions. |
The Adviser has historically focused considerable
time and attention seeking to maximize value within their CLO equity tranche portfolios through CLO refinancings and resets. In a CLO
refinancing, typically only the interest rate spread on a CLO’s debt tranches are reduced, and most other terms of the CLO remain
unchanged. The reduction of a CLO’s cost of debt accrues to the benefit of the CLO’s equity investors, such as the Company.
In a CLO reset, the CLO’s indenture, which
sets forth the terms governing the CLO, is “re-opened” (e.g., the terms of the indenture and the various tranches of
the CLO can be re-negotiated). Among other potential benefits, resetting a CLO renews the reinvestment period on the CLO, typically by
up to five years. We believe that the ability to lengthen the term of our investments in CLO equity tranches is a key benefit of our permanent
structure and we believe many limited-life investment vehicles are not fully able to capture the value of this benefit.
In both resets and refinancings, there are one-time
transaction costs (e.g., dealer fees, attorney fees, and related costs) which typically reduce the next scheduled distribution
to the CLO’s equity tranche. The Adviser, when deciding whether or not to effect a refinancing or reset of a CLO, performs a cost-benefit
analysis that takes these costs into account. In general, a refinancing or reset of a CLO can increase cashflows to the equity positions
held by the Company by lowering the cost of the CLO’s liabilities.
| • | Long-term investment horizon. We believe in a long-term investment horizon for our portfolio.
We seek to maximize the reinvestment periods of our CLOs wherever possible in the primary market. We also plan to extend, wherever appropriate,
the reinvestment periods of CLOs we own in the portfolio today. We do not plan to purchase CLOs with the primary goal to “flip,”
or trade in the short term, positions that we purchase.
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We believe that the long-term capital structure
of our vehicle confers a number of advantages on our core strategy. First, as a result of our permanent, closed-end structure, we are
not subject to any mandatory liquidation, dissolution or wind-up requirement and, therefore, the Adviser will never have to involuntarily
liquidate a given position to meet a redemption. Involuntary liquidations of positions at inopportune times can often lead to a poor investment
outcome for those positions in particular, but also for the portfolio as a whole, disadvantaging certain investors who do not redeem at
the same time. Second, the Adviser can take a long-term view to making new investments that may not, in the short term, provide high income
relative to their costs. Such CLO investments can often create robust returns through capital appreciation in their underlying loan portfolios
rather than through high current income. Finally, our vehicle allows us to manage our portfolio to provide stable yields through market
cycles. As we rarely will seek to liquidate positions, the current market value of our portfolio is not of primary concern. Rather, we
seek to maximize the dividend yield and ultimate return to our stockholders. In cases where the Adviser believes a position’s future
cashflows will provide an appropriate return to our stockholders, even if the current market price of that position is low, the Adviser
can retain the position in the portfolio to create yield rather than decide to sell the position to prevent short-term NAV deterioration.
Over time, this creates, in our opinion, a better opportunity to create a stable dividend stream for our investors.
| • | Efficient tax structure. A closed-end management investment company typically does not incur
significant entity-level tax costs, because it is generally entitled to deduct distributions to its stockholders. As a result, a closed-end
management investment company will generally not incur any U.S. federal income tax costs, so long as the closed-end management investment
company qualifies as a RIC and distributes all of its income to its stockholders on a current basis. |
| • | Portfolio level monitoring. Our portfolio monitoring comprises a number of methods. The
Adviser uses standard industry technology to analyze and monitor our positions. Such technology includes an industry leading CLO database
and cashflow “engine,” or generator, and other analytics suites used to compare CLOs across the market and run cashflow projections
and other metrics. We also use other proprietary software and databases to evaluate and model investments on a daily basis. The Adviser,
on behalf of its clients, also uses its position as a majority equity holder in CLOs to have periodic updates with the various CLO managers,
which often take the form of a credit review of the underlying loan portfolio. Finally, the Adviser uses its market relationships to contextualize
the performance of a given CLO relative to its vintage, its competitors, and to the leveraged loan market at the time. |
The Adviser’s experience and its proprietary,
technology driven quantitative investment processes are expected to play a key role in enabling identification and sourcing of appropriate
CLO investments in an agile manner while uncovering relative value. The closed-end fund structure will allow the Adviser to take a long-term
view from a portfolio management perspective while allowing investors access liquidity through the exchange. As such, the Adviser can
focus principally on maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of stockholders.
Other Investment Techniques
Leverage. We may use leverage to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We are permitted to obtain leverage using any form of financial leverage instruments, including
funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions, margin facilities, notes, or preferred stock, and leverage attributable to
reverse repurchase agreements or similar transactions. The Company intends to use relatively limited amounts of leverage (generally expected
to consist of borrowing or the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities generally within a range of approximately 25% to 35% of
the fair value of the Company's total assets). in order to optimize the returns to our stockholders. We seek to use appropriate leverage
that enhances returns without creating undue risk in the portfolio in the case that the CLO market weakens. Over time, the Adviser may
decide that it is appropriate to use more leverage to purchase assets or for other purposes, or to reduce leverage by repaying any outstanding
facilities.
We currently anticipate incurring leverage generally
within a range of approximately 25% to 35% of our total assets (as determined immediately after the leverage is incurred) by entering
into a credit facility or through the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities, soon after this offering and within the first twelve
months following the completion of this offering. We plan to obtain revolving facilities that will allow us to draw capital in the case
that current cash available to pay dividends is lower than our anticipated run-rate cash dividend, or in the case that asset values in
the CLO market fall in a way as to make new investments attractive, in which case we may incur leverage in excess of approximately 25%
to 35% of our total assets. The Adviser would decide whether or not it is beneficial to us to use leverage at any given time. Such facilities
would be committed, but subject to certain restrictions that may not allow us to draw capital even if the Adviser deems it favorable to
do so. Such facilities, if drawn, would become senior in priority to our common stock. The facilities would also earn an undrawn commitment
fee that we would pay on an ongoing basis, regardless of whether we draw on the facilities or not.
Instruments that create leverage are generally
considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowing
or deemed borrowings), other than temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset
coverage of at least 300%, as measured at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities
and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness.
With respect to senior securities that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Term Preferred Stock),
we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares
of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities)
over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of
any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
In connection with any credit facility, the lender
may impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. The credit facility fees may include upfront structuring fees and ongoing
commitment fees (including fees on amounts undrawn on the facility) in addition to the traditional interest expense on amounts borrowed.
The credit facility may involve a lien on our assets. Similarly, to the extent we issue shares of preferred stock or notes, we may be
subject to fees, covenants, and investment restrictions required by a national securities rating agency, as a result. Such covenants and
restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent
than those imposed on us by the 1940 Act. While it is not anticipated that these covenants or restrictions will significantly impede the
Adviser in managing our portfolio in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, if these covenants or guidelines are more
restrictive than those imposed by the 1940 Act, we would not be able to utilize as much leverage as we otherwise could have, which could
reduce our investment returns. In addition, we expect that any notes we issue or credit facility we enter into would contain covenants
that may impose geographic exposure limitations, credit quality minimums, liquidity minimums, concentration limitations, and currency
hedging requirements on us. These covenants would also likely limit our ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional
debt, change fundamental investment policies, and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations. Such restrictions
could cause the Adviser to make different investment decisions than if there were no such restrictions and could limit the ability of
the Board and our stockholders to change fundamental investment policies.
While we cannot control the market value of our
investments, the Adviser can determine to draw on our planned leverage facility to purchase new assets at a time of market dislocation.
Such purchases, if made, can mitigate price drops in the current portfolio by making new asset purchases at a discount. Further, such
purchases can potentially contribute to an increase in net asset value of the portfolio upon a market rebound. Our willingness to utilize
leverage, and the amount of leverage we incur, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are investment outlook, market
conditions, and interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on our ability to predict correctly interest rates
and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
Any leveraging cannot be achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with our investment
objectives and policies. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would
magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.”
Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Costs of the offering of any preferred stock that we issue, including the Series A Term
Preferred Stock, will be borne immediately at such time by holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share
of our common stock at that time. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, we must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred stock,
including the Series A Term Preferred Stock, have an “asset coverage” of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio by
which the value of our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940
Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing our indebtedness, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference
of the preferred stock. If we seek a rating of the preferred stock, additional asset coverage requirements, which may be more restrictive
than those imposed by the 1940 Act, may be imposed.
Derivative Transactions. We may
engage in Derivative Transactions from time to time. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so to hedge against
interest rate, credit and/or other risks, or for other investment or risk management purposes. We may use Derivative Transactions for
investment purposes to the extent consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. We may purchase
and sell a variety of derivative instruments, including exchange-listed and OTC options, futures, options on futures, swaps and similar
instruments, various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors, or collars, and credit default swaps. We also may purchase
and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments.
We have claimed an exclusion from the definition
of the term “commodity pool operator” pursuant to CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of
Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012, and we currently intend to operate in a manner that would permit us to continue
to claim such exclusion. See “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure - We are subject to the risk of
legislative and regulatory changes impacting our business or the markets in which we invest” and “Risk Factors
- Risks Related to Our Investments - We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative Transactions in which we participate.”
Illiquid Transactions. Generally,
investments will be purchased or sold by us in private markets, including securities that are not publicly traded or that are otherwise
illiquid and securities acquired directly from the issuer.
Temporary Defensive Position. We
may take a temporary defensive position and invest all or a substantial portion of our total assets in cash or cash equivalents, government
securities, or short-term fixed income securities during periods in which we believe that adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions make it advisable to maintain a temporary defensive position. As the CLOs and loan accumulation facilities in which we invest
are generally illiquid in nature, we may not be able to dispose of such investments and take a defensive position. To the extent that
we invest defensively, we likely will not achieve our investment objectives.
Co-Investment with Affiliates. In
certain instances, we expect to co-invest on a concurrent basis with other accounts managed by the Adviser and certain of the Adviser’s
affiliates and may do so, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and the Adviser’s written allocation
procedures. We and the Adviser have submitted an application for exemptive relief to the SEC to permit us and certain of our affiliates
to participate in certain negotiated co-investments alongside other accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates, subject
to certain conditions. There can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained. A copy of the application for exemptive relief,
including all of the conditions and the related order, are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Competition
We intend to compete for investments in CLO securities
with other investment funds (including asset managers, business development companies, mutual funds, pension funds, private equity funds,
and hedge funds) as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies, and
insurance companies.
Additionally, because competition for higher-yielding
investment opportunities generally has increased, many new investors have entered the CLO market over the past few years. As a result
of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in CLO securities may intensify. We believe we are able to compete with
these entities on the basis of the Investment Team’s deep and highly specialized CLO market experience, the Adviser’s relative
size and prominence in the CLO market, and the Investment Team’s longstanding relationships with many CLO collateral managers, complemented
by the Adviser’s proprietary quantitative infrastructure that helps it identify relative value, price investments precisely and
approach the markets in an agile manner.
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Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Series A Term Preferred Stock
involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, you should consider carefully
the following information before making an investment in our Series A Term Preferred Stock. The risks set out below are not the only risks
we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us might also impair our operations
and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our listed securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of
your investment.
Risks Related to Our Investments
Our investments in CLO securities and other structured finance
securities involve certain risks.
We may invest in primarily below investment grade
(“high yield”) equity and debt securities of CLOs. The CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments purchased by us will generally
represent the most junior parts of the capital structure of the CLO and will not be rated by any rating agency, or if rated, will be rated
below AA/Aa. While all of our CLO investments are subject to the risk of loss, our investments in mezzanine debt and equity CLO investments
will be subject to the greatest risk of loss and will be more directly affected by any losses or delays in payment on the related collateral.
We will invest in CLOs that are managed by various managers, and in some CLOs with underlying collateral consisting of static pools selected
by the related manager. The performance of any particular CLO will depend, among other things, on the level of defaults experienced on
the related collateral, as well as the timing of such defaults and the timing and amount of any recoveries on such defaulted collateral
and (except in the case of static pool CLOs) the impact of any trading of the related collateral. There can be no assurances that any
level of investment return will be achieved by investors. It is possible that our investments in the CLOs will result in a loss on an
aggregate basis (even if some investments do not suffer a loss) and therefore investors could incur a loss on their investment. Because
the payments on certain of our CLO investments (primarily, CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments) are subordinated to payments on
the senior obligations of the respective CLO, these investments represent subordinated, leveraged investments in the underlying collateral.
Therefore, changes in the value of these CLO investments are anticipated to be greater than the change in the value of the underlying
collateral, which themselves are subject to, among other things, credit, liquidity and interest rate risk, which are described below.
Moreover, our CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments will have different degrees of leverage based on the capital structure of the
CLO. Investors should consider with particular care the risks of the leverage present in our investments because, although the use of
leverage by a CLO creates an opportunity for substantial returns on the related investment, the subordination of such investment to the
senior debt securities issued by that CLO increases substantially the likelihood that we could lose our entire investment in such investment
if the underlying collateral is adversely affected by, among other things, the occurrence of defaults.
We may also invest in interests in warehousing
facilities. Prior to the closing of a CLO, an investment bank or other entity that is financing the CLO's structuring may provide a warehousing
facility to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of initial assets. Capital raised during the closing of the CLO is then used to purchase
the portfolio of initial assets from the warehousing facility. A warehousing facility may have several classes of loans with differing
seniority levels with a subordinated or "equity" class typically purchased by the manager of the CLO or other investors. One
of the most significant risks to the holder of the subordinated class of a warehouse facility is the market value fluctuation of the loans
acquired. Subordinated equity holders generally acquire the first loss positions which bear the impact of market losses before more senior
positions upon settling the warehouse facility. Further, warehouse facility transactions often include event of default provisions and
other collateral threshold requirements that grant senior holders or the administrator certain rights (including the right to liquidate
warehouse positions) upon the occurrence of various triggering events including a decrease in the value of warehouse collateral. In addition,
a subordinate noteholder may be asked to maintain a certain level of loan-to-value ratio to mitigate this market value risk. As a result,
if the market value of collateral loans decreases, the subordinated noteholder may need to provide additional funding to maintain the
warehouse lender's loan-to-value ratio.
Our investments in the primary CLO market involve certain additional
risks due to the need to fully “ramp” the portfolio.
Between the pricing date and the effective date
of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period,
the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility
and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio
of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the target initial par amount
of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely
affect the timing and amount of distributions on the CLO equity securities and the timing and amount of interest or principal payments
received by holders of the CLO debt securities and could result in early redemptions, which may cause CLO equity and debt investors to
receive less than face value of their investment.
Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification
among CLO securities which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities experience a high level
of defaults on collateral.
Our portfolio may hold investments in a limited
number of CLO securities. As our portfolio may be less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to
failure if one or more of the CLOs in which we are invested experiences a high level of defaults on its collateral. Similarly, the aggregate
returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down
the value of any one investment. We may also invest in multiple CLOs managed by the same CLO collateral manager, thereby increasing our
risk of loss in the event the CLO collateral manager were to fail, experience the loss of key portfolio management employees or sell its
business.
Failure to maintain adequate diversification
of underlying obligors across the CLOs in which we invest would make us more vulnerable to defaults.
Even if we maintain adequate diversification across
different CLO issuers, we may still be subject to concentration risk since CLO portfolios tend to have a certain amount of overlap across
underlying obligors. This trend is generally exacerbated when demand for bank loans by CLO issuers outpaces supply. Market analysts have
noted that the overlap of obligor names among CLO issuers has increased recently, and is particularly evident across CLOs of the same
year of origination, as well as with CLOs managed by the same asset manager. To the extent we invest in CLOs that have a high percentage
of overlap, this may increase the likelihood of defaults on our CLO investments occurring at the same time.
Our portfolio is focused on CLO securities,
and the CLO securities in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
Our portfolio is focused on securities issued
by CLOs and related investments, and the CLOs in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
As a result, a downturn in the CLO industry or in any particular industry that the CLOs in which we invest are concentrated could significantly
impact the aggregate returns we realize.
Failure by a CLO in which we are invested to satisfy certain
tests will harm our operating results.
The failure by a CLO in which we invest to satisfy
financial covenants, including over-collateralization tests and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments
to us. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn,
reduce the payments we, as holder of equity and junior debt tranches, would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur
expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial
covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect
our operating results and cashflows.
Negative loan ratings migration may also place pressure on the
performance of certain of our investments.
Per the terms of a CLO’s indenture, assets
rated “CCC+” or lower or their equivalent in excess of applicable limits typically do not receive full par credit for purposes
of calculation of the CLO’s overcollateralization tests. As a result, negative rating migration could cause a CLO to be out of compliance
with its overcollateralization tests. This could cause a diversion of cashflows away from the CLO junior debt and equity tranches in favor
of the more senior CLO debt tranches until the relevant overcollateralization test breaches are cured. This could have a negative impact
on our NAV and cashflows.
Our investments in CLOs and other investment vehicles result
in additional expenses to us.
To the extent that we invest in CLO securities,
we will bear our ratable share of a CLO’s expenses, including management and performance fees. In addition to the management and
performance fees borne by our investments in CLOs, we will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser.
With respect to each of these investments, each holder of our common stock bears his or her share of the management and incentive fee
of the Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees charged by the underlying CLO advisor.
In the course of our investing activities, we
will pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser and reimburse the Adviser for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors
in our securities invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, potentially
resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments.
Our investments in CLO securities may be less transparent to
us and our stockholders than direct investments in the collateral.
We invest primarily in equity tranches of CLOs
and other related investments, including junior and senior debt tranches of CLOs. Generally, there may be less information available to
us regarding the collateral held by such CLOs than if we had invested directly in the debt of the underlying obligors. As a result, our
stockholders will not know the details of the collateral of the CLOs in which we invest or receive the reports issued with respect to
such CLO. In addition, none of the information contained in certain monthly reports nor any other financial information furnished to us
as an investor in a CLO is audited and reported upon, nor is an opinion expressed, by an independent public accountant. Our CLO investments
are also subject to the risk of leverage associated with the debt issued by such CLOs and the repayment priority of equity holders in
such CLOs.
CLO investments involve complex documentation and accounting
considerations.
CLOs and other structured finance securities in
which we intend to invest are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts. As a result, the risk of dispute over
interpretation or enforceability of the documentation may be higher relative to other types of investments.
The accounting and tax implications of the CLO
investments that we intend to make are complicated. In particular, reported earnings from CLO equity securities are recorded under U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP,” based upon an effective yield calculation. Current taxable earnings on
certain of these investments, however, will generally not be determinable until after the end of the fiscal year of each individual CLO
that ends within our fiscal year, even though the investments are generating cashflow throughout the fiscal year. The tax treatment of
certain of these investments may result in higher distributable earnings in the early years and a capital loss at maturity, while for
reporting purposes the totality of cashflows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity.
We are dependent on the collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we invest, and those CLOs are generally not registered under the 1940 Act.
We rely on CLO collateral managers to administer
and review the portfolios of collateral they manage. The actions of the CLO collateral managers may significantly affect the return on
our investments; however, we, as investors of the CLO, typically do not have any direct contractual relationship with the collateral managers
of the CLOs in which we invest. The ability of each CLO collateral manager to identify and report on issues affecting its securitization
portfolio on a timely basis could also affect the return on our investments, as we may not be provided with information on a timely basis
in order to take appropriate measures to manage our risks. We will also rely on CLO collateral managers to act in the best interests of
a CLO it manages; however, there can be no assurance that the collateral managers will always act in the best interest of the class or
classes of securities in which we are invested. If any CLO collateral manager were to act in a manner that was not in the best interest
of the CLOs (e.g., with gross negligence, with reckless disregard or in bad faith), this could adversely impact the overall performance
of our investments. Furthermore, since the underlying CLO issuer often provides an indemnity to its CLO collateral manager, we may not
be incentivized to pursue actions against the collateral manager since any such action, if successful, may ultimately be borne by the
underlying CLO issuer and payable from its assets, which could create losses to us as investors in the CLO. In addition, liabilities incurred
by the CLO manger to third parties may be borne by us as investors in CLO equity to the extent the CLO is required to indemnify its collateral
manager for such liabilities.
In addition, the CLOs in which we invest are generally
not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act. As investors in these CLOs, we are not afforded the protections that stockholders
in an investment company registered under the 1940 Act would have.
The collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we intend to invest may not continue to manage such CLOs.
Because we intend to invest in CLO securities
issued by CLOs that are managed by collateral managers that are unaffiliated with the Adviser, there is no guarantee that, for any CLO
we invest in, the collateral manager in place at the time of investment will remain in place through the life of our investment. Collateral
managers are subject to removal or replacement by subject to the consent of the majority of the equity investors in the CLO, and may also
voluntarily resign as collateral manager or assign their role as collateral manager to another entity. There can be no assurance that
any removal, replacement, resignation or assignment of any particular CLO manager’s role will not adversely affect the returns on
the CLO securities in which we intend to invest.
Our investments in CLO securities may be subject to special anti-deferral
provisions that could result in us incurring tax or recognizing income prior to receiving cash distributions related to such income.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute
“passive foreign investment companies,” or “PFICs.” If we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal
income tax purposes in PFICs (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may
be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even
if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate
such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require us to recognize our share of the PFIC’s
income for each tax year regardless of whether we receive any distributions from such PFIC. We must nonetheless distribute such income
to maintain our status as a RIC. We intend to treat our income inclusion with respect to a PFIC with respect to which we have made a qualified
electing fund, or “QEF,” election, as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a
RIC if (i) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion
or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. As such, we may be restricted
in our ability to make QEF elections with respect to our holdings in issuers that could be treated as PFICs in order to ensure our continued
qualification as a RIC and/or maximize our after-tax return from these investments.
If we hold 10% or more of the interests treated
as equity (by vote or value) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation,
or “CFC” (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as a CFC), we may be
treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal
to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If we are
required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in our income, we will be required to distribute such income to maintain our
RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such tax year. We intend to treat our income inclusion
with respect to a CFC as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC either if (i) there is
a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived
with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.
If we are required to include amounts from CLO
securities in income prior to receiving the cash distributions representing such income, we may have to sell some of our investments at
times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities
for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject
to corporate-level income tax.
If a CLO in which we invest fails to comply with certain U.S.
tax disclosure requirements, such CLO may be subject to withholding requirements that could materially and adversely affect our operating
results and cashflows.
The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions
of the Code, or “FATCA,” imposes a withholding tax of 30% on U.S. source periodic payments, including interest and dividends
to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies
with certain reporting requirements regarding its U.S. account holders and its U.S. owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated
as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the
30% withholding. If a CLO in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amount available
to distribute to junior debt and equity holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect the fair value of the CLO’s
securities, our operating results, and cashflows.
Increased competition in the market or a
decrease in new CLO issuances may result in increased price volatility or a shortage of investment opportunities.
In recent years there has been a marked increase
in the number of, and flow of capital into, investment vehicles established to make investments in CLO securities, even though the size
of this market is relatively limited. While we cannot determine the precise effect of such competition, such increase may result in greater
competition for investment opportunities, which may result in an increase in the price of such investments relative to their risk. Such
competition may also result under certain circumstances in increased price volatility or decreased liquidity with respect to certain positions.
In addition, the volume of new CLO issuances and
CLO refinancings varies over time as a result of a variety of factors including new regulations, changes in interest rates, and other
market forces. As a result of increased competition and uncertainty regarding the volume of new CLO issuances and CLO refinancings, we
can offer no assurances that we will deploy all of our capital in a timely manner or at all. Prospective investors should understand that
we may compete with other investment vehicles, as well as investment and commercial banking firms, which have substantially greater resources,
in terms of financial wherewithal and research staffs, than may be available to us.
We may be subject to risks associated with any subsidiaries.
We may in the future invest indirectly through
one or more subsidiaries. Such subsidiaries may include entities that are wholly-owned or primarily controlled by the Company that engage
primarily in investment activities in securities or other assets. In the event that we invest through a subsidiary, we will comply with
the provisions of Section 8 of the 1940 Act governing investment policies on an aggregate basis with any such subsidiary. The Company
also intends to comply with the provisions of Section 18 of the 1940 Act governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis
with any subsidiary, including such that the Company will treat a subsidiary’s debt as its own for purposes of Section 18. Any subsidiary
will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody. Any subsidiary would not be separately
registered under the 1940 Act and would not be subject to all the investor protections and substantive regulation of the 1940 Act, although
any such subsidiary will be managed pursuant to applicable 1940 Act compliance policies and procedures of the Company. In addition, changes
in the laws of the jurisdiction of formation of any future subsidiary could result in the inability of such subsidiary to operate as anticipated.
Additionally, any investment adviser to such subsidiaries will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory
contracts as if it were an investment adviser to the Company under Section 2(a)(20) of the 1940 Act.
We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk.
Since we may incur leverage (including through
credit facilities, preferred stock and/or debt securities) to make investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference
between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds.
The Federal Reserve began raising interest rates
in 2022 and continued to do so through July 2023. After holding rates steady for much of 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the interest
rate paid on reserve balances effective September 19, 2024.
In a rising interest rate environment, any leverage
that we incur may bear a higher interest rate than our current leverage. There may not, however, be a corresponding increase in our investment
income. Any reduction in the level of rate of return on new investments relative to the rate of return on our current investments, and
any reduction in the rate of return on our current investments, could adversely impact our net investment income, reducing our ability
to service the interest obligations on, and to repay the principal of, our indebtedness, as well as our capacity to pay distributions
to our stockholders. See “- Reference Rate Floor Risk.”
The fair value of certain of our investments may
be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, our investments
in senior secured loans through investments in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility.
For example, because CLO debt securities are floating rate securities, a reduction in interest rates would generally result in a reduction
in the coupon payment and cashflow we receive on our CLO debt investments. Further, although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate
the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be a difference between the timing of interest rate resets on the assets and liabilities
of a CLO. Such a mismatch in timing could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition,
CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest
rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of an economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that may adversely
affect our cashflow, fair value of our assets, and operating results. In the event that our interest expense were to increase relative
to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, our return on investments and cash available for distribution to stockholders or
to make other payments on our securities would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry
a greater exposure to interest rate risk.
Reference Rate Floor Risk. Because
CLOs generally issue debt on a floating rate basis, an increase in the applicable reference rate (which is generally expected to be term
SOFR) will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Many of the senior secured loans held by these CLOs have reference rate floors such that,
when the applicable reference rate is below the stated floor, the stated floor (rather than actual reference rate itself) is used to determine
the interest payable under the loans. Therefore, if the applicable reference rate increases but stays below the average reference rate
floor of the senior secured loans held by a CLO, there would not be a corresponding increase in the investment income of such CLOs. The
combination of increased financing costs without a corresponding increase in investment income in such a scenario could result in the
CLO not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
Interest Index Risk. The CLO equity
and debt securities in which we invest earn interest at, and CLOs in which we typically invest earn interest at, and obtain financing
at, a floating rate, which has traditionally been based on LIBOR. After June 30, 2023, all tenors of LIBOR have either ceased to be published
or, in the case of 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings, are no longer being published on a representative basis. As
a result, the relevant credit markets have transitioned away from LIBOR to other benchmarks. The primary replacement rate for U.S. dollar
LIBOR for loans and CLO debt securities is SOFR, which measures the cost of overnight borrowings through repurchase agreement transactions
collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. As of January 1, 2022, all new issue CLO securities utilize SOFR as the LIBOR replacement
rate.
We will invest in CLOs issued prior to
2022 through the secondary market that may be in the process of transitioning their debt securities or underlying assets away from LIBOR.
The ongoing transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of any changes in the pricing of our investments, changes to the
documentation for certain of our investments and the pace of such changes, disputes and other actions regarding the interpretation of
current and prospective loan documentation or modifications to processes and systems. To the extent that the replacement rate utilized
for senior secured loans held by a CLO differs from the rate utilized by the CLO itself, there is a basis risk between the two rates (e.g.,
SOFR, BSBY or other available rates, which could include the prime rate or the Federal funds rate). This means the CLO could experience
an interest rate mismatch between its assets and liabilities, which could have an adverse impact on the cash flows distributed to CLO
equity investors as well as our net investment income and portfolio returns until such mismatch is corrected or minimized, which would
be expected to occur to the extent that both the underlying senior secured loans and the CLO securities utilize the same rate.
Potential
Effects of Alternative Reference Rates. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority announcement or other regulatory changes or announcements, the establishment of SOFR, SONIA or any other alternative reference
rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom, in the U.S., or elsewhere. If no replacement conventions
develop, it is uncertain what effect broadly divergent interest rate calculation methodologies in the markets will have on the price and
liquidity of CLO securities and the ability of the collateral manager to effectively mitigate interest rate risks. As such, the potential
effect of any such event on our net investment income cannot yet be determined.
Interest Rate Mismatch. Many underlying
corporate borrowers can elect to pay interest based on various reference rates (such as 1-month term SOFR, 3-month term SOFR and/or other
rates) in respect of the loans held by CLOs in which we intend to invest, in each case plus an applicable spread, whereas CLOs generally
pay interest to holders of the CLO’s debt tranches based on 3-month term SOFR plus a spread. The 3-month term SOFR rate currently
exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate, which may result in many underlying corporate borrowers electing to pay interest based on the 1-month
term SOFR rate, to the extent that they are entitled to so elect. This mismatch in the rate at which CLOs earn interest and the rate at
which they pay interest on their debt tranches could negatively impact the cashflows on a CLO’s equity tranche, which may in turn
adversely affect our cashflows and results of operations. Unless spreads are adjusted to account for these mismatches, the negative impacts
may worsen to the extent the difference between the 3-month term SOFR rate exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate increases.
Fluctuations
in Interest Rates. In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve increased certain interest rates as part of its efforts to combat rising
inflation, and in September 2024 the U.S. Federal Reserve decreased such rates. Changes in interest rates (or the expectation of such
changes) may adversely affect the CLO securities that we invest in or increase risks associated with such investments. The senior secured
loans underlying CLOs typically have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting
in losses for the CLOs in which we invest. In addition, increasing interest rates may lead to higher prepayment rates, as corporate borrowers
look to avoid escalating interest payments or refinance floating rate loans. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - Our
investments are subject to prepayment risk.” Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs
of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within CLOs have reference rate floors, if the applicable reference rate
is below the average reference rate floor, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income, which could result in the CLO
not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
For detailed discussions of the risks
associated with a rising interest rate environment, see “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject
to interest rate risk,” and “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to risks
associated with investing in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.”
Inflation or deflation may negatively affect our portfolio.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain
assets, or income from our portfolio investments, will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation
increases, the real value of the interest paid and repayments made in relation to CLOs may decline. In addition, during any periods of
rising inflation, some obligors may not be able to make the interest payments on CLO Collateral instruments or refinance those obligations,
resulting in payment defaults. It should be noted that, in response to recent world events, including the global financial crisis, the
COVID-19 global pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, countries around the world have injected trillions of dollars into the economy in
an effort to prevent more severe economic turbulence. This unprecedented amount of government funding and support, has given rise to significant
increases in government spending and (in many instances) significant increases to the amount of debt issued by governments in the international
bond markets. There can be no assurance that governments will be able to repay all of this debt in a timely way, or at all. Government
default on debt would have negative consequences for our portfolio, disrupting financial markets generally and potentially impacting the
credit risk of our investments and also of certain assets that provide the credit support for our investments. In addition, the United
States and other countries have experienced, and may in the future experience, supply chain disruptions for a number of goods in the marketplace.
This potential disruption in supply of goods, combined with unprecedented levels of such government spending and monetary policy, has
materially increased inflation of the US dollar and other currencies. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had in
the past, and in the future may have, negative effects on economic and financial markets, which may consequently have a materially adverse
impact on our investment performance.
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time-the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of obligors and
may make obligor defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the portfolio investments. Moreover, if deflation
was to persist and interest rates were to decline, obligors might refinance their obligations in relation to CLO Collateral at lower interest
rates which could shorten the average life of the CLOs.
Our investments are subject to credit risk.
The CLOs in which we invest, and the loans underlying
such CLOs, are subject to the risk of an issuer's, or debtor’s, ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation
(known as "credit risk") and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as "market risk"). Lower-rated or unrated
(i.e., junk) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities,
which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of lower rated securities will fluctuate
over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market's perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic
growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened
concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing
in lower rated tranches of CLOs and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.
Adverse economic developments can disrupt the
market for CLO securities and severely affect the ability of issuers, especially highly leveraged issuers (such as certain CLOs), to service
their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities.
In addition, the secondary market for CLO securities is not as liquid as the secondary market for other types of equity or fixed-income
securities. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to sell these securities, or we may only be able to sell the securities at prices
lower than if such securities were highly liquid. Furthermore, we may experience difficulty in valuing certain CLO securities at certain
times. Under these circumstances, prices realized upon the sale of such securities may be less than the prices used in calculating the
Company's NAV. Prices for CLO securities may also be affected by legislative and regulatory developments.
Lower-rated tranches of CLOs also present risks
based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligations for redemption or if the underlying loans are paid faster than expected,
we may have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Additionally, we may have indirect exposure to
covenant lite loans through out investments in CLOs. Covenant lite loans are loans that have fewer financial maintenance and reporting
covenants. Such loans may comprise a significant portion of the senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest. Accordingly,
to the extent that the CLOs in which we invest hold covenant lite loans, the CLOs may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have
greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in loans with more robust maintenance and reporting covenants.
Our investments are subject to prepayment risk.
Although the Adviser’s valuations and projections
take into account certain expected levels of prepayments, the collateral of a CLO may be prepaid more quickly than expected. Prepayment
rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of factors beyond our control and consequently cannot be accurately predicted.
Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, as a CLO collateral manager might realize excess cash from prepayments earlier
than expected. If a CLO collateral manager is unable to reinvest such cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least
equal to that of the investment repaid, this may reduce our net income and the fair value of that asset.
We may leverage our portfolio, which would
magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.
We may incur leverage, directly or indirectly,
through one or more special purpose vehicles, indebtedness for borrowed money, as well as leverage in the form of Derivative Transactions,
preferred stock, debt securities, and other structures and instruments, in significant amounts and on terms that the Adviser and our Board
deem appropriate, subject to applicable limitations under the 1940 Act. Such leverage may be used for the acquisition and financing of
our investments, to pay fees and expenses, and for other purposes. Such leverage may be secured or unsecured. Any such leverage does not
include leverage embedded or inherent in the CLO structures in which we invest or derivative instruments in which we may invest.
To the extent that we employ additional leverage,
such leverage will have an effect on our portfolio. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be
magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. For instance, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply
than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make distributions and other payments
to our securityholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur
will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The
cumulative effect of the use of leverage with respect to any investments in a market that moves adversely to such investments could result
in a substantial loss that would be greater than if our investments were not leveraged.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we will generally be required to meet certain asset coverage requirements, as defined under the 1940 Act, with respect to any
senior securities. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowings or deemed borrowings), other than
temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured
at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities
that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock), we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%,
as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing
indebtedness, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or
200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law
to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt or redeem shares of preferred stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which
could have a material adverse effect on our operations. In this instance, we might not be able to make certain distributions or pay dividends
of an amount necessary to continue to be subject to tax as a RIC or to avoid incurring a Fund level tax. Further, if our asset coverage
falls below 200%, we may be prevented from declaring dividends by certain sections of the 1940 Act. The amount of leverage that we employ
will depend on the Adviser’s and our Board’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition, any debt facility into which we may
enter would likely impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder
our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our ability to be subject to
tax as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
The following table is furnished in response to
the requirements of the SEC and illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various
annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those
appearing in the table below.
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses) | |
| -10 | % | |
| -5 | % | |
| 0 | % | |
| 5 | % | |
| 10 | % |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholder(1) | |
| -16.2 | % | |
| -9.5 | % | |
| -2.8 | % | |
| 3.8 | % | |
| 10.5 | % |
|
(1) |
Assumes that we incur leverage in an amount equal to approximately 25% of our total assets (as determined immediately after the leverage is incurred). |
Based on our assumed leverage described above,
our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.125% to cover interest payments on our
assumed indebtedness.
Our investments may be highly subordinated and subject to leveraged
securities risk.
Our portfolio includes equity investments in CLOs,
which involve a number of significant risks. CLOs are typically very highly levered (with CLO equity securities being leveraged nine to
thirteen times), and therefore the equity tranches in which we intend to invest will be subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In
particular, investors in CLO securities indirectly bear risks of the collateral held by such CLOs. We generally have the right to receive
payments only from the CLOs, and generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO.
While the CLOs we target generally enable an equity investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior secured loans without the expenses
associated with directly holding the same investments, we will generally pay a proportionate share of the CLO’s administrative,
management, and other expenses if we make a CLO equity investment. In addition, we may have the option in certain CLOs to contribute additional
amounts to the CLO issuer for purposes of acquiring additional assets or curing coverage tests, thereby increasing our overall exposure
and capital at risk to such CLO. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of assets underlying CLOs will rise or fall, these
prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLOs’ securities) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events
that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. The interests we intend to acquire in CLOs will likely be thinly traded
or have only a limited trading market. CLO securities are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result,
investments in CLO equity securities are illiquid. See “Risks Related to Our Investments - The lack of liquidity in our investments
may adversely affect our business.”
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with investing
in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.
We invest primarily in securities that are not
rated by a national securities rating service. The primary assets underlying our CLO security investments are senior secured loans, although
these transactions may allow for limited exposure to other asset classes including unsecured loans and high yield bonds. CLOs generally
invest in lower-rated debt securities that are typically rated below Baa/BBB by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. In addition, we may obtain
direct exposure to such financial assets or instruments. Securities that are not rated or are rated lower than Baa by Moody’s or
lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch are sometimes referred to as “high yield” or “junk.” High-yield debt securities
have greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations. High-yield debt securities and loans are generally unsecured
and may be subordinated to certain other obligations of the issuer thereof. The lower rating of high-yield debt securities and below-investment
grade loans reflects a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer, or in general economic conditions,
or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal or interest.
The CLO equity securities that we hold and intend
to acquire are typically unrated and are therefore considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of
principal. The collateral of underlying CLOs are also typically higher-yield, sub-investment grade investments. Investing in CLO equity
securities and other high-yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely
impact our performance.
A portion of the loans held by CLOs in which we
invest may consist of second lien loans. Second lien loans are secured by liens on the collateral securing the loan that are subordinated
to the liens of at least one other class of obligations of the related obligor. Thus, the ability of the CLO issuer to exercise remedies
after a second lien loan becomes a defaulted obligation is subordinated to, and limited by, the rights of the senior creditors holding
such other classes of obligations. In many circumstances, the CLO issuer may be prevented from foreclosing on the collateral securing
a second lien loan until the related first lien loan is paid in full. Moreover, any amounts that might be realized as a result of collection
efforts or in connection with a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding involving a second lien loan must generally be turned over to the
first lien secured lender until the first lien secured lender has realized the full value of its own claims. In addition, certain of the
second lien loans contain provisions requiring the CLO issuer’s interest in the collateral to be released in certain circumstances.
These lien and payment obligation subordination provisions may materially and adversely affect the ability of the CLO issuer to realize
value from second lien loans and adversely affect the fair value of and income from our investment in the CLO’s securities.
An economic downturn or an increase in interest
rates could severely disrupt the market for high-yield debt securities and loans and adversely affect the value of such outstanding securities
and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest.
Issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans
may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The risk associated with acquiring (directly
or indirectly) the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with highly rated securities. For example, during
an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans may be more likely
to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly leveraged. During such periods, timely service of debt obligations
also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts,
or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders
of high-yield debt securities and loans because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to obligations owed to other
creditors of the issuer of such securities. In addition, the CLO issuer may incur additional expenses to the extent it (or any investment
manager) is required to seek recovery upon a default on a high yield bond (or any other debt obligation) or participate in the restructuring
of such obligation.
We are subject to risks associated with loan assignments and
participations.
The CLOs in which we invest will purchase loan
participations and assignments. Loan participations are interests in loans to obligors which are administered by the lending bank or agent
for a syndicate of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank, financial institution or syndicate member (“intermediary bank”).
In a loan participation, the borrower will be deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest, except to the extent the CLO derives
rights from the intermediary bank. Because the intermediary bank does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan participation
is subject to the credit risks generally associated with the underlying borrower. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the
borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper conduct
by the intermediary bank. In addition, in the event the underlying borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the CLO, may
be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the CLO had purchased a direct obligation
of such borrower. Under the terms of a loan participation, the CLO may be regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather than
of the underlying borrower), so that the CLO may also be subject to the risk that the intermediary bank may become insolvent.
Loan assignments are investments in assignments
of all or a portion of certain loans from third parties. When a CLO in which we have invested, purchases assignments from lenders, it
will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. Since assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential
assignees and assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a CLO in which we have invested, may differ from, and be more
limited than, those held by the assigning lender. Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid investments, which are subject to
the risk described below.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect
our business.
High-yield investments, including subordinated
CLO securities and collateral held by CLOs in which we invest, generally have limited liquidity. As a result, prices of high-yield investments
have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a substantial number of holders (or a few holders of a significantly large
“block” of the securities) decided to sell. In addition, we (or the CLOs in which we invest) may have difficulty disposing
of certain high-yield investments because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To the extent that a secondary trading
market for non-investment grade high-yield investments does exist, it would not be as liquid as the secondary market for highly rated
investments. Reduced secondary market liquidity would have an adverse impact on the fair value of the securities and on our direct or
indirect ability to dispose of particular securities in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness
of the issuer of such securities.
As secondary market trading volumes increase,
new loans frequently contain standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading that may improve market liquidity. There can be no
assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity or that the current
level of liquidity will continue. Because holders of such loans are offered confidential information relating to the borrower, the unique
and customized nature of the loan agreement, and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as publicly
traded securities are purchased or sold. Although a secondary market may exist, risks similar to those described above in connection with
an investment in high-yield debt investments are also applicable to investments in lower rated loans.
The securities issued by CLOs generally offer
less liquidity than other investment grade or high-yield corporate debt, and are subject to certain transfer restrictions that impose
certain financial and other eligibility requirements on prospective transferees. Other investments that we may purchase in privately negotiated
transactions may also be illiquid or subject to legal restrictions on their transfer. As a result of this illiquidity, our ability to
sell certain investments quickly, or at all, in response to changes in economic and other conditions and to receive a fair price when
selling such investments, may be limited, which could prevent us from making sales to mitigate losses on such investments. In addition,
CLOs are subject to the possibility of liquidation upon an event of default, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity
and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which
could make it difficult for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on the obligations represented by investments and result in significant
losses.
We may hold investments (including synthetic securities)
that would expose us to the credit risk of our counterparties or the counterparties of the CLOs in which it invests. In the event of a
bankruptcy or insolvency of such a counterparty, we or a CLO in which such an investment is held could suffer significant losses, including
the loss of that part of our or the CLO’s portfolio financed through such a transaction, declines in the value of our investment.
We are subject to risks associated with defaults on an underlying
asset held by a CLO.
A default and any resulting loss as well as other
losses on an underlying asset held by a CLO may reduce the fair value of our corresponding CLO investment. A wide range of factors could
adversely affect the ability of the borrower of an underlying asset to make interest or other payments on that asset. To the extent that
actual defaults and losses on the collateral of an investment exceed the level of defaults and losses factored into its purchase price,
the value of the anticipated return from the investment will be reduced. The more deeply subordinated the tranche of securities in which
we invest, the greater the risk of loss upon a default. For example, CLO equity is the most subordinated tranche within a CLO and is therefore
subject to the greatest risk of loss resulting from defaults on the CLO’s collateral, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise. Any
defaults and losses in excess of expected default rates and loss model inputs will have a negative impact on the fair value of our investments,
will reduce the cashflows that we receive from our investments, adversely affect the fair value of our assets, and could adversely impact
our ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, the holders of the equity and junior debt tranches typically have limited rights with respect
to decisions made with respect to collateral following an event of default on a CLO. In some cases, the senior-most class of notes can
elect to liquidate the collateral even if the expected proceeds are not expected to be able to pay in full all classes of notes. We could
experience a complete loss of our investment in such a scenario.
In addition, the collateral of CLOs may require
substantial workout negotiations or restructuring in the event of a default or liquidation. Any such workout or restructuring is likely
to lead to a substantial reduction in the interest rate of such asset and/or a substantial write-down or write-off of all or a portion
the principal of such asset. Any such reduction in interest rates or principal will negatively affect the fair value of our portfolio.
We are subject to risks associated with
CLO Warehouses.
We may invest in CLO Warehouses provided for
the purposes of enabling the borrowers to acquire assets (“Collateral”) which are ultimately intended to be used to collateralize
securities to be issued pursuant to a CLO transaction. Our participation in any CLO Warehouse may take the form of notes (“Warehouse
Equity”) which are subordinated to the interests of one or more senior lenders under the CLO Warehouse. If the relevant CLO transaction
does not proceed for any reason (which may include a decision on the part of the CLO Manager not to proceed with the closing of such transaction
(“closing”)), the realized value of the Collateral may be insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect
of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence
that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse. This shortfall may be attributable to, amongst other things,
a fall in the value of the Collateral between the date of our participation in the CLO Warehouse and the date that the Collateral is realized.
In addition, there are certain circumstances in
which the senior lender(s) under a CLO Warehouse may require the sale or liquidation of Collateral prior to closing (for example, in the
event that the value of the Collateral falls below a prescribed threshold). In this event, the realized value of the Collateral may be
insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior
lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO
Warehouse.
If the closing of a CLO transaction occurs, some
or all of the Collateral may be re-priced for the purposes of determining the final repayment amount due under the CLO Warehouse, or the
rate at which Warehouse Equity converts into securities issued by the relevant CLO vehicle. The effect of such re-pricing may be that
any realized and unrealized losses and/or gains on the Collateral at that point are borne by holders of the Warehouse Equity, with the
consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse.
We are subject to risks associated with the bankruptcy or insolvency
of an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO in which we invest.
In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of
an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO or other vehicle in which we invest, a court or other
governmental entity may determine that our claims or those of the relevant CLO are not valid or not entitled to the treatment we expected
when making our initial investment decision.
Various laws enacted for the protection of debtors
may apply to the underlying assets in our investment portfolio. The information in this and the following paragraph represents a brief
summary of certain points only, is not intended to be an extensive summary of the relevant issues and is applicable with respect to U.S.
issuers and borrowers only. The following is not intended to be a summary of all relevant risks. Similar avoidance provisions to those
described below are sometimes available with respect to non-U.S. issuers or borrowers, and there is no assurance that this will be the
case which may result in a much greater risk of partial or total loss of value in that underlying asset.
If a court in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor
or representative of creditors of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, such as a trustee in bankruptcy, were to find that such
issuer or borrower did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness constituting such
underlying assets and, after giving effect to such indebtedness, the issuer or borrower (1) was insolvent; (2) was engaged in a business
for which the remaining assets of such issuer or borrower constituted unreasonably small capital; or (3) intended to incur, or believed
that it would incur, debts beyond our ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could decide to invalidate, in whole or in
part, the indebtedness constituting the underlying assets as a fraudulent conveyance, to subordinate such indebtedness to existing or
future creditors of the issuer or borrower or to recover amounts previously paid by the issuer or borrower in satisfaction of such indebtedness.
In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, payments made on such underlying assets could
be subject to avoidance as a “preference” if made within a certain period of time (which may be as long as one year under
U.S. Federal bankruptcy law or even longer under state laws) before insolvency.
Our underlying assets may be subject to various
laws for the protection of debtors in other jurisdictions, including the jurisdiction of incorporation of the issuer or borrower of such
underlying assets and, if different, the jurisdiction from which it conducts business and in which it holds assets, any of which may adversely
affect such issuer’s or borrower’s ability to make, or a creditor’s ability to enforce, payment in full, on a timely
basis or at all. These insolvency considerations will differ depending on the jurisdiction in which an issuer or borrower or the related
underlying assets are located and may differ depending on the legal status of the issuer or borrower.
We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative
Transactions in which we participate.
We may in the future purchase and sell a variety
of derivative instruments. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so to hedge against interest rate, currency
credit and/or other risks or for other risk management purposes. We may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent
consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. Derivative Transactions may be volatile and involve
various risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by other instruments. The primary risks related to
Derivative Transactions include counterparty, correlation, illiquidity, leverage, volatility, and OTC trading risks. A small investment
in derivatives could have a large potential impact on our performance, imposing a form of investment leverage on our portfolio. In certain
types of Derivative Transactions, we could lose the entire amount of our investment. In other types of Derivative Transactions, the potential
loss is theoretically unlimited.
The following is a more detailed discussion of
primary risk considerations related to the use of Derivative Transactions that investors should understand before investing in the Series
A Term Preferred Stock.
Counterparty risk. Counterparty
risk is the risk that a counterparty in a Derivative Transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to us, or the risk that
the reference entity in a credit default swap or similar derivative will not be able to honor its financial obligations. Certain participants
in the derivatives market, including larger financial institutions, have experienced significant financial hardship and deteriorating
credit conditions. If our counterparty to a Derivative Transaction experiences a loss of capital, or is perceived to lack adequate capital
or access to capital, it may experience margin calls or other regulatory requirements to increase equity. Under such circumstances, the
risk that a counterparty will be unable to honor its obligations may increase substantially. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, we may
experience significant delays in obtaining recovery (if at all) under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding;
if our claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such prime broker or counterparty and will not have any claim with
respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. The counterparty
risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivatives, since, generally, a clearing organization becomes
substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract,
as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial obligations. However, there can be no assurance
that the clearing house, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to us.
Correlation risk. When used for
hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying
investment sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect
correlation between the value of a derivative and our underlying assets may result in losses on the Derivative Transaction that are greater
than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio. The Adviser may not hedge against a particular risk because it does
not regard the probability of the risk occurring to be sufficiently high as to justify the cost of the hedge, or because it does not foresee
the occurrence of the risk. These factors may have a significant negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value
of shares of our listed securities.
Liquidity risk. Derivative Transactions,
especially when traded in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we would not be able to close
out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity,
OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives
markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable supplies, the participation
of speculators, government regulation and intervention, and technical and operational or system failures. In addition, daily limits on
price fluctuations and speculative position limits on exchanges on which we may conduct transactions in derivative instruments may prevent
prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses.
Leverage risk. Trading in Derivative
Transactions can result in significant leverage and risk of loss. Thus, the leverage offered by trading in derivative instruments will
magnify the gains and losses we experience and could cause our NAV to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if we did
not use the leverage feature in derivative instruments.
Volatility risk. The prices of
many derivative instruments, including many options and swaps, are highly volatile. Price movements of options contracts and payments
pursuant to swap agreements are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal,
monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies.
The value of options and swap agreements also depends upon the price of the securities or currencies underlying them.
OTC trading risk. Derivative Transactions
that may be purchased or sold may include instruments not traded on an organized market. The risk of non-performance by the counterparty
to such Derivative Transaction may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect
to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between
“bid” and “ask” prices for certain derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Such instruments
are often valued subjectively and may result in difficulties pricing or fair valuing the instrument. Improper valuations can result in
increased cash payment requirements to counterparties, or a loss of value, or both. In contrast, cleared derivative transactions benefit
from daily marked-to-market pricing and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions
entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections; however, certain uncleared derivative
transactions are subject to minimum margin requirements which may require us and our counterparties to exchange collateral based on daily
mark-to-market pricing. OTC trading generally exposes us to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with
its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity
problem, causing us to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events
may intervene to prevent settlement, or where we have concentrated our transactions with a single or small group of counterparties.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees
and expenses of the CLO equity securities in which we invest.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees and expenses
(including management fees and other operating expenses) of the CLO equity securities in which we invest. CLO collateral manager fees
are charged on the total assets of a CLO but are assumed to be paid from the residual cashflows after interest payments to the CLO senior
debt tranches. Therefore, these CLO collateral manager fees (which generally range from 0.35% to 0.50% of a CLO’s total assets)
are effectively much higher when allocated only to the CLO equity tranche. The calculation does not include any other operating expense
ratios of the CLOs, as these amounts are not routinely reported to stockholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however,
it is estimated that additional operating expenses of 0.30% to 0.70% could be incurred. In addition, CLO collateral managers may earn
fees based on a percentage of the CLO’s equity cashflows after the CLO equity has earned a positive internal rate of return of its
capital and achieved a specified “hurdle” rate.
We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.
As part of the ordinary management of its portfolio,
a CLO will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales and reinvest those proceeds in substitute assets, subject to compliance
with its investment tests and certain other conditions. The earnings with respect to such substitute assets will depend on the quality
of reinvestment opportunities available at the time. If the CLO collateral manager causes the CLO to purchase substitute assets at a lower
yield than those initially acquired (for example, during periods of loan compression or need to satisfy the CLO’s covenants), or
sale proceeds are maintained temporarily in cash, it would reduce the excess interest-related cashflow that the CLO collateral manager
is able to achieve. The investment tests may incentivize a CLO collateral manager to cause the CLO to buy riskier assets than it otherwise
would, which could result in additional losses. These factors could reduce our return on investment and may have a negative effect on
the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early,
which would cause the holders of the CLO’s securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. In addition, in most
CLO transactions, CLO debt investors are subject to the risk that the holders of a majority of the equity tranche will direct a call of
a CLO, causing such CLO’s outstanding CLO debt securities to be repaid at par earlier than expected and result in a return of capital
to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable
return relative to the called CLO.
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with non-U.S.
investing.
While we invest primarily in CLOs that hold underlying
U.S. assets, most of these CLOs are expected to be organized outside the United States and we may also invest in CLOs that hold collateral
that are non-U.S. assets.
Investing in foreign entities may expose us to
additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations,
political and social instability, restrictions on the types or amounts of investment, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less
liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision
of exchanges, brokers, and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting
and auditing standards, currency fluctuations, and greater price volatility. Further, we, and the CLOs in which we invest, may have difficulty
enforcing creditor’s rights in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition, international trade tensions may
arise from time to time which could result in trade tariffs, embargoes, or other restrictions or limitations on trade. The imposition
of any actions on trade could trigger a significant reduction in international trade, supply chain disruptions, an oversupply of certain
manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods, and possible failure of individual companies or industries which could have
a negative impact on the value of the CLO securities that we hold.
Foreign markets also have different clearance
and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in periods when our assets are uninvested.
Our inability to make intended investments due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause it
to miss investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of an investment due to settlement problems could result either in losses to
the Company due to subsequent declines in the value of such investment or, if we have entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser. Transaction costs of buying and selling foreign securities also are generally higher than
those involved in domestic transactions. Furthermore, foreign financial markets have, for the most part, substantially less volume than
U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic
companies.
The economies of individual non-U.S. countries
may also differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation,
volatility of currency exchange rates, depreciation, capital reinvestment, resources self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
Currency risk. Any of our investments
that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in
relation to the U.S. dollar. Although we will consider hedging any non-U.S. dollar exposures back to U.S. dollars, an increase in the
value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which we make investments would otherwise reduce the effect of increases and
magnify the effect of decreases in the prices of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments in their local markets. Fluctuations in currency
exchange rates will similarly affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of any interest, dividends, or other payments made that are denominated
in a currency other than U.S. dollars.
Any unrealized losses we experience on our portfolio may be an
indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined
in good faith by policies and procedures adopted by our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded
as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of an issuer’s inability to meet its repayment
obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions
of our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations in future periods.
If our distributions exceed our taxable income
and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized
as a return of capital to our common stockholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable to our stockholders.
However, a return of capital distribution will reduce a stockholder’s cost basis in shares of our common stock on which the distribution
was received, thereby potentially resulting in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares of our
common stock are sold or otherwise disposed of.
A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income
for purposes of the income source requirement.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize
will not satisfy the qualifying income requirement applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify
us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such requirement, we may need to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities
classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on their
earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income and fees.
Risks
Related to the Offering
Management
will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds, if any, from this offering and may not use the proceeds effectively.
We intend
to use the net proceeds from this offering to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies described
in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes, although we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses of the
net proceeds, if any, of this offering in accordance with these intended uses. Our management will have significant flexibility in applying
the net proceeds from this offering, and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net
proceeds are being used appropriately. Investors may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the proceeds may not yield any return
on your investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering,
their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Our management may use the net proceeds for purposes that
may not improve our financial condition or market value. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively could impair
our ability to pursue our growth strategy or could require us to raise additional capital. Pending their use, we intend to invest the
net proceeds from the offering in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality
debt investments that mature in one year or less. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus for more information.
These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders.
Risks
Relating to an Investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock
Prior
to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not decline following the offering.
We intend
to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE so that trading on the exchange will begin within 30 days from the date of this
prospectus, subject to notice of issuance. During a period of up to 30 days from the date of this prospectus, the Series A Term Preferred
Stock will not be listed on any securities exchange. Prior to the expected commencement of trading, the underwriters may, but are not
obligated to, make a market in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Consequently, an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock during
this period will be illiquid, and the holders may not be able to sell such securities. If a secondary market does develop during this
period, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation
Preference.
If we
are unable to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on a national securities exchange, the holders of such securities may be unable to
sell them at all or, if they are able to, only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. Even if the Series A Term Preferred
Stock are listed on the NYSE as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for such shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid
compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads
of other securities with comparable terms and features.
A
downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating assigned by a rating agency to us or the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if any,
or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to decline significantly.
Any credit
rating is an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in any
credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential
impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to
buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. Neither
we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to obtain or maintain any credit ratings or to advise holders of Series A Term Preferred
Stock of any changes in any credit ratings. There can be no assurance that any credit ratings will remain for any given period of time
or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies if in their judgment future circumstances
relating to the basis of the credit ratings, such as adverse changes in our Company, so warrant. The conditions of the financial markets
and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect
on the market prices of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The
Series A Term Preferred Stock are subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not be able to reinvest their funds.
We
may voluntarily redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on or after ,
2026. We also may be forced to redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to meet regulatory requirements
and the asset coverage requirements of such shares. Any such redemption may occur at a time that is unfavorable to holders of the Series
A Term Preferred Stock. We may have an incentive to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock voluntarily before the Mandatory Redemption
Date if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the Dividend Rate on
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. See “Description of Our Series A Term Preferred Stock - Redemption - Optional
Redemption” in this prospectus. If we redeem shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock before the Mandatory Redemption
Date, the holders of such redeemed shares face the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from such redemption
may be lower than the return previously obtained from the investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Holders
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock bear dividend risk.
We may
be unable to pay dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock under some circumstances. The terms of any future indebtedness we may
incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including our preferred stock, under certain conditions.
There
is a risk of delay in our redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we may fail to redeem such securities as required by their
terms.
We generally
make investments in CLO vehicles whose securities are not traded in any public market. Substantially all of the CLO investments we presently
hold and the CLO investments we expect to acquire in the future are, and will be, subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and
will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to obtain
cash equal to the value at which we record our investments quickly if a need arises. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity prior
to the Mandatory Redemption Date, we may be forced to engage in a partial redemption or to delay a required redemption. If such a partial
redemption or delay were to occur, the market price of shares of our preferred stock might be adversely affected.
A
liquid secondary trading market may not develop for the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Although
we have applied to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE, we cannot predict the trading patterns of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock, and a liquid secondary market may not develop. Holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only
at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. There is a risk that the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be thinly traded,
and the market for such shares may be relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between
the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and features.
Increases
in market yields or interest rates would result in a decline in the price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The prices
of fixed income investments vary inversely with changes in market yields, meaning generally, as the earnings generated on such fixed income
investments increase over time, the prices of such investments begin to decline in response to changes in demand. If the market yields
on securities comparable to the Series A Term Preferred Stock increase, it would result in a decline in the secondary market price of
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Fluctuating interest rates may also impact this inverse relationship. For example, if interest rates
rise, securities comparable to the Series A Preferred Stock may pay higher distribution rates, and holders of such other securities may
be able to sell such securities at a higher price than the Series A Preferred Stock, decreasing the secondary market price of the Series
A Preferred Stock over time.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure
We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment
company.
We are a newly organized, externally managed,
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that was formed in April 2023 and commenced operations on July 18, 2024. As
a result of our with a limited operating history, we do not have significant financial information on which you can evaluate an investment
in us or our prior performance. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including
the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially or become
worthless. We anticipated that it would take approximately three to six months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of the
IPO in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment
objectives and market conditions. During this period, we are investing in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S.
government securities, and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will have returns substantially
lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments.
Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value. As a result,
there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to value our
portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us in accordance
with our written valuation policy. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, our Board has elected to designate the Adviser as “valuation designee”
to perform fair value determinations in respect of our portfolio investments that do not have readily available market quotations. Typically,
there is no public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we value these securities at least quarterly based on relevant
information compiled by the Adviser and third-party pricing services (when available), and with the oversight, review, and acceptance
by our Board.
The determination of fair value and, consequently,
the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved
and overseen by our Board. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include non-binding
indicative bids and the number of trades (and the size and timing of each trade) in an investment. Valuation of certain investments is
also based, in part, upon third party valuation models that take into account various market inputs. Investors should be aware that the
models, information, and/or underlying assumptions utilized by us or such models will not always allow us to correctly capture the fair
value of an asset. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of securities that are not publicly traded like those we hold,
are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value
may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an active public market for these securities existed. Our determinations
of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation
of investments, and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate, possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately
realize on one or more of our investments. See “Conflicts of Interest - Valuation.”
Our financial condition and results of operations depend on the
Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives
will depend on the Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which will depend, in turn, on the Adviser’s
ability to identify, evaluate, and monitor, and our ability to acquire, investments that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing our investment objectives on a cost-effective
basis will be largely a function of the Adviser’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive,
and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms, either in the primary or secondary markets. Even if we
are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors,
including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial
markets, and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and
strategies as described in this prospectus, it could adversely impact our ability to pay distributions. In addition, because the trading
methods employed by the Adviser on our behalf are proprietary, stockholders will not be able to determine details of such methods or whether
they are being followed.
We are reliant on the Adviser to carry out our investment strategy.
The Adviser manages our investments. Consequently,
our success depends, in large part, upon the services of the Adviser and the skill and expertise of the Adviser’s professional personnel.
Incapacity of any key personnel of the Adviser could have a material and adverse effect on our performance. There can be no assurance
that the professional personnel of the Adviser will continue to serve in their current positions or continue to be employed by the Adviser.
We can offer no assurance that their services will be available for any length of time or that the Adviser will continue indefinitely
as our Adviser.
The Adviser and the Administrator each has the right to resign
on 90 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations
that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
The Adviser has the right, under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and the Administrator has the right under the Services Agreement, to resign at any time upon 90 days’ written
notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Adviser or the Administrator resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment
adviser or hire internal management, or find a new administrator, as the case may be, with similar expertise and ability to provide the
same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 90 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely
to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business, and results of operations, as well as our ability to make distributions
to our stockholders and other payments to securityholders, are likely to be adversely affected, and the market price of our securities
may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to
identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Adviser and the
Administrator and their affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management and administration, whether internal or external,
the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objectives and operations would likely result in
additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business, and results of operations.
Our success will depend on the ability of the Adviser to attract
and retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.
Our growth will require that the Adviser attract
and retain new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. The Adviser’s ability to attract and retain personnel
with the requisite credentials, experience, and skills will depend on several factors including its ability to offer competitive compensation,
benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, mezzanine
funds, and business development companies) and traditional financial services companies with which the Adviser will compete for experienced
personnel, have greater resources than the Adviser has.
There are significant actual and potential conflicts of interest
which could impact our investment returns.
The professional staff of the Adviser will devote
as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement.
However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory and other services for other clients, and engage in other business
ventures in which we have no interest. As a result of these separate business activities, the Adviser has conflicts of interest in allocating
management time, services and functions among us, other advisory clients and other business ventures. See “Conflicts of Interest.”
Our incentive fee structure may incentivize
the Adviser to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would
otherwise be appropriate to do so.
The incentive fee payable by us to the Adviser
may create an incentive for the Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case
in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would
otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable
to the Adviser is based on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as calculated in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement.
This may encourage the Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so,
and to refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may
increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We
may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing
in us.”
A general increase in interest rates may
have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net
earnings.
Given the structure of our Investment Advisory
Agreement, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly
hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance
on the part of the Adviser. This risk is more acute in rising rate environment, such as the one we are in now. In addition, in view of
the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser could potentially receive
a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were
to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the Adviser’s
income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.
We may be obligated to pay the Adviser incentive
compensation even if we incur a loss or with respect to investment income that we have accrued but not received.
The Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation
for each fiscal quarter based, in part, on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, for the immediately preceding calendar
quarter above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of our NAV,
decreases in our NAV make it easier to achieve the performance threshold. Our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for incentive compensation
purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital
losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay the Adviser
incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter.
In addition, we accrue an incentive fee on accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. However, the portion of the incentive
fee that is attributable to such income will be paid to the Adviser, without interest, only if and to the extent we actually receive such
income in cash.
The Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier
manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under the agreement and carries out its obligations
subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser maintains a contractual and fiduciary relationship with us. Under the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, its officers, managers, members, agents, employees, and other affiliates are not liable to
us for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts
constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment
Advisory Agreement. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser and each of its officers, managers, members, agents, employees,
and other affiliates from and against all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and other amounts
reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by such persons arising out of or based on performance by the Adviser of its obligations under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard
of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner
when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
The Adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns
as those achieved by other portfolios managed by the Adviser.
Although the Adviser manages other investment
portfolios, including accounts using investment objectives, investment strategies, and investment policies similar to ours, we cannot
assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by any other vehicles managed by the Adviser.
We may experience fluctuations in our NAV and quarterly operating
results.
We could experience fluctuations in our NAV from
month to month and in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the timing of distributions to our stockholders,
fluctuations in the value of the CLO securities that we hold, our ability or inability to make investments that meet our investment criteria,
the interest and other income earned on our investments, the level of our expenses (including the interest or dividend rate payable on
the debt securities or preferred stock we may issue), variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains
or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors,
our NAV and results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of our NAV and results in future periods.
Our Board may change our operating policies and strategies without
stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Our Board has the authority to modify or waive
our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies, other than those that we have deemed to be fundamental, without prior
stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies
would have on our business, NAV, operating results, and value of our securities. However, the effects of any such changes could adversely
impact our ability to pay dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Our management’s initial estimates of certain metrics relating
to our financial performance for a period are subject to revision based on our actual results for such period.
Our management intends to make and publish unaudited
estimates of certain metrics indicative of our financial performance, including the NAV per share of our common stock and the range of
NAV per share of our common stock on a monthly basis, and the range of the net investment income and realized gain/loss per share of our
common stock on a quarterly basis. While any such estimate will be made in good faith based on our most recently available records as
of the date of the estimate, such estimates are subject to financial closing procedures, our Board’s final determination of our
NAV as of the end of the applicable quarter, and other developments arising between the time such estimate is made and the time that we
finalize our quarterly financial results, and may differ materially from the results reported in the audited financial statements and/or
the unaudited financial statements included in filings we make with the SEC. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on any management estimates presented in this prospectus or any related amendment to this prospectus and should view such information
in the context of our full semi-annual or annual results when such results are available.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable
to maintain our RIC status for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Although
we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2024 tax year, and intend to qualify as a
RIC in each of our succeeding tax years, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain
RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet certain annual distribution, qualifying income, and asset diversification requirements.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC
will be satisfied if we distribute dividends to our stockholders each tax year of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of the sum
of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because
we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act and may be subject to financial covenants
that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we
are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level
income tax.
The qualifying income requirement is generally
satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each tax year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of our securities, or
similar sources.
The asset diversification requirement will be
satisfied if we meet certain asset composition requirements at the end of each quarter of our tax year. We intend to take certain positions
regarding the qualification of CLO securities under the asset diversification requirement for which there is a lack of guidance. If the
IRS disagrees with any of the positions we take regarding the identity of the issuers of these securities or how CLO securities are tested
under the asset diversification requirement, it could result in the failure by the Company to diversify its investments in a manner necessary
to satisfy the diversification requirement. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments
quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are expected to be in CLO securities for which there
will likely be no active public market, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial
losses.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for
any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets,
the amount of income available for distribution, and the amount of our distributions.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we
recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For federal income tax purposes, we will include
in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, which may arise if we acquire a debt security at a significant discount
to par. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we have not yet, and may not ever, receive in cash.
Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary
to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code or entirely eliminate any corporate level tax. In addition, since our incentive fee is payable
on our income recognized, rather than cash received, we may be required to pay advisory fees on income before or without receiving cash
representing such income. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous,
raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from
other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
Our cash distributions to stockholders may change and a portion
of our distributions to stockholders may be a return of capital.
The amount of our cash distributions may increase
or decrease at the discretion of our Board, based upon its assessment of the amount of cash available to us for this purpose and other
factors. Unless we are able to generate sufficient cash through the successful implementation of our investment strategy, we may not be
able to sustain a given level of distributions. Further, to the extent that the portion of the cash generated from our investments that
is recorded as interest income for financial reporting purposes is less than the amount of our distributions, all or a portion of one
or more of our future distributions, if declared, may comprise a return of capital. Accordingly, stockholders should not assume that the
sole source of any of our distributions is net investment income. Any reduction in the amount of our distributions would reduce the amount
of cash received by our stockholders and could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our shares. See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - Our investments are subject to prepayment risk” and “- Any unrealized losses we
experience on our portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or
to make payments on our other obligations.”
We will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly
traded company.
As a public company listed on a national securities
exchange, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable
to a company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,”
as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented
by the SEC.
Because we expect to distribute substantially
all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need additional capital to finance the acquisition
of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
In order to maintain our RIC status, we will be
required to distribute at least 90% of the sum of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
net long-term capital losses, if any. As a result, these earnings will not be available to fund new investments, and we will need additional
capital to fund growth in our investment portfolio. If we fail to obtain additional capital, we could be forced to curtail or cease new
investment activities, which could adversely affect our business, operations, and results. Even if available, if we are not able to obtain
such capital on favorable terms, it could adversely affect our net investment income.
A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit
markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business.
We may be materially affected by market, economic,
and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which we invest or operate, including conditions affecting interest
rates and the availability of credit. Unexpected volatility, illiquidity, governmental action, currency devaluation, or other events in
the global markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could impair our ability to carry out our business and could cause
us to incur substantial losses. These factors are outside our control and could adversely affect the liquidity and value of our investments,
and may reduce our ability to make attractive new investments.
In particular, economic and financial market conditions
significantly deteriorated for a significant part of the past decade as compared to prior periods. Global financial markets experienced
considerable declines in the valuations of debt and equity securities, an acute contraction in the availability of credit and the failure
of a number of leading financial institutions. As a result, certain government bodies and central banks worldwide, including the U.S.
Treasury Department and the U.S. Federal Reserve, undertook unprecedented intervention programs, the effects of which remain uncertain.
Although certain financial markets have improved, to the extent economic conditions experienced during the past decade recur, they may
adversely impact our investments. Signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe and elsewhere and uncertainty regarding the
policies of the current U.S. presidential administration, including with regard to the imposition of trade tariffs, embargoes, or other
restrictions or limitations on trade, could lead to further disruption in the global markets. Trends and historical events do not imply,
forecast or predict future events, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. There can be no assurance that
the assumptions made or the beliefs and expectations currently held by the Adviser will prove correct, and actual events and circumstances
may vary significantly.
We may be subject to risk arising from a default
by one of several large institutions that are dependent on one another to meet their liquidity or operational needs, so that a default
by one institution may cause a series of defaults by the other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk”
and may adversely affect financial intermediaries with which we interact in the conduct of our business.
We also may be subject to risk arising from a
broad sell-off or other shift in the credit markets, which may adversely impact our income and NAV. In addition, if the value of our assets
declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the minimum asset coverage imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. See “- Risks Related
to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase
the risk of investing in us” and “Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company.” Any
such failure would affect our ability to issue preferred stock and other senior securities, including borrowings, and may affect our ability
to pay distributions on our capital stock, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further
by an inability to access the capital markets or to obtain debt financing. For example, we cannot be certain that we would be able to
obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. See “- If we are unable to obtain, and/or refinance debt
capital, our business could be materially adversely affected.” In previous market cycles, many lenders and institutional
investors have previously reduced or ceased lending to borrowers. In the event of such type of market turmoil and tightening of credit,
increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity could occur, thereby limiting our investment opportunities.
Moreover, we are unable to predict when economic
and market conditions may be favorable in future periods. Even if market conditions are broadly favorable over the long term, adverse
conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.
If we are unable to obtain and/or refinance debt capital, our
business could be materially adversely affected.
We currently anticipate obtaining debt financing
within 12 months of this offering in order to obtain funds to make additional investments and grow our portfolio of investments. See “-
Because we expect to distribute substantially all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need
additional capital to finance the acquisition of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.”
Such debt capital may take the form of a term credit facility with a fixed maturity date or other fixed term instruments, and
we may be unable to extend, refinance, or replace such debt financings prior to their maturity.
If we are unable to obtain or refinance debt capital
on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of such financings, which would
limit our ability to grow our business. In addition, holders of our common stock would not benefit from the potential for increased returns
on equity that incurring leverage creates. Any such limitations on our ability to grow and take advantage of leverage may decrease our
earnings, if any, and distributions to stockholders, which in turn may lower the trading price of our capital stock. In addition, in such
event, we may need to liquidate certain of our investments, which may be difficult to sell if required, meaning that we may realize significantly
less than the value at which we have recorded our investments. Furthermore, to the extent we are not able to raise capital and are at
or near our targeted leverage ratios, we may receive smaller allocations, if any, on new investment opportunities under the Adviser’s
allocation policy.
Any debt capital that is available to us in the
future, including upon the refinancing of then-existing debt prior to its maturity, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms
and conditions than costs and other terms and conditions at which we can currently obtain debt capital. In addition, if we are unable
to repay amounts outstanding under any such debt financings and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these debt
financings, we may not be able to make new investments or operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to
circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, an economic downturn, or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business.
We may be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely
affected by any single corporate, economic, political, or regulatory occurrence.
We are classified as “non-diversified”
under the 1940 Act. As a result, we can invest a greater portion of our assets in obligations of a single issuer than a “diversified”
fund. We may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political
or regulatory occurrence. In particular, because our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO securities and related
investments, we are susceptible to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities and related investments experience
a high level of defaults on the collateral that they hold.
Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end
management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital
may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted,
as a registered closed-end management investment company, to issue senior securities (including debt securities, preferred stock and/or
borrowings from banks or other financial institutions), provided we meet certain asset coverage requirements (i.e., 300% for senior
securities representing indebtedness and 200% in the case of the issuance of preferred stock under current law). See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and
increase the risk of investing in us” for details concerning how asset coverage is calculated. If the value of our assets
declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending
on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales or redemptions may be disadvantageous. Also,
any amounts that we use to service or repay our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our stockholders.
We are not generally able to issue and sell shares
of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). We may, however,
sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (1) in connection with a rights offering to our existing
stockholders, (2) with the consent of the majority of our common stockholders, (3) upon the conversion of a convertible security in accordance
with its terms, or (4) under such circumstances as the SEC may permit.
Significant stockholders may control the
outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders or adversely impact the market price or liquidity of our securities.
To the extent any stockholder, individually or
acting together with other stockholders, controls a significant number of our voting securities or any class of voting securities, they
may have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors
and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and may cause actions to be taken that you may not agree
with or that are not in your interests or those of other securityholders.
This concentration of beneficial ownership also
might harm the market price of our securities by:
| • | delaying, deferring or preventing a change in corporate control; |
| • | impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us; or |
| • | discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. |
To the extent that any stockholder that holds
a significant number of our securities is subject to temporary restrictions on resale of such securities, including certain lock-up restrictions,
such restrictions could adversely affect the liquidity of trading in our securities, which may harm the market price of our securities.
See “Underwriting.”
We are subject to the risk of legislative and regulatory changes
impacting our business or the markets in which we invest.
Legal and regulatory changes.
Legal and regulatory changes could occur and may adversely affect us and our ability to pursue our investment strategies and/or increase
the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations that could adversely affect us may be imposed by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, or the “CFTC,” the SEC, the U.S. Federal Reserve, other banking regulators, other governmental
regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. In particular, these agencies are empowered
to promulgate a variety of new rules pursuant to recently enacted financial reform legislation in the United States. We also may be adversely
affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by these governmental regulatory authorities or
self-regulatory organizations. Such changes, or uncertainty regarding any such changes, could adversely affect the strategies and plans
set forth in this prospectus and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of the Investment Team to other
types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they
occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Derivative Investments. The
derivative investments in which we may invest are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. In particular,
certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the “Dodd-Frank Act,” which was signed
into law in July 2010, require certain standardized derivatives to be executed on a regulated market and cleared through a central counterparty,
which may result in increased margin requirements and costs for us. The Dodd-Frank Act also established minimum margin requirements on
certain uncleared derivatives which may result in us and our counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared derivatives. In
addition, we have claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” pursuant to CFTC No-Action
Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012. For us to continue
to qualify for this exclusion, (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish our positions in derivative instruments
subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, or the “CEA,” and (other than positions entered
into for hedging purposes) may not exceed five percent of our liquidation value, (ii) the net notional value of our aggregate investments
in CEA-regulated derivative instruments (other than positions entered into for hedging purposes) may not exceed 100% of our liquidation
value, or (iii) we must meet an alternative test appropriate for a “fund of funds” as set forth in CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38.
In the event we fail to qualify for the exclusion and the Adviser is required to register as a “commodity pool operator” in
connection with serving as our investment adviser and becomes subject to additional disclosure, recordkeeping and reporting requirements,
our expenses may increase. In October 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act related to the use of derivatives, short sales,
reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies. Rule 18f-4 in effect rescinds and withdraws
the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices with respect to such transactions. Rule 18f-4 permits
us to enter into derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations, including short sales, notwithstanding
the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we comply with certain value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limits and derivatives
risk management program and board oversight and reporting requirements or comply with a “limited derivatives users” exception.
We intend to elect to rely on the limited derivatives users exception. We may change the election and comply with the other provisions
of Rule 18f-4 related to derivatives transactions at any time and without notice. To satisfy the limited derivatives users exception,
we have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage our derivatives risk and limit our derivatives
exposure in accordance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 also permits us to enter into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions
notwithstanding the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with our reverse
repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness
when calculating our asset coverage ratios as discussed above or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions for all purposes
under Rule 18f-4. In connection with our intention to elect to rely on Rule 18f-4, we will not rely on the previous guidance of the SEC
and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices in determining how we will comply with Section 18 with respect to our use
of derivatives and the other transactions that Rule 18f-4 addresses.
Loan Securitizations. Section
619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule,” generally prohibits, subject to certain exemptions,
covered banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading or sponsoring, or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in, a hedge
fund or private equity fund, or “covered funds,” which have been broadly defined in a way which could include many CLOs. Given
the limitations on banking entities investing in CLOs that are covered funds, the Volcker Rule may adversely affect the market value or
liquidity of any or all of the investments held by us. Although the Volcker Rule and the implementing rules exempt “loan securitizations”
from the definition of covered fund, not all CLOs will qualify for this exemption. For example, CLOs that invest in bonds as well as loans
will be treated as covered funds. Accordingly, in an effort to qualify for the “loan securitization” exemption, many current
CLOs have amended their transaction documents to restrict the ability of the issuer to acquire bonds and certain other securities, which
may reduce the return available to holders of CLO equity securities. Furthermore, the costs associated with such amendments are typically
paid out of the cash flow of the CLO, which adversely impacts the return on our investment in any CLO equity. In addition, in order to
avoid covered fund status under the Volcker Rule, it is likely that many future CLOs will contain similar restrictions on the acquisition
of bonds and certain other securities, which may result in lower returns on CLO equity securities than currently anticipated.
In June 2020, the five federal agencies
responsible for implementing the Volcker Rule adopted amendments to the Volcker Rule's implementing regulations, including changes relevant
to the treatment of securitizations (the “Volcker Changes”). Among other things, the Volcker Changes ease certain aspects
of the "loan securitization" exclusion, and create additional exclusions from the "covered fund" definition, and narrow
the definition of "ownership interest" to exclude certain "senior debt interests". Also, under the Volcker Changes,
a debt interest would no longer be considered an "ownership interest" solely because the holder has the right to remove or replace
the manager following a cause-related default. The Volcker Changes were effective October 1, 2020. Following the effectiveness of the
Volker Changes, most CLOs elected to be structured as covered funds and rely on the loan securitization exclusion from the definition
of ownership interest allowing CLOS to invest in bonds and other senior debt interests thus having more flexibility in work-out situations.
Also, in October 2014, six federal
agencies (the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the “FDIC,” the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board,
the SEC, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) adopted joint final rules implementing
certain credit risk retention requirements contemplated in Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention
Rules.” These rules were published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2014. With respect to the regulation of CLOs, the Final
U.S. Risk Retention Rules require that the “sponsor” or a “majority owned affiliate” thereof (in each case as
defined in the rules), will retain an “eligible vertical interest” or an “eligible horizontal interest” (in each
case as defined therein) or any combination thereof in the CLO in the manner required by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules.
The Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules
became fully effective on December 24, 2016, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date,” and to the extent applicable
to CLOs, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules contain provisions that may adversely affect the return of our investments. On February 9,
2018, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, or the “DC Circuit Court,”
rendered a decision in The Loan Syndications and Trading Association v. Securities and Exchange Commission and Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, No. 1:16-cv-0065, in which the DC Circuit Court held that open market CLO collateral managers are not “securitizers”
subject to the requirements of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules, or the “DC Circuit Ruling.” Thus, collateral managers
of open market CLOs are no longer required to comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules at this time.
There can be no assurance or representation
that any of the transactions, structures or arrangements currently under consideration by or currently used by CLO market participants
will comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules to the extent such rules are reinstated or otherwise become applicable to open market
CLOs. The ultimate impact of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on the loan securitization market and the leveraged loan market generally
remains uncertain, and any negative impact on secondary market liquidity for securities comprising a CLO may be experienced due to the
effects of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on market expectations or uncertainty, the relative appeal of other investments not impacted
by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules and other factors.
In the European Union, there has also
been an increase in political and regulatory scrutiny of the securitization industry. Regulation EU 2017/2402 of the European Parliament
and the Council of 12 December 2017 laying down a general framework for securitization and creating a specific framework for simple, transparent
and standardized securitization (as may be amended from time to time and including any delegated or implementing legislation with respect
thereto, the “Securitization Regulation”) became effective on January 17, 2018 and applies to all new securitizations issued
on or after January 1, 2019. The Securitization Regulation repealed and replaced the prior EU risk retention requirements with a single
regime that applies to European credit institutions, investment firms, insurance and reinsurance companies, alternative investment fund
managers that manage and/or market their alternative investment funds in the EU, undertakings for collective investment in transferable
securities regulated pursuant to EU Directive 2009/65/EC and the management companies thereof and, subject to some exceptions, institutions
for occupational pension provision (IORPs), each as set out in the Securitization Regulation (such investors, “EU Affected Investors”).
Such EU Affected Investors may be subject to punitive capital requirements and/or other regulatory penalties with respect to investments
in securitizations that fail to comply with the Securitization Regulation.
The Securitization Regulation restricts
an EU Affected Investor from investing in securitizations unless, among other things: (a)(i) the originator, sponsor or original lender
with respect to the relevant securitization will retain, on an on-going basis, a net economic interest of not less than 5% with respect
to certain specified credit risk tranches or securitized exposures and (ii) the risk retention is disclosed to the investor in accordance
with the Securitization Regulation; and (b) such investor is able to demonstrate that it has undertaken certain due diligence with respect
to various matters, including the risk characteristics of its investment position and the underlying assets, and that procedures are established
for such activities to be monitored on an on-going basis. There are material differences between the Securitization Regulation and the
prior EU risk retention requirements, particularly with respect to transaction transparency, reporting and diligence requirements and
the imposition of a direct compliance obligation on the “sponsor”, “originator” or “original lender”
of a securitization where such entity is established in the EU.
CLOs issued in Europe are generally
structured in compliance with the Securitization Regulation so that prospective investors subject to the Securitization laws can invest
in compliance with such requirements. To the extent a CLO is structured in compliance with the EU Securitization laws, our ability to
invest in the residual tranches of such CLOs could be limited, or we could be required to hold our investment for the life of the CLO.
If a CLO has not been structured to comply with the Securitization Regulation, it will limit the ability of EEA-regulated institutional
investors to purchase CLO securities, which may adversely affect the price and liquidity of the securities (including the residual tranche)
in the secondary market. Additionally, the Securitization Regulation and any regulatory uncertainty in relation thereto may reduce the
issuance of new CLOs and reduce the liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market generally. Reduced liquidity in the loan market
could reduce investment opportunities for collateral managers, which could negatively affect the return of our investments. Any reduction
in the volume and liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market could also reduce opportunities to redeem or refinance the securities
comprising a CLO in an optional redemption or refinancing and could negatively affect the ability of obligors to refinance their collateral
obligations, either of which developments could increase defaulted obligations above historic levels.
The SEC staff could modify its position on certain non-traditional
investments, including investments in CLO securities.
The staff of the SEC from time to time has undertaken
a broad review of the potential risks associated with different asset management activities, focusing on, among other things, liquidity
risk and leverage risk. The staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC has, in correspondence with registered management
investment companies, previously raised questions about the level of, and special risks associated with, investments in CLO securities.
While it is not possible to predict what conclusions, if any, the staff may reach in these areas, or what recommendations, if any, the
staff might make to the SEC, the imposition of limitations on investments by registered management investment companies in CLO securities
could adversely impact our ability to implement our investment strategy and/or our ability to raise capital through public offerings,
or could cause us to take certain actions that may result in an adverse impact on our stockholders, our financial condition, and/or our
results of operations. We are unable at this time to assess the likelihood or timing of any such regulatory development.
|
|
Return at Minus Ten [Percent] |
(16.20%)
|
[1] |
Return at Minus Five [Percent] |
(9.50%)
|
[1] |
Return at Zero [Percent] |
(2.80%)
|
[1] |
Return at Plus Five [Percent] |
3.80%
|
[1] |
Return at Plus Ten [Percent] |
10.50%
|
[1] |
Effects of Leverage, Purpose [Text Block] |
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses) | |
| -10 | % | |
| -5 | % | |
| 0 | % | |
| 5 | % | |
| 10 | % |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholder(1) | |
| -16.2 | % | |
| -9.5 | % | |
| -2.8 | % | |
| 3.8 | % | |
| 10.5 | % |
|
(1) |
Assumes that we incur leverage in an amount equal to approximately 25% of our total assets (as determined immediately after the leverage is incurred). |
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|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
Capital Stock [Table Text Block] |
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL
STOCK
The
following describes the material terms of our capital stock and is based on relevant portions of the DGCL and on our Certificate of Incorporation
and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and our bylaws for
a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.
Capital Stock
Our authorized
stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.001 per share. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under
any equity compensation plans. Under Delaware law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.
Common Stock
All shares
of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by the
board of directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefrom. Such distributions may be payable in cash, shares of our
common stock or a combination thereof. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, exchange, conversion or redemption rights and are
freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by U.S. federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of
our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that
are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders
of our Preferred Stock, if any Preferred Stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or
series of stock, holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Preferred Stock
Our Certificate
of Incorporation authorizes our Board to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of preferred stock into other classes or series of
preferred stock without stockholder approval. If we issue preferred stock, costs of the offering will be borne immediately at such time
by the holders of our common stock and result in a reduction of the NAV per share of our common stock at that time. We may issue preferred
stock at any time. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board is required by the DGCL and by our Certificate of Incorporation
to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions,
qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, our Board could authorize the issuance of shares
of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change
in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
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Risks Related to Our Investments [Member] |
|
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
Risks Related to Our Investments
Our investments in CLO securities and other structured finance
securities involve certain risks.
We may invest in primarily below investment grade
(“high yield”) equity and debt securities of CLOs. The CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments purchased by us will generally
represent the most junior parts of the capital structure of the CLO and will not be rated by any rating agency, or if rated, will be rated
below AA/Aa. While all of our CLO investments are subject to the risk of loss, our investments in mezzanine debt and equity CLO investments
will be subject to the greatest risk of loss and will be more directly affected by any losses or delays in payment on the related collateral.
We will invest in CLOs that are managed by various managers, and in some CLOs with underlying collateral consisting of static pools selected
by the related manager. The performance of any particular CLO will depend, among other things, on the level of defaults experienced on
the related collateral, as well as the timing of such defaults and the timing and amount of any recoveries on such defaulted collateral
and (except in the case of static pool CLOs) the impact of any trading of the related collateral. There can be no assurances that any
level of investment return will be achieved by investors. It is possible that our investments in the CLOs will result in a loss on an
aggregate basis (even if some investments do not suffer a loss) and therefore investors could incur a loss on their investment. Because
the payments on certain of our CLO investments (primarily, CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments) are subordinated to payments on
the senior obligations of the respective CLO, these investments represent subordinated, leveraged investments in the underlying collateral.
Therefore, changes in the value of these CLO investments are anticipated to be greater than the change in the value of the underlying
collateral, which themselves are subject to, among other things, credit, liquidity and interest rate risk, which are described below.
Moreover, our CLO mezzanine debt and equity investments will have different degrees of leverage based on the capital structure of the
CLO. Investors should consider with particular care the risks of the leverage present in our investments because, although the use of
leverage by a CLO creates an opportunity for substantial returns on the related investment, the subordination of such investment to the
senior debt securities issued by that CLO increases substantially the likelihood that we could lose our entire investment in such investment
if the underlying collateral is adversely affected by, among other things, the occurrence of defaults.
We may also invest in interests in warehousing
facilities. Prior to the closing of a CLO, an investment bank or other entity that is financing the CLO's structuring may provide a warehousing
facility to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of initial assets. Capital raised during the closing of the CLO is then used to purchase
the portfolio of initial assets from the warehousing facility. A warehousing facility may have several classes of loans with differing
seniority levels with a subordinated or "equity" class typically purchased by the manager of the CLO or other investors. One
of the most significant risks to the holder of the subordinated class of a warehouse facility is the market value fluctuation of the loans
acquired. Subordinated equity holders generally acquire the first loss positions which bear the impact of market losses before more senior
positions upon settling the warehouse facility. Further, warehouse facility transactions often include event of default provisions and
other collateral threshold requirements that grant senior holders or the administrator certain rights (including the right to liquidate
warehouse positions) upon the occurrence of various triggering events including a decrease in the value of warehouse collateral. In addition,
a subordinate noteholder may be asked to maintain a certain level of loan-to-value ratio to mitigate this market value risk. As a result,
if the market value of collateral loans decreases, the subordinated noteholder may need to provide additional funding to maintain the
warehouse lender's loan-to-value ratio.
Our investments in the primary CLO market involve certain additional
risks due to the need to fully “ramp” the portfolio.
Between the pricing date and the effective date
of a CLO, the CLO collateral manager will generally expect to purchase additional collateral obligations for the CLO. During this period,
the price and availability of these collateral obligations may be adversely affected by a number of market factors, including price volatility
and availability of investments suitable for the CLO, which could hamper the ability of the collateral manager to acquire a portfolio
of collateral obligations that will satisfy specified concentration limitations and allow the CLO to reach the target initial par amount
of collateral prior to the effective date. An inability or delay in reaching the target initial par amount of collateral may adversely
affect the timing and amount of distributions on the CLO equity securities and the timing and amount of interest or principal payments
received by holders of the CLO debt securities and could result in early redemptions, which may cause CLO equity and debt investors to
receive less than face value of their investment.
Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification
among CLO securities which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities experience a high level
of defaults on collateral.
Our portfolio may hold investments in a limited
number of CLO securities. As our portfolio may be less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to
failure if one or more of the CLOs in which we are invested experiences a high level of defaults on its collateral. Similarly, the aggregate
returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down
the value of any one investment. We may also invest in multiple CLOs managed by the same CLO collateral manager, thereby increasing our
risk of loss in the event the CLO collateral manager were to fail, experience the loss of key portfolio management employees or sell its
business.
Failure to maintain adequate diversification
of underlying obligors across the CLOs in which we invest would make us more vulnerable to defaults.
Even if we maintain adequate diversification across
different CLO issuers, we may still be subject to concentration risk since CLO portfolios tend to have a certain amount of overlap across
underlying obligors. This trend is generally exacerbated when demand for bank loans by CLO issuers outpaces supply. Market analysts have
noted that the overlap of obligor names among CLO issuers has increased recently, and is particularly evident across CLOs of the same
year of origination, as well as with CLOs managed by the same asset manager. To the extent we invest in CLOs that have a high percentage
of overlap, this may increase the likelihood of defaults on our CLO investments occurring at the same time.
Our portfolio is focused on CLO securities,
and the CLO securities in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
Our portfolio is focused on securities issued
by CLOs and related investments, and the CLOs in which we invest may hold loans that are concentrated in a limited number of industries.
As a result, a downturn in the CLO industry or in any particular industry that the CLOs in which we invest are concentrated could significantly
impact the aggregate returns we realize.
Failure by a CLO in which we are invested to satisfy certain
tests will harm our operating results.
The failure by a CLO in which we invest to satisfy
financial covenants, including over-collateralization tests and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments
to us. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn,
reduce the payments we, as holder of equity and junior debt tranches, would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur
expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial
covenants, with a defaulting CLO or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect
our operating results and cashflows.
Negative loan ratings migration may also place pressure on the
performance of certain of our investments.
Per the terms of a CLO’s indenture, assets
rated “CCC+” or lower or their equivalent in excess of applicable limits typically do not receive full par credit for purposes
of calculation of the CLO’s overcollateralization tests. As a result, negative rating migration could cause a CLO to be out of compliance
with its overcollateralization tests. This could cause a diversion of cashflows away from the CLO junior debt and equity tranches in favor
of the more senior CLO debt tranches until the relevant overcollateralization test breaches are cured. This could have a negative impact
on our NAV and cashflows.
Our investments in CLOs and other investment vehicles result
in additional expenses to us.
To the extent that we invest in CLO securities,
we will bear our ratable share of a CLO’s expenses, including management and performance fees. In addition to the management and
performance fees borne by our investments in CLOs, we will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser.
With respect to each of these investments, each holder of our common stock bears his or her share of the management and incentive fee
of the Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees charged by the underlying CLO advisor.
In the course of our investing activities, we
will pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser and reimburse the Adviser for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors
in our securities invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, potentially
resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments.
Our investments in CLO securities may be less transparent to
us and our stockholders than direct investments in the collateral.
We invest primarily in equity tranches of CLOs
and other related investments, including junior and senior debt tranches of CLOs. Generally, there may be less information available to
us regarding the collateral held by such CLOs than if we had invested directly in the debt of the underlying obligors. As a result, our
stockholders will not know the details of the collateral of the CLOs in which we invest or receive the reports issued with respect to
such CLO. In addition, none of the information contained in certain monthly reports nor any other financial information furnished to us
as an investor in a CLO is audited and reported upon, nor is an opinion expressed, by an independent public accountant. Our CLO investments
are also subject to the risk of leverage associated with the debt issued by such CLOs and the repayment priority of equity holders in
such CLOs.
CLO investments involve complex documentation and accounting
considerations.
CLOs and other structured finance securities in
which we intend to invest are often governed by a complex series of legal documents and contracts. As a result, the risk of dispute over
interpretation or enforceability of the documentation may be higher relative to other types of investments.
The accounting and tax implications of the CLO
investments that we intend to make are complicated. In particular, reported earnings from CLO equity securities are recorded under U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP,” based upon an effective yield calculation. Current taxable earnings on
certain of these investments, however, will generally not be determinable until after the end of the fiscal year of each individual CLO
that ends within our fiscal year, even though the investments are generating cashflow throughout the fiscal year. The tax treatment of
certain of these investments may result in higher distributable earnings in the early years and a capital loss at maturity, while for
reporting purposes the totality of cashflows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity.
We are dependent on the collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we invest, and those CLOs are generally not registered under the 1940 Act.
We rely on CLO collateral managers to administer
and review the portfolios of collateral they manage. The actions of the CLO collateral managers may significantly affect the return on
our investments; however, we, as investors of the CLO, typically do not have any direct contractual relationship with the collateral managers
of the CLOs in which we invest. The ability of each CLO collateral manager to identify and report on issues affecting its securitization
portfolio on a timely basis could also affect the return on our investments, as we may not be provided with information on a timely basis
in order to take appropriate measures to manage our risks. We will also rely on CLO collateral managers to act in the best interests of
a CLO it manages; however, there can be no assurance that the collateral managers will always act in the best interest of the class or
classes of securities in which we are invested. If any CLO collateral manager were to act in a manner that was not in the best interest
of the CLOs (e.g., with gross negligence, with reckless disregard or in bad faith), this could adversely impact the overall performance
of our investments. Furthermore, since the underlying CLO issuer often provides an indemnity to its CLO collateral manager, we may not
be incentivized to pursue actions against the collateral manager since any such action, if successful, may ultimately be borne by the
underlying CLO issuer and payable from its assets, which could create losses to us as investors in the CLO. In addition, liabilities incurred
by the CLO manger to third parties may be borne by us as investors in CLO equity to the extent the CLO is required to indemnify its collateral
manager for such liabilities.
In addition, the CLOs in which we invest are generally
not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act. As investors in these CLOs, we are not afforded the protections that stockholders
in an investment company registered under the 1940 Act would have.
The collateral managers of the CLOs in which
we intend to invest may not continue to manage such CLOs.
Because we intend to invest in CLO securities
issued by CLOs that are managed by collateral managers that are unaffiliated with the Adviser, there is no guarantee that, for any CLO
we invest in, the collateral manager in place at the time of investment will remain in place through the life of our investment. Collateral
managers are subject to removal or replacement by subject to the consent of the majority of the equity investors in the CLO, and may also
voluntarily resign as collateral manager or assign their role as collateral manager to another entity. There can be no assurance that
any removal, replacement, resignation or assignment of any particular CLO manager’s role will not adversely affect the returns on
the CLO securities in which we intend to invest.
Our investments in CLO securities may be subject to special anti-deferral
provisions that could result in us incurring tax or recognizing income prior to receiving cash distributions related to such income.
Some of the CLOs in which we invest may constitute
“passive foreign investment companies,” or “PFICs.” If we acquire interests treated as equity for U.S. federal
income tax purposes in PFICs (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in CLOs that are PFICs), we may
be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even
if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate
such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require us to recognize our share of the PFIC’s
income for each tax year regardless of whether we receive any distributions from such PFIC. We must nonetheless distribute such income
to maintain our status as a RIC. We intend to treat our income inclusion with respect to a PFIC with respect to which we have made a qualified
electing fund, or “QEF,” election, as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a
RIC if (i) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion
or (ii) such inclusion is derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. As such, we may be restricted
in our ability to make QEF elections with respect to our holdings in issuers that could be treated as PFICs in order to ensure our continued
qualification as a RIC and/or maximize our after-tax return from these investments.
If we hold 10% or more of the interests treated
as equity (by vote or value) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation,
or “CFC” (including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as a CFC), we may be
treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal
to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If we are
required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in our income, we will be required to distribute such income to maintain our
RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such tax year. We intend to treat our income inclusion
with respect to a CFC as qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC either if (i) there is
a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (ii) such inclusion is derived
with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.
If we are required to include amounts from CLO
securities in income prior to receiving the cash distributions representing such income, we may have to sell some of our investments at
times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities
for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject
to corporate-level income tax.
If a CLO in which we invest fails to comply with certain U.S.
tax disclosure requirements, such CLO may be subject to withholding requirements that could materially and adversely affect our operating
results and cashflows.
The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions
of the Code, or “FATCA,” imposes a withholding tax of 30% on U.S. source periodic payments, including interest and dividends
to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies
with certain reporting requirements regarding its U.S. account holders and its U.S. owners. Most CLOs in which we invest will be treated
as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the
30% withholding. If a CLO in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amount available
to distribute to junior debt and equity holders in such CLO, which could materially and adversely affect the fair value of the CLO’s
securities, our operating results, and cashflows.
Increased competition in the market or a
decrease in new CLO issuances may result in increased price volatility or a shortage of investment opportunities.
In recent years there has been a marked increase
in the number of, and flow of capital into, investment vehicles established to make investments in CLO securities, even though the size
of this market is relatively limited. While we cannot determine the precise effect of such competition, such increase may result in greater
competition for investment opportunities, which may result in an increase in the price of such investments relative to their risk. Such
competition may also result under certain circumstances in increased price volatility or decreased liquidity with respect to certain positions.
In addition, the volume of new CLO issuances and
CLO refinancings varies over time as a result of a variety of factors including new regulations, changes in interest rates, and other
market forces. As a result of increased competition and uncertainty regarding the volume of new CLO issuances and CLO refinancings, we
can offer no assurances that we will deploy all of our capital in a timely manner or at all. Prospective investors should understand that
we may compete with other investment vehicles, as well as investment and commercial banking firms, which have substantially greater resources,
in terms of financial wherewithal and research staffs, than may be available to us.
We may be subject to risks associated with any subsidiaries.
We may in the future invest indirectly through
one or more subsidiaries. Such subsidiaries may include entities that are wholly-owned or primarily controlled by the Company that engage
primarily in investment activities in securities or other assets. In the event that we invest through a subsidiary, we will comply with
the provisions of Section 8 of the 1940 Act governing investment policies on an aggregate basis with any such subsidiary. The Company
also intends to comply with the provisions of Section 18 of the 1940 Act governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis
with any subsidiary, including such that the Company will treat a subsidiary’s debt as its own for purposes of Section 18. Any subsidiary
will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody. Any subsidiary would not be separately
registered under the 1940 Act and would not be subject to all the investor protections and substantive regulation of the 1940 Act, although
any such subsidiary will be managed pursuant to applicable 1940 Act compliance policies and procedures of the Company. In addition, changes
in the laws of the jurisdiction of formation of any future subsidiary could result in the inability of such subsidiary to operate as anticipated.
Additionally, any investment adviser to such subsidiaries will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory
contracts as if it were an investment adviser to the Company under Section 2(a)(20) of the 1940 Act.
We and our investments are subject to interest rate risk.
Since we may incur leverage (including through
credit facilities, preferred stock and/or debt securities) to make investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference
between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds.
The Federal Reserve began raising interest rates
in 2022 and continued to do so through July 2023. After holding rates steady for much of 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the interest
rate paid on reserve balances effective September 19, 2024.
In a rising interest rate environment, any leverage
that we incur may bear a higher interest rate than our current leverage. There may not, however, be a corresponding increase in our investment
income. Any reduction in the level of rate of return on new investments relative to the rate of return on our current investments, and
any reduction in the rate of return on our current investments, could adversely impact our net investment income, reducing our ability
to service the interest obligations on, and to repay the principal of, our indebtedness, as well as our capacity to pay distributions
to our stockholders. See “- Reference Rate Floor Risk.”
The fair value of certain of our investments may
be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Although senior secured loans are generally floating rate instruments, our investments
in senior secured loans through investments in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs are sensitive to interest rate levels and volatility.
For example, because CLO debt securities are floating rate securities, a reduction in interest rates would generally result in a reduction
in the coupon payment and cashflow we receive on our CLO debt investments. Further, although CLOs are generally structured to mitigate
the risk of interest rate mismatch, there may be a difference between the timing of interest rate resets on the assets and liabilities
of a CLO. Such a mismatch in timing could have a negative effect on the amount of funds distributed to CLO equity investors. In addition,
CLOs may not be able to enter into hedge agreements, even if it may otherwise be in the best interests of the CLO to hedge such interest
rate risk. Furthermore, in the event of an economic downturn, loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that may adversely
affect our cashflow, fair value of our assets, and operating results. In the event that our interest expense were to increase relative
to income, or sufficient financing became unavailable, our return on investments and cash available for distribution to stockholders or
to make other payments on our securities would be reduced. In addition, future investments in different types of instruments may carry
a greater exposure to interest rate risk.
Reference Rate Floor Risk. Because
CLOs generally issue debt on a floating rate basis, an increase in the applicable reference rate (which is generally expected to be term
SOFR) will increase the financing costs of CLOs. Many of the senior secured loans held by these CLOs have reference rate floors such that,
when the applicable reference rate is below the stated floor, the stated floor (rather than actual reference rate itself) is used to determine
the interest payable under the loans. Therefore, if the applicable reference rate increases but stays below the average reference rate
floor of the senior secured loans held by a CLO, there would not be a corresponding increase in the investment income of such CLOs. The
combination of increased financing costs without a corresponding increase in investment income in such a scenario could result in the
CLO not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
Interest Index Risk. The CLO equity
and debt securities in which we invest earn interest at, and CLOs in which we typically invest earn interest at, and obtain financing
at, a floating rate, which has traditionally been based on LIBOR. After June 30, 2023, all tenors of LIBOR have either ceased to be published
or, in the case of 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings, are no longer being published on a representative basis. As
a result, the relevant credit markets have transitioned away from LIBOR to other benchmarks. The primary replacement rate for U.S. dollar
LIBOR for loans and CLO debt securities is SOFR, which measures the cost of overnight borrowings through repurchase agreement transactions
collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. As of January 1, 2022, all new issue CLO securities utilize SOFR as the LIBOR replacement
rate.
We will invest in CLOs issued prior to
2022 through the secondary market that may be in the process of transitioning their debt securities or underlying assets away from LIBOR.
The ongoing transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of any changes in the pricing of our investments, changes to the
documentation for certain of our investments and the pace of such changes, disputes and other actions regarding the interpretation of
current and prospective loan documentation or modifications to processes and systems. To the extent that the replacement rate utilized
for senior secured loans held by a CLO differs from the rate utilized by the CLO itself, there is a basis risk between the two rates (e.g.,
SOFR, BSBY or other available rates, which could include the prime rate or the Federal funds rate). This means the CLO could experience
an interest rate mismatch between its assets and liabilities, which could have an adverse impact on the cash flows distributed to CLO
equity investors as well as our net investment income and portfolio returns until such mismatch is corrected or minimized, which would
be expected to occur to the extent that both the underlying senior secured loans and the CLO securities utilize the same rate.
Potential
Effects of Alternative Reference Rates. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority announcement or other regulatory changes or announcements, the establishment of SOFR, SONIA or any other alternative reference
rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom, in the U.S., or elsewhere. If no replacement conventions
develop, it is uncertain what effect broadly divergent interest rate calculation methodologies in the markets will have on the price and
liquidity of CLO securities and the ability of the collateral manager to effectively mitigate interest rate risks. As such, the potential
effect of any such event on our net investment income cannot yet be determined.
Interest Rate Mismatch. Many underlying
corporate borrowers can elect to pay interest based on various reference rates (such as 1-month term SOFR, 3-month term SOFR and/or other
rates) in respect of the loans held by CLOs in which we intend to invest, in each case plus an applicable spread, whereas CLOs generally
pay interest to holders of the CLO’s debt tranches based on 3-month term SOFR plus a spread. The 3-month term SOFR rate currently
exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate, which may result in many underlying corporate borrowers electing to pay interest based on the 1-month
term SOFR rate, to the extent that they are entitled to so elect. This mismatch in the rate at which CLOs earn interest and the rate at
which they pay interest on their debt tranches could negatively impact the cashflows on a CLO’s equity tranche, which may in turn
adversely affect our cashflows and results of operations. Unless spreads are adjusted to account for these mismatches, the negative impacts
may worsen to the extent the difference between the 3-month term SOFR rate exceeds the 1-month term SOFR rate increases.
Fluctuations
in Interest Rates. In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve increased certain interest rates as part of its efforts to combat rising
inflation, and in September 2024 the U.S. Federal Reserve decreased such rates. Changes in interest rates (or the expectation of such
changes) may adversely affect the CLO securities that we invest in or increase risks associated with such investments. The senior secured
loans underlying CLOs typically have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting
in losses for the CLOs in which we invest. In addition, increasing interest rates may lead to higher prepayment rates, as corporate borrowers
look to avoid escalating interest payments or refinance floating rate loans. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - Our
investments are subject to prepayment risk.” Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs
of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within CLOs have reference rate floors, if the applicable reference rate
is below the average reference rate floor, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income, which could result in the CLO
not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which we hold.
For detailed discussions of the risks
associated with a rising interest rate environment, see “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject
to interest rate risk,” and “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We and our investments are subject to risks
associated with investing in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.”
Inflation or deflation may negatively affect our portfolio.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain
assets, or income from our portfolio investments, will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation
increases, the real value of the interest paid and repayments made in relation to CLOs may decline. In addition, during any periods of
rising inflation, some obligors may not be able to make the interest payments on CLO Collateral instruments or refinance those obligations,
resulting in payment defaults. It should be noted that, in response to recent world events, including the global financial crisis, the
COVID-19 global pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, countries around the world have injected trillions of dollars into the economy in
an effort to prevent more severe economic turbulence. This unprecedented amount of government funding and support, has given rise to significant
increases in government spending and (in many instances) significant increases to the amount of debt issued by governments in the international
bond markets. There can be no assurance that governments will be able to repay all of this debt in a timely way, or at all. Government
default on debt would have negative consequences for our portfolio, disrupting financial markets generally and potentially impacting the
credit risk of our investments and also of certain assets that provide the credit support for our investments. In addition, the United
States and other countries have experienced, and may in the future experience, supply chain disruptions for a number of goods in the marketplace.
This potential disruption in supply of goods, combined with unprecedented levels of such government spending and monetary policy, has
materially increased inflation of the US dollar and other currencies. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had in
the past, and in the future may have, negative effects on economic and financial markets, which may consequently have a materially adverse
impact on our investment performance.
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time-the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of obligors and
may make obligor defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the portfolio investments. Moreover, if deflation
was to persist and interest rates were to decline, obligors might refinance their obligations in relation to CLO Collateral at lower interest
rates which could shorten the average life of the CLOs.
Our investments are subject to credit risk.
The CLOs in which we invest, and the loans underlying
such CLOs, are subject to the risk of an issuer's, or debtor’s, ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation
(known as "credit risk") and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as "market risk"). Lower-rated or unrated
(i.e., junk) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities,
which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of lower rated securities will fluctuate
over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market's perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic
growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened
concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing
in lower rated tranches of CLOs and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.
Adverse economic developments can disrupt the
market for CLO securities and severely affect the ability of issuers, especially highly leveraged issuers (such as certain CLOs), to service
their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities.
In addition, the secondary market for CLO securities is not as liquid as the secondary market for other types of equity or fixed-income
securities. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to sell these securities, or we may only be able to sell the securities at prices
lower than if such securities were highly liquid. Furthermore, we may experience difficulty in valuing certain CLO securities at certain
times. Under these circumstances, prices realized upon the sale of such securities may be less than the prices used in calculating the
Company's NAV. Prices for CLO securities may also be affected by legislative and regulatory developments.
Lower-rated tranches of CLOs also present risks
based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligations for redemption or if the underlying loans are paid faster than expected,
we may have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Additionally, we may have indirect exposure to
covenant lite loans through out investments in CLOs. Covenant lite loans are loans that have fewer financial maintenance and reporting
covenants. Such loans may comprise a significant portion of the senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest. Accordingly,
to the extent that the CLOs in which we invest hold covenant lite loans, the CLOs may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have
greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in loans with more robust maintenance and reporting covenants.
Our investments are subject to prepayment risk.
Although the Adviser’s valuations and projections
take into account certain expected levels of prepayments, the collateral of a CLO may be prepaid more quickly than expected. Prepayment
rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of factors beyond our control and consequently cannot be accurately predicted.
Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, as a CLO collateral manager might realize excess cash from prepayments earlier
than expected. If a CLO collateral manager is unable to reinvest such cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least
equal to that of the investment repaid, this may reduce our net income and the fair value of that asset.
We may leverage our portfolio, which would
magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing in us.
We may incur leverage, directly or indirectly,
through one or more special purpose vehicles, indebtedness for borrowed money, as well as leverage in the form of Derivative Transactions,
preferred stock, debt securities, and other structures and instruments, in significant amounts and on terms that the Adviser and our Board
deem appropriate, subject to applicable limitations under the 1940 Act. Such leverage may be used for the acquisition and financing of
our investments, to pay fees and expenses, and for other purposes. Such leverage may be secured or unsecured. Any such leverage does not
include leverage embedded or inherent in the CLO structures in which we invest or derivative instruments in which we may invest.
To the extent that we employ additional leverage,
such leverage will have an effect on our portfolio. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of an investment would be
magnified to the extent leverage is utilized. For instance, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply
than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make distributions and other payments
to our securityholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur
will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The
cumulative effect of the use of leverage with respect to any investments in a market that moves adversely to such investments could result
in a substantial loss that would be greater than if our investments were not leveraged.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we will generally be required to meet certain asset coverage requirements, as defined under the 1940 Act, with respect to any
senior securities. With respect to senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., borrowings or deemed borrowings), other than
temporary borrowings as defined under the 1940 Act, we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 300%, as measured
at the time of borrowing and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness. With respect to senior securities
that are stocks (i.e., shares of preferred stock), we are required under current law to have an asset coverage of at least 200%,
as measured at the time of the issuance of any such shares of preferred stock and calculated as the ratio of our total assets (less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) over the aggregate amount of our outstanding senior securities representing
indebtedness, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
If our asset coverage declines below 300% (or
200%, as applicable), we would not be able to incur additional debt or issue additional preferred stock, and could be required by law
to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt or redeem shares of preferred stock when it is disadvantageous to do so, which
could have a material adverse effect on our operations. In this instance, we might not be able to make certain distributions or pay dividends
of an amount necessary to continue to be subject to tax as a RIC or to avoid incurring a Fund level tax. Further, if our asset coverage
falls below 200%, we may be prevented from declaring dividends by certain sections of the 1940 Act. The amount of leverage that we employ
will depend on the Adviser’s and our Board’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition, any debt facility into which we may
enter would likely impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder
our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our ability to be subject to
tax as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
The following table is furnished in response to
the requirements of the SEC and illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various
annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those
appearing in the table below.
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses) | |
| -10 | % | |
| -5 | % | |
| 0 | % | |
| 5 | % | |
| 10 | % |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholder(1) | |
| -16.2 | % | |
| -9.5 | % | |
| -2.8 | % | |
| 3.8 | % | |
| 10.5 | % |
|
(1) |
Assumes that we incur leverage in an amount equal to approximately 25% of our total assets (as determined immediately after the leverage is incurred). |
Based on our assumed leverage described above,
our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.125% to cover interest payments on our
assumed indebtedness.
Our investments may be highly subordinated and subject to leveraged
securities risk.
Our portfolio includes equity investments in CLOs,
which involve a number of significant risks. CLOs are typically very highly levered (with CLO equity securities being leveraged nine to
thirteen times), and therefore the equity tranches in which we intend to invest will be subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In
particular, investors in CLO securities indirectly bear risks of the collateral held by such CLOs. We generally have the right to receive
payments only from the CLOs, and generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO.
While the CLOs we target generally enable an equity investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior secured loans without the expenses
associated with directly holding the same investments, we will generally pay a proportionate share of the CLO’s administrative,
management, and other expenses if we make a CLO equity investment. In addition, we may have the option in certain CLOs to contribute additional
amounts to the CLO issuer for purposes of acquiring additional assets or curing coverage tests, thereby increasing our overall exposure
and capital at risk to such CLO. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of assets underlying CLOs will rise or fall, these
prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLOs’ securities) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events
that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. The interests we intend to acquire in CLOs will likely be thinly traded
or have only a limited trading market. CLO securities are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result,
investments in CLO equity securities are illiquid. See “Risks Related to Our Investments - The lack of liquidity in our investments
may adversely affect our business.”
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with investing
in high-yield and unrated, or “junk,” securities.
We invest primarily in securities that are not
rated by a national securities rating service. The primary assets underlying our CLO security investments are senior secured loans, although
these transactions may allow for limited exposure to other asset classes including unsecured loans and high yield bonds. CLOs generally
invest in lower-rated debt securities that are typically rated below Baa/BBB by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. In addition, we may obtain
direct exposure to such financial assets or instruments. Securities that are not rated or are rated lower than Baa by Moody’s or
lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch are sometimes referred to as “high yield” or “junk.” High-yield debt securities
have greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations. High-yield debt securities and loans are generally unsecured
and may be subordinated to certain other obligations of the issuer thereof. The lower rating of high-yield debt securities and below-investment
grade loans reflects a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer, or in general economic conditions,
or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal or interest.
The CLO equity securities that we hold and intend
to acquire are typically unrated and are therefore considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of
principal. The collateral of underlying CLOs are also typically higher-yield, sub-investment grade investments. Investing in CLO equity
securities and other high-yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely
impact our performance.
A portion of the loans held by CLOs in which we
invest may consist of second lien loans. Second lien loans are secured by liens on the collateral securing the loan that are subordinated
to the liens of at least one other class of obligations of the related obligor. Thus, the ability of the CLO issuer to exercise remedies
after a second lien loan becomes a defaulted obligation is subordinated to, and limited by, the rights of the senior creditors holding
such other classes of obligations. In many circumstances, the CLO issuer may be prevented from foreclosing on the collateral securing
a second lien loan until the related first lien loan is paid in full. Moreover, any amounts that might be realized as a result of collection
efforts or in connection with a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding involving a second lien loan must generally be turned over to the
first lien secured lender until the first lien secured lender has realized the full value of its own claims. In addition, certain of the
second lien loans contain provisions requiring the CLO issuer’s interest in the collateral to be released in certain circumstances.
These lien and payment obligation subordination provisions may materially and adversely affect the ability of the CLO issuer to realize
value from second lien loans and adversely affect the fair value of and income from our investment in the CLO’s securities.
An economic downturn or an increase in interest
rates could severely disrupt the market for high-yield debt securities and loans and adversely affect the value of such outstanding securities
and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest.
Issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans
may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The risk associated with acquiring (directly
or indirectly) the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with highly rated securities. For example, during
an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high-yield debt securities and loans may be more likely
to experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly leveraged. During such periods, timely service of debt obligations
also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts,
or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders
of high-yield debt securities and loans because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to obligations owed to other
creditors of the issuer of such securities. In addition, the CLO issuer may incur additional expenses to the extent it (or any investment
manager) is required to seek recovery upon a default on a high yield bond (or any other debt obligation) or participate in the restructuring
of such obligation.
We are subject to risks associated with loan assignments and
participations.
The CLOs in which we invest will purchase loan
participations and assignments. Loan participations are interests in loans to obligors which are administered by the lending bank or agent
for a syndicate of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank, financial institution or syndicate member (“intermediary bank”).
In a loan participation, the borrower will be deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest, except to the extent the CLO derives
rights from the intermediary bank. Because the intermediary bank does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan participation
is subject to the credit risks generally associated with the underlying borrower. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the
borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper conduct
by the intermediary bank. In addition, in the event the underlying borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the CLO, may
be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the CLO had purchased a direct obligation
of such borrower. Under the terms of a loan participation, the CLO may be regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather than
of the underlying borrower), so that the CLO may also be subject to the risk that the intermediary bank may become insolvent.
Loan assignments are investments in assignments
of all or a portion of certain loans from third parties. When a CLO in which we have invested, purchases assignments from lenders, it
will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. Since assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential
assignees and assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a CLO in which we have invested, may differ from, and be more
limited than, those held by the assigning lender. Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid investments, which are subject to
the risk described below.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect
our business.
High-yield investments, including subordinated
CLO securities and collateral held by CLOs in which we invest, generally have limited liquidity. As a result, prices of high-yield investments
have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a substantial number of holders (or a few holders of a significantly large
“block” of the securities) decided to sell. In addition, we (or the CLOs in which we invest) may have difficulty disposing
of certain high-yield investments because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To the extent that a secondary trading
market for non-investment grade high-yield investments does exist, it would not be as liquid as the secondary market for highly rated
investments. Reduced secondary market liquidity would have an adverse impact on the fair value of the securities and on our direct or
indirect ability to dispose of particular securities in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness
of the issuer of such securities.
As secondary market trading volumes increase,
new loans frequently contain standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading that may improve market liquidity. There can be no
assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity or that the current
level of liquidity will continue. Because holders of such loans are offered confidential information relating to the borrower, the unique
and customized nature of the loan agreement, and the private syndication of the loan, loans are not purchased or sold as easily as publicly
traded securities are purchased or sold. Although a secondary market may exist, risks similar to those described above in connection with
an investment in high-yield debt investments are also applicable to investments in lower rated loans.
The securities issued by CLOs generally offer
less liquidity than other investment grade or high-yield corporate debt, and are subject to certain transfer restrictions that impose
certain financial and other eligibility requirements on prospective transferees. Other investments that we may purchase in privately negotiated
transactions may also be illiquid or subject to legal restrictions on their transfer. As a result of this illiquidity, our ability to
sell certain investments quickly, or at all, in response to changes in economic and other conditions and to receive a fair price when
selling such investments, may be limited, which could prevent us from making sales to mitigate losses on such investments. In addition,
CLOs are subject to the possibility of liquidation upon an event of default, which could result in full loss of value to the CLO equity
and junior debt investors. CLO equity tranches are the most likely tranche to suffer a loss of all of their value in these circumstances.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk.
We may be exposed to counterparty risk, which
could make it difficult for us or the CLOs in which we invest to collect on the obligations represented by investments and result in significant
losses.
We may hold investments (including synthetic securities)
that would expose us to the credit risk of our counterparties or the counterparties of the CLOs in which it invests. In the event of a
bankruptcy or insolvency of such a counterparty, we or a CLO in which such an investment is held could suffer significant losses, including
the loss of that part of our or the CLO’s portfolio financed through such a transaction, declines in the value of our investment.
We are subject to risks associated with defaults on an underlying
asset held by a CLO.
A default and any resulting loss as well as other
losses on an underlying asset held by a CLO may reduce the fair value of our corresponding CLO investment. A wide range of factors could
adversely affect the ability of the borrower of an underlying asset to make interest or other payments on that asset. To the extent that
actual defaults and losses on the collateral of an investment exceed the level of defaults and losses factored into its purchase price,
the value of the anticipated return from the investment will be reduced. The more deeply subordinated the tranche of securities in which
we invest, the greater the risk of loss upon a default. For example, CLO equity is the most subordinated tranche within a CLO and is therefore
subject to the greatest risk of loss resulting from defaults on the CLO’s collateral, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise. Any
defaults and losses in excess of expected default rates and loss model inputs will have a negative impact on the fair value of our investments,
will reduce the cashflows that we receive from our investments, adversely affect the fair value of our assets, and could adversely impact
our ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, the holders of the equity and junior debt tranches typically have limited rights with respect
to decisions made with respect to collateral following an event of default on a CLO. In some cases, the senior-most class of notes can
elect to liquidate the collateral even if the expected proceeds are not expected to be able to pay in full all classes of notes. We could
experience a complete loss of our investment in such a scenario.
In addition, the collateral of CLOs may require
substantial workout negotiations or restructuring in the event of a default or liquidation. Any such workout or restructuring is likely
to lead to a substantial reduction in the interest rate of such asset and/or a substantial write-down or write-off of all or a portion
the principal of such asset. Any such reduction in interest rates or principal will negatively affect the fair value of our portfolio.
We are subject to risks associated with
CLO Warehouses.
We may invest in CLO Warehouses provided for
the purposes of enabling the borrowers to acquire assets (“Collateral”) which are ultimately intended to be used to collateralize
securities to be issued pursuant to a CLO transaction. Our participation in any CLO Warehouse may take the form of notes (“Warehouse
Equity”) which are subordinated to the interests of one or more senior lenders under the CLO Warehouse. If the relevant CLO transaction
does not proceed for any reason (which may include a decision on the part of the CLO Manager not to proceed with the closing of such transaction
(“closing”)), the realized value of the Collateral may be insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect
of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence
that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse. This shortfall may be attributable to, amongst other things,
a fall in the value of the Collateral between the date of our participation in the CLO Warehouse and the date that the Collateral is realized.
In addition, there are certain circumstances in
which the senior lender(s) under a CLO Warehouse may require the sale or liquidation of Collateral prior to closing (for example, in the
event that the value of the Collateral falls below a prescribed threshold). In this event, the realized value of the Collateral may be
insufficient to repay any outstanding amounts owed to us in respect of the Warehouse Equity, after payments have been made to the senior
lenders under the terms of the CLO Warehouse, with the consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO
Warehouse.
If the closing of a CLO transaction occurs, some
or all of the Collateral may be re-priced for the purposes of determining the final repayment amount due under the CLO Warehouse, or the
rate at which Warehouse Equity converts into securities issued by the relevant CLO vehicle. The effect of such re-pricing may be that
any realized and unrealized losses and/or gains on the Collateral at that point are borne by holders of the Warehouse Equity, with the
consequence that we may not receive back all or any of its investment in the CLO Warehouse.
We are subject to risks associated with the bankruptcy or insolvency
of an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO in which we invest.
In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of
an issuer or borrower of a loan that we hold or of an underlying asset held by a CLO or other vehicle in which we invest, a court or other
governmental entity may determine that our claims or those of the relevant CLO are not valid or not entitled to the treatment we expected
when making our initial investment decision.
Various laws enacted for the protection of debtors
may apply to the underlying assets in our investment portfolio. The information in this and the following paragraph represents a brief
summary of certain points only, is not intended to be an extensive summary of the relevant issues and is applicable with respect to U.S.
issuers and borrowers only. The following is not intended to be a summary of all relevant risks. Similar avoidance provisions to those
described below are sometimes available with respect to non-U.S. issuers or borrowers, and there is no assurance that this will be the
case which may result in a much greater risk of partial or total loss of value in that underlying asset.
If a court in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor
or representative of creditors of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, such as a trustee in bankruptcy, were to find that such
issuer or borrower did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness constituting such
underlying assets and, after giving effect to such indebtedness, the issuer or borrower (1) was insolvent; (2) was engaged in a business
for which the remaining assets of such issuer or borrower constituted unreasonably small capital; or (3) intended to incur, or believed
that it would incur, debts beyond our ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could decide to invalidate, in whole or in
part, the indebtedness constituting the underlying assets as a fraudulent conveyance, to subordinate such indebtedness to existing or
future creditors of the issuer or borrower or to recover amounts previously paid by the issuer or borrower in satisfaction of such indebtedness.
In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer or borrower of underlying assets, payments made on such underlying assets could
be subject to avoidance as a “preference” if made within a certain period of time (which may be as long as one year under
U.S. Federal bankruptcy law or even longer under state laws) before insolvency.
Our underlying assets may be subject to various
laws for the protection of debtors in other jurisdictions, including the jurisdiction of incorporation of the issuer or borrower of such
underlying assets and, if different, the jurisdiction from which it conducts business and in which it holds assets, any of which may adversely
affect such issuer’s or borrower’s ability to make, or a creditor’s ability to enforce, payment in full, on a timely
basis or at all. These insolvency considerations will differ depending on the jurisdiction in which an issuer or borrower or the related
underlying assets are located and may differ depending on the legal status of the issuer or borrower.
We are subject to risks associated with any hedging or Derivative
Transactions in which we participate.
We may in the future purchase and sell a variety
of derivative instruments. To the extent we engage in Derivative Transactions, we expect to do so to hedge against interest rate, currency
credit and/or other risks or for other risk management purposes. We may use Derivative Transactions for investment purposes to the extent
consistent with our investment objectives if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. Derivative Transactions may be volatile and involve
various risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by other instruments. The primary risks related to
Derivative Transactions include counterparty, correlation, illiquidity, leverage, volatility, and OTC trading risks. A small investment
in derivatives could have a large potential impact on our performance, imposing a form of investment leverage on our portfolio. In certain
types of Derivative Transactions, we could lose the entire amount of our investment. In other types of Derivative Transactions, the potential
loss is theoretically unlimited.
The following is a more detailed discussion of
primary risk considerations related to the use of Derivative Transactions that investors should understand before investing in the Series
A Term Preferred Stock.
Counterparty risk. Counterparty
risk is the risk that a counterparty in a Derivative Transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to us, or the risk that
the reference entity in a credit default swap or similar derivative will not be able to honor its financial obligations. Certain participants
in the derivatives market, including larger financial institutions, have experienced significant financial hardship and deteriorating
credit conditions. If our counterparty to a Derivative Transaction experiences a loss of capital, or is perceived to lack adequate capital
or access to capital, it may experience margin calls or other regulatory requirements to increase equity. Under such circumstances, the
risk that a counterparty will be unable to honor its obligations may increase substantially. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, we may
experience significant delays in obtaining recovery (if at all) under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding;
if our claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such prime broker or counterparty and will not have any claim with
respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. The counterparty
risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivatives, since, generally, a clearing organization becomes
substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract,
as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial obligations. However, there can be no assurance
that the clearing house, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to us.
Correlation risk. When used for
hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying
investment sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect
correlation between the value of a derivative and our underlying assets may result in losses on the Derivative Transaction that are greater
than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio. The Adviser may not hedge against a particular risk because it does
not regard the probability of the risk occurring to be sufficiently high as to justify the cost of the hedge, or because it does not foresee
the occurrence of the risk. These factors may have a significant negative effect on the fair value of our assets and the market value
of shares of our listed securities.
Liquidity risk. Derivative Transactions,
especially when traded in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we would not be able to close
out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity,
OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives
markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable supplies, the participation
of speculators, government regulation and intervention, and technical and operational or system failures. In addition, daily limits on
price fluctuations and speculative position limits on exchanges on which we may conduct transactions in derivative instruments may prevent
prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses.
Leverage risk. Trading in Derivative
Transactions can result in significant leverage and risk of loss. Thus, the leverage offered by trading in derivative instruments will
magnify the gains and losses we experience and could cause our NAV to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if we did
not use the leverage feature in derivative instruments.
Volatility risk. The prices of
many derivative instruments, including many options and swaps, are highly volatile. Price movements of options contracts and payments
pursuant to swap agreements are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal,
monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies.
The value of options and swap agreements also depends upon the price of the securities or currencies underlying them.
OTC trading risk. Derivative Transactions
that may be purchased or sold may include instruments not traded on an organized market. The risk of non-performance by the counterparty
to such Derivative Transaction may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect
to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between
“bid” and “ask” prices for certain derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Such instruments
are often valued subjectively and may result in difficulties pricing or fair valuing the instrument. Improper valuations can result in
increased cash payment requirements to counterparties, or a loss of value, or both. In contrast, cleared derivative transactions benefit
from daily marked-to-market pricing and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions
entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections; however, certain uncleared derivative
transactions are subject to minimum margin requirements which may require us and our counterparties to exchange collateral based on daily
mark-to-market pricing. OTC trading generally exposes us to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with
its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity
problem, causing us to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events
may intervene to prevent settlement, or where we have concentrated our transactions with a single or small group of counterparties.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees
and expenses of the CLO equity securities in which we invest.
Investors will bear indirectly the fees and expenses
(including management fees and other operating expenses) of the CLO equity securities in which we invest. CLO collateral manager fees
are charged on the total assets of a CLO but are assumed to be paid from the residual cashflows after interest payments to the CLO senior
debt tranches. Therefore, these CLO collateral manager fees (which generally range from 0.35% to 0.50% of a CLO’s total assets)
are effectively much higher when allocated only to the CLO equity tranche. The calculation does not include any other operating expense
ratios of the CLOs, as these amounts are not routinely reported to stockholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however,
it is estimated that additional operating expenses of 0.30% to 0.70% could be incurred. In addition, CLO collateral managers may earn
fees based on a percentage of the CLO’s equity cashflows after the CLO equity has earned a positive internal rate of return of its
capital and achieved a specified “hurdle” rate.
We and our investments are subject to reinvestment risk.
As part of the ordinary management of its portfolio,
a CLO will typically generate cash from asset repayments and sales and reinvest those proceeds in substitute assets, subject to compliance
with its investment tests and certain other conditions. The earnings with respect to such substitute assets will depend on the quality
of reinvestment opportunities available at the time. If the CLO collateral manager causes the CLO to purchase substitute assets at a lower
yield than those initially acquired (for example, during periods of loan compression or need to satisfy the CLO’s covenants), or
sale proceeds are maintained temporarily in cash, it would reduce the excess interest-related cashflow that the CLO collateral manager
is able to achieve. The investment tests may incentivize a CLO collateral manager to cause the CLO to buy riskier assets than it otherwise
would, which could result in additional losses. These factors could reduce our return on investment and may have a negative effect on
the fair value of our assets and the market value of our securities. In addition, the reinvestment period for a CLO may terminate early,
which would cause the holders of the CLO’s securities to receive principal payments earlier than anticipated. In addition, in most
CLO transactions, CLO debt investors are subject to the risk that the holders of a majority of the equity tranche will direct a call of
a CLO, causing such CLO’s outstanding CLO debt securities to be repaid at par earlier than expected and result in a return of capital
to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reinvest such amounts in an alternative investment that provides a comparable
return relative to the called CLO.
We and our investments are subject to risks associated with non-U.S.
investing.
While we invest primarily in CLOs that hold underlying
U.S. assets, most of these CLOs are expected to be organized outside the United States and we may also invest in CLOs that hold collateral
that are non-U.S. assets.
Investing in foreign entities may expose us to
additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations,
political and social instability, restrictions on the types or amounts of investment, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less
liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision
of exchanges, brokers, and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting
and auditing standards, currency fluctuations, and greater price volatility. Further, we, and the CLOs in which we invest, may have difficulty
enforcing creditor’s rights in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition, international trade tensions may
arise from time to time which could result in trade tariffs, embargoes, or other restrictions or limitations on trade. The imposition
of any actions on trade could trigger a significant reduction in international trade, supply chain disruptions, an oversupply of certain
manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods, and possible failure of individual companies or industries which could have
a negative impact on the value of the CLO securities that we hold.
Foreign markets also have different clearance
and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in periods when our assets are uninvested.
Our inability to make intended investments due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause it
to miss investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of an investment due to settlement problems could result either in losses to
the Company due to subsequent declines in the value of such investment or, if we have entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser. Transaction costs of buying and selling foreign securities also are generally higher than
those involved in domestic transactions. Furthermore, foreign financial markets have, for the most part, substantially less volume than
U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic
companies.
The economies of individual non-U.S. countries
may also differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation,
volatility of currency exchange rates, depreciation, capital reinvestment, resources self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
Currency risk. Any of our investments
that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be subject to the risk that the value of such currency will decrease in
relation to the U.S. dollar. Although we will consider hedging any non-U.S. dollar exposures back to U.S. dollars, an increase in the
value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which we make investments would otherwise reduce the effect of increases and
magnify the effect of decreases in the prices of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments in their local markets. Fluctuations in currency
exchange rates will similarly affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of any interest, dividends, or other payments made that are denominated
in a currency other than U.S. dollars.
Any unrealized losses we experience on our portfolio may be an
indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations.
As a registered closed-end management investment
company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined
in good faith by policies and procedures adopted by our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded
as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of an issuer’s inability to meet its repayment
obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions
of our income available for distribution or to make payments on our other obligations in future periods.
If our distributions exceed our taxable income
and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized
as a return of capital to our common stockholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable to our stockholders.
However, a return of capital distribution will reduce a stockholder’s cost basis in shares of our common stock on which the distribution
was received, thereby potentially resulting in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares of our
common stock are sold or otherwise disposed of.
A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income
for purposes of the income source requirement.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize
will not satisfy the qualifying income requirement applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify
us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such requirement, we may need to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities
classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on their
earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income and fees.
Risks
Related to the Offering
Management
will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds, if any, from this offering and may not use the proceeds effectively.
We intend
to use the net proceeds from this offering to acquire investments in accordance with our investment objectives and strategies described
in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes, although we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses of the
net proceeds, if any, of this offering in accordance with these intended uses. Our management will have significant flexibility in applying
the net proceeds from this offering, and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net
proceeds are being used appropriately. Investors may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the proceeds may not yield any return
on your investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering,
their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Our management may use the net proceeds for purposes that
may not improve our financial condition or market value. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively could impair
our ability to pursue our growth strategy or could require us to raise additional capital. Pending their use, we intend to invest the
net proceeds from the offering in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality
debt investments that mature in one year or less. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus for more information.
These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders.
Risks
Relating to an Investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock
Prior
to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock will not decline following the offering.
We intend
to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE so that trading on the exchange will begin within 30 days from the date of this
prospectus, subject to notice of issuance. During a period of up to 30 days from the date of this prospectus, the Series A Term Preferred
Stock will not be listed on any securities exchange. Prior to the expected commencement of trading, the underwriters may, but are not
obligated to, make a market in the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Consequently, an investment in the Series A Term Preferred Stock during
this period will be illiquid, and the holders may not be able to sell such securities. If a secondary market does develop during this
period, holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation
Preference.
If we
are unable to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on a national securities exchange, the holders of such securities may be unable to
sell them at all or, if they are able to, only at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. Even if the Series A Term Preferred
Stock are listed on the NYSE as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for such shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid
compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads
of other securities with comparable terms and features.
A
downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating assigned by a rating agency to us or the Series A Term Preferred Stock, if any,
or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock to decline significantly.
Any credit
rating is an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in any
credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential
impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to
buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. Neither
we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to obtain or maintain any credit ratings or to advise holders of Series A Term Preferred
Stock of any changes in any credit ratings. There can be no assurance that any credit ratings will remain for any given period of time
or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies if in their judgment future circumstances
relating to the basis of the credit ratings, such as adverse changes in our Company, so warrant. The conditions of the financial markets
and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect
on the market prices of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The
Series A Term Preferred Stock are subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not be able to reinvest their funds.
We
may voluntarily redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock on or after ,
2026. We also may be forced to redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of Series A Term Preferred Stock to meet regulatory requirements
and the asset coverage requirements of such shares. Any such redemption may occur at a time that is unfavorable to holders of the Series
A Term Preferred Stock. We may have an incentive to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Stock voluntarily before the Mandatory Redemption
Date if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the Dividend Rate on
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. See “Description of Our Series A Term Preferred Stock - Redemption - Optional
Redemption” in this prospectus. If we redeem shares of the Series A Term Preferred Stock before the Mandatory Redemption
Date, the holders of such redeemed shares face the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from such redemption
may be lower than the return previously obtained from the investment in Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Holders
of the Series A Term Preferred Stock bear dividend risk.
We may
be unable to pay dividends on the Series A Term Preferred Stock under some circumstances. The terms of any future indebtedness we may
incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including our preferred stock, under certain conditions.
There
is a risk of delay in our redemption of the Series A Term Preferred Stock, and we may fail to redeem such securities as required by their
terms.
We generally
make investments in CLO vehicles whose securities are not traded in any public market. Substantially all of the CLO investments we presently
hold and the CLO investments we expect to acquire in the future are, and will be, subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and
will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to obtain
cash equal to the value at which we record our investments quickly if a need arises. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity prior
to the Mandatory Redemption Date, we may be forced to engage in a partial redemption or to delay a required redemption. If such a partial
redemption or delay were to occur, the market price of shares of our preferred stock might be adversely affected.
A
liquid secondary trading market may not develop for the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
Although
we have applied to list the Series A Term Preferred Stock on the NYSE, we cannot predict the trading patterns of the Series A Term Preferred
Stock, and a liquid secondary market may not develop. Holders of the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be able to sell such shares only
at substantial discounts from the Liquidation Preference. There is a risk that the Series A Term Preferred Stock may be thinly traded,
and the market for such shares may be relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between
the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and features.
Increases
in market yields or interest rates would result in a decline in the price of the Series A Term Preferred Stock.
The prices
of fixed income investments vary inversely with changes in market yields, meaning generally, as the earnings generated on such fixed income
investments increase over time, the prices of such investments begin to decline in response to changes in demand. If the market yields
on securities comparable to the Series A Term Preferred Stock increase, it would result in a decline in the secondary market price of
the Series A Term Preferred Stock. Fluctuating interest rates may also impact this inverse relationship. For example, if interest rates
rise, securities comparable to the Series A Preferred Stock may pay higher distribution rates, and holders of such other securities may
be able to sell such securities at a higher price than the Series A Preferred Stock, decreasing the secondary market price of the Series
A Preferred Stock over time.
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Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure
We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment
company.
We are a newly organized, externally managed,
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that was formed in April 2023 and commenced operations on July 18, 2024. As
a result of our with a limited operating history, we do not have significant financial information on which you can evaluate an investment
in us or our prior performance. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including
the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially or become
worthless. We anticipated that it would take approximately three to six months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of the
IPO in our targeted investments, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment
objectives and market conditions. During this period, we are investing in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S.
government securities, and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will have returns substantially
lower than the returns that we anticipate earning from investments in CLO securities and related investments.
Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value. As a result,
there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to value our
portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us in accordance
with our written valuation policy. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, our Board has elected to designate the Adviser as “valuation designee”
to perform fair value determinations in respect of our portfolio investments that do not have readily available market quotations. Typically,
there is no public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we value these securities at least quarterly based on relevant
information compiled by the Adviser and third-party pricing services (when available), and with the oversight, review, and acceptance
by our Board.
The determination of fair value and, consequently,
the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved
and overseen by our Board. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include non-binding
indicative bids and the number of trades (and the size and timing of each trade) in an investment. Valuation of certain investments is
also based, in part, upon third party valuation models that take into account various market inputs. Investors should be aware that the
models, information, and/or underlying assumptions utilized by us or such models will not always allow us to correctly capture the fair
value of an asset. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of securities that are not publicly traded like those we hold,
are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value
may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an active public market for these securities existed. Our determinations
of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation
of investments, and may cause our NAV on a given date to understate or overstate, possibly materially, the value that we may ultimately
realize on one or more of our investments. See “Conflicts of Interest - Valuation.”
Our financial condition and results of operations depend on the
Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives
will depend on the Adviser’s ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which will depend, in turn, on the Adviser’s
ability to identify, evaluate, and monitor, and our ability to acquire, investments that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing our investment objectives on a cost-effective
basis will be largely a function of the Adviser’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive,
and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms, either in the primary or secondary markets. Even if we
are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors,
including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial
markets, and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and
strategies as described in this prospectus, it could adversely impact our ability to pay distributions. In addition, because the trading
methods employed by the Adviser on our behalf are proprietary, stockholders will not be able to determine details of such methods or whether
they are being followed.
We are reliant on the Adviser to carry out our investment strategy.
The Adviser manages our investments. Consequently,
our success depends, in large part, upon the services of the Adviser and the skill and expertise of the Adviser’s professional personnel.
Incapacity of any key personnel of the Adviser could have a material and adverse effect on our performance. There can be no assurance
that the professional personnel of the Adviser will continue to serve in their current positions or continue to be employed by the Adviser.
We can offer no assurance that their services will be available for any length of time or that the Adviser will continue indefinitely
as our Adviser.
The Adviser and the Administrator each has the right to resign
on 90 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations
that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
The Adviser has the right, under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and the Administrator has the right under the Services Agreement, to resign at any time upon 90 days’ written
notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Adviser or the Administrator resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment
adviser or hire internal management, or find a new administrator, as the case may be, with similar expertise and ability to provide the
same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 90 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely
to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business, and results of operations, as well as our ability to make distributions
to our stockholders and other payments to securityholders, are likely to be adversely affected, and the market price of our securities
may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to
identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Adviser and the
Administrator and their affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management and administration, whether internal or external,
the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objectives and operations would likely result in
additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business, and results of operations.
Our success will depend on the ability of the Adviser to attract
and retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.
Our growth will require that the Adviser attract
and retain new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. The Adviser’s ability to attract and retain personnel
with the requisite credentials, experience, and skills will depend on several factors including its ability to offer competitive compensation,
benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, mezzanine
funds, and business development companies) and traditional financial services companies with which the Adviser will compete for experienced
personnel, have greater resources than the Adviser has.
There are significant actual and potential conflicts of interest
which could impact our investment returns.
The professional staff of the Adviser will devote
as much time to us as such professionals deem appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement.
However, such persons may be committed to providing investment advisory and other services for other clients, and engage in other business
ventures in which we have no interest. As a result of these separate business activities, the Adviser has conflicts of interest in allocating
management time, services and functions among us, other advisory clients and other business ventures. See “Conflicts of Interest.”
Our incentive fee structure may incentivize
the Adviser to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would
otherwise be appropriate to do so.
The incentive fee payable by us to the Adviser
may create an incentive for the Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case
in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would
otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable
to the Adviser is based on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as calculated in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement.
This may encourage the Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so,
and to refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may
increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities. See “- Risks Related to Our Investments - We
may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase the risk of investing
in us.”
A general increase in interest rates may
have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net
earnings.
Given the structure of our Investment Advisory
Agreement, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for the Adviser to meet the quarterly
hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance
on the part of the Adviser. This risk is more acute in rising rate environment, such as the one we are in now. In addition, in view of
the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser could potentially receive
a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were
to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the Adviser’s
income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.
We may be obligated to pay the Adviser incentive
compensation even if we incur a loss or with respect to investment income that we have accrued but not received.
The Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation
for each fiscal quarter based, in part, on our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, for the immediately preceding calendar
quarter above a performance threshold for that quarter. Accordingly, since the performance threshold is based on a percentage of our NAV,
decreases in our NAV make it easier to achieve the performance threshold. Our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for incentive compensation
purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital
losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay the Adviser
incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter.
In addition, we accrue an incentive fee on accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. However, the portion of the incentive
fee that is attributable to such income will be paid to the Adviser, without interest, only if and to the extent we actually receive such
income in cash.
The Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier
manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under the agreement and carries out its obligations
subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser maintains a contractual and fiduciary relationship with us. Under the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, its officers, managers, members, agents, employees, and other affiliates are not liable to
us for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts
constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment
Advisory Agreement. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser and each of its officers, managers, members, agents, employees,
and other affiliates from and against all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and other amounts
reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by such persons arising out of or based on performance by the Adviser of its obligations under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard
of the Adviser’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner
when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
The Adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns
as those achieved by other portfolios managed by the Adviser.
Although the Adviser manages other investment
portfolios, including accounts using investment objectives, investment strategies, and investment policies similar to ours, we cannot
assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by any other vehicles managed by the Adviser.
We may experience fluctuations in our NAV and quarterly operating
results.
We could experience fluctuations in our NAV from
month to month and in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the timing of distributions to our stockholders,
fluctuations in the value of the CLO securities that we hold, our ability or inability to make investments that meet our investment criteria,
the interest and other income earned on our investments, the level of our expenses (including the interest or dividend rate payable on
the debt securities or preferred stock we may issue), variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains
or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors,
our NAV and results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of our NAV and results in future periods.
Our Board may change our operating policies and strategies without
stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Our Board has the authority to modify or waive
our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies, other than those that we have deemed to be fundamental, without prior
stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria, and strategies
would have on our business, NAV, operating results, and value of our securities. However, the effects of any such changes could adversely
impact our ability to pay dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Our management’s initial estimates of certain metrics relating
to our financial performance for a period are subject to revision based on our actual results for such period.
Our management intends to make and publish unaudited
estimates of certain metrics indicative of our financial performance, including the NAV per share of our common stock and the range of
NAV per share of our common stock on a monthly basis, and the range of the net investment income and realized gain/loss per share of our
common stock on a quarterly basis. While any such estimate will be made in good faith based on our most recently available records as
of the date of the estimate, such estimates are subject to financial closing procedures, our Board’s final determination of our
NAV as of the end of the applicable quarter, and other developments arising between the time such estimate is made and the time that we
finalize our quarterly financial results, and may differ materially from the results reported in the audited financial statements and/or
the unaudited financial statements included in filings we make with the SEC. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on any management estimates presented in this prospectus or any related amendment to this prospectus and should view such information
in the context of our full semi-annual or annual results when such results are available.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable
to maintain our RIC status for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Although
we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2024 tax year, and intend to qualify as a
RIC in each of our succeeding tax years, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain
RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet certain annual distribution, qualifying income, and asset diversification requirements.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC
will be satisfied if we distribute dividends to our stockholders each tax year of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of the sum
of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because
we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act and may be subject to financial covenants
that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we
are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level
income tax.
The qualifying income requirement is generally
satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each tax year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of our securities, or
similar sources.
The asset diversification requirement will be
satisfied if we meet certain asset composition requirements at the end of each quarter of our tax year. We intend to take certain positions
regarding the qualification of CLO securities under the asset diversification requirement for which there is a lack of guidance. If the
IRS disagrees with any of the positions we take regarding the identity of the issuers of these securities or how CLO securities are tested
under the asset diversification requirement, it could result in the failure by the Company to diversify its investments in a manner necessary
to satisfy the diversification requirement. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments
quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are expected to be in CLO securities for which there
will likely be no active public market, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial
losses.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for
any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets,
the amount of income available for distribution, and the amount of our distributions.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we
recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For federal income tax purposes, we will include
in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, which may arise if we acquire a debt security at a significant discount
to par. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we have not yet, and may not ever, receive in cash.
Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary
to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code or entirely eliminate any corporate level tax. In addition, since our incentive fee is payable
on our income recognized, rather than cash received, we may be required to pay advisory fees on income before or without receiving cash
representing such income. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous,
raise additional debt or equity capital, or forego new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from
other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
Our cash distributions to stockholders may change and a portion
of our distributions to stockholders may be a return of capital.
The amount of our cash distributions may increase
or decrease at the discretion of our Board, based upon its assessment of the amount of cash available to us for this purpose and other
factors. Unless we are able to generate sufficient cash through the successful implementation of our investment strategy, we may not be
able to sustain a given level of distributions. Further, to the extent that the portion of the cash generated from our investments that
is recorded as interest income for financial reporting purposes is less than the amount of our distributions, all or a portion of one
or more of our future distributions, if declared, may comprise a return of capital. Accordingly, stockholders should not assume that the
sole source of any of our distributions is net investment income. Any reduction in the amount of our distributions would reduce the amount
of cash received by our stockholders and could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our shares. See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - Our investments are subject to prepayment risk” and “- Any unrealized losses we
experience on our portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution or
to make payments on our other obligations.”
We will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly
traded company.
As a public company listed on a national securities
exchange, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable
to a company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,”
as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented
by the SEC.
Because we expect to distribute substantially
all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need additional capital to finance the acquisition
of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
In order to maintain our RIC status, we will be
required to distribute at least 90% of the sum of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
net long-term capital losses, if any. As a result, these earnings will not be available to fund new investments, and we will need additional
capital to fund growth in our investment portfolio. If we fail to obtain additional capital, we could be forced to curtail or cease new
investment activities, which could adversely affect our business, operations, and results. Even if available, if we are not able to obtain
such capital on favorable terms, it could adversely affect our net investment income.
A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit
markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business.
We may be materially affected by market, economic,
and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which we invest or operate, including conditions affecting interest
rates and the availability of credit. Unexpected volatility, illiquidity, governmental action, currency devaluation, or other events in
the global markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could impair our ability to carry out our business and could cause
us to incur substantial losses. These factors are outside our control and could adversely affect the liquidity and value of our investments,
and may reduce our ability to make attractive new investments.
In particular, economic and financial market conditions
significantly deteriorated for a significant part of the past decade as compared to prior periods. Global financial markets experienced
considerable declines in the valuations of debt and equity securities, an acute contraction in the availability of credit and the failure
of a number of leading financial institutions. As a result, certain government bodies and central banks worldwide, including the U.S.
Treasury Department and the U.S. Federal Reserve, undertook unprecedented intervention programs, the effects of which remain uncertain.
Although certain financial markets have improved, to the extent economic conditions experienced during the past decade recur, they may
adversely impact our investments. Signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe and elsewhere and uncertainty regarding the
policies of the current U.S. presidential administration, including with regard to the imposition of trade tariffs, embargoes, or other
restrictions or limitations on trade, could lead to further disruption in the global markets. Trends and historical events do not imply,
forecast or predict future events, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. There can be no assurance that
the assumptions made or the beliefs and expectations currently held by the Adviser will prove correct, and actual events and circumstances
may vary significantly.
We may be subject to risk arising from a default
by one of several large institutions that are dependent on one another to meet their liquidity or operational needs, so that a default
by one institution may cause a series of defaults by the other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk”
and may adversely affect financial intermediaries with which we interact in the conduct of our business.
We also may be subject to risk arising from a
broad sell-off or other shift in the credit markets, which may adversely impact our income and NAV. In addition, if the value of our assets
declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the minimum asset coverage imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. See “- Risks Related
to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increase
the risk of investing in us” and “Regulation as a Closed-End Management Investment Company.” Any
such failure would affect our ability to issue preferred stock and other senior securities, including borrowings, and may affect our ability
to pay distributions on our capital stock, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further
by an inability to access the capital markets or to obtain debt financing. For example, we cannot be certain that we would be able to
obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. See “- If we are unable to obtain, and/or refinance debt
capital, our business could be materially adversely affected.” In previous market cycles, many lenders and institutional
investors have previously reduced or ceased lending to borrowers. In the event of such type of market turmoil and tightening of credit,
increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity could occur, thereby limiting our investment opportunities.
Moreover, we are unable to predict when economic
and market conditions may be favorable in future periods. Even if market conditions are broadly favorable over the long term, adverse
conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.
If we are unable to obtain and/or refinance debt capital, our
business could be materially adversely affected.
We currently anticipate obtaining debt financing
within 12 months of this offering in order to obtain funds to make additional investments and grow our portfolio of investments. See “-
Because we expect to distribute substantially all of our ordinary income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we may need
additional capital to finance the acquisition of new investments and such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.”
Such debt capital may take the form of a term credit facility with a fixed maturity date or other fixed term instruments, and
we may be unable to extend, refinance, or replace such debt financings prior to their maturity.
If we are unable to obtain or refinance debt capital
on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of such financings, which would
limit our ability to grow our business. In addition, holders of our common stock would not benefit from the potential for increased returns
on equity that incurring leverage creates. Any such limitations on our ability to grow and take advantage of leverage may decrease our
earnings, if any, and distributions to stockholders, which in turn may lower the trading price of our capital stock. In addition, in such
event, we may need to liquidate certain of our investments, which may be difficult to sell if required, meaning that we may realize significantly
less than the value at which we have recorded our investments. Furthermore, to the extent we are not able to raise capital and are at
or near our targeted leverage ratios, we may receive smaller allocations, if any, on new investment opportunities under the Adviser’s
allocation policy.
Any debt capital that is available to us in the
future, including upon the refinancing of then-existing debt prior to its maturity, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms
and conditions than costs and other terms and conditions at which we can currently obtain debt capital. In addition, if we are unable
to repay amounts outstanding under any such debt financings and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these debt
financings, we may not be able to make new investments or operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to
circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, an economic downturn, or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business.
We may be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely
affected by any single corporate, economic, political, or regulatory occurrence.
We are classified as “non-diversified”
under the 1940 Act. As a result, we can invest a greater portion of our assets in obligations of a single issuer than a “diversified”
fund. We may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political
or regulatory occurrence. In particular, because our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO securities and related
investments, we are susceptible to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO securities and related investments experience
a high level of defaults on the collateral that they hold.
Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end
management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital
may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted,
as a registered closed-end management investment company, to issue senior securities (including debt securities, preferred stock and/or
borrowings from banks or other financial institutions), provided we meet certain asset coverage requirements (i.e., 300% for senior
securities representing indebtedness and 200% in the case of the issuance of preferred stock under current law). See “- Risks
Related to Our Investments - We may leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and
increase the risk of investing in us” for details concerning how asset coverage is calculated. If the value of our assets
declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending
on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales or redemptions may be disadvantageous. Also,
any amounts that we use to service or repay our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our stockholders.
We are not generally able to issue and sell shares
of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (exclusive of any distributing commission or discount). We may, however,
sell shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share (1) in connection with a rights offering to our existing
stockholders, (2) with the consent of the majority of our common stockholders, (3) upon the conversion of a convertible security in accordance
with its terms, or (4) under such circumstances as the SEC may permit.
Significant stockholders may control the
outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders or adversely impact the market price or liquidity of our securities.
To the extent any stockholder, individually or
acting together with other stockholders, controls a significant number of our voting securities or any class of voting securities, they
may have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors
and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and may cause actions to be taken that you may not agree
with or that are not in your interests or those of other securityholders.
This concentration of beneficial ownership also
might harm the market price of our securities by:
| • | delaying, deferring or preventing a change in corporate control; |
| • | impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us; or |
| • | discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. |
To the extent that any stockholder that holds
a significant number of our securities is subject to temporary restrictions on resale of such securities, including certain lock-up restrictions,
such restrictions could adversely affect the liquidity of trading in our securities, which may harm the market price of our securities.
See “Underwriting.”
We are subject to the risk of legislative and regulatory changes
impacting our business or the markets in which we invest.
Legal and regulatory changes.
Legal and regulatory changes could occur and may adversely affect us and our ability to pursue our investment strategies and/or increase
the costs of implementing such strategies. New or revised laws or regulations that could adversely affect us may be imposed by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, or the “CFTC,” the SEC, the U.S. Federal Reserve, other banking regulators, other governmental
regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. In particular, these agencies are empowered
to promulgate a variety of new rules pursuant to recently enacted financial reform legislation in the United States. We also may be adversely
affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by these governmental regulatory authorities or
self-regulatory organizations. Such changes, or uncertainty regarding any such changes, could adversely affect the strategies and plans
set forth in this prospectus and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of the Investment Team to other
types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they
occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Derivative Investments. The
derivative investments in which we may invest are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. In particular,
certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the “Dodd-Frank Act,” which was signed
into law in July 2010, require certain standardized derivatives to be executed on a regulated market and cleared through a central counterparty,
which may result in increased margin requirements and costs for us. The Dodd-Frank Act also established minimum margin requirements on
certain uncleared derivatives which may result in us and our counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared derivatives. In
addition, we have claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” pursuant to CFTC No-Action
Letter 12-38 issued by the staff of the CFTC Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight on November 20, 2012. For us to continue
to qualify for this exclusion, (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish our positions in derivative instruments
subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, or the “CEA,” and (other than positions entered
into for hedging purposes) may not exceed five percent of our liquidation value, (ii) the net notional value of our aggregate investments
in CEA-regulated derivative instruments (other than positions entered into for hedging purposes) may not exceed 100% of our liquidation
value, or (iii) we must meet an alternative test appropriate for a “fund of funds” as set forth in CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38.
In the event we fail to qualify for the exclusion and the Adviser is required to register as a “commodity pool operator” in
connection with serving as our investment adviser and becomes subject to additional disclosure, recordkeeping and reporting requirements,
our expenses may increase. In October 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act related to the use of derivatives, short sales,
reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies. Rule 18f-4 in effect rescinds and withdraws
the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices with respect to such transactions. Rule 18f-4 permits
us to enter into derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations, including short sales, notwithstanding
the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we comply with certain value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limits and derivatives
risk management program and board oversight and reporting requirements or comply with a “limited derivatives users” exception.
We intend to elect to rely on the limited derivatives users exception. We may change the election and comply with the other provisions
of Rule 18f-4 related to derivatives transactions at any time and without notice. To satisfy the limited derivatives users exception,
we have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage our derivatives risk and limit our derivatives
exposure in accordance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 also permits us to enter into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions
notwithstanding the senior security provisions of the 1940 Act if we aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with our reverse
repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness
when calculating our asset coverage ratios as discussed above or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions for all purposes
under Rule 18f-4. In connection with our intention to elect to rely on Rule 18f-4, we will not rely on the previous guidance of the SEC
and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover practices in determining how we will comply with Section 18 with respect to our use
of derivatives and the other transactions that Rule 18f-4 addresses.
Loan Securitizations. Section
619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule,” generally prohibits, subject to certain exemptions,
covered banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading or sponsoring, or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in, a hedge
fund or private equity fund, or “covered funds,” which have been broadly defined in a way which could include many CLOs. Given
the limitations on banking entities investing in CLOs that are covered funds, the Volcker Rule may adversely affect the market value or
liquidity of any or all of the investments held by us. Although the Volcker Rule and the implementing rules exempt “loan securitizations”
from the definition of covered fund, not all CLOs will qualify for this exemption. For example, CLOs that invest in bonds as well as loans
will be treated as covered funds. Accordingly, in an effort to qualify for the “loan securitization” exemption, many current
CLOs have amended their transaction documents to restrict the ability of the issuer to acquire bonds and certain other securities, which
may reduce the return available to holders of CLO equity securities. Furthermore, the costs associated with such amendments are typically
paid out of the cash flow of the CLO, which adversely impacts the return on our investment in any CLO equity. In addition, in order to
avoid covered fund status under the Volcker Rule, it is likely that many future CLOs will contain similar restrictions on the acquisition
of bonds and certain other securities, which may result in lower returns on CLO equity securities than currently anticipated.
In June 2020, the five federal agencies
responsible for implementing the Volcker Rule adopted amendments to the Volcker Rule's implementing regulations, including changes relevant
to the treatment of securitizations (the “Volcker Changes”). Among other things, the Volcker Changes ease certain aspects
of the "loan securitization" exclusion, and create additional exclusions from the "covered fund" definition, and narrow
the definition of "ownership interest" to exclude certain "senior debt interests". Also, under the Volcker Changes,
a debt interest would no longer be considered an "ownership interest" solely because the holder has the right to remove or replace
the manager following a cause-related default. The Volcker Changes were effective October 1, 2020. Following the effectiveness of the
Volker Changes, most CLOs elected to be structured as covered funds and rely on the loan securitization exclusion from the definition
of ownership interest allowing CLOS to invest in bonds and other senior debt interests thus having more flexibility in work-out situations.
Also, in October 2014, six federal
agencies (the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the “FDIC,” the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board,
the SEC, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) adopted joint final rules implementing
certain credit risk retention requirements contemplated in Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention
Rules.” These rules were published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2014. With respect to the regulation of CLOs, the Final
U.S. Risk Retention Rules require that the “sponsor” or a “majority owned affiliate” thereof (in each case as
defined in the rules), will retain an “eligible vertical interest” or an “eligible horizontal interest” (in each
case as defined therein) or any combination thereof in the CLO in the manner required by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules.
The Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules
became fully effective on December 24, 2016, or the “Final U.S. Risk Retention Effective Date,” and to the extent applicable
to CLOs, the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules contain provisions that may adversely affect the return of our investments. On February 9,
2018, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, or the “DC Circuit Court,”
rendered a decision in The Loan Syndications and Trading Association v. Securities and Exchange Commission and Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, No. 1:16-cv-0065, in which the DC Circuit Court held that open market CLO collateral managers are not “securitizers”
subject to the requirements of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules, or the “DC Circuit Ruling.” Thus, collateral managers
of open market CLOs are no longer required to comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules at this time.
There can be no assurance or representation
that any of the transactions, structures or arrangements currently under consideration by or currently used by CLO market participants
will comply with the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules to the extent such rules are reinstated or otherwise become applicable to open market
CLOs. The ultimate impact of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on the loan securitization market and the leveraged loan market generally
remains uncertain, and any negative impact on secondary market liquidity for securities comprising a CLO may be experienced due to the
effects of the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules on market expectations or uncertainty, the relative appeal of other investments not impacted
by the Final U.S. Risk Retention Rules and other factors.
In the European Union, there has also
been an increase in political and regulatory scrutiny of the securitization industry. Regulation EU 2017/2402 of the European Parliament
and the Council of 12 December 2017 laying down a general framework for securitization and creating a specific framework for simple, transparent
and standardized securitization (as may be amended from time to time and including any delegated or implementing legislation with respect
thereto, the “Securitization Regulation”) became effective on January 17, 2018 and applies to all new securitizations issued
on or after January 1, 2019. The Securitization Regulation repealed and replaced the prior EU risk retention requirements with a single
regime that applies to European credit institutions, investment firms, insurance and reinsurance companies, alternative investment fund
managers that manage and/or market their alternative investment funds in the EU, undertakings for collective investment in transferable
securities regulated pursuant to EU Directive 2009/65/EC and the management companies thereof and, subject to some exceptions, institutions
for occupational pension provision (IORPs), each as set out in the Securitization Regulation (such investors, “EU Affected Investors”).
Such EU Affected Investors may be subject to punitive capital requirements and/or other regulatory penalties with respect to investments
in securitizations that fail to comply with the Securitization Regulation.
The Securitization Regulation restricts
an EU Affected Investor from investing in securitizations unless, among other things: (a)(i) the originator, sponsor or original lender
with respect to the relevant securitization will retain, on an on-going basis, a net economic interest of not less than 5% with respect
to certain specified credit risk tranches or securitized exposures and (ii) the risk retention is disclosed to the investor in accordance
with the Securitization Regulation; and (b) such investor is able to demonstrate that it has undertaken certain due diligence with respect
to various matters, including the risk characteristics of its investment position and the underlying assets, and that procedures are established
for such activities to be monitored on an on-going basis. There are material differences between the Securitization Regulation and the
prior EU risk retention requirements, particularly with respect to transaction transparency, reporting and diligence requirements and
the imposition of a direct compliance obligation on the “sponsor”, “originator” or “original lender”
of a securitization where such entity is established in the EU.
CLOs issued in Europe are generally
structured in compliance with the Securitization Regulation so that prospective investors subject to the Securitization laws can invest
in compliance with such requirements. To the extent a CLO is structured in compliance with the EU Securitization laws, our ability to
invest in the residual tranches of such CLOs could be limited, or we could be required to hold our investment for the life of the CLO.
If a CLO has not been structured to comply with the Securitization Regulation, it will limit the ability of EEA-regulated institutional
investors to purchase CLO securities, which may adversely affect the price and liquidity of the securities (including the residual tranche)
in the secondary market. Additionally, the Securitization Regulation and any regulatory uncertainty in relation thereto may reduce the
issuance of new CLOs and reduce the liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market generally. Reduced liquidity in the loan market
could reduce investment opportunities for collateral managers, which could negatively affect the return of our investments. Any reduction
in the volume and liquidity provided by CLOs to the leveraged loan market could also reduce opportunities to redeem or refinance the securities
comprising a CLO in an optional redemption or refinancing and could negatively affect the ability of obligors to refinance their collateral
obligations, either of which developments could increase defaulted obligations above historic levels.
The SEC staff could modify its position on certain non-traditional
investments, including investments in CLO securities.
The staff of the SEC from time to time has undertaken
a broad review of the potential risks associated with different asset management activities, focusing on, among other things, liquidity
risk and leverage risk. The staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC has, in correspondence with registered management
investment companies, previously raised questions about the level of, and special risks associated with, investments in CLO securities.
While it is not possible to predict what conclusions, if any, the staff may reach in these areas, or what recommendations, if any, the
staff might make to the SEC, the imposition of limitations on investments by registered management investment companies in CLO securities
could adversely impact our ability to implement our investment strategy and/or our ability to raise capital through public offerings,
or could cause us to take certain actions that may result in an adverse impact on our stockholders, our financial condition, and/or our
results of operations. We are unable at this time to assess the likelihood or timing of any such regulatory development.
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Business Contact [Member] |
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Cover [Abstract] |
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Entity Address, Address Line One |
1209 Orange Street
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Entity Address, City or Town |
Wilmington
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Entity Address, State or Province |
DE
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Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
19801
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The Corporation Trust Company
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Pearl Diver Credit (NYSE:PDCC)
過去 株価チャート
から 12 2024 まで 1 2025
Pearl Diver Credit (NYSE:PDCC)
過去 株価チャート
から 1 2024 まで 1 2025